Valelife feb mar 2014 web

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Vale Life

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Your free magazine for Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding area

Feb/Mar 2014

Cover picture: Bridal wear by Paula Shepherd, Fancy T’hat, Winslow. Photograph taken

by Frank Millar Photography See page 13

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

Free local listings for events and businesses

Inside: Bridal bliss

12 page feature to inspire & inform

From dogs to ducks

Natural food and dog grooming in Aylesbury

Fern favourite

Britton’s up for cycle challenge

It’s ink-credible

All the ink you can drink for £9.99

Beauty, style, music, motors and much, much more... w A month’s supply of SlenDeriix w A pair of detachable shoestraps w w dinner for Two at the Hundred of ashendon w

Audited, Vetted & Approved by Buckinghamshire County Council Trading Standards

t: 01296 655 774 m: 07850 499 795 michael@msimmonds.co.uk www.msimmonds.co.uk

We pride ourselves on being one of the best in the business.

Expertise in wallpaper hanging with a full in-house carpentry and repairs service.

Established for over 35 years No decorating sub-contractors used Trading Standards Approved We cover Aylesbury Vale, Chilterns, Home Counties and beyond ✔ Complete repair & refurbishment service ✔ We take care of the worrying, so you don't have to ✔ ‘No Quibble’ Full After Sales Service ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ Residential ✔ Commercial ✔ Industrial

“Michael and his lovely team are dedicated professionals and always do a great job” Mrs Baird – Nr Buckingham

Read what our customers say about us on our website... www.msimmonds.co.uk

Bespoke Architectural Joinery for Period, Listed and Contemporary Buildings

Premier Architectural Joinery Limited Ladymead Farm Quainton Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP22 4AN T 01296 655555 Opt 6 E u2us@premieraj.co.uk

Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Furniture, Roof Lanterns, Staircases, Bifold & French Doorsets, Gates, Wardrobes, Bookcases and Furniture.

www.premieraj.co.uk FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Bartlett’s

The Hambledon Wing Open May 2013.

To enquire please call 01296 747000 or visit www.peverelcourt.co.uk

Exceptional Elderly Care in Buckinghamshire

design

folderse-mail

solutions campaigns

leaflets digital print adverts exhibition forms

cost effective rollers banners

S WA N B O U R N E H O U S E

displays

web design

PRINT

Media

The best days of your life

Are you looking for professional, creative design and print solutions under one roof?

Feel free to contact us to see what we can do for your business, whether it be a complete project or a re-vamp of your corporate stationery Swanbourne House is a place where: • High academic standards • Extensive sports coaching • A myriad of music and drama opportunities • Exciting activities programme

Next Open Morning Saturday 5th October For details contact Mrs C Hollowday

• Mud, smiles, friends and fun

All come as standard!

media t 01296 432612 e thecomproom@btconnect.com w www.comproommedia.com 18 Edison Road x Rabans Lane x Aylesbury x Bucks x HP19 8TE

6073 Vale Life Ad_125x90.indd 1

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

29/10/2013 12:42

Come and visit; you can be assured of a warm welcome.

T: 01296 720264 E: office@swanbourne.org W: www.swanbourne.org Buckinghamshire MK17 0HZ

IAPS, Co-education, Boarding and Day, Prep School for children aged from three to thirteen years.

For all your stone needs...

Our extensive range includes:

l Over 30 different natural stone paving options l Variety of finishes including hand cut, tumbled, sawn and honed l Natural stone block paving l Cobbles and pebbles l Rockery stone l Over 50 different ornamental gravels l Swimming pool edging l Range of interior stone for floors, walls & worktops l Natural stone walling l Feature stones and water features l Bespoke fireplaces and hearths l Bespoke digital masonry service

Interior stone & Scavolini Kitchens at our Gallery in Thame The Gallery Stoneworld, 43A Upper High Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2DW. Tel: 01844 279307 Email: sales@stoneworld.co.uk

Exterior stone at Great Milton

E st a

2 b lish e d 2 0 0

Views Farm, Great Milton, Oxon, OX44 7NW. Tel: 01844 279274 Email: sales@stoneworld.co.uk

www.stoneworld.co.uk

Join one of our great value tours!

Luxury Coach Holidays

DayTrips,Theatres & Shows

ottstrave : www.m e n i l n o Book

See The Cheaps ide Hoa at the M rd useum o f Londo n

l.com

Theatre trips, day trips and short breaks Day Trips: February Mon 17

Mystery Scenic Drive £16

Tue 18

London Museums £20

Wed 19

Portsmouth £20

Thur 20

Cadbury’s World £31

Sat 22

Brighton £20

Wed 26

Adinkerke Via Eurotunnel £39

otts Ad 210mmx280mm:Layout 1

17/1/11

11:12

Page 1

Day Trips: March Thur 6

Camillia Festival at Chiswick House £24

Thur 13

Cambridge £19

Sat 15

Spring Knitting & Stitching Show £29

Sat 15

Ideal Home Show £26

Thur 20

Sewing for Pleasure NEC £26

Thur 20

Birmingham Bullring Shopping £19

Tue 2

Warners Littlecote Historic House 2 Course Lunch & Entertainment £32

Sun 30

Museum of London Cheapside Hoard Exhib £26

y Ju Thursda g £59 R r Silve in £99 nd Grandsta

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Murder Mystery & Medieval Banquet Studley Castle, Warwickshire Enjoy an engaging 2 nights at beautiful Studley Castle, set in stunning grounds, deep within the Warwickshire countryside.

Put yourself in Inspector Poirot’s shoes on the first evening with a murder mystery during dinner!

On the second evening you will be transported back to medieval times with Henry VIII presiding over a large banquet complete with court jesters, musicians and a speciality act, with medieval dancing to follow.

3 days HB - Friday 14th November £219 Single supplement £55

Luxury Coach Holidays

DayTrips,Theatres & Shows Motts Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD BOOKING HOTLINE: 01296 336666

ottstrave : www.m e n i l n o Book 6

SPECIAL OFFER: BIG BAND BREAK! 2 Days £115 - July 27 Orchid Hotel, Nottingham, Live Big Band Entertainment!

Breakfast & Dinner included.

No interchange.

l.com

BR NE O W Ri CH 20 ng U 14 fo RE HO r 01 yo OU LI 33 2 ur T DA 66 96 co NO Y py W 66 : !

ay At Ladies D ot sc Royal A ne 19

MOCK CRUISE BREAK The Crown Hotel, Weymouth Monday March 24 £339 5 Days Half Board, Themed meals & Entertainment

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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

Style file

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Teenage kicks

For richer or poorer

41

Getting under your feet

Bridal gowns

42

No pane, no gain

Dress for less

44

Your kitchen, your space, your way

A very special day

46

Roses are red...

Ancient & modern

48

On the move

It’s a wrap

52

Who cares wins

What lies beneath

54

It’s ink-credible!

Food for thought

56

Friends in need

Anything is possible

59

Spuds-we-like

30 Just keep on moving

59

Win a meal at The Hundred

Fitness friendly

60

Slim pickings

Fern favourite

66

Turn it up!

8 10 12 14 21 22 23 25 27 28

31 32

What to wear when love’s in the air?

Our fabulous 12 page wedding feature Fabulous dresses from our bridal boutiques Charity sale offers big discounts Weddings - la specialité de le Manoir Tythe barn has spiritual feeling Kissing frogs at the White Hart Studio Beauty Spot sheds some skin Can rotting fish really help you lose weight?

Iron lady talks Triathlon

Work that body and keep in shape No pain with the gain at Spirit Britton’s up for cycle challenge

Welcome...

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hristmas and New Year have come and gone since the last edition of Vale Life hit the streets. The festive season got off to a cracking start courtesy of The Thatch at Thame, who kindly hosted our Christmas bash. There’s only a handful of us here, so we cleverly booked a table in the restaurant on one of their ‘Adult Party Nights’ which meant we had a fabulous meal and the usual excellent, friendly and relaxed service, but then got to have a boogie afterwards as well.

At least I think we did - they do a

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ongratulations to the following Dec/Jan edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more

fantastic Malbec at The Thatch and my memory of the event is all a bit hazy to be honest.

I think the seasonal excitement rather got to me a couple of weeks before then actually - unfortunately while I was laying out the last edition of Vale Life.

In a feature on Thame Therapy Clinic I managed to refer to them as Thame Therapy Practice and then mentioned them on the front cover as that too! Apologies go out to Andrew, Kieren and team. I hope we didn’t confuse anyone.

Thame Therapy Clinic is situated at the top end of Thame on the Upper High Street, near the Youth Memorial and competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: A meal for two at The Hundred at Ashendon; a pair of detachable shoestraps; and Slenderiix homeopathic weight management product.

Last issue’s prizewinners were:

Homestyle with Dee Dashwood What’s afoot in the world of flooring Local firm has slender sash secret Serving up the perfect kitchen

Naomi’s ready for Snowdrop walks New showroom for conservatory kings Care home is aiming high All the ink you can drink for £9.99!

Funeral service is family focused One potato, two potato, three potato, four...

Country pub is a real find

Foodie faces the unpalatable truth Friars exhibition a must-see for music fans

offers a comprehensive range of complementary therapies from osteopathy to acupuncture, homeopathy, physiotherapy, reflexology, massage, nutritional therapy and much more.

Of course it’s a new year now but all our clients will be glad to know that we are maintaining our advertising rates at the same levels once again this year, even though we increased our circulation last year.

Vale Life is thus even better value than ever, when it comes to promoting your business or events across the local area.

We have introduced another couple of columnists this edition Fifty bags of Eco-fuel: Sharon Proctor, Long Crendon; Jonathan Penfold, Whitchurch; Patrick Croker, Quainton Tickets to Oxford Castle: Lesley Yearley, Winslow; Adrian Mannall, Aylesbury; Suzanne Gubbins, Thame

too, so welcome to Dee Dashwood, who takes over our interiors feature from Mel Parr - thanks for your efforts Mel, you will be missed.

Also welcome to Katy Butler of mix96 who will be writing about life on the airwaves and Alan Candy who provides us with a second motoring column.

A big thank you to all of our readers though. Keep picking up the magazine and using our great local businesses, we couldn’t do it without your support.

Happy reading!

Charlie

Charlie Trott, Editor editor@vale-life.co.uk

Dinner for two at The Boot, Bledlow Ridge: Eddie Griffiths, Chinnor Grubbies Kerchief: Joanne Carbray, Haddenham; Wendy Nias, Lewknor Nuffield Spa massage: Samantha Prior

Front cover picture: Creative bridal wear and accessories by Paula Shepherd / Fancy T’hat. Picture taken by Frank Millar Photography Vale Life Magazine is designed and published by House of Mouse, 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 : Feb/Mar 2014

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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

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Left, M&S: Pink Floral Collection Dress £45, Bag £29.50, Necklace £19.50 & £22.50 Bracelet £15, Belt £12.50, Shoes £29.50

ebruary is traditionally the month of love and romance. If Cupid has pointed his trusty arrow in your direction and you are starting to think of how to impress your loved one, or maybe have a wedding or two on the horizon this Summer, take a look at your wardrobe and think about any purchases you might need to make in the name of love.

Look & Feel As well as the look, think about how your clothes feel. Gorgeous, tactile fabrics such as cashmere, velvet and soft silk ooze sensuality and will feel good while looking great. We all know that reds and pinks are romantic shades, but which will suit you? If you have warmer skin tone (perhaps with a few freckles) and your hair colour is anything from strawberry blonde through to deep auburn, stick to corals, terracotta and mahogany, as these will really flatter your colouring. If you have a cooler skin tone, combined with blue, grey or green eyes, baby pinks, fuchsia and orchid will look fabulous in clothes and accessories.

Be my Guest If you have a wedding to look forward to this Spring or Summer, you will no doubt require a special outfit. Now is a great time to start planning what to wear, so that you get the best choice and don’t have to find something that will ‘just do’ nearer the time. When you are shopping for the perfect look, it is a good idea to hit the stores as early in the season as you can, to avoid finding that the ideal ensemble is sold out in your size or colour.

You can never go wrong with chic sophistication, which translates into simple shapes and neutral colours.

Either dress these up and add a splash of colour (fabulous killer heels, jewels, the works) or go for a more relaxed look (add a bolero with a bit of sparkle or some more wearable wedge sandals). Though simplicity is what you are opting for, make sure the fabric makes it 8

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Below: Phase Eight: Chantilly Lace Shrug £50 Fliss Layered Silk Blouse £69

River Island Jumpsuit £50

Accessorize Metal Bar Pink Patent Clutch £17

special - think silk and luxurious satin. Lace is probably one of the most romantic looks of all, and will be seen in abundance this coming season.

Wedding Belles If you are a bride-to-be you may well have been dreaming about your wedding day since childhood, so when choosing your dress consider the colours that will work best, along with the style, design and fabric, plus how they will co-ordinate with accessories, make-up and the wedding party. The type of wedding you are having, including the time of year and venue will have a bearing on your choice of outfit. If you are having a more informal day, or just don’t feel that the full bridal gown is for you, consider alternatives such as a dress and coat, a trouser suit or an elegant evening or cocktail dress.

Without a doubt you will feel most

at ease when you choose something that works with your personality and body shape. When you understand what suits you, this will help you feel comfortable and confident on the big day. I think the best advice is once you’ve found your dress stop looking!

A veil and headdress complete a more traditional bridal outfit. The length of a veil will be dictated by the length and line of the dress.

Again, both headdress and veil need to work with the hairstyle you are choosing for the day - be sure to take your headwear along if you are having a trial run with your hairdresser. Any accessories should be kept within your own scale, so if you are petite, wear delicate and intricate jewellery. If you are taller, accessories which are slightly larger in scale will suit you better - very small pieces will get lost in the look.

If you are choosing bridesmaids

Accessorize: Monica Statement Necklace £17 dresses colour is a key consideration.

Some colours work well on everyone including pewter, teal and purple. Empire line styles work well for most body shapes and are lovely for younger bridesmaids too.

So if you have a bit of romance on the cards, take some time to make the most of you and you will look and feel great. Come in out of the cold and this year put aside some ‘you’ time to make the most of your style, your shape and your wardrobe. l Katy Dyer is an award-winning personal stylist and image consultant.

From her home studio in Thame, she can help you discover the confidence to change or develop your personal or professional style and image whether it’s a new career, a new stage in your life, finding the right outfit for a special occasion or to completely reinvent your look and make the most of you. For more details about the products and services available, visit: www.katydyer.com or email: katy@katydyer.com

FIND THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S GIFT

PANDORA Aylesbury Friars Square Shopping Centre, Aylesbury, HP20 2SP, 01296 428658 Be inspired at pandora.net Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Saying ‘I do’ is the easy part - it’s planning your big day that can cause the heartache! Luckily in the Vale we have some fabulous local firms who specialise in the minutiae and enormity of weddings.

They can organise anything from a single sugar flower to a full blown reception, just read on...

Adams Travel Your Local Independent Travel Agent

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

Cuisine Excellence

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uisine Excellence was established in 1989 by Nigel and Roger Lyons. The two brothers still own and run the business together, catering for a large and diverse range of events from Weddings to Annual Dinners and Balls, Corporate Events, Business Luncheons, Private Parties, Funerals and more.

The company is flexible and imaginative and happy to supply and serve high quality fare to suit client requirements whether Sandwich Platters, Executive Buffets, Barbecues, Hog Roasts, Hot and Cold Finger and Fork Buffets, or a full on banquet. Regular or Daily Food deliveries are also possible.

“We use the freshest quality ingredients available,” says Nigel, “locally sourced where possible, and the menu is then prepared in our purpose built Kitchens in Aylesbury.

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

“Health and hygiene is very important to us - our premises hold the highest awards from the local Environmental Health Department and all our catering is delivered in refrigerated vehicles.”

Cuisine Excellence has a reputation for professionalism and high standards of presentation and is one of our area’s leading caterers.

“We offer a highly personal and competitive service, “ says Nigel. “and we can tailor menus to suit any event. Our well trained and professional team of chefs and waiting staff will ensure the success of any occasion. Please call or email to discuss your catering requirements.” l Cuisine Excellence, Units 29, Edison Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8TE Tel: 01296 397677 Email: sales@cuisineexcellance.co.uk Website: www.cuisineexcellance.co.uk

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our wedding should be the most special day of your life.

But to successfully arrange that perfect occasion and allow yourself to fully enjoy the experience can take an awful lot of organisation! There are venues to consider for the ceremony and for the reception, the catering to think of, flowers, stationery, transport, entertainment... and we haven’t even got to the dress yet!

The wedding vows are what it is really all about though. When your big day arrives and all that meticulous planning pays off your commitment to each other will be what starts the biggest adventure of your life!

For richer not poorer is the way to begin that adventure though, so the planning has to be done carefully and the first thing on the list is BUDGET. Decide a budget and stick to it! This could be your maximum amount but a good idea is to aim slightly lower and keep something back for those unexpected little add ons!

Now the Wedding list can begin.

This list should be of all the things that are necessary and that you

Photo by Frank Millar both want but also make a list of all the things that you do not want or are not necessary. This will help keep things on track.

There is a lot of help out there so make the most of it. Dedicated bridal magazines, local magazines such as Vale Life, websites and wedding fairs are a great source of specialists. If finding enough time is a problem, a Wedding Planner can be a solution. They have experience and contacts and can take the pressure off you.

Wedding suppliers are there to help and guide you. They are specialists in their field and will do everything possible to make your day perfect. Shop around to get comparisons and be open to ideas that you may not have considered.

Remember that this is your day though, so do not be persuaded into anything that you are really not

Sara Allen Cakes Eye popping, jaw dropping, mouthwatering works of art for your celebration.

You imagine it - we create it !

Tel: 01844 347555 Mobile: 07740 486868 Email: Saraallen cakes@aol.com Facebook: Sara Allen cakes

floral

vintage crockery hire

sure of. If you can start planning at least a year ahead it won’t be a moment too soon, as venues, entertainers and wedding services can get booked up well ahead and the sooner you let your wedding guests know about the date the clearer their diaries are likely to be.

In years to come you and your partner will look at the photographs, remember your day and forget all the preparation .

Your Wedding day is a celebration of your love for each other and no amount of planning can change that!

Useful Tips: 1: A week day wedding: Many venues offer a discounted rate for having your wedding on a weekday, rather than st the weekend. Other suppliers such as photographers and florists may also offer weekday discounts.

2: Buy your wedding dress at a sample sale: Many wedding boutiques hold seasonal sample sales, when they sell off last season’s styles. Savings can be up to 70% off the original price. Take it home, organise a dry clean and some alterations and you have

Wedding & Portrait Photographer Frank Millar 07891 386276 01844 217163 www.frankmillar.com

saved yourself a small fortune.

Also see Page 14 for details of Rennie Grove’s Exclusive Wedding Dress sale at Tring Park School in April and Page 13 for details of stylist and textile artist Paula Shepherd who can upcycle your dress, shoes and accessories.

3: Trim your invite list: If you haven’t seen third cousin Rosie for 15 years, just invite her to the evening reception. By reducing your day time guest list the catering and drinks bill becomes that much easier on the pocket, you may even get away with a smaller, less expensive venue.

4: Save postage: The cost of 1st class stamps is at an all-time high, hand deliver as many of your invitations as possible and email your save-the-dates.

There’s nothing lovelier than an English summer afternoon, the retro charm of a village fete, the friendly allure of a traditional country fair, or the simple pleasure of a lavish picnic on the village green.

Now you can hire our collection of Vintage Floral Crockery, for a taste of freshly brewed nostalgia any time of year.

So, whether you want to create a touch of timeless romance at a wedding, hold a vintage-style high tea for a special someone, or hold a quirky business meeting that gets the conversation flowing, let us help bring some old-fashioned magic to your event.

We’ve lovingly hunted down pretty china and tablecloths from far and wide. Plus we’ve created unique handmade bunting and napkins in pretty floral fabrics.

www.FloralVintageCrockery.co.uk Tel: 07875 552132 Leafield, Lee Road, Saunderton Lee, Princes Risborough, HP27 9NU

‘When you want your wedding flowers to be just perfect’

5: Replace Champagne for your toast with Cava or Prosecco: No one will notice at this stage of the celebrations.

6: Get crafty like Kirsty Allsop: Make your wedding favours - homemade wedding marmalade, fudge or chutney, with a personalised label on each jar makes a lovely keepsake.

Call 01296 423233 for a free consultation with one of our wedding specialists 43b Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2NQ Tel: 01296 423233 Email: suesflowers2@hotmail.com www.suesflowers.co.uk facebook.com /suesflowersaylesbury

w Weddings w Corporate w Special Occasions w w Birthdays Parties w Sympathy w Gifts w w Soft Toys w Wines and Champagne w Innovative, contemporary and traditional designs Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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nna McDonald Bridal Gallery is a leading Oxfordshire bridal shop providing a personal, by appointment only, service for brides.

Clients are able to browse the showroom freely, without other customers present, and receive

Dress by Justin Alexander

personal attention and expert advice from Anna and her bridal consultants. Anna specialises in gowns by exclusive, top quality designers such as: Justin Alexander, Marylise, Johanna Hehir and Charlotte Balbier.

Anna launched her boutique in July 2008, having identified the local need for a high quality boutique specialising in leading designers at affordable prices. She’d had previous experience of the purchasing process herself and felt that brides deserved a higher quality of service throughout the entire buying process, from initial contact through the website, to consultation, purchase and final fitting.

Thame is a vibrant market town with local purchasing at its core but the nearest bridal shop was over 20 minutes drive away. The majority of Anna’s customers actually now come from outside Thame, travelling from all over the country to purchase

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Dress by Ronald Joyce 12

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

their dream dress.

Anna has received multiple awards for her Anna McDonald business, her unique iPhone app (ibridal) and her creative store design with its bespoke hand-crafted cabinets and display units.

However, she strongly believes her greatest achievement is the ongoing growth and success of her boutique, launched at the height of the economic downturn. She puts this down to sticking with her core principles of personalised and excellent customer service. As a result her major source of new customers is through referrals from her growing list of delighted brides.. l Anna McDonald Bridal Gallery, The White House, East Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3JS Tel: 01844 214190 Web: www.anna-mcdonald.com

Dress by Justin Alexander

The Bridal House

mma and Jenny at The Bridal House in Aston Clinton pride themselves on their customer service and fabulous choice, not only of wedding gowns, but also bridesmaids dresses and those all important accessories: unique vintage inspired sidepieces or tiaras, veils, shoes, jewellery, shrugs, even parasols and umbrellas and practical bits like storage and travel boxes!

The girls launched their luxurious bridal boutique over six years ago and have built a stunning range of beautiful bridal gowns by some of the world’s leading bridal designers including: Benjamin Roberts, Ronald Joyce, Blue By Enzoani, True Bride, Madeline Gardner New York, Art Couture, Tia and Beautiful By Enzoani. This year the boutique is also eagerly awaiting gowns from the new Maggie Sottero 2014 collection which are due to arrive in March.

It all makes for a breathtaking and diverse collection with prices ranging from £600 to £1600.

When you step into the elegant

showroom a glass of Bucks Fizz is waiting and one of the Bridal House ladies will be on hand to relax you through the exciting process of finding the ideal dress for you.

“It’s all about making sure the bride feels really special and has a lovely time while finding her perfect gown,” says Emma. “It’s what’s important to you and how you wish to look on your wedding day that will help us find your dream dress and decide upon those all important finishing touches. We don’t stop there though, we are here to make sure all runs smoothly right up to

The Bridal House

your wedding day and beyond. We are proud that many of our brides have been recommended to us by previous happy customers.”

The boutique is now open seven days a week for brides to view the stunning collections. For further information call, or see The Bridal House website. Their Facebook page also has helpful and interesting tips, hints, ideas and images.

l The Bridal House, 10a Weston Road, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5EG Tel: 01296 632041 Web: www.bridalwearaylesbury.co.uk

Wedding feature

Confetti Bridalwear

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Dresses by Charlotte Balbier

onfetti Bridalwear of Tring will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year - an achievement to shout

about!

Confetti has had three enterprising owners over it’s long life, current owner Sarah Shaw for the past, almost 20 years: “That first day was a scary prospect,” she says, “and a very steep learning curve! I had little idea I would still be here 20 years on - originally it was a five year plan!

I’m as passionate today about the business as ever though. It has been lovely to see it grow, increasing the business ten fold and from just myself and a Saturday girl to employing four more members in our Confetti team.

The team make me very proud, they are dedicated to our customers and all bring their unique personalities and talents to the mix. We all have an input when choosing beautiful gowns for our range from Charlotte Balbier, Paloma Blanca, Amanda Wyatt, Ellis and Avenue Diagnal. We

stock a diverse and unique selection of wedding dresses, complimented

by Ebony Rose and Jim Hjelm bridesmaids collections.

“A lot of emotion is involved in buying such an important gown.

We never forget this and do our very best to ensure the process is as enjoyable and stress free as possible for our customers. We want people to recommend us and thankfully they do.”

Confetti is a friendly, professional boutique, with its own in-house alteration service, and will look after customers from the choosing of ‘The Dress’ to the final fitting and collection. With gorgeous gowns and enviable service why wouldn’t you book an appointment with Confetti, call today on 01442 828653.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary Confetti will be running unique offers throughout the year. Keep an eye on their Facebook page: www.facebook. com/confettibridalwear and their website www.confettibridalwear.co.uk

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

for events and competitions. l Confetti Bridal Wear, 14 Dolphin Square, Tring, HP23 5BN Tel: 01442 828653 Email: confettibridal@btconnect.com Web: www.confettibridalwear.co.uk Open: Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm

Paula Shepherd Paula’s shop, Fancy T’hat in Winslow Photographs by Frank Millar

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beautiful, bijou boutique graces the Market Square at Winslow, bursting with colour and flamboyant design. Owner Paula Shepherd has created an inspirational collection of designer hats, bespoke wedding dresses, bags, fascinators, veils, fabrics, jewellery, art, shoes and chandeliers.

Paula is a textile artist and the queen of upcycling. She takes shoes, dresses, hats and bags and adds paint, buttons, bows, pearls, fabric, feathers, embroidery, beads and all manner of embellishments to create truly unique and breathtaking pieces.

She can take an old wedding dress or a plain pair of shoes and work them into a gorgeous and entirely unique Bridal creation.

Paula takes her inspiration from iconic designers such as Vivienne Westwood and vintage fashion, with a touch of Marie Antoinette thrown in for good measure!

Hats and fascinators

are either designed from scratch or given a magical makeover and embellished back into life. Paula has a great eye and an amazing collection of vintage fabrics, buttons, bows, original handmade silk flowers and other useful items. Perfect for adding a unique and glamorous edge to any wedding outfit.

Meet Paula and discover her amazing talent at Fancy T’hat, her Winslow shop. It may be tiny but it’s crammed with exciting creations that will fire your imagination. You’ll get an idea of what to expect from her website. Book an appointment to discuss ideas and let Paula’s flair for artistic design and detail make your wedding day unique and special.

The shop opens 10.30am-6pm, Mon-Sat and occasional Sundays, but Paula advises to call before setting off to make sure she will be open, or to make an appointment.

l Paula Shepherd, Fancy T’hat, 14 Market Square, Winslow, Buckinghamshire, MK18 3AF Tel: 07789 793449 Web: www.fancyt-hat.com Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

13

Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Hundreds of beautiful designer bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses are to be offered for sale in Tring this April at amazingly low prices...

B

rides-to-be are being offered an exciting opportunity to purchase the wedding dress of their dreams for an incredibly low price at a one-off sale to be held in the beautiful surroundings of a Rothschild country house in Tring.

The Exclusive Wedding Dress Sale will take place over two days on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6, April, and will see Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Tring transformed into an up-market popup shop, with hundreds of beautiful wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses offered for sale on the day at

Don’t miss out. Register today

Exclusive Wedding Dress Sale Looking for a unique wedding dress at an amazing price?

This is the place to be!

Tring Park School, Herts Sat 5 & Sun 6 April 2014

Top quality dresses ...

Unbelievable prices ...

• Hundreds of exquisite, brand new, one-off designs in every size • All stock from manufacturers of top designer brands • Amazingly low prices from £99 to £999 • Large selection of beautiful bridesmaids dresses • View, try and buy on the day

Pre-registration required – book your FREE place NOW on www.weddingdresssale.org.uk and receive a special discount voucher to spend on the day.

Reg Charity No: 1140386

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Proceeds to Rennie Grove Hospice Care

Huge savings on designer gowns at exclusive wedding dress sale unbelievably low prices.

All the dresses are exquisitely designed and have been made by the manufacturers of top designer ranges including Donna Salada and Maureen Myring Kesterton. With a wide choice of different styles in every size from 8-20, each bride-tobe will have the chance to browse through and be inspired by the selection before choosing dresses to try on against the elegant backdrop of a country house.

Guests are welcome to accompany our Brides–to-be to offer help, advice and assistance in finding the dress of their dreams.

There will also be the opportunity to try and buy from a wide selection of stunning bridesmaids dresses, so brides can create the perfect overall look for their perfect day.

Even better news for brides and grooms and their families is that all dresses are being offered at fabulously low prices which are typically just a third of what you might otherwise pay for dresses of this quality.

The Exclusive Wedding Dress Sale is a one-off event offering a collection of brand new, top quality dresses not available online or at any

other outlet. It really is a not-to-bemissed event.

Both days will be split into two three-hour sessions lasting from 10am until 1pm and from 2pm until 5pm and guests are asked to register in advance for the session of their choice. Places are limited in each session and Pre-Registration is required to guarantee admission.

In addition to being able to buy the perfect dress at the perfect price, The Exclusive Wedding Dress Sale also gives brides-to-be the chance to help others, as all proceeds from this sale will go to Rennie Grove Hospice Care to help fund the services they provide in the local area for patients diagnosed with cancer or other life-limiting illness.

Pre-Register to reserve your place now on: www.weddingdresssale. org.uk and receive FREE vouchers for further discounts to spend on the day. l Rennie Grove Hospice Care helps over 2,500 patients and families every year in Bucks and Herts. In order to continue caring for these patients, Rennie Grove needs to raise in excess of £6.5 million every year.

See www.renniegrove.org for more information about the charity and how you can get involved.

Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Rings are very much a part of our romantic tradition and it would be very unusual to ‘tie the knot’, without the ceremonial exchange of bands of gold... or platinum, or titanium, or palladium...

O

nce the pomp and ceremony, feasting and fun, laughter, tears, joy and celebration that was your wedding, has become the most wonderful memories, there is generally only one souvenir of the happy event that you will wear every day - your wedding ring.

With this in mind, choosing engagement and wedding rings is not something to rush, or skimp on. They can be plain bands, set with precious stones, or a trendy bi- or even tri-set which gently spoons together upon the third finger of your left hand and from whence the vena amoris, or vein of love runs straight to your heart.

“Rings, for weddings or civil partnerships, is a very enjoyable part of our business,” says Julia Clarke, MD’ of Hester Clarke Jewellers on Cambridge Street, Aylesbury.

“We have a large range to choose from and a talented designer who can sketch an original design to your specification if you would prefer. People used to have a gold band, but now there’s white gold, titanium, platinum, palladium, and not just plain rings, they may be shaped to fit with an engagement ring, or set with stones.”

Hester Clarke is run by sisters Julia (Managing Director) and Nicola (Director), while their parents, Christopher and Ann Clarke are Chairman and Director respectively. The Clarkes are the third and fourth generations to be involved in the family business and are firmly established in Aylesbury, having come to the town some forty years ago.

“Personal service and individuality is what we offer,” says Julia. “We love meeting new couples and helping them find something special to them. There is such a wide choice now, both in precious metals and stones but we can ensure you are getting good quality as well as a design you love.”

Andrew Leggett

Sarah Jordan bi-set and tri-set Hester Clarke are known for their knowledge and experience and the firm delights in finding exciting new designers to work with, such as the award-winning Sarah Jordan, who has used her amazing talents and eye for fluidity to entwine engagement and wedding rings together in her bi-sets, (see above right) and even tri-sets which include a gentleman’s wedding ring as well, and Andrew Leggett, (see above right). Andrew’s designs are contemporary and clean with simple lines, often asymmetric and slightly quirky. He works in platinum, 18 carat yellow gold and palladium.

“Some people will see something they like and that is all that is important,” says Julia, “while others are interested in the quality of the precious metal or stone they are buying, how diamonds are graded and why certain stones and metals aren’t suitable for engagement or wedding rings because the materials just aren’t durable enough.

“Stones can be certified (laboratory tested) for cut, colour, clarity and carat but unless you understand the grading process, you won’t be sure how good the quality is. Our team are all trained in Diamond Grading and can explain the options, to ensure you find that perfect diamond.

“Carat is the weight of the diamond, but size isn’t everything as a smaller diamond can be worth much more than a bigger one, if it has better clarity (less imperfections) and colour (less colour means more sparkle). And how a diamond has been cut is important too, as if not done well it will lose light and won’t sparkle as brightly.”

At their Cambridge Street showroom Hester Clarke’s friendly, helpful and fully trained staff are on hand to help you find the perfect rings for you.

“You might like your rings engraved on the inside with your names, dates, or a private message between the two of you,” says Julia. “Or you may want an old ring repaired, resized or reworked into a more contemporary design, anything is possible.”

Hester Clarke have a superb reputation and with their wealth of knowledge and experience can be relied upon to offer the best quality jewellery, with the highest level of service. You’ve found the perfect partner, now find the perfect rings, at Hester Clarke. l Hester Clarke Fine Jewellers, 10-14 Cambridge Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1RS Telephone: 01296 482963 Web: www.hesterclarke.co.uk

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

15

Wedding feature

Providing the ultimate salon experience

Model Jenna

W

hether you’re getting married, being a bridesmaid or simply the guest of honour at a wedding you’ll want the perfect wedding hairstyle for you. At Eclipse Hair Design we offer bridal, prom and ‘hair up’ for any occasion. We have ‘hair up’ specialists at Eclipse trained to style for these occasions, whether you would like a classic up-do, a Boho down-do, curls, braids or even something completely wild or avantgarde!

Start thinking about your wedding hair well in advance, look at styles that might work with your wedding dress and wedding venue. Would you like to change the colour of your hair, or grow it long to wear it up? You will need to plan well in advance.

Bridal hair up, would usually begin with a free consultation - a chance to meet your stylist, bring in pictures, as well as any tiara or veil you are planning to wear, and share your ideas.

Bridal shoot at The Spread Eagle Hotel, Thame Left Model: Jade Hair: Beverley Worlock Make-up: Abbie Martin Dress: Risa by Marylise from Anna McDonald Bridal Gallery, Thame Below Model: Jenna Hair: Jade Martin Make-up: Abbie Martin Dress: Justin Alexander from Anna McDonald Bridal Gallery, Thame Model Jade Pictures: Frank Millar

New career

We are looking to recruit a new Assistant. The position is available now, so get in touch with your CV as soon as possible and register your interest - you could be starting next week!

Eclipse is a fun, friendly place to work and offers great training and good prospects for the right applicant. Call: 01844 260062.

Exciting opportunity

Enthusiastic, experienced stylists sought to join the team at our newly refurbished salon.

We are looking for professional, qualified stylists, who have a minimum 5 years experience on the salon floor and are fully competent in cutting, colouring and styling.

Immediate start for the right candidate. Call: 01844 260062.

Interview with stylist Beverley Worlock

My model Jade, top left, is a beautiful, elegant, young woman and I wanted her hair to reflect that. It’s important for the hair to We would then be able to give an complement the dress, right, exact quote for your wedding hair in and in this case its classic the salon or at your chosen location. lines and simplicity were the At Eclipse you can have a wedding inspiration for the hair. hair trial, a month or two before your Jade has great bone big day, with a professional wedding structure and contours, hair stylist, who will work with you to which I accentuated by ensure that you are totally happy come taking the hair away from the big day. her face. Although there was We work around your dress, what detail in the styling I wanted suits you and complements your best to avoid any fussy curls and kept the features and is practical - would ‘hair 1940s feel while adding a modern twist. up’ make you look a lot taller than the We love doing wedding hair at Eclipse groom for instance? and are always happy to discuss a We can cater for the whole wedding bride’s ideas. On the day we will do party - bridesmaids, mothers, grooms everything we can to give you your and best men too - let us help make dream wedding hair and make it a your day even more special... happy and stress free experience.

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... Like us on Facebook for up to date information and promotions: Eclipse Hair Design 16

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Wedding feature

A B C AYLESBURY BULLION COMPANY The Family of Jewellers

11a, High St Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP20 1SH Tel:

01296 423198

Jewellery designed and produced to your specifications, or choose from our extensive range of new, secondhand and antique pieces. l Diamond merchants (certified stones always available) l Antique restorations l Hand engraving

l Valuations: insurance and (carried out on the premises) l Insurance claims advisors l Complete repair service

probate

Servicing of Rolex, Tag, Omega, Raymond Weil, Gucci etc.

Batteries fitted and waterproof testing carried out on the premises.

Top prices paid in cash for antique and modern jewellery, watches (especially Rolex), coins, gold, silver, platinum and scrap precious metals.

Part exchange available.

11a High Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1SH

Tel: 01296 423198 www.aylesburybullion.co.uk

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Wedding feature

Red Carpet H airdressing

Your Red Carpet to the aisle!

At Red Carpet Hairdressing we can offer a complete top to toe Bridal Package, working with you to create and style your perfect Bridal Hair while attending to your nails and make-up. We offer exclusive use of our V.I.P area to ensure that you, your bridesmaids and your guests all have a wonderful experience!

HAIR With up-to-date cutting and styling techniques and our beautiful range of hair colours, Red Carpet Hairdressing’s experienced team of stylists is here to ensure your wedding hair is just perfect.

Choose from classic ‘up-dos’ or maybe ‘bo-ho’ ‘down-dos’, a voluminous ‘Ballerina Bun’ or romantic waves - the choice is endless!

Book a trial before your big day and treat your locks to a luxury Moroccanoil conditioning hair mask to put your hair in tip top condition!

MAKE-UP AND NAILS Our beauty specialist will add the finishing touches - a luxury manicure and pedicure with Gelish nail colours that will last through to the Honeymoon!

Tanning Treat your skin to a healthy looking natural glow with a 100% organic Nouvatan spray tan, available in 6 shades!

Why not let Red Carpet take care of all your hair and beauty needs? Book your consultation and trial in plenty of time before your wedding day.

Open late Weds, Thurs and Fri until 8pm , Tues: 9am-5.30pm and Sat: 8.30am-4pm Red Carpet Hairdressing, 8 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire,HP22 6JQ. Telephone: 01296 625511 Website: www.redcarpethairdressing.com Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Red-Carpet-Hairdressing Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

19

Wedding feature

Wedding Open Day at

Hartwell House

Turner T Sally Fine Antiques & Jewellery S

est 1979

Sunday 16th February, 11am to 3pm

An invitation to visit the House and discuss how we can help arrange your Wedding Celebration at Hartwell.

For more details please contact our Wedding Coordinator Mirella Di Bratto on: 01296 746502 or email: mirr@hartwell-house.com Hartwell House, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR Tel: 01296 747444 www.hartwell-house.com

Come and see our beautiful collection of modern, pre-owned vintage and antique rings - solitaires, clusters and gem set rings, set in 9ct or 18ct, white, yellow gold or platinum.

We can size rings purchased in the shop the same day, usually within the hour. We also provide a repair and redesign service.

Our on-site Master Goldsmith will make up a new necklace/ earrings/bracelet/ring to your instructions - why not design your own unique piece to treasure forever?

We buy as well as sell jewellery of all descriptions.

For examples of rings in stock and occasional vintage wedding gowns, please see our website at: www.sallyturnerantiques.com We have many fascinating items on display and also a selection of modern and antique silver items, suitable for wedding gifts We offer a Free Gift wrapping service for items purchased in shop and Gift Vouchers are available.

Open 10am-5pm, Mon/Tue/Thur/Fri/Sat.

Hogarth House, High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 624402 Website: www.sallyturnerantiques.com

For a truly wonderful wedding reception

An ideal location for your reception

Situated in the conservation area of Thame next to St Mary’s Church, Thame Barns Centre, a once derelict farm, was sympathetically restored in the 1980’s.

It’s white washed walls and beautiful beams create a relaxed and romantic ambiance in which to enjoy your special day.

Our catering team provide a varied selection of menus.

Warm, welcoming and known for its fine food and friendly service, The Chequers at Weston Turville also caters for celebrations and wedding receptions.

A marquee can be erected to accommodate larger parties and a combination of skilful hospitality and delicious food will provide a truly special experience for bride, groom and guests alike • A charming 17th Century country pub & restaurant • Fully bespoke menu and wine selection • Seating for up to 120 guests • Quiet village location • 5 minutes from mainline railway station • Highly recommended on Trip Advisor

Thame Barns Centre Church Road, ThameOX9 3AJ

Tel: 01844 217308 www.thamebarnscentre.co.uk twitter.com/Thamebarns 20

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

35 Church Lane, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 5SJ Tel: 01296 613298 www.thechequersinnwestonturville.co.uk

Wedding feature Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Imagine getting married at Raymond Blanc’s beautiful country retreat, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons! If the idea appeals there’s a unique opportunity to see just how fabulous that might be on Sunday, April 27th, when Le Manoir is holding an exclusive wedding fair...

R

omance will be in the air at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons this April, as couples in search of their perfect wedding setting are welcomed to a very special wedding showcase.

Le Manoir, Raymond Blanc’s 12th century manor house, is a magnificent location at which to host your civil wedding ceremony or wedding breakfast; a sublime venue where you and your guests can enjoy an unforgettable day.

Nestled at the heart of Le Manoir, with its own stunning conservatory and opening onto a private walled garden within the oldest part of the house, La Belle Epoque dining room can entertain up to 50 guests.

Of course, no two weddings are alike, and with that in mind, a collection of Le Manoir’s most beautiful suites could provide an alternative - an intimate location for the two of you and your closest well-wishers.

Le Manoir’s cuisine is world famous and the inevitable focus of every visit. Raymond Blanc and his Michelin starred chefs, Gary Jones and Benoit Blin, create the most wonderful, seasonal dishes, many using the freshest produce from Le Manoir’s vegetable gardens.

To complement your occasion Le Manoir’s Chef Sommelier will be happy to assist you in selecting your favourite Champagne and accompanying wines from Le Manoir’s

The beautiful grounds provide lovely settings for photographs

Who’s next!?

extensive cellar.

The wedding fair offers a unique opportunity to explore Le Manoir, enjoy a guided tour of the wedding suites and imagine hosting your very own special day there.

A member of the team will personally share your ideas and wishes and introduce you to some of Le Manoir’s showcased partners.

For more information about Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons visit: www.manoir.com Places to attend Le Manoir’s Wedding Fair are complimentary but are limited.

To register your interest in attending please email: events@blanc.co.uk with the subject ‘Vale Life Magazine’ and list your name, telephone number and estimated numbers for your special day.

l Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Church Road, Great Milton, Oxfordshire, OX44 7PD Tel: 01844 278881 Website: www.manoir.com Twitter: @lemanoir_events

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

21

Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Set in 500 acres of rolling pastureland near Long Crendon, Notley Tythe Barn is a stunning 12th Century construction. The beautifully restored barn retains an ancient and spiritual ambience which adds a magical edge to all manner of celebration...

T

he Reynolds family has farmed at Notley for around 300 years. They lived at Notley Abbey from 1719 until the 1920s and then at Notley Farm. For Denise and Nick Reynolds the past 20 years has seen huge changes on the farm as their livelihood has switched from farming the land to catering for wedding and parties.

They married in 1991, after meeting while hunting with the Bicester hounds, and renovated the farm’s old tythe barn around that time, having realised how few larger sized wedding venues there were in the area.

“We’re incredibly lucky the barn is still here,” said Denise. “The abbey was trashed

by Henry VIII, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, leaving only the old Abbots House and then there was the Civil War and barn fires, but somehow hidden away up here the barn has survived.

Denise had been working as an accountant but with farming becoming less viable in the face of foreign competition, she and Nick looked at diversifying.

“Nick is excellent with people,” she says.

“He enjoys running a party and is a very congenial host. I am better with the details and figures, so I deal with the admin side and then hand over to Nick when the event starts.”

The beautiful barn, first recorded in 1160, nestles at the base of the Chiltern Hills amidst Notley Farm’s 500 acres, its high beamed raftered roof and magnificent whitewashed hall and gallery a fabulous setting for elegant wedding receptions and ceremonies. It is cool

Notley Farm’s 12th century tythe barn

in summer and heated for cosy, atmospheric winter weddings. The beauty of the barn is such that, although many couples fill it with flowers, which smell beautiful, the stunning beams and elegant structure are a sufficiently beautiful backdrop in their own right.

A quarter-mile driveway, with breathtaking views, provides the perfect approach to the barn which is set in its own gardens designed

by Chelsea Gold Medallist Stephen Hendry, next to an elegant canapé and cocktail lawn and a further acre of grounds.

“We have a wonderful chef, Peter, who cooks everything from scratch,” says Denise,

“and we have installed the latest top of the range Rationale ovens, as used at Buckingham Palace, which are technically very clever. We can cater for 140 guests seated in the barn or more if seated in the permanent integral marquee. As many ingredients as possible are sourced locally and all the eggs are free range.

The Notley lamb, slow cooked for 12 hours, is a particular house speciality.

“We feel we are very experienced now, having hosted over 1,000 weddings in 20 years and are used to coping with any eventuality.

We’re a small team and work with our clients to create exactly the wedding they want.

“We’ve done medieval fancy dress, with groom and ushers in full armour, a fairy wedding and Hindu services, as well as many traditional English weddings - we’re very adaptable.”

The setting is beautiful and Notley does have a spiritual feel - ideal for those contemplating tying the knot outside of church. Most importantly, the Reynolds and their team take a delight in arranging events at the barn.

In the 22 years since Nick and Denise welcomed the first couple they have hosted well over a thousand weddings.

“You know you are doing something right when families keep coming back to celebrate the weddings of other members,” says Denise.

“We have 105 weddings booked for 2014 and are still excited by each and every one.” l Notley Farm, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon, Bucks HP18 9ER. Tel: 01844 201226.

Email: weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk Website: www.notleyfarm.co.uk

22

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

S

omething old - check; something new - check; something borrowed - maybe not; but something blue - deffo! There are indeed plenty of options available at Haddenham’s White Hart Studio when it comes to wedding related gifts and cards, or perhaps a treat for the bride to be, or a vintage chest in which to store your wedding trousseau!

Jane’s card selection is refreshingly different, something for all occasions with plenty of quirky, original options. The new Roger La Borde collection with matching double-sided wrapping paper is particularly fab.

Of course The White Hart Studio has a wealth of great wedding gift ideas on display and also lots of jewellery items which would make lovely keepsakes and thank you gifts for bridesmaids and helpers.

Homeware items can make inspired gifts for a couple getting their first place together.

Perhaps a ‘Kiss me now...’ frog picture or some beautiful owl cushions, mirrors, clocks, lamps, pictures and frames and signs. Push the boat out with some shabby chic or genuine antique furniture. If you really can’t make your mind up, there’s always the option of gift vouchers.

And don’t forget, White Hart will soon have their new Spring fashion range in, so if your wedding invite has arrived but you’ve nothing to wear, an early visit may be in order. l White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, HP17 8AB Tel: 01844 292308 Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm Website: www.whitehartstudio.com www.facebook.com/WhiteHartStudio

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

23

Win a pair of

detachable shoe straps Wedding Open Evening Thursday 20th February, 6pm – 8pm

D

Come along to The Lambert Arms and experience how we can make your special day unforgettable.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly and delicious nibbles, while you envisage your big day at our romantic venue.

Our wedding co-ordinator will be on hand to show you around and answer any questions you may have.

For more information, please contact: 01844 351496 events.lambertarms@bespokehotels.com www.lambertarms.com The Lambert Arms, London Road, Aston Rowant, Watlington, Oxon. OX49 5SB

o you have a pair of shoes which keep slipping off your feet?

Do you fancy a new pair of shoes, more funky and stylish than the plain ones you have?

These unique Elila Mayaa Detachable Shoe Straps may solve all your problems.

Instead of going out and spending £40+ on a new pair of shoes, invest as little as £7.99 on a pair of detachable shoe straps and you can give your old footwear a fashionable new look. The straps will fit shoes with heels, pumps with heels and mules and will stop the annoying discomfort of shoes slipping off your feet. The straps come in pairs in a variety of styles and colours and will fit any size of shoe.

For more information or to purchase a pair of straps see:

www.elilamayaa.com Vale Life Magazine has teamed up with Elila Mayaa to give Vale Life readers the chance of winning a pair of detachable shoestraps.

Have a look at the shoestrap colours at www.elilamayaa.com and then email the colour you would like to win, your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk In which city is Elila Mayaa based?

Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by March 10th, 2014. l Elila Mayaa Ltd, 81 Oxford Street, London, W1D 2EU Tel: 0203 397 3129 Email: info@elilamayaa.com Web: www.elilamayaa.com

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Amanda Trott

l Column

We’d all like to look fresh faced, if not fancy free, but can a trip to the beauty salon really strip away the years? Apparently Microdermabrasion just might...

I

t’s not just the weather at this time of year that can look dull and dreary. A distinct lack of sunshine combined with centrally heated homes and harsh winter winds can make our complexions very dull too. Feeling as though my skin was in need of a boost, I went to see Anne at Monera Beauty Clinic in Thame for some advice. Monera has been established more than 20 years, 14 at the current location and prides itself on not only offering great customer care and wonderful products but also its highly trained and knowledgeable therapists.

Anne explained to me that microdermabrasion is a mild treatment causing minimal damage to the surface of the skin. Results are subtle and include a freshening in the appearance and improvement of the skin’s texture, with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

It is also great for reducing scarring caused by acne and removing troublesome blackheads and whiteheads, which can eventually lead to problem skin.

Anne started by thoroughly cleansing my face, neck and décolletage and then prepped my skin with a gentle solution to remove any excess oils before starting the resurfacing treatment.

Microdermabrasion involves a stream of fine micro-particles being blasted at the face in a criss-cross pattern by a kind of skin vacuum cleaner. Anne told me that it would possibly feel slightly scratchy but in fact I found it completely painless and rather relaxing - anything for a lie down! The micro-particles used varies and can include crystals of aluminium salts, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride or even tiny diamond particles!

The crystal stream loosens and partially removes the outermost epidermal layer of the skin with a gentle sandblasting effect.

Once the outer layer of skin has been removed, the layers of skin

A nourishing skin mask and a massage completed the treatment

Anne first cleansed and prepped the skin beneath increase their production of new skin cells to renew the surface layer. It is a mild and gently abrasive treatment, so therefore results are noticeable but subtle and if necessary, the procedure can be repeated regularly (no more than fortnightly) if need be. Acne sufferers can benefit greatly from this treatment on a regular basis if suffering from a build up of dead skin cells, excess sebum and scarring from previous outbreaks.

Once Anne had finished the procedure she applied a mask for ten minutes to nourish my skin and then finished off with a blissful ten minute massage sending me into a state of complete relaxation.

Having completed the treatment, my skin felt like silk and was only a little pink here and there and this had completely disappeared within half an hour. Anne recommended not applying any make-up to my

The top layer of the skin is painlessly ‘blasted’ off with a stream of tiny crystals skin for the rest of the day unless it was a mineral make-up such as Bare Minerals.

I can honestly say that my skin certainly looks far more alive since the treatment and feels absolutely amazing - far smoother and softer to the touch. My make up seems to

moment!

Most skins will benefit from having a microdermabrasion facial but if you are uncertain, then call or pop into the salon where one of the therapists will be able to advise you. A single treatment is £63 and a course of six, £350. l Monera Beauty Clinic, 62-63 North Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 260454 Website: www.monera.co.uk

After treatment my skin was smooth and soft with a fresher appearance sit better and I’ve had several people tell me I’m looking very well at the

l Amanda is a talented and experienced, Vidal Sassoon trained hair stylist.

During her varied and creative career she has managed Charles Worthington’s Covent Garden salon and her own salon in Princes Risborough.

If you would like your hair cut, styled or coloured by Amanda she is available in Thame from Monday through to Thursdays at Eclipse Hair Design. Call 01844 260062 to book or arrange a free consultation.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

25

Refer a friend Would you like

£50 off

your next

non-surgical treatment

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Column: Penny Harper ‘Thoughts of a small town girl’

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Penny Harper

W

hen I was about seven I visited my friend Shelley’s house and her mum made us a cup of coffee. Ignoring the fact that seven year olds were being given coffee to drink, and the fact that I don’t think you can call child services retrospectively, I was also asked how many sugars I took.

Now, I was in a bit of a pickle because a) I wasn’t allowed coffee and b) as a result of a), I had no idea how many sugars I took.

To be uber cool and nonchalant, I said three. No one batted an eyelid. I soon discovered that coffee with three sugars in it tastes DISGUSTING! I grew up in a family where pudding was standard issue ‘cheese or an apple’. I thought I was going to go into a diabetic coma, there was so much sugar coursing through my body. I got the shakes big time and threw up in a hedge on the way home. I have never had sugar in a hot beverage since.

So, the other day as I was

Surstromming, yum!

eating frozen peas (an approved, Harper family snack) and reading that sugar has overtaken fat as public enemy number one, I felt quite smug, but then, I don’t have a sweet tooth…at all. Chocolate doesn’t do anything for me; you can keep cakes and pastries and biscuits are just filler food as far as I’m concerned. As long as there isn’t any sugar in cheese, then I’m safe. I feel I should point out at this juncture that I have just Googled ‘is there sugar in cheese?’ It always

pays to be safe.

I always refuse to diet.

Sometimes I embark on a ‘healthy eating regime’, which my friends tell me is just a fancy way of saying ‘diet’. My Dad, who’s a secondary school biology teacher and therefore knows everything, told me that the best diet was to eat exactly what you felt like eating, when you felt like eating it. He reckoned your body told you what it needed, so if you were in tune you would know to eat some fruit and veg, or some fibre, or twenty-five Big Macs. Hmmmm.

He’s wrong on this occasion though: the best diet in the world is a bout of gastroenteritis. Even better still, do what I did. I went to Sweden and ate a ‘delicacy’ called Surstromming. It’s basically rotten herring. It smells like the inside of a baby’s nappy and it tastes exactly the same. It comes in a swollen can and you’re banned from taking it on all major airlines.

If you go on YouTube you will see grown men heaving at the stench

Small Town

Girl

of it. Wimps. I was polite enough to eat three fillets of the stuff before tapping out. I could taste nothing else for the rest of the holiday and I had severe stomach pains for weeks afterwards. Whenever I ate a full meal the pains got worse, leading me to believe I was feeding something very, very sinister that was living in my tummy. Long story short, I went right off my food and dropped a dress size. I also haven’t eaten fish since. So, forget the no sugar plan, forget Dukan and Atkins and just open a can of rotten herring. You’ll thank me one day.

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Slenderiiz is a homeopathic weight management product. It has been developed as a tool to help those on a low carb / low sugar, calorie controlled diet to cope with the associated withdrawal symptoms.

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Newly arrived from The States it has just become available in the UK through limited resellers - the company claims it is not a fad diet, but a science based homeopathic formula that actually re-balances your body to help it function efficiently, leading to a healthier body and fat loss. It also minimises the likely ‘rebound weight’ dieters will often put back on afterwards.

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Amber Jones - lost 16lbs

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Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by March 10th, 2014. l Slenderiiz Email: info@slenderiiz-uk.com Website: www.slenderiiz-uk.com

Theresa Boyeson - lost 47lbs Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

27

l

Column: Fitness Focus with Amy Kilpin

Anything is possible

I

don’t think I’m alone when I say I accidentally ‘fell’ into sport. I, like many people before me and no doubt plenty after me, started exercising for aesthetic reasons. As a young, easily-influenced university student, I began a quest for the perfect body. But exercise is kind of addictive, and as my goals shifted and my desire for physical challenges grew, I had no idea of what lay ahead of me…

I started running, to keep slim, of course. This swiftly developed into a desire to run a marathon. A few marathons and an ultramarathon down the line, I thought the next natural step would be to try a triathlon. This was a landmark move into a whole new world, and little did I know it at the time.

So in early 2012 I had to learn to swim front crawl (not being able to swim one length would be an inhibiting factor), so went right back to basics. I bought a bike.

Completed a few short distance triathlons. Tick.

What next? Longer distance, obviously. So I entered my first half Ironman at the end of 2012, and after an embarrassingly slow time,

I still thought it would be a really good idea to enter an Ironman.

I had almost a year to train, and so train I did. It pretty much took over my life, until August 2013, when I completed Ironman UK

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in a respectable 13 hours and 18 minutes, coming 10th in my age group and 52nd woman overall.

This time qualified me to compete for Great Britain in my age group at the European Long Distance Triathlon Championships 2014.

Boom.

I’m not saying this mad dedication is for everyone, but for me, triathlon is an unequivocally addictive sport purely because of its opportunities. Unlike most other sports, it is never monotonous.

This is because you are training for three totally different disciplines, and the variety of swim, bike and run sessions that you can do are endless.

You meet great people and travel to some very cool places but most importantly, the sense of achievement is phenomenal. I’ve created moments that I’ll never forget, and I thank the sport of triathlon for that. Have you ever seen a triathlete? They come in almost every shape and size imaginable – there is no ‘triathlonspecific’ body type, and that’s

Health & Fitness

Amy Kilpin

Fitness Focus because it’s multi-sport.

You’ll probably never be fitter, never look better, and never feel more self-satisfaction than completing a triathlon. Be inspired: have a dream, believe in yourself, and achieve great things. Anything is possible. l Amy Kilpin is an Ironman triathlete from Tring. www.amykilpin.co.uk

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Column: Fitness Focus with Ruth Frost

Health & Fitness

Just keep on moving

S

o readers, did you achieve your new year aim of embarking on a fitness routine? That’s a good show of hands. Who’s continuing it into February? Hmm, a few less. And be honest, come the end of March, do you expect you’ll still be pulling on your trainers as often?

It can be hard to stay motivated when a month of workouts hasn’t seen you magically develop Cameron Diaz’s abs or arms like Chris Hemsworth in Thor. However the aesthetic benefits of

exercise are outweighed one hundred fold by the health benefits.

Yes, I know you’ve heard all that before - so here are five other reasons to work out that you may not have considered.

You’ll be happier (and so will the people around you) Exercise floods your brain with feel-good chemicals, and boosts your self-esteem and confidence.

Your body will learn to process adrenaline better so you’ll be calmer in stressful situations. This all adds up to you being a better partner/parent/colleague/friend.

You’ll create more hours in the day Business megastar Richard Branson’s top tip for work productivity is to go to the gym.

Your lives.

Your decisions.

Try to exercise before mid-evening, when there’s time to get other things done afterwards (lunch time is ideal, if you can’t face or practically manage mornings) you more than make up for the time spent working out with your increased productivity.

Your love life will get a boost More stamina, greater flexibility, a better body-image, higher levels of endorphins... all add up to a better time in the bedroom!

You’ll survive better in a disaster If you’re running to get help for your injured child or leaping out the way of a speeding car, you’ll be glad of those hours you put in strengthening your body. In a less dramatic setting, having stronger muscles, better balance and a quick-firing brain-body connection keeps you safer from trips, falls and accidents.

You’ll be brainier Exercise generates new cells in the brain, reduces the risks and symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, and protects against

Ruth Frost

Fitness Focus Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It also makes you better able to concentrate on mental tasks – tantamount to being temporarily more intelligent.

The Vale is full of fitness facilities to suit every taste and budget, so if your new-year routine is already feeling stale, try something different. Just keep moving, to ensure all the benefits above and more - and those abs/ arms will come eventually too! l Ruth is head trainer at Euphoria Fitness and runs a functional fitness studio, The Workshop, in Stewkley.

See: www.Euphoria-Fitness.com for details..

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Relaxed atmosphere Friendly staff Appointments that are flexible and fit round you A dentist that spends time listening to you and doesn’t rush you out of the door Personal text messages to remind you of your next dental appointment Late evening (open until 9pm) and Saturday morning appointments to save you taking time off work FREE parking outside the practice

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If you like to keep in shape but prefer a friendly, relaxed health spa ambience to a sweaty gym, Spirit Health Club at the Holiday Inn, Aston Clinton could be just what you’re looking for...

T

here’s been a Spirit Health Club at the Holiday Inn, Aston Clinton for 25 years now and it’s still looking pretty good, having just had a revamp and a relaxing new seating area installed in the foyer.

“We’re more of a Health Club than a gym,” says manager Paul Dunn. “It’s a very sociable place, our members might come and attend an exercise class, then go for a gentle swim, relax in the jacuzzi and socialise over a coffee in our reception area or at the hotel café.

“We have occasional events, quiz nights and member parties. It’s not just a place to come to achieve your fitness goals it’s somewhere you will meet people and make friends and enjoy being, we are very sociable here.”

Membership covers classes (up to 35 a week from Spinning to Body Pump, Pilates, Zumba, Bokwa, Yoga, Dance Fusion - there’s something for everyone) and use of the fitness suite, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and spa pool. Complimentary towels

and toiletries are also included.

“The fitness suite has a good range of equipment,” says Paul. “We have cardiovascular machines, toning and resistance machines and a nice free weights section to add variety. Our instructors are qualified and will advise on the correct way of exercising or using the equipment.

“Although we aim to offer a relaxed and more personal leisure experience, we want to help members achieve their goals, so we have a chat, discuss what they want and work out a routine designed to help them achieve their goals. We try and encourage people to come at least twice a week - often friends come in small groups to do the classes they like.

“We generally review and assess progress every six weeks and come up with new routines to keep things fresh, interesting and help you stay motivated.”

Additional services at Spirit include Personal Training and a club Physiotherapist.

There is also a full range of beauty treatments,

from massage, to facials, waxing, nails, tanning and more, available in the salon.

Membership is flexible - daytime, peak and corporate deals are available - and is around £40 a month (join for a year in February, mention Vale Life and get your first month free) and includes member benefits (up to 35% off Holiday Inn stays, 25% off food and beverage and 10% off beauty treatments), as well as use of other clubs in the group.

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Spirit Health Club member, say you are a Vale Life Magazine reader and you will receive a free VIP day pass to try out the facilities and see what’s on offer - take a friend along too if you like! l Spirit Health Club, Holiday Inn Aylesbury, New Road, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5QT Telephone: 01296 734049 Email: spirit.aylesbury@ihg.com Website: www.spirithealthclubs.co.uk Open: Monday to Friday 6am-10pm Saturday and Sunday 7am-10pm

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

31

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Why not get on yer bike and join Fern Britton and friends this March, on a fun Chilterns Cycle Challenge in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care ...

T

V personality Fern pedal away, admiring the houses and Britton is encouraging gardens and chatting to those riding alongside me. Spring is the perfect locals to dust off their bikes and join her on the time of year for getting out on the Chilterns Cycle Challenge on March bike with the blossom and spring 23, to raise money for Rennie Grove flowers making a beautiful addition Hospice Care. Fern will be taking to to the already stunning Chilterns scenery. You see so much more than two wheels to cycle 35 miles in the sponsored challenge and is looking you would if you were driving.”

This will be the fourth Chilterns forward to cycling alongside other Cycle Challenge and Fern can local people.

“Cycling is such a sociable even take some credit for the development of the event: pastime,” says Fern. “I’m really “I was asked to open one of looking forward to taking part in the the charity’s new shops a few event and meeting people from the local area. I don’t tend to cycle at full years ago,” she says, “and we were pelt because I find it so enjoyable to talking11:36 about Page other 1ways that I IR_CCC_ad_90x125:Layout 1 20/01/2014

Fern Britton

ay W e i n n e R Ride the

10k, 35 and 75 mile routes – from family fun to the ultimate Cycle Challenge

Sunday 23rd March 2014 Starts in Aylesbury Town Centre

www.renniegrove.org/ chilternscycle

01442 820740 Entry, adult – £17 child (5 to16) – £10 under 5’s free supported by Fern Britton

32

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

could help support the Iain Rennie Nurses. I mentioned that the one thing I could do was cycle - and the idea was born! I always try to support the event whenever I can but unfortunately last year’s date clashed with the Strictly Tour and I couldn’t take part. I have cycled the 10k route before though and would thoroughly recommend it for beginners and families.

“It follows wonderful cycle ways that are so safe - and there aren’t the hills that you encounter on the longer routes! It’s a fabulous day out for families - take a picnic and enjoy some quality time together. The kids will sleep well and the great thing is that it helps such a fantastic cause.”

Fern has been a staunch supporter of Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, part of Rennie Grove Hospice Care, for four years. She explains: “It’s not just a name on a letterhead to me. I’m really engaged with this charity. Whilst I’m fortunate that I’ve never had to use the Iain Rennie Nurses myself, I know people who have and I’ve not heard a single bad word about them.

I’ve now met some of the nurses

myself and I have so much respect for the work they do to control patients’ symptoms and make them more comfortable. Their support gives family members the chance to enjoy their time together and not just be carers.

“So I really would like to say to everyone out there - whether you’re one of the fast boys or, like me, you prefer to go a bit more slowly and enjoy the scenery - come and join me! Raise some money for a brilliant local cause while helping your heart and making friends into the bargain.

I promise you will love it.”

Sponsor Fern in the Chilterns Cycle Challenge on www.justgiving. com/FernBritton and watch out for her new book ‘A Seaside Affair’ due out in April. Fern will be back on our screens in the Spring in a brand new series on BBC2 called ‘The Patch: The Big Allotment Challenge’. l Rennie Grove Hospice Care, Unit 3, Icknield Way Industrial Estate, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 4JX Tel: 01442 890222 Email: info@renniegrove.org Website: www.renniegrove.org

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Hero Brown

Come and saddle up for a fun time at Horsewyse · Hacks out every weekend at 11am and 2pm. · Polocrosse lessons Thursday & Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. · Riding Lessons for all abilities in our floodlit indoor school throughout the week and at weekends. · Birthday parties at Horsewyse: call for more details. · Riding stables based at Long Crendon

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Horsewyse CIC is a not-for-profit company providing equine facilitated learning for children and young people with learning and behavioural difficulties.

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

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hair: £10.50 or Contact: Roselle Men’s 07989 947316 roselle@outofdoghouse.co.uk Wash & Cut: £14 or visit www.outofthedoghouse.co.uk Boy’s hair: £8.50 Crew cut: £6.50 Senior Citizen: £6.50 Under 5s: £6.50 Saturdays: all cuts £12

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Tel: 07742 361711

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Hero Brown blogs about her life in the sticks at: www.muddystilettos.co.uk Here’s a taste of what she’s been up to...

I

’m writing this column full of hope. Dreary February is underway (sooner started, sooner finished) and Spring is ready to knock us out with its incredible balmy weather. (Oh come on, it could happen!)

I don’t know about you but I kind of like February. There’s a certain inevitability to it that I find strangely comforting. I know, for example, that Mr Muddy and I are bound by natural law to have an explosive argument on Valentine’s Day. I know I’ll be gobsmacked by 20th Feb that March is already starting its spring flower flirtations. And a little miracle will occur over the February half term, the moment when my kids are so sick of being indoors and scrapping over who cheated at Monopoly that they’ll calmly file out the front door when instructed to ‘get some bloody fresh air for once’.

Then it’s March and the fun starts. The big estates and National Trusts throw open the doors to their grand houses again and entice us into the countryside - Waddesdon, below, being the big local example (the house opens from 26th March) but it’s also worth checking out Hughenden Manor (reopening on 15th Feb) Rousham House & Gardens in Bicester (house by prior appointment) and Claydon House in mid Bucks (from mid March).

I can stop focusing on reviewing pubs with roaring log fires and cosy rustic snugs and start turning my attention to ones with pretty gardens, river settings and gorgeous rambling walks attached (check out

the blog for my latest pub reviews or my Muddy Directory on the blog for a list of cool places to try).

Everyone’s ditched the diets and hair shirt and can no longer be bothered to save money by mid February, and we’re all itching to get out and about and be entertained.

Around the Vale, I’ve already marked out the Muddy must-dos: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on its pre-West End run at Aylesbury Waterside starring Rufus Hound and Robert Lindsay (26th Feb); Norman Jay DJing at Clayton’s Marlow (1st March) and The Crazy Bear’s Masquerade Ball (22nd Feb). And if you fancy travelling further afield into Oxfordshire, I’m on the BBC Radio Oxford breakfast show every Saturday with my pick of where to go and what to do in the area.

So let’s hear it for February and March. I’m up for it. Are you? l Sign up for free email updates on the best things to do in Bucks & Oxon from Hero’s award-winning blog at www.muddystilettos.co.uk

Spring will be in full swing at Waddesdon Manor come April, hopefully marked by a good show of Tulips

l

Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’

Your lace or mine

B

uckinghamshire has long been associated with lace making, so it would be remiss of me not to feature it here at some point!

It is believed the skill was first brought to North Bucks by refugees fleeing from Europe. It became a flourishing cottage industry and poet William Cowper from Olney recorded in 1780 that 1,200 lacemakers were employed in his home town.

Winslow has a connection with the art too, which goes back to around 1588. in 1875 the daughters of Lord Addington, wanted to help the poor women of the area earn a living and they set up the Winslow Lace Industry thought to be the first philanthropic venture of its kind in England.

Learning to make lace by hand with bobbins has been on my ‘to do’ list for many years and I finally made it along to a class at the Queens Park Arts Centre in Aylesbury in January.

The classes are held afternoons and evenings with Rosemary Masters, who, as her name suggests,

The lace and the design paper are pinned to a cushion

Beaded bobbins is a true master craftswoman and instructor of the highest order.

These are group classes with a regular bunch of friendly faces and are very sociable and not at all intimidating.

It bothers me that many traditional crafts are becoming extinct so it was reassuring to hear that all

ages are learning this skill, from teenagers upwards. One lady was in her eighties when she started.

It is impossible for me to explain how to make lace in the limited space here. I have gone into a bit more detail on my blog, but to give you a flavour - lace is worked on a pillow, left, a rigid cushion to which you pin your work and your paper design. The lace is formed by crossing the bobbins over each other and pinning at certain points.

If you look at these photos it looks more complicated than it is, as the basics are simple.

For your first class you can borrow the equipment needed from Rosemary. She often has pre-loved bobbins and pillows for sale.

The bobbins, left, are a treasure in themselves, a mixture of new and old, some with beaded ends passed down through the generations.

Waddesdon Manor is running a summer long permanent exhibition from 26th March - 26th October entitled ‘Imagine - Lace at Waddesdon’. Its a collaborative exhibition of antique

Janice Issitt

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2013-14

Making the most of it and new lace and will, I’m sure, be a catalyst for some new lacemakers to learn this beautiful skill.

Rosemary Masters also runs workshops six times a year at the Eskdale Road Community Centre, Aylesbury. If you pop along to see her at the Arts Centre she can give you the dates.

If lacemaking isn’t your thing, pick up a booklet from the Queens Park Arts Centre - they have so many other options from painting, to pottery, jewellery making and more. 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.

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Maccabee Pets Hotel Heated Five Star Kennels with Individual Runs l Up to two hours a day Playtime and Stimulation l Individual Health Check carried out twice daily l Collection and Delivery Service available l Fully Licenced and Insured l Special Diets catered for l

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Maccabee Pets Hotel is very much a family business and is managed by Megan and Barry Cook.

Megan is a member of The Kennel Club and has been showing breeding and judging for more than 40 years. She has judged at Crufts and International Dog Shows and enjoys a place in the Polish Kennel Club’s Hall of Fame, for introducing and breeding the first Polish Lowland Sheepdogs into the UK in 1990 and was featured on the Desmond Morris TV programme Animal Country.

Barry is a Dangerous Dog Handler and his skill and expertise at handling difficult/agressive dogs is used by local and government agencies Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Unique Pets launched in Winslow two years ago and is such a success owner Jenna Tomlins has opened a second branch in Aylesbury. That was only a few months ago but already she has had to move her Duck Farm Court branch into much larger premises, next door ... “

36

I

t’s been amazing,” says Unique Pets owner Jenna. “The Aylesbury store gave us so much more space than our shop at Winslow but we’ve been really busy since we opened. We found with two shops and a bigger range of products we needed more storage space and more shop floor to accommodate extra freezers for our bigger range of natural frozen foods. The larger unit next door became available, so we’ve moved already! It’s ideal - we’ve gone from four freezers to eight and we’ve space upstairs for our puppy training room and a new addition - our friend Heather’s Park Ur Paws Dog Grooming Salon.

We are now able to stock a much wider variety, of the natures:menu cat and dog food and also a new range of nutriment raw food.

The natures:menu Country Hunter range is made with venison, duck, rabbit and salmon which is great for dogs who have issues with chicken or grain and the dogs love it.

“We’ve had several customers say their dogs with delicate stomachs have really taken to the natural foods and it’s helped their digestion no end - even dogs with pancreatitis have benefitted. It can often help with itchiness and skin and coat problems (which some dogs develop on a cereal heavy diet), bad joints and dental problems.”

Unique Pets is also stocking reptile supplies and food: such as bugs, frozen food for snakes, decorations and flooring for tanks.

“My first love is wildlife and birds,” says Jenna, “so we have a good selection of birdseed for them and hogitats - little hibernation homes for hedgehogs - we also do bedding, food and accessories for small animals such as mice, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters and Guinea pigs, chicken feed, fishfood. Even if you have an unusual pet we can source what you need and order in for you. We are happy to do some research.

Of course it’s not just about food, Jenna has some rather stylish waterproof, windproof and washable, Outhwaite dog coats. A new and exciting range in padded, woven polyester.

The hi-tech fabric is specially treated to give a high moisture permeability combined with a padded and cosy feel that makes it Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Jenna, right, with assistant Lacie

comfortable to wear.

There’s also all manner of toys and treats, beds, collars, leads, grooming products and diet supplements. It is an Aladdin’s cave for pet owners!

“We are committed to helping owners enjoy their pets to the fullest extent possible,” says Jenna. “We stage events, talks and classes from dog training to dog therapy and puppy socialising aimed at helping owners through education and practical help. Details can usually be found under ‘Events’ on our website.”

At the Aylesbury store there are regular Puppy and Dog Training Classes with Rachel Hopton on Thursdays from 7pm-7.45pm and from 8pm-8.45pm, and occasional Pet Physio with Animal Physiotherapist Nisha and Puppy Parties. On Tuesday, February 11th at 6.30pm there’s a Dog and Puppy Behaviour Talk and on Sunday, February 16th from

12noon to 4pm there’s a Canine Massage and Acupressure Therapy Session with Trudi Dowling of Naturanimals Jenna prefers to stock healthy pet foods with clearly labelled natural ingredients and is very much an advocate for freeze dried raw food. Since the recent Channel 5 documentary, ‘The Truth About Your Pet Food’, aired on January 30th, she’s had worried pet owners asking for advice: “I’m a raw feeder myself,” says Jenna. “I feed my dog a raw diet because he was incredibly itchy and it all stopped when I swapped him onto raw food.

“We now stock nutriment as we’ve had so many people ask about it - it’s achieved a 5 star rating on www.whichdogfood.co.uk and it totally fits with our ethics and ethos of providing high quality food at an affordable price. We’ve been very pleased with the quality and our dogs are loving it! If you’re thinking of raw or would just like to find out about it,

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

After Before

Heather with a freshly groomed Max. Inset, Max before grooming Below: Park Ur Paws salon bath, left and grooming area, right

please come and ask - we don’t do hard sell, but we can give you information so you can make your own decision.

“There is no chance of Salmonella in the raw food we supply as it’s tested by the manufacturers and there’s no evidence, as one interviewee said, that dogs will shed Salmonella in their coats!”

New Dog Grooming Salon

T

hose with dogs that need regular or occasional grooming will be glad to hear about Park Ur Paws, the new dog grooming salon upstairs above Unique Pets.

Heather Humphreys loves dogs, she has two Boxers and a rescue dog she brought back from Turkey. Originally from a farming community in Ayrshire, Scotland, she is a qualified dental technician but decided on a career change and has been training in the art of grooming. She still makes crowns, bridges and dentures as well at the moment while Park Ur Paws is building a clientelle. It doesn't look like it will take long though, as Heather is still trying to find the time to finish decorating her salon between catering for all the new clients who have been rushing up the stairs since she first started kitting the salon out.

"I love working with animals," says Heather, "and I think there's a gap in the market for good, properly trained and qualified groomers.

The industry isn't regulated, so anyone can set up as a groomer and you do hear some horror stories about dogs being cut or burned.

“I'm doing a City and Guilds Level 3 at Curracloe in Ealing. It's nearing completion now and some of the students are aiming to campaign for regulation of the industry.

“We have two levels of grooming, a General Pet Groom and a Breed Standard Style, which is a specific traditional style for a particular breed of dog. There are so many different breeds that groomers generally refer to books or the internet to check the details of specific styles.”

Watching Heather work you can tell she has a creative flair and an eye for working in 3D. “I think being a dental technician has helped,” she says, “it’s quite an artistic job, you have to have a good eye and a steady hand.

“I wanted to have my dog groomed last year and there was to be a two month waiting list, which got me thinking there could be a market for grooming in Aylesbury.”

Heather offers a full grooming service for all types of dog of all sizes and ages.

“I do an ‘MOT’ which is like a half groom nails, ears and a tidy up, or a full groom and a bath and nail clipping if required.

“In March I’m going to take a course in micro-chipping, so hope to be offering that as a service too, soon.

“I met Jenna while shopping at Unique Pets and we got talking. When she moved into

Left: Max enjoying a trim. Above, pretty boy!

the bigger unit it seemed ideal to have a dog grooming salon upstairs, the two businesses work really well together. We have similar ethics as regards products too - my shampoos are totally natural and chemical free.”

Heather’s charges vary depending not so much on the size of the dog as on the thickness and condition of the coat. “It usually takes a couple of hours for a full groom,” she says, “but some dogs such as Labradoodles may take three because of their thick coats.”

Heather is running loyalty schemes for various free products and services and is kindly offering all Vale Life Magazine readers £5 off a full groom during February if they mention the magazine when booking.

To find out more see her Facebook site @ Park-Ur-Paws-Dog-Grooming-Salon, give her a call or pop in to Unique Pets and ask to see Heather. l Park Ur Paws, Unit11, Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 334539 Open: Mon-Fri, 8.30-5pm & Sat, 9am-1pm l Unique Pet Boutique, Unit 11, Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 715697 / 01296 706403 Email: getintouch@uniquepets.co.uk Website: www.uniquepets.mobi www.facebook.com/UniquePetBoutique Open 7 days: Mon, Tue & Fri: 10am-6pm Wed & Thur: 10am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Homestyle

by Dee Dashwood

New Vale Life columnist Dee Dashwood tackles teenage angst head-on with a cunning plan to funkify their lairs, with flair, imagination, and some clever DIY ideas to save you money...

F

inally, it’s back to school. Breathe a sigh of relief - the madness that was Christmas has finally abated. You sit back for a well earned rest, but here’s the rub, your teenage son or daughter is making loud noises about their bedroom, having spent the holidays ‘hanging’ at their best friend’s pad, and their room is “so much nicer than mine!”

Before and after: A tatty pine chest of drawers (inset)... transformed with paint and new knobs

The million dollar question...

How can you work together with your teenager to create something they will love, you can live with and the process won’t punch a hole in your wallet. Fear not! It’s relatively simple.

As an interior designer I appreciate that redecorating is a time consuming business and can be hefty on the purse strings. So in these ‘tougher times’ let’s employ some clever ideas to help you create style within your budget.

Let us begin Firstly, look around the home or indeed their bedroom, for furniture you have ignored which can be smartened up at low cost - commonly known as ‘upstyling’. An old mirror, a chest of drawers or even a wardrobe,

‘New York’ mural

can all be transformed and updated.

You don’t need to be precious about this, just buy the paint and slap it on because honestly, it’s going to be knocked about. It 38

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

doesn’t need to be a work of art. A pot of paint is relatively inexpensive and paint takes little time to apply and is quick to dry.

It’s a quick but dirty process, so find somewhere to rub down the item using a sanding block which has fine and medium sides; medium to prepare the surface of the wood for a primer; the fine side of the block to rub down the primer once it is dry to make it ready to receive the first coat of paint.

Let the first coat dry, rub down again and apply a final coat (it may only require one

Add visual interest with removeable wall stencils

coat, it’s your preference!)

Pictured above is a chest of drawers that I have ‘upstyled”. As you will see it started life as a battered pine chest of drawers. A lick of paint and some stylish new drawer knobs, et voila! It’s a totally revamped piece.

Secondly, walls. Use paint where you can to cover walls and outdated wallpaper and have one statement wall. A statement wall is where you use a funky wallpaper or mural to add visual interest. I love murals as they are bold, fun and change the look of a wall effortlessly, which is what we want!

There are some fantastic wall coverings available which really do draw the eye. If you prefer not to use wallpaper then the alternative is a large canvas wrap available online or in larger stores such as Ikea.

Another clever way to add ‘visual interest’ is to use removable wall stencils - they are

Homestyle

by Dee Dashwood

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Trainer shelves

Painted floorboards

fantastic and great fun! When you come to remove them, use a hairdryer to warm them up first and then they peel off with ease.

If you need to change the carpet but really don’t want to push the boat out, especially when teenagers can be so tidy (NOT); how about removing the carpet and painting the floor?

It’s a clever way of creating a great look for a room which is easier to clean than carpet, especially as drinks and food tend to get spilled on the floor. You can then add some visual interest by using a rug.

Using accessories I’m a big fan of accessories as they are a cost effective way to ‘inject’ colour and a focal point into a room, from coat hooks, clocks, cushions, throws and, of course, curtains, depending on the budget, of course. Use cushions on the bed along with the pillows, and floor cushions are great for when friends come to hang out.

Lighting is an essential component Continued on page 40

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Homestyle

by Dee Dashwood

For inspiration... www.outofthedark.org.uk ideas on painted furniture www.thelightingbug.co.uk retail outlet in Thame www.johnlewis.com department store in High Wycombe www.bouf.com hold my trainers www.lightinthebox.com funky clocks

when redesigning a room. Especially for a teenager if they tend to do their homework in their bedroom. Therefore task lighting is important. By ‘task’ I mean lighting which performs a specific purpose, i.e. for reading, at the bedside or a pendant from the ceiling.

There is a trend for using decorative lighting in bedrooms. Wrapped around a metal headboard, draped over a mirror which is a really great look, soft lighting that adds another dimension. Let’s face it, the bedroom is a place to relax, so lighting is important.

Artwork And last but by no means least, artwork.

I am a great believer in creating your own

artwork, especially as frames are so easy to source.

I have created the striking pictures above quite inexpensively by using the front page from one of my favourite magazines - Tatler.

Your son or daughter may well have a favourite magazine from which to source images to frame. It’s simple, cost effective and looks great! l Dee Dashwood is a creative, Berkhamsted based interior stylist and founder of Dee Dashwood Interior Style and Design the home of creative interior styling, ideas, guides and workshops.

Email: dashers@mac.com Twitter: @thestylegoddess

www.rebelwalls.com murals www.mywallstickers.com removable stencils www.hm.com cushions retail outlet in High Wycombe www.gingerinteriors.co.uk Clocks, mirrors, accessories, Aylesbury www.whitehartstudio.com Homeware and accessories, Haddenham www.wallaceshomeboutique.co.uk Vintage flavours, Thame www.ellajanegifts.com Homeware and accessories

Made to measure soft furnishings • curtains • blinds Re-upholstery • alterations • design assistance • wallpaper

creative home interiors

Free measuring and quotation Installation available

tillynilly 

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

www.tillynilly.com for more information Decorative accessories and gifts for home and garden Shop online www.tillynilly.com/store FREE DELIVERY for online orders—use offer code VLDEL

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Floor coverings are more stylish than ever these days but the choice can be overwhelming, there’s bold, stripey carpets, earthy sisals, wood flooring and vinyls that look like stone, tiles or wood...

A

Charles Huntington Flooring t Charles Huntington Flooring David the look or feel of the carpet.

and Emma stock a wide range of traditional and modern floorings for all budgets. They see trends come and go but one thing that doesn’t change is the need to have your flooring installed by an expert.

“David has laid carpet all over the world,” says Emma. “He is very experienced and has worked in all sizes of home, hotels, offices and even a mosque. We’ve had flooring companies call up to say they’ve seen our photographs of striped carpet perfectly fitting a curving staircase and don’t believe it can be done, but for David it’s not a problem! He is also experienced with sisals, coirs, wood flooring and vinyls.

“Over the last year 80%/20%: wool/polyprop carpets have proved very popular. They are hard wearing and sustain their look for longer. We CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL also saw an increase in 50/50 mix carpets, which SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD come in both a twist pile and a loop pile.

It costs less than 100% wool but does not compromise

particularly well with our engineered wood flooring, which ranges from 14mm to 20mm in “For children’s bedrooms there is the option of•Expert 100% man-made depth and can be fitted oiled or lacquered.

Advicecarpets that are bleach “I’ve been impressed by Project Floors luxury cleanable and come in a wide range of colours.

•Professional vinyl tiles, which replicate real wood or tiles. It “Stripes are very Fitting much in vogue - they really bring a stairs and landing to life. We hold a large looks great but is low maintenance and very hard •Very Competitive •Expert Advice wearing.” variety in price and from a loop to a twist for ranging Residential •Professional Fitting pile finish. A background colour can be picked Whether you are looking to put new flooring Commercial work •Very in a hallway or small room,Competitive your whole house or out and continued through other rooms, so the •Carpets to suit workplace it’s worthfor giving David and Emma carpets compliment eachall other and have a sense Residential and a of Budgets continuity. We are always happy to advise and call. At Charles Huntington Flooringwork they can Commercial supply anything from a plain, simple twist carpet have a large variety of catalogues and samples •Free Quotes •Carpets toincluding suit all to something quirky and original, for inspiration.

Budgets “Stair runners look very elegant, whether it designer flooring from brands such as Jacaranda, •No Obligation Jabo, Roger Oates and Crucial Trading. be for a straight or winding staircase - Dave’s •Free Quotes •Free Parking expertise and eye for detail will ensure you get •No Obligation l Charles Huntington Flooring, 23 Duck Farm the best visual results.”

Court, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2SQ •Free Parking “Sisals are also very popular at the moment,” • STAIR RODS Tel; 01296 337181 says David. “Some lovely, new, earthy colours Mobile: 07767 370067 •have BINDING TAPES been introduced which give a natural finish Email: info@charleshuntington.co.uk • www.charleshuntington.co.uk SISAL • STAIR RODS that works throughout the home. CARPETS It also goes • VINYLS Website:

Charles Huntington Flooring

Charles Huntington Flooring

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

Any other time by appointment Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 for337181 Residential and 23 DUCK FARM COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Commercial work DUCK FARM COURT, STATIONvinyl, WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON QUALITY OR SERVICE l Independent, family run carpet l Carpet, sisal, coir, hardwood l Extensive range of23traditional Charles Huntington Flooring to suit all and flooring specialists l Exclusive suppliers of Roger Oates and contemporary flooring •Carpets Charles Huntington Flooring Charles Huntington 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 Huntington Flooring •Expert Advice •Expert Advice•Free •Professional Fitting Advice •Professional Fitting Quotes•Expert •Expert AdviceFitting •Professional •Professional Fitting •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive •No Obligation •Professional Fitting for Residential and •Very Competitive •Very Competitive •Very Competitive •Very Competitive Commercial work for Residential and Residential and for Residential•Free and •Very Competitive Parking for Commercial work for Residentialwork and Commercial Commercial work

Charles Huntington Flooring

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 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 10am until 5pm Opening Times: Monday toWeb: Friday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment 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 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 •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •No Obligation •Free Quotes •No SAFETY FLOORING • •No WOOD • BINDING TAPES •No Obligation Obligation •FreeObligation Parking •No Obligation •Free Parking •Free Parking •Free Parking •Free Parking

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

41

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Modern homes are all about energy efficiency and insulation. Buildings that for planning, conservation or aesthetic reasons require slim, single-paned glazing, are no longer being ‘left out in the cold’ though. A local firm has developed a slender-paned solution combining the benefits of double-glazing with the slim elegant sight lines of traditional, fixed, timber glazing bar windows... “

T

here are two sides to what we do,” says Herald Joinery and Slenderpane Managing Director David Weston. “We make traditional sash windows and we make slim glass units and we are happy to supply either, trade or retail.

“As Slenderpane we manufacture and sell our glass units to the building trade and to retail customers all over the UK. They may be installed as replacement glazing in existing doors and windows, or used in completely new frames to make up new units.

“As Herald Joinery we produce traditional, high quality, hand-made, bespoke sash windows, incorporating glazing from our sister company Slenderpane.”

Slenderpane double-glazed units are quite unusual. Manufactured to order, by the local firm at premises in Haddenham, they incorporate the latest technology including black, ‘warm edge’ superspacers, so when glazed into windows or doors, visually they are virtually impossible to distinguish from single-glazed units, but produce much lower heat loss values that comply with current

Slim double-glazed units 42

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Managing Director David Weston, right and Sales Director Elton Latter, left. building regulations.

When refurbishing a period building in a conservation area, the aim is usually to retain the elegant appearance of single-glazing with fixed narrow glazing bars, while enhancing thermal and sound insulation and Slenderpane provides the ideal solution.

Dave Weston has many years experience in the construction industry. He is a qualified Quantity Surveyor with experience in commercial joinery and property development: “I set up Herald Joinery in 2006, because I couldn’t get the quality of frames I wanted,” says Dave. “The same thing happened when buying in glazing for the frames we made, so we set up Slenderpane and now make the complete product ourselves, to ensure the quality and reliability of our sash windows.

“There was just Adrian and myself to start with, then as things got busier we took on a couple more joiners, then Elton to help with sales and marketing. We took on some finishers and another couple of joiners and then founded Slenderpane to make our own glass units. More recently we have begun installing our windows too, so we now have our own fitting team. Keeping it all in-house makes it much easier to ensure our products and services are of the highest quality.”

The best materials and technology available are combined in Herald Joinery’s top of the range Herald Sash Windows. The frames are of Accoya Wood, which is an engineered timber, produced from sustainably-sourced, fast-growing pine, impregnated to match the performance characteristics of tropical

Glass for units is cleaned and checked for flaws

Double-glazed unit being sealed hardwoods, whilst boasting a carbon negative footprint and a fifty year guarantee. Accoya is 17% more thermally efficient than typical softwoods and 40% more than typical hardwoods. It looks beautiful too.

Different types of glass are available to meet your needs - softcoated Planitherm glass for enhanced thermal insulation, laminated glass for security, acoustic glass for noise reduction, solar control glass to reduce furniture fading...

The cavity within a Slenderpane unit is smaller than on a standard double-glazed unit, so the heavy inert gases Krypton and Xenon are sealed between the panes to achieve the thermal values required and help reduce noise transference. To hold the two panes of glass apart standard windows use a highly conductive metal spacer bar, which sucks heat from the inside to the outside. In their slim double-glazed units Slenderpane use a Super Spacer® - a ‘warm edge’ foam spacer system that is thermally efficient and allows for slimmer sight lines.

“We have a lot of clients from conservation

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Timber frames being manufactured in the joinery shop.

Inset left, spray-painting window frame sections areas,” says Dave. “Where they are required to install wood units rather than plastic and want to have thin bars to be in keeping with the existing architecture. We do a lot of work on Victorian properties in London. We can supply a single unit to match existing units or we may be called upon to replace several or all windows, to improve not only thermal insulation and energy efficiency but also sound insulation and condensation problems.

Using Planitherm energy saving glass with advanced coatings to retain warmth in the home whilst capturing heat from natural sunlight, Slenderpane units can achieve U

4m high sash window assembled in workshop

Trina and Shamus

values of 1.3, which although not as low as some thicker units, is amazing considering the slimness of the units and well within current building regulation.

“We aim to produce high quality sash windows at competitive prices,” says Dave.

“We may not be the cheapest option but if you are looking for a top quality product, you won’t find better value or service. We can usually give a rough idea of cost over the phone and if it’s in the right ball park we will then do a site visit and a detailed quotation.”

With Dave’s surveying background, knowledge of construction and property experience he is able to advise not only on which joinery might be appropriate but on aspects of construction and how new units might be incorporated into a building. Dave and Elton will also project manage each customer order, from initial consultation to completion. They are happy to work with the customer to ensure they are getting the best options and will often research and source specific aspects of a project, say a particular lock or type of handle that might be required.

See the websites below, or call Elton on: 01844 291111 for further information. Trade and retail enquiries are welcome. l Herald Joinery/Slenderpane Ltd, Unit 5, Thame Road Industrial Estate, Thame Road, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8BZ Slenderpane tel: 01844 292779 Email: sales@slenderpane.co.uk Website: www.slenderpane.co.uk Herald Joinery tel: 01844 291111 Email: info@heraldjoinery.co.uk Website: www.heraldsashwindows.co.uk Slenderpane supports the children’s charity Helen & Douglas House and makes a donation for every glass unit produced.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

43

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Ridgeway Kitchens German kitchen, Thame

Having a new kitchen would be a dream come true for many of us - yet the prospect of getting one fitted is really quite daunting. Happily Ridgeway Kitchens is proving that, with a little hard work from them, the experience can be smoothly efficient and the end results, quite thrilling...

O

“

ur priority is making sure you get what you want,” says Ridgeway Kitchens designer Wayne. “We begin with your ideal wish list and then find ways to help you achieve it.

“Our contemporary precision-engineered German kitchens are designed to maximise your use of space, while each unit is built to withstand the tough realities of everyday life.

“Meanwhile our English bespoke kitchens are hand-crafted and can be made to meet your exact needs, no matter how unusual your tastes, or how awkward your space.”

The Ridgeway Kitchens and Interiors showroom is hidden away on the Farol estate off Rycote Lane, just past The Oxfordshire

44

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

at Milton Common, near Thame. It’s a fair size and boasts an impressive display of kitchen sets in various styles and colours. The company aims to be a one-stop service, so you can hand over the worry of organising and co-ordinating different trades and contractors and let Ridgeway Kitchens project manage the job.

“We only use in-house fitters,” says Wayne, “so we know the quality of workmanship will be first rate and there’s no delegation of responsibility. They can work alone or alongside your builders and because they know our range down to the tiniest detail, they can think on the spot and find solutions to any problems that may arise. And if you do find any niggles when you start using your

Ridgeway Kitchens bespoke English kitchen, Long Crendon

kitchen, give us a call and they’ll pop back and sort them out for you.

Ridgeway Kitchens also do a fair amount of trade work, fitting new kitchens for builders and developers and specialise in very competitive pricing to offer excellent value.

“We are very particular about the quality of our kitchens and workmanship,” says Wayne. “Dealing with builders and developers we have to be reliable and provide a quality product at a good price. We have sourced a range of proven, high quality, excellent value components, be that cupboard units, electrical appliances, sinks and taps, flooring or work surfaces. Having assessed and rejected many, we are confident that we now have reliable, committed, like-minded suppliers whose products and services we trust.

“Whether we are designing a compact, space-saving kitchen for a two bed flat or a grand kitchen/diner project for a large country home, it’s important to us that the customer is completely happy,” says Wayne.

“Whatever the budget, I have total confidence in the products we supply and in our installers.

Word of mouth and recommendation are powerful marketing tools, so it is crucial to us

that our customers are completely satisfied with the service they receive and really do get the kitchen of their dreams.”

To help you visualise your new kitchen, Ridgeway Kitchens utilise computer aided design technology which produces plans and 3D walk through room simulations with a variety of finishes, colours and lighting to give an idea of how they might look.

Whether you are looking to purchase a new kitchen, or just getting ideas and options together, give Ridgeway Kitchens a call on 01844 279900 or pop in to their showroom

near Thame, where the Ridgeway Kitchens team will be delighted to give you a tour and discuss Your your needs. kitchen. Your space. Your way.

“Your kitchen, your space, your way, is our motto,”says Wayne. “Just tell us what you want to achieve and we’ll show you how to make your kitchen dreams come true.”

Ridgeway designs English bespoke kitchens to match your wish list then installs them with care and precision.

We offer a complete service, from free initial CAD designs to project management and final sign-off.

Our team of in-house, IKBBI-registered fitters, builders, plumbers and electricians work to extremely high standards, giving you quality at a fair price.

For traditional or modern kitchens, German engineered kitchens, worktops, Karndean flooring, taps and top brand appliances, come and see us.

l Ridgeway Kitchens and Interiors Office and Showroom, Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxfordshire OX9 2NZ Tel: 01844 279900 Visit our showroom near Thame. www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk Call 01844 279900 to make an appointment. www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

45 3

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Roses are red, lilac, yellow, pink…

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ed roses are traditional for Valentine’s Day - but do you know what colour to send to someone you’ve fallen in love with at first sight?

The answer is lilac. So when you’re choosing roses for that special someone this month, make sure you choose the correct colour yellow is for friendship, so if your intentions are romantic you could be ruining your chances. White roses, meanwhile, mean I miss you, so are a good choice if you’re far away from your love interest on February 14 - and deep pink roses say thank you.

For a longer-lasting expression of your love, you could choose to buy a rose bush for your other half, rather than (or as well as!) a bouquet. Bare-root roses might not look so pretty now, but they can still be planted until march and will give years of beautiful blooms and perfume in the garden. Bare-root plants are usually bought by mail order and are especially good value.

Remember to plant them as soon as you receive them.

It is also possible to plant containerised roses at this time of

Red roses for a Valentine

year - look in the garden centre for plants - again they need planting as soon as you take them home. These are actually bare-root plants that have been planted in compost so that they don’t dry out.

Finally, container-grown roses are grown in their containers and can be bought all year round.

When you get your plants home, make sure you dig plenty of organic matter into the ground where

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you’re planning to plant your bush.

Farmyard manure is particularly good if you can get it - now you know why people used to rush outside with a bucket and shovel after horses went down the road!

The planting hole should be about twice as wide as the roots of the rose and as deep as your digging spade. If you’re planting a container rose, tease out its roots first to give it a helping hand. When you place the bush in the hole, make sure that the spot where the branches start to grow is above the soil level.

Then backfill the planting hole with soil. Remember that if you are replacing an old rose bush, you should dig out the soil and replace with some dug from a different part of your garden, otherwise your new plant may be prone to replant disease.

February to March is also the time to prune mature shrub roses - for full details on how to prune roses, head to the Royal Horticultural Society website at www.rhs.org.uk The white nodding heads of snowdrops are a lovely indicator

that spring is on its way, and snowdrop days are held at a number of gardens. I have two favourite snowdrop gardens - Anglesey Abbey Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire has 240 different varieties of snowdrop scattered across 114 acres as well as winter garden treats including coloured tree barks, winter flowering shrubs, ground cover plants and even the first signs of daffodils. Snowdrop tours are held on weekdays from 3 February – 9 March, 2pm. Booking is advisable on: 01223 810080.

Benington Lordship gardens, near Stevenage, Herts are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops around the remains of the Norman Castle and surrounding moat. There are more than 200 varieties to see. Find out more at: www.beningtonlordship.co.uk/ events/snowdrops.shtml

l Naomi MacKay is a freelance journalist who has worked on a number of gardening magazines and often works for the RHS. She has recently launched a website for parents of boys aged 4-11 at www.itsaboything.net

Telephone: 01844 208401 Mobile: 07732 329118 Email: info@landmarkgardendesign.com Website: www.landmarkgardendesign.com

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

You could say one local firm is really going places. Crendon Conservatories might not be a High Street name yet but with business booming and new premises in the centre of Thame, on Swan Walk, the company is travelling in the right direction...

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he sharp-eyed among us will be used to seeing Crendon Conservatories boards outside local homes. The Thame based company has been installing the latest in conservatories and cross-over extensions, windows and doors across the Vale for eight years now and has built an enviable reputation as a friendly and reliable, family firm that has grown its business from the recommendations of happy clients.

The company is owned by Richard Warner, a keen sportsman and member of Chinnor Rugby Club. The ex Lord Williams’s School pupil was brought up in Long Crendon and runs the business, employing both his father Les and mother Shirley.

The firm had showrooms at Notley Farm but have recently moved and are now based at Swan Walk, just off Thame’s Upper High Street, where Richard feels their modest showroom/office will not only raise their profile but is also more convenient for customers, who can pop in to pick up a brochure or chat over ideas and options for extending their homes or replacing doors and windows, while shopping in Thame.

“We have grown as a business in recent years,” says Richard, “but we are still very much focused on providing a personal service.

I oversee all our projects and spend time on site, managing and making sure our clients are completely happy.

“We keep up with and offer the very latest

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Loggia/Livin Room cross-over style extension, Gerrards Cross, Autumn 2013

technologies, designs and trends for the home and are constantly moving our range forward.

We are quite selective though in that we cherry pick what we see as the best items on the market. Often they are products that are produced following extensive market research so we know they are what customers are going to want. You have to move with the times and conservatories have come a long way over the last few decades. We are recommended installers for Ultraframe Conservatories and their Loggia and Livin Room, ‘Orangerie style’ conservatories have revolutionised the concept. They look and function like part of the house and are usable as an extra room all year round. They are quite different to the traditional all glass conservatories and a real alternative to an extension, being much more cost effective to construct.

“Blind technology has come a long way too. We have motorised blinds for the roof light which blend in with the ceiling to create a slicker, more stylish look while keeping the warmth in or shading from the sun.

“There are so many conservatory options available these days, it can be difficult to decide exactly what size and style is right for your home, so we have computer visualisation software which can show, in 3-D, how different designs will look in a variety of colours and materials, with different roof styles and with different numbers of panes of glass. It also helps visualise where doors would be best situated. With a photograph of the side of your home, we can even show you what the conservatory will look like in position!

“Now our new showroom in Thame is open from Monday to Saturday, my mother Shirley has come on board to help with admin and to man the front office. She joins Mel who looks after accounts and Kate, who has recently joined to help with customer service and sales. Being in Thame is great, people have already spotted us and are popping in.”

Richard’s father Les is a valued member of the team: “Having my dad on board is a real bonus,” says Richard. “He is a skilled builder,

carpenter and groundworker, with a wealth of conservatory experience and know I can rely on him to ensure our work is of the highest standard. We have our own team of fitters and finishers skilled in a variety of trades including plasterering and electrics, so I know we will do what we say, when we say we will and the work will be top quality.

“We have sourced a fabulous range of great windows and doors. We only deal with top manufacturers, such as Solidor who make one of the best composite door ranges on the market - their Italian range is foam insulated, and their UPVC doors are available in a variety of colours with a wood grain effect which looks like painted timber. Eurocell are the market leader in UPVC framed windows and we stock Smart aluminium framed bi-fold

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

from design to build The Loggia Conservatory Modern Glass Extensions Cross Over Extensions Traditional Conservatories

01844 208605 The Loggia

Visit our showroom. Open Mon-Sat.

New Stables, Notley Farm, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9ER | www.crendonconservatories.co.uk

Crendoon Conservatories new office/showroom in Swan Walk, Thame These Residence 9 flush casements look fab either side of the beautiful Solidor front door with ornate period handles.

Richard Warner in the new showroom with Solidor doors and a Eurocell replacement window doors, aluminium French doors and a lot of hardwood frames too. The aluminium can be powder finished to your required colour. We can have hardwood doors made to measure, so if you have a photograph of a door you particularly like the look of, or a sketch, we can have it made up for you and supply it fully finished and fitted with locks.

“We deal in high quality products, so they won’t be the cheapest option, but we are very competitive and aim to offer excellent value for money.”

A recent find is Residence 9 windows high end replacement windows that look like they are timber framed but are actually manufactured from a modern composite material to produce a virtually maintenance free finish.

Richard’s office is an Ultraframe Loggia!

It is a top end luxury window brand which can accommodate double or triple glazing for market leading acoustic and thermal performance, while authentically replicating the appearance of traditional timber window frames. This is achieved by mirroring the sizes as historically documented and listed in planning guidelines and having the units hand finished by craftsmen, see picture right.

The windows are available in a range of ‘heritage’ colours with ‘easy clean rebates’.

The company also makes beautiful French and Residential doors.

Crendon Conservatories are FENSA registered, part of The Glass and Glazing Federation and cover their work with a 10 year, insurance-backed guarantee.

If you are thinking of extending your

home or replacing windows or doors, pop in for a chat with Richard. He can help with ideas, designs, drawings and even planning permissions or a certificate of lawful development to show you didn’t need planning permission!

The new office is easy to find and there’s plenty of free parking right outside by The Swan Hotel. l Crendon Conservatories, 3 Swan Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HN Telephone: 01844 216655 E-mail: info@crendonconservatories.co.uk Web: www.crendonconservatories.co.uk Showroom open: Mon-Sat, 9am-4pm.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Manchester is probably not the first place you’d think of if choosing a destination for a weekend away. A city break is fun though as you can do a lot in a short time and this huge northern metropolis is only three hours by train from Oxford. Now where did I put that shell suit...

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anchester has had its problems like any industrial town but since they closed the dockyards in 1982, Salford Quays, near the end of the Manchester Ship Canal - the original site of Manchester Docks - has been one of the first and largest urban regeneration projects in the United Kingdom.

The Quays (www.thequays.org.uk) as it is called today is a stunning waterfront destination and home to some spectacular attractions and iconic buildings. It looks pretty swish, all bright lights and modern architecture and the huge Media Centre - MediaCityUK, from where the BBC broadcasts shows like The Voice. Watching the programme you’ll occasionally see the canals, walkways and bridges as they film the contestants and their families approaching the studio.

At the end of Pier 8, surrounded by the waters of the Manchester Ship Canal, is a fabulous modern theatre, The Lowry (www. thelowry.com) with its amazing programme of cultural and arts events and a gallery dedicated to the great man and his works. It opened in April 2000 and houses the 1730 seat Lyric theatre, the 466 seat Quays theatre, studio spaces, gallery space, cafés, bars and a restaurant. The centre is associated with Salford painter L. S. Lowry, famous for his ‘matchstick men’ style of painting and houses a unique collection of his work. Over one of the ‘Millennium Bridge style’ footbridges lies The Imperial War Museum North (www.iwm. org.uk/visits/iwm-north ) with it’s angular sci-fi exterior.

It overlooks the Manchester Ship Canal on the opposite bank to the Lowry and MediaCityUK. The museum, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, opened in July 2002. Its structure was designed to be a metaphor for a world shattered by war with sloping walls and ceilings. Three areas, the Air, Earth and Water Shards house exhibition and gallery space, public areas and restaurants.

The museum is proud of its extensive collection of historical artefacts, primarily from our 20th Century wars. The museum also has an exhibition house with themes that 50

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The Lowry

changes on a regular basis.

In the distance, several hundred yards across the giant ship canal is one of football’s most famous stadiums, Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, once a great team, ahem! If you are a fan you can of course book onto a stadium tour and see where the superstars get changed.

Culture, history, heritage and sport interweave through this area - take a cruise down the old canal, (Manchester Cruises www. manchestercruises.com), see Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club. (www.lccc.co.uk), go discount shopping at the Lowry Outlet Shopping Centre (www. lowryoutlet.co.uk), and stay at one of the area’s top-quality, yet affordable hotels such as The Old Trafford Lodge or The Copthorne Manchester (www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/ copthornemanchester).

We overnighted at The Copthorne and found the staff charming and helpful and the hotel ideally located for The Quays and Old Trafford and only a few hundred yards from a tram stop. Many of the rooms have pleasant views out over the water too and the full English breakfast, served in our room, was excellent.

You are not far from the centre of Manchester, the city is connected by The Manchester Metrolink, an extremely smart and efficient network of trams. You can hop on and off with ease and feel very continental!

Getting to Manchester from Oxford was simplicity itself. The Cross Country Trains (www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk) Service is regular, comfortable and cost about £70 per person for an off peak return. It was a pleasant and relaxing three hour journey and much preferable to driving!

The once industrial city of Manchester has reinvented itself as a truly contemporary metropolis. Salford Quays is well worth a visit and central Manchester has a fabulous selection of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Prices are reasonable and the people are very friendly. Go on then, next short break, where are going? Jump on a train, head North, ‘have it large’, as they say! l For more information, on Salford Quays visit www.thequays.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/VisitTheQuays Twitter: @quays_partnership www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk

Imperial War Museum North

Column: Emma Ward‘Country Girl’

Homework time

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in a residential care home to craft full time, allowing her much greater flexibility to look after her daughter Sophie (and enjoy the occasional tractor ride with husband, Matt!)

Lisa had premises on the market square in Winslow, but has now chosen to work purely from home. Although she misses the camaraderie of the town, working from home definitely has its advantages. Lisa raves about the countryside as an amazing place to work and as a place of inspiration; the weather, the landscape and the wildlife all act as muses.

Lisa praises Facebook as essential for a rural, home-run business especially as her farm is so

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able to find a last minute birthday card!

Whether it be cards or crafts I think myself and Lisa have got the right idea; a job you’re passionate about with the added bonus of curling up on the sofa whilst doing it. Now where are my slippers?!

Lisa’s creations can be found at www.polkadotwinslow.co.uk l Fancy a new, fantastically flexible job? I am now recruiting more team members!

Please get in touch with me (Emma) on 07806 618750 or emmajaneward88@aol.com.

See my cards and more information at www.phoenixtrading.co.uk/web/emmaward1

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Manor & numerous local

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11th Century Long Crendon

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Proud installers for

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n recent years employment opportunities have become few and far between, especially in the country but our rural population has fought back! Self-employment is on the increase and in lofty farmhouse attics and cosy cottage kitchens the small business revolution is well under way. In particular, women are boosting their household incomes in flexible and creative ways.

I recently met up with a lady who is doing just this, and has been for 15 years, the last eight as a full time job. Lisa Wright runs ‘Polkadot’, from a farm near Winslow in the depths of Buckinghamshire. Her products are a gorgeous mix of rustic country chic and vintage style for the home and the added bonus is that Lisa designs and makes the items herself, meaning everything is unique.

Lisa has always loved storytelling and country crafts - she has Romany Gypsy heritage and has used her creative abilities to her advantage. She built her business part-time until able to leave her job

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isolated, it wouldn’t be feasible for customers to come to her.

Sounds wonderful doesn’t it??

Snuggled up with a mug of tea, slippers on and painting to your heart’s content... however Lisa assures me it’s not all a bed of roses. The broadband is pretty temperamental. You have to be VERY organised (and strict with yourself) - there’s no payment for being off sick. Then there’s the dreaded tax return. So is it still worth it? Lisa’s reply; “Definitely.

100%. How many jobs let you stop for an impromptu field picnic when the weather is nice?!” Well, she’s certainly won me over.

In fact I have just started running my own business with Phoenix Trading, selling gorgeous cards, gift wrap, stationery and more. What started out as a bit of a hobby (and I must admit, a slight personal obsession with sending cards) has become a way of supplementing my income (came in very handy at Christmas!) and also a great way to meet new people and make friends.

It is fantastically flexible too; I do a little bit here and there when I can fit it in and I’ve had absolutely no problem selling. The products practically sell themselves and I never have the issue of not being

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Award-winning care and nursing service provider The Fremantle Trust is to open a brand new, state of the art care home in Stoke Mandeville, where a wide range of needs can be catered for...

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new luxury flagship care home between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough has been designed to provide a happy, comfortable, desirable and safe place to live - where people can feel content and completely ‘at home’.

Everything from the careful selection and training of the staff team, to the considered design with attention to numerous small environmental details, has been expertly planned to make living at Fremantle Court a real pleasure.

The Fremantle Trust’s 90-place care home has been built to meet Stirling University’s nationally recognised Gold Standard in dementia care design.

For Fremantle, one of the most important things is that the people receiving care remain

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in control of their own future. Therefore residents are consulted in every aspect of their care, so that they can live their lives there with true respect and dignity.

The building is set in beautiful landscaped grounds in rural Buckinghamshire and will be home to people in six compact, homely wings.

The home will cater for a range of needs - frailty and general difficulty managing everyday life, people who are living with dementia and those who require nursing care.

Each well appointed wing has its own sitting room, dining room and assisted bathroom, as well as 15 luxurious personal rooms, each with an en suite shower room, WiFi, telephone and TV points.

Sixteen of the ground floor rooms also

benefit from their own small, private patio/ garden area. The home boasts a number of central communal areas, including an atrium and a cinema.

The highest standards of catering, which are inspired by the Trust’s links with the executive chef at Waddesdon Manor, will also be enjoyed, and varied and regular leisure and lifestyle opportunities will also be provided.

Everything will be done to ensure that residents at Fremantle Court are able to continue to live the kind of lifestyle they want to pursue.

Chief executive Carole Sawyers said: “We are all very much looking forward to the handover from construction company, Castle Oak in the next few weeks.

“We hope to be open to residents before

Artist’s impression of Fremantle Court the end of March. We have already put in place our fabulous care team, who, like all those at our other Fremantle services, are committed to providing the highest quality of care for future residents, who I know will really feel at home at Fremantle Court.”

Newly appointed manager Jan Lovett recently scooped the registered manager of the year award at the Great London Care Awards 2013 in her previous role as manager at Fremantle’s Apthorp Lodge in the London Borough of Barnet.

For more information on this or any other Fremantle services, visit the Trust’s website at: www.fremantletrust.org To arrange a care consultation you can call family liaison manager Cathy Charles on 07867 455899.

Quality of life is a priority A little of what you fancy does you good!

l Fremantle Trust, Woodley House 64/65 Rabans Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8RS Tel: 01296 393000 Email: info@feemantletrust.org Website: www.fremantletrust.org Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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We dread costly printer problems and moan at the price of ink cartridges, but a new service means ‘all you can drink ink’ and a stylish new printer for just a few pounds a month...

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onthly instalments seem a popular way of paying for most things these days it’s not just for household utilities or directory shopping. We are used to spreading the capital cost of items such as mobile phones and having the price of the handset factored into our monthly bill.

It’s convenient and it helps us to budget as there are no sudden large payments to cover.

At Cartridge World, Aylesbury, owners Martin and Sarah have rather cleverly introduced the same concept for their printers and ink cartridges.

On their Infinity subscription service you pay a set monthly fee and you not only get a rather nice state of the art Wifi printer that scans and copies too, but Cartridge World will provide you with unlimited ink as part of the deal!

How fabulous - no matter how

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much you print, when your printer cartridges are empty, just take them back to your local Cartridge World store and they will replace them with full ones.

There will be no more fretting about the cost of printing or worrying over how much ink is being used every time someone prints out an email or runs off a copy of their homework, it’s all in the monthly subscription.

Even better if anything goes wrong with your printer, Cartridge World will maintain, repair or replace it, as part of the service.

You need never buy another printer again!

“I thought it would be particularly good for families,” says Martin, who came up with the Infinity idea. “In the past if your printer broke, or you ran out of ink, you just had to cope with the expense. These things always seemed to happen at the worst

Sarah and Martin with one of the Brother printers available on an Infinity contract time and with homework to print or an airline ticket to run off, you just had to find the extra money for ink or repairs there and then.

“With an Infinity subscription you are completely covered and there would be no extra expense.

“We have three printer and unlimited ink packages on offer at present. The difference in price reflects the slightly higher specifications of some printers: “Infinity is £9.99 per month for unlimited ink and a modern, multifunction printer (Brother DCP-197C).

“Infinity Plus is £11.99 per month for unlimited ink, plus a wireless and mobile print, multifunction printer (Brother JCPJ132W).

“Infinity Extra is £14.99 per month for unlimited ink plus a

wireless and mobile print, scan to web and print from web (Facebook, Dropbox & Flickr), colour LCD display & touch panel, multifunction printer (DCPJ152W)!”

If you like the idea of unlimited printing for around a tenner a month, call Sarah or Martin at Cartridge World Aylesbury or pop in to see them. You can pre-register online at: www.cartridgeworld.co.uk to save time when you get to the store and you’ll need some ID and a £25 returnable deposit.

It’s such an infinitely good deal how can you afford not to!? l Cartridge World Aylesbury, 32 Parton Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1NG Tel:01296 434666 Email:cwaylesbury@cartridgeworld.co.uk Web: www.cartridgeworld.co.uk

Open garden for Scannappeal

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cannappeal, a local Buckinghamshire based charity raising funds to purchase life-saving equipment for local hospitals invite you to an open garden at Lilies in Weedon on Saturday, 1st March, from 11am to 3pm.

The magnificent gardens have been developed over the past thirteen years by the current owners and feature several acres of formal lawns, gardens with mature specimen trees and woodlands with defined pathways which meander through the naturalized drifts of Snowdrops.

There are also collections of Snowdrops and Hellebores elsewhere in the garden along with further examples of spring flowering. Other features include a walled garden and flower meadow.

Guided tours by Head Gardener Gert-Jan are available (pre-

booking required at additional charge) to help visitors make the most of their visit.

Snowdrops and Hellebores displayed in the garden will be on sale during the day. Entertainment will be provided by The Consort Singers, an A Cappella group offering a range of musical styles.

Refreshments will be served during the opening, and there will be the opportunity to purchase plants featured in the garden.

For further information please visit: www.scannappeal.org.uk or call the Scannappeal office on 01494 734161.

Beatles about

The Dung Beatles

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ans can buy a ticket to ride when the Fab Four play their latest gigs.

Not the original mop-tops, of course, but the doppelganger Dung Beatles, who get ready to rock at Aylesbury’s Limelight Theatre in the Queens Park Arts Centre on March 7th and 8th.

The two-night stint follows their highly successful sell-out gig at the venue last year, which earned a rave review from Terry Bloxham, membership secretary of the British Beatles Fan Club.

The Dung Beatles, comprising Danny Prendergast, Phil Toler, Steve Hillier and Mike Ashton played the Waterside Theatre’s Second Space last October, when they again sold out.

The Limelight gigs will also feature sitar player John Kay and

Rob Schafer on keyboards and percussion.

Lead guitarist Danny, co-owner of Aylesbury Music, said: “We always play all the big hits but we like to mix it up with some unusual stuff from The Beatles’ albums as well, that aren’t as well known.”

The Dung Beatles plan 40 to 50 gigs around the region this year, including the Hard Day’s Night Festival in Twickenham in April and Tring’s Court Theatre on May 24. l The Limelight Theatre, Queens Park Centre, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 7RT Tel: 01296 431272 Email: info@qpc.org Web: www.qpc.org Tickets: £12 (concs £10) Members: £9.60 www.thedungbeatles.co.uk

l Column: Catherine Stoker

Learning process Independent education consultant Catherine Stoker discusses choosing a senior school and whether to move at 11 or 13 years...

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any parents are presently facing the dilemma as to which senior school would be best for their child. Some also have the challenge of deciding whether it would be best for their youngster to move at the age of 11 or 13. With excellent state and independent senior schools right across our region, parents are spoilt for choice and this can make choosing even harder.

I am often asked to advise on the best way to make this decision. It is hard to give generic tips to suit all, as it depends on the child and the family circumstances. However in my opinion there are a few to tips that are relevant to all.

Consider your child as an individual and make a decision as to what feels right. When you visit schools you will instantly get an impression of which one has the right ethos and atmosphere. For this reason, try and visit on a normal school day rather than an open day when the school is on show. Visit a short-list of no more than three or four schools, or you will find this process too confusing.

Talk to the Head and other key staff and choose a school where they have the same values and educational philosophy as you.

Ignore dinner party banter and avoid making comparisons with other families. Receiving advice from all directions can lead you round in circles and cause confusion.

Stick to independent sources of advice such as the Head of your prep or primary school, or an education consultant. Be sure the advice you receive is independent and covers all of your options, not just a subjective few.

Staying on at prep until 13 will give a wealth of opportunities to develop independence and life skills through positions of responsibility.

Expectations to achieve are high.

Being a big fish at the top of a small pond maximises these

Learning process Catherine Stoker opportunities.

Years 7 and 8 in a senior school by contrast are often seen as settling in years where the aim is to lay foundations and nurture confidence, being the youngest pupils in a bigger school environment. Some children thrive better with this approach, especially where a change of scene is needed to maximise potential.

Examples of this can be to make a new start and throw off labels, to make new friends or to maximise a particular talent.

Competition for places at senior schools often forces the parents’ hand, with a move at 11 being seen as the less risky option for securing a place, while waiting until 13 can mean places are like gold dust.

Once you have made a decision you feel happy with, commit to it and draw a line under the process.

Unless circumstances change significantly, don’t be tempted to go back and re-visit, no matter how much chatting with other parents tempts you to do so. l Catherine Stoker is Managing Director of the Independent Education Consultants, offering timely advice for parents on all aspects of education - from choosing a school, transition at 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ to career planning and applying to university.

For more details about their team of experts, their services and how they support parents in making the right education choices, visit: www. independenteducationconsultants. co.uk Catherine’s blog offers weekly tips for parents on all aspects of education. Follow via the link http://futureschoolsfairs.blogspot. co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Losing someone you care about is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Fortunately it is not a frequent occurrence, but that means many of us know little or nothing about funeral arrangements and may very much need the help of a dependable, local funeral director such as Duncan Satterly...

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hurch View Funeral Directors is one of our area’s few independent funeral services. A family firm, founded at Chesham by Ken Satterly in 1992, the company now has branches in Tring and Aylesbury and Ken’s sons Duncan and Glynn are working alongside their dad as is his grandson Connor.

“My father has been in the profession for 45 years,” says Duncan, right. “He worked for several companies before setting up Church View in 1992. It was located near St Mary’s Church, hence the name. We opened a second branch in Tring in 2007 and then a third in Aylesbury late last year.”

Duncan is a gentleman - calm, friendly, gently spoken, with a quiet assurance about him. You feel he would be able to put you Duncan at ease in the most upsetting Satterly of circumstances - perhaps it is because he has had plenty of experience.

“When it comes to assisting with funeral arrangements we can do as little or as much as the client wishes us to,” he says, “from supplying a coffin or a headstone to planning the whole funeral from stationery to catering.

“We are large enough to cope but small enough to care. There are very few independents like us about these days, for most local funeral companies are now run by national chains. We are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors, who inspect our facilities and working practices every two years.

“People have to face arranging a funeral at a time when the natural feelings of bereavement are making life appear difficult and confusing.

“Organising the funeral of a loved one is something that requires time, patience and the sympathetic assistance of an experienced Funeral Director, you are confident will carry out your wishes and has the necessary knowledge and experience to help and guide you every step of the way. We are here to provide professional advice and guidance and to help deal with all the necessary formalities and arrangements that may be required.

“We have someone at the end of a telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week and it will usually be one of the family.”

So what do you do if the worst happens?

“If someone dies and the death is expected a doctor should be called to confirm the death,” says Duncan. “Usually the one who has been treating them. If the death occurred at a nursing home the staff will contact the doctor. If the doctor can certify the cause of death you will be given a Medical Certificate that shows the cause of death and a Formal Notice which states that the doctor has signed the Medical Certificate and tells you how to register the death.

“At that stage you could contact a funeral director as they will take care of the practical arrangements for you and advise you how to proceed and what options and choices there are for the funeral. They will ensure the arrangements are made in accordance with your wishes and with the wishes of the person who has died.

“If the death was sudden and unexpected, or the doctor treating the deceased is unavailable, it may not be possible for a

Duncan with clients

Medical Certificate to be issued. The death will have to be reported to the local coroner, which may lead to a delay in registering the death and could result in the police being involved as they make enquiries on behalf of the coroner. This doesn’t mean anyone is under suspicion, it’s just part of the procedure as the death still has to be confirmed!

“The coroner has funeral directors who will then transfer the deceased to hospital for a post mortem to establish the cause of death.

“If the death occurs at hospital there should be a bereavement officer to advise the family on what steps to take.

“If Church View is contacted for help and a Medical Certificate has been issued we would collect the deceased and bring them back to our funeral parlour.

“If the body is to be buried we can begin preparations. However if the body is to be cremated we have to have two doctors complete the statutory forms before any preparations can begin. There is a standard charge for these doctors to attend.

“At some point we would sit down with the family, either at their home or at our offices to discuss the funeral arrangements. We are here to guide and to help, as many people have not

From Left, Ken, Duncan, Connor and Glynn Satterly with Jaguar hearse and limousines

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

The Aylesbury branch has a comfortable, private, sitting room in which to discuss arrangements

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Church View’s new Aylesbury branch on Buckingham Street

Horse-drawn carriage arranged for a funeral at Wigginton Church, near Tring

Church View bearers had to deal with a death before and have no idea what they want, while others may know exactly, or the deceased may have left detailed instructions, right down to music and hymns.

“Quite often people will wish to come and pay their respects and that can be done here at our Chapel of Rest, or at the family home if preferred.

“When the deceased person arrives with us we carry out hygienic treatments, wash and dress the body and place them in the coffin.

“The body can also be embalmed for preservation and hygiene purposes if the family so wishes. It is a process that removes bodily fluids and replaces them with embalming fluid. The process takes a couple of hours and is advisable if the funeral will not be for several weeks or if there is to be a prolonged viewing period.

“We can help organise the funeral service, which may be a short service at church then a committal or a burial ceremony, or the service may take place at the crematorium or at the graveside. Some families may not want a service at all, or may have a private cremation and then a memorial service at a later date.

“Things have changed a lot over the last 20 years or so. There used to be a church service and then a trip to the crematorium or to the cemetary for burial but now many services take place at the crematorium and burial may be in a churchyard, a council run cemetery or

even a woodland burial park.”

The coffin is generally transported in a hearse. Church View have the latest Jaguars, far left, which are quite striking, but can arrange anything from a horse-drawn hearse, above, in black or white, a motorcycle hearse, a silver or black Rolls Royce, a Land Rover hearse or even a double-decker Routemaster bus hearse!

A Church View Funeral Director will be on hand before and during the funeral to ensure all goes to plan. This could be Duncan, who would be attired in an Edwardian style frock coat with cravat, top hat, wing collar shirt and walking cane. He will generally be accompanied by four bearers in smart black morning suits with waistcoats and burgundy ties.

“If cremation has been chosen there are several options for the ashes afterwards,” says Duncan. “They may be scattered at the crematorium but more and more people are asking us to collect the remains from the crematorium and hold them while they make arrangements to take them to a favourite place to be scattered. They can be interred in a family grave or a new grave or taken away and kept in an urn or casket - we have quite a selection available.

“We offer a wide choice of coffins and caskets, traditional and contemporary. Our standard coffin is of veneered oak but solid oak is available, wicker, wool, cardboard even, and colourful modern coffins personalised with pictures and designs.

“The role of a funeral director is a lot of jobs rolled into one,” says Duncan. “Event planner/co-ordinator, master of ceremony, usher - you are there from start to finish - to

Church View’s Aylesbury branch has its own service chapel with a function room above arrange and to reassure that everything will be as the client wishes it to be.

“It seems strange to say being a Funeral Director is an enjoyable job,” says Duncan.

“I don’t enjoy seeing people who have died, or families who are upset but I get a lot of satisfaction from doing a good job and the letters I get saying ‘thank you very much, you helped us through a difficult time’. l Church View Funeral Directors, 46 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2LL Tel: 01296 398553 Email: churchviewfuneral@btinternet.com Website: www.churchviewfuneral.co.uk Tring office tel: 01442 825472 Chesham office tel: 01494 776777

Traditional oak coffin

‘Train carriage’ coffin Wool coffin

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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l Column:

Ruby Rasa ‘Tomayto Tomaaahto’

Aïoli Provençal (Serves 6)

What You Need:

3-5 cloves of garlic (according to taste) 1/2 tsp salt 1 egg yolk 1 Tbsp lemon juice (optional) 250ml good olive oil What You Do: 1. Peel the garlic and crush together with the salt (in a mortar if you have one, or in a glass or ceramic bowl).

A

mongst my friends in the south of France, it is something of a battle cry, or the equivalent of a wolf ’s howl to gather the pack. “Aïooooooooooli!” Usually only heard in winter months, this is more than a mere call to table - it’s the fiercely proud affirmation of their local culture, the patrimony of Provence.

Pronounced ‘eye-O-lee’, the word is based on the old Occitan

for garlic (alh) and oil (òli), which pretty much sums up what it is: a mayonnaise made from garlic and olive oil. ‘Aïoli’ can also refer to the entire meal, which includes the sauce and whatever you choose to eat with it. In Provence, a traditional grand aïoli or aïoli garni comes with a selection of boiled vegetables, salt cod, hard-boiled eggs and even escargot.

There are versions of aïoli all over the Mediterranean, from the Catalan

2. Add the egg yolk and lemon juice and, using a pestle or a whisk, blend well.

3. Very slowly (drop by drop) add the olive oil, while mixing constantly, until it’s all incorporated.

4. Your aïoli should have the consistency of thick mayonnaise. If it falls flat, start again with a fresh egg yolk and extremely slowly add in your ‘failed’ mixture. The new yolk should re-emulsify your aïoli.

5. Garnish with saffron, paprika or parsley, or simply leave plain.

6. Serve with hard-boiled eggs, vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots and green beans, and seafood, such as cod or prawns.

allioli to the Arab toum, which I grew up eating with spit-roasted chicken and salty pickles. But my two favourite ways of enjoying it are with steamed artichokes (when I can find them) and shellfish, such as the Madagascan tiger prawns pictured.

A final note of caution: don’t be tempted to try and make this in a food processor. Even when it works, you wind up with a thinner sauce. And besides, it’s somewhat therapeutic to methodically drizzle oil with one arm whilst mixing with the other until they both beg for mercy. And cheaper than a gym membership. l Ruby is a freelance writer and photographer. Please contact her via her website: www.lensandletter.com

St Valentine’s Day Friday February 14th Come and celebrate St Valentine’s with us at Twist and enjoy a romantic Sharing Platter. Choose from, Cold Cuts Platter, Cheese, Veggie or Fish. Book soon to avoid disappointment!

Mothering Sunday Sunday March 30th For further information or to book, please call John on: 01296 696380 or email: info@twistwendover.com 20 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6AR Tel; 01296 696380 Email: info@twistwendover.com Website: www.twistwendover.com Open: Monday - Saturday: 9am-12am, Sunday: 9am-11.30pm Food served all day.

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

l

Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

Spuds-we-like

P

otatoes are a staple part of most people’s diets.

Versatile and delicious they can be a meal in themselves, or an accompaniment to other foods.

Whitchurch farmer Guy Bond is a bit of an expert about the best varieties to use for roasting, chips, mash, jackets and boiled. He grows 20 acres of spuds on the 400 acre arable farm he works with his brothers Ashley and Andrew, and sells them through a variety of methods including delivery rounds, straight from the farm, and at farmers’ markets.

“We grow Estima, Cabaret and Charlotte,” he says. “Estima is a good all-rounder, neither floury nor waxy, makes a nice jacket potato.

Cabaret is very white and floury and crisps up, so is good for chipping and roasting and also mash.

Charlottes are waxy and similar to Jersey Royals, so good for boiling and in salads.”

Three days a week Guy delivers his potatoes, together with

milk, free range eggs and other essentials, to pubs, restaurants, hotels and private homes within a seven mile radius of Whitchurch.

“There are a lot of elderly people who can’t get out,” says Guy, “so we are social workers as well, checking that they are okay and having a chat with them.”

Guy, a very friendly, cheerful man, is just the person to raise anyone’s spirits, and his familiar happy face is well known to shoppers at famers’ markets. He

was a founder member of the Aylesbury market in 2000 and also attends Thame, Winslow and Wallingford.

His passion for his potatoes is infectious. “I love them all,” he says. “But the reason why our potatoes at Whitchurch are so flavoursome is because we don’t irrigate them. There is less yield but they taste better. The supermarkets want to sell blemish free potatoes.

Our potatoes don’t always look the best, but the flavour is the best ever.

“The Jersey Royals will be out in the shops soon, but how can you have a new potato this early in the year? It’s because they are covered

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

under plastic and irrigated, so they end up tasting of water and plastic.

Jersey Royals have lost their way through being mass produced for Easter.

“Our first harvest for new potatoes is Midsummer Day in June and they have unbeatable flavour.

People flock to the Aylesbury farmers’ market at the end of June to buy our new potatoes because they taste so good.” l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist

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

She and her husband sell their own award winning Terrick Beef* and other local produce from their small farm shop in Terrick on the first Friday and Saturday of each month.

For further details see: www.downonthefarm.co.uk

The Bonds’ potato fields at Whitchurch

Win dinner for 2 at The Hundred of Ashendon

T

here’s exciting things going on in the tiny hamlet of Ashendon, where the local pub, formerly The Gatehanger’s Inn, has been taken on by a young couple with a flair for food and more than a little style. It is now serving up some of our area’s most imaginative and delicious cuisine as The Hundred of Ashendon.

Ashendon is a very rural location, a few miles north of Aylesbury and a bit to the east of Westcott and Waddesdon and new owners Matt and Pia realise that being somewhat ‘out in the wilds’ they need to be a really fantastic destination pub serving great food.

The couple are from the local area, but spent some years in London (Pia in advertising, Matt as a chef at some of the country’s top restaurants including the awesome St John), and they have brought back a little city cool with them.

The pub now oozes rustic style with elegant touches such as the copper downlighters by the chef’s hatch and quirky statuettes contrasting with feature raw plaster, white brickwork and tiles, bare boards and flagstones.

It works along with the vintage tables and chairs and the place has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere -

a good balance of pub and restaurant.

It’s the food that’s going to make you want to come back time and time again though and with Matt changing the menu daily you wouldn’t get bored eating at The Hundred every night of the week!

Matt has a passion for British food and aims to be seasonal and local where possible. The menu is constantly changing but whether you’re a meat lover, a seafood scoffer

or a vegetable fanatic he promises there will always be something to tickle your taste buds!

Recent dishes include starters such as: Pickled Mackerel, Potato & Watercress; Kohlrabi, Berkswell and Pomegranate; and Lamb Sweetbreads, Bacon & Beans, while mains include: Pork Belly & Parsnips; Mallard & Swede; Braised Rabbit, White Beans & Chorizo; Pollack, Leeks & Green Sauce; and Beef &

Potato Pie. Desserts: Blood Orange Trifle; Apple Crumble & Custard; Rhubarb Fool and Ginger Biscuit and Soda Bread Ice Cream.

It’s top quality fare and at around £5/£6 for a starter or dessert and £12/£14 for a main course it’s very reasonably priced.

Vale Life has already sent an advance party to sample Matt’s creativity and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Matt is an excellent chef and has an inventive, original way of combining ingredients which made a refreshing change to the standard dishes found on many pub menus.

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning dinner for two, with a bottle of house wine, at The The Hundred of Ashendon simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which Saint did Matt work for?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by March 10th, 2014 . l The Hundred of Ashendon, Lower End, Ashendon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0HE Tel: 01296 651296 www.thehundredofashendon.com Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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l Column: Jacqui

Slim pickings at Foodie Hall

Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’

Thai beef salad

W

ith almost four years of marriage, five Christmases, two children and thirty (something) years under our belts, MrF and I have reached that point where we need more than occasional exercise and salads, in order to stay in ok’ish shape.

I’d been warned about this moment, while I was young and carefree, stuffing my face with cream cakes and chocolate. I knew it would happen, but, you know... one day. No need to think about it till it happens right?

But, here we are, it’s THAT time.

MrF and I are probably at our most health-conscious, partly for actual health, partly for vanity, but mostly - like 80% - for the utter fact that if we don’t do something about it now, we never will.

For a household obsessed with food, eating healthily does not come easily – especially when our go-to vices are bread and biscuits.

We’ve had to drag our no-longertwenty-something asses, kicking and screaming, towards a diet filled with lean fish and meats, lentils, bulgar wheat and beansprouts.

I know, I know, sounds horrific doesn’t it! Don’t worry though, I’ve not gone all Gwyneth Paltrow on you, I’m still a believer in a little bit of what you fancy, just a little less of what I fancy than before.

So in a bid to avoid Taberu middle-aged spread, MrF started triathlon training and I, well I did what I do best, hit the recipe books.

Having trawled my vast collection, along with a couple of my favourite recipe websites, I gradually built up a new repertoire of less hip inflating meals. While we certainly aren’t consigning these to the bin, our previously hearty repertoire of roast dinners, spag bol, chilli, risotto and sausage & mash, has mostly been replaced by a selection of surprisingly filling and tasty healthier options.

Our new family meals consist these days of Thai beef salad, Sicilian fish stew, chicken stew with bulgar wheat, or Thai crab cakes with stir fry veg. And basically, a lot less potatoes and a lot more greens.

I’m starting to sound all preachy and ‘I’ve found the light’ now though, so I’ll come down off my soapbox and freely admit to throwing it all out the window at Christmas, partaking in not one, not two, but three family Christmases. As I write this I’m still swimming in trifle, cold cuts and chocolate assortments - but come on… who

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013

Jacqui Thorndyke

diets at Christmas?

While the turkey and mince pies are beginning to fade though, I can hand on heart say there is nothing more appealing to me than a cup of mint tea and a low fat salad.

Whad’ya know, maybe I can be healthy after all. Don’t go ruling out the occasional cake though. All for research purposes... obviously. l For local food and restaurant reviews and recommendations, visit www.foodieontour.co.uk, or follow Jacqui on Twitter @FoodieOnTour.

To contact Jacqui directly, please email: foodieontour@yahoo.co.uk

St Valentine’s Day: book now and enjoy a romantic meal with your partner on February 14th Quiz night: 25th February £10 per person to include quiz entry and a meal Avoid disappointment - book now for Mother’s Day: Sunday, March 30th

225 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire HP22 6BA Tel: 01296 623884 Email: info@villagegatewendover.co.uk Website: www.villagegatewendover.co.uk 60

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Ian & Elle welcome you to

l Column: Katy Butler - mix96

The George & Dragon

Mix96 Breakfast DJ Katy Butler shares a little of her life in local radio...

New Early Bird Menu: Monday to Thursday 6pm-7.30pm, 2 courses only £10 l

l Special St Valentine’s Menu Saturday, February 14th 3 Course Set Menu & Glass of Champagne £29.95 per person l

Friday and Saturday Steak Night 12oz Rump or 8oz Sirloin, mushrooms, onion rings tomatoes and chips, plus a bottle of House Red or White for only £25 PER COUPLE!

l

Friday Night is Live Music Night, Friday 14th Feb: The Summits, Friday 21st Feb: North Street, Friday 28th Feb: Jukebox Live Music from 9.30pm (time to book dinner first)

l

Accommodation available: our guest rooms are rated 4 Star by The AA Guide l Look out for G&D owners Ian and Elle in a forthcoming Channel 4 series of ‘Four in a Bed’

The Restaurant is open: Mon-Sat: 12pm-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm Sunday Roasts: 12pm-4pm 2 courses from £13.95 (booking advisable) The George & Dragon, 74 High Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AX Tel: 01844 343087 Email: info@gndpubco.co.uk www.gndprincesrisborough.co.uk

I

often get asked ‘How on earth do you get up at 4am?!

There’s no way I could do that!’

Quite simply, I put it down to the right choice of alarm clock tone. Sometimes it’s my favourite Fleetwood Mac song, other times it’s whatever I like in the charts (Pharrell William’s ‘Happy’ was an alarm tone just waiting to happen)!

Whatever the choice, it’s my recommendation to make waking up hours before sunrise, just that little bit easier.

For a more reasonable hour of 6am onwards, it’s then my turn to wake someone else up - in the best way I know how - with great music, entertainment and a feeling that you’re a part of something bigger as you rub those bleary eyes, realising that no, it’s not a lazy Sunday morning, it is indeed Monday morning… again. How do they come round so quickly??

As Aylesbury Vale and beyond begin their morning of making breakfast for the family, walking the dogs or commuting on the beloved A41 Tring Road - Darren and I are there ready (occasionally, I’m straightening my hair in the studio…) with our mics live on the mix96 Breakfast Show ready to keep you company.

Darren and I are a relatively new duo to the Breakfast Show, although our voices are no stranger to mix96, both having worked for the station for a couple of years independently.

After much discussion, it was decided that for the breakfast show two heads are better than one! Plus it’s been a while since we had a little lady championing the women across the Vale, so I thought I’d step up

to the challenge. And like any duo (Starsky and Hutch, Ant and Dec, Torvil and Dean to name but a few) it just seems to work better when the two of us are together.

As we planned our new breakfast show, which began in September last year, over an Americano and a Skinny Cappuccino in a coffee house on Market Square, we asked ourselves what is it that we want to achieve? Something likeable, genuine and entertaining. Our mission? To bring more than just music and laughter; true localness with the light and shade of real stories and real life.

Sharing stories really is just a small part of everything I love about radio and more importantly, my job as a presenter.

In between all that, we’re giving away the opportunity to win £1000 on the £1000 minute, each morning at 8:15am.

It’s just 10 general knowledge questions and 60 seconds that stand between you and the money.

I‘m wracking my brains but I genuinely can’t think of another station in our broadcast area who is giving you this chance to win, each and every day. I can however, imagine what I’d spend the money on… can you?

So I guess, if you want to be part of something that is truly local, by people that love life in Bucks and want to share that with you, then set your alarm to 96.2fm (or you know, be less cheesy and just download the free app) and we’ll catch you bright and early in the morning. l Catch Katy weekdays from 6am-9am on 96.2fm Website: www.mix96.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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ak ea wa y or t in Ea t

F m ree ile d s ( el or ive de ry rs u ov p t er o fi £2 ve 0) cuisine

Open 7 days a week from 5.30pm-11pm. Tel: 01296 615245 / 615927

Little Kimble Indian Restaurant Restaurant & wine bar serving the finest quality Indian

Come and experience the authentic tastes of India. Drop in for a drink, snack or full meal, our menu has all your favourites, plus exciting new dishes created by our expert chefs

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings: mid-week set meal platters from only £11.95 for a three course meal, or £14.95 for a four course meal, (dine in only).

Risborough Road, Little Kimble, Bucks, HP17 0UF Telephone: 01296 615245 / 615927 Website: www.littlekimbleindianrestaurant.co.uk

Giant Pan Catering 62

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

by Cathy Soughton

The Dovecote

Monks Risborough

R

esidents of Monks Risborough will be familiar with the old 16th century dovecote (dove house) pictured right, which stands in St Dunstan’s Recreation Ground near the church. Most people are probably unaware of its existence though as it’s not visible from the main road which passes through the village.

Dovecotes were originally built by wealthy landowners to house doves or pigeons (essentially the same bird) which were bred for food. They were probably introduced into England by the Normans and were a common feature of manor houses and other large properties such as abbeys, often situated near the main entrance as they were seen as a status symbol.

The earliest surviving dovecotes in England date from the 14th century.

More were built in the Tudor and Elizabethan period but as their usage had declined by the 19th century, many were subsequently converted to other uses, or destroyed, so not many now survive in their original form.

Doves were generally bred between April and October and the young birds,

The Dovecote at Monks Risborough known as squabs, were taken when they were nearly fully grown, at around four weeks old, to be cooked and eaten. The inside of dovecotes were lined with nesting places or boxes which typically housed around 200 birds, although some were built to house as many as 1000 birds.

Dovecotes were built with small, sometimes ornate doors and were often windowless in order to keep the insides dark and prevent drafts. Cupulas or louvres were built on the roof to allow the breeding birds to enter and exit but keep the rain out.

Dovecotes were built in many

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

Welcome...

Andy and 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.

The fun doesn’t stop there though, we’ve some fabulous events planned: Fri, February 14th: St Valentine’s Night Wed, February 26th: Steak Night

So, whether you fancy a casual drink, a delicious meal, a fun night out, or leisurely Sunday lunch, come to the The Boot!

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

different shapes and styles. Many were round with a rotating central pole with ladders to enable people to reach the nesting boxes whilst others like the one in Monks Risborough were square in shape with a pyramid roof. This dovecote is thought to date from the 16th century. Old Ordnance Survey maps show that it was sited near Place Farm which was demolished in the 1970s to make way for new housing and intriguingly the maps also make reference to the remains of a monastery close by. 19th century histories mention a moated site near the dovecote and speculate that there was

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

a cell of Benedictine Monks at Monks Risborough, in the medieval period, although there is no documentary evidence of this. It is known though that Monks Risborough Manor was held for several centuries by the monastery of Christchurch at Canterbury until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, so maybe there is some truth in the story.

The walls of the dovecote were constructed from coarsely-squared ‘clunch’, a type of chalky limestone not local to Buckinghamshire, with large dressed stone blocks at the quoins (corners of the building), an arched doorway and a tiled roof. The walls are about 2ft 8in thick (80cm). Originally it is thought that there would have been 216 nesting boxes but some were destroyed when a cart entrance was made in the building and there are now only 162. The dovecote suffered from neglect and vandalism in the 20th century but it was repaired and restored by the parish council in 1983. It no longer houses any doves though! l Cathy Soughton is a professional genealogist and architectural historian providing family history and house history research in Buckinghamshire and adjacent counties: Web: www.bucksresearch.co.uk Email: soughton@btopenworld.com, Tel: 01296 624845

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- Large Selection Of Fruit & Vegetables - Extensive Freezer Selection- Home Produced Lamb & Beef - Top Brand Pet Foods & Animal Feeds - Chiltern Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil -

P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop Wilstone, Nr Tring, HP23 4NT 01442 828478 www.pemeadandsons.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

You don’t have to be a Rod Stewart fan to enjoy Tonight’s The Night, an inspired musical based around Rod’s classic hits and starring ex Sugarbabe, Jade Ewen. The show has been a popular West End draw for years but has now been revamped for a fresh new touring version...

T

onight’s The Night, the smash hit musical comedy inspired by the songs of Rod Stewart is sailing into the Waterside from Monday 3rd to Saturday 8th March.

The all-singing, all-dancing feel-good show, starring Jade Ewen (best known as a member of Brit girl-band Sugababes!) as Dee Dee, Michael McKell, (Dr Nick West from BBC drame Doctors) as Stoner and Ben Heathcote as Stu, features over 20 classic Stewart hits including This Old Heart of Mine, I Don’t Wanna Talk About It, Ooh La La, Some Guys Have All the Luck, Forever Young and Sailing.

The show is from the pen of multi awardwinning writer and comedian Ben Elton who at the age of 54, has always reserved a special place in his heart for musicals. He’s written three that feature music from such diverse talents as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Queen, and Rod Stewart, who was the inspiration for Tonight’s the Night.

It’s been over a decade now since Tonight’s the Night first played the West End, so Vale Life caught up with Mr Elton to ask him what it was about the show that drew him to return to it and work a fresh production this many years on?

‘I’ve always loved this show for the same reasons that I have always loved the theatre.

It’s wonderful to be a part of this community of artists who dedicate themselves to their art and go out and make everybody in the audience feel like champions. What we want to say with this show, in particular, is that there’s nothing wrong with theatre being a fantastic night out that makes you feel great so that you go home feeling better than you did when you arrived - that’s what people are paying for and that’s what the theatre can do.

What inspired you to write an original story around the Rod Stewart songbook?

Well, let’s face it, it’s difficult to think of anybody more famous in the world of pop music than Rod Stewart. There may be people as famous; like Bono and Paul McCartney, but there aren’t many out there who can surpass what Rod has achieved. And

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Tonight’s The Night stars Sugarbabe, Jade Ewen what’s great is that when you listen to Rod’s music and then look at his life, he always seems so fabulously good-humoured, as well!

So I thought a story that brought to the stage his grace and good humour and something of his devilish side, while also recognising the fact that he sings about heartache as well as anyone ever has, might just work.

Your script for Tonight’s the Night

involves Satan, a ‘soul swap’ and a geeky young mechanic from Detroit who just happens to be called Stuart. Where did the idea for the story come from?

I spent a week listening to Rod’s music intensively, which of course was no hardship at all, and as I listened and listened, I tried to identify the overriding spirit of the songs, which were all about love and good times and

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Sunday, March 30th

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

Monday, March 3rd to Saturday March 8th

Ben Elton Michael McKell and Ben Heathcote

winning and losing girls and all the things that quite frankly make for good stories!

So I sat down and tried to think of something that would do justice to Rod’s own gift for storytelling and came up with a story that reminds us of that thing we’re always been told over and over again in drama - “to thine own self be true.”

Were you worried what Rod himself

West Side Story

Tue 11th to Sat 15th Feb

Some Girl I Used To Know

Mon 17th - Wed 19th Feb

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Thu 20th Feb

Classical Concert Chamber Orchestra

Fri 21st Feb

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Wed 26th Feb Sat 1st Mar

Tonight’s The Night

Mon 3rd - Sat 8th Mar

The Two Worlds of Charlie F

Thu 13th - Sat 15th Mar

Money Penny Murder Mystery Night

Sat 15th Mar

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia: Giselle & Sleeping Beauty

Mon 17th - Wed 19th Mar

The Johnny Cash Roadshow

Fri 21st Mar

Sing-A-Long-A Grease

Sat 22nd Mar

51 Shades of Maggie

Sun 23rd Mar

Fame

Mon 24th - Sat 29th Mar

An Evening of Dirty Dancing

Sun 30th Mar

would think?

I first sent a synopsis of the script to Rod’s manager Arnold Stiefel, a co-producer on the show and fortunately he loved it and said that he was going to say that to Rod and hope that he would love it, too. To this day, I’m not sure whether Rod ever read the synopsis or not but he came to our workshop and turned to me at the end and said, “Well, you’ve made me a legend, haven’t you?” - which was of course hilarious because he’s been a legend all along!

It must have been heartening to have such a strong a seal of approval - did you have an intuitive sense that his music would translate well to the musical theatre stage?

What’s great is that Rod writes songs from the heart like Maggie May or he will choose to cover exquisite material like The First Cut is the Deepest, the Cat Stevens song, but they always tell the story of somebody going through some set of emotions, be they pride and joy and heartache, or from love to hate or hate to love. They’re written with such sensitivity and they come with emotions that concern us all, which are love, pride, hope and the dream that tomorrow will be a better day than today.

One last question for now: was Tonight’s the Night always the obvious song title for your show?

No and the jury’s still out as to whether

Wednesday, Feb 26th to Saturday March 1st this was the right one; Phil McIntyre, our producer, still thinks it should be called Hot Legs!

Tickets are already on sale so don’t delay, book now at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office call: 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee) Pick up a brochure from the theatre or look online at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury for full listings l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

65

l

Music Column:

Turn it up! with Stuart Robb

Fans fund Rothery’s new album Stuart Robb

Turn it up!

Stuart Robb is an award-winning music professional who has supported the local music scene for over 15 years. He ran his own successful record label, and has organised countless gigs and music festivals (including Hobble on the Cobbles).

Stuart is now actively supporting Friars Aylesbury, and the British Guitar Academy.

Contact Stuart with local gig and music news at: britishguitaracademy@gmail.com Add gigs to our website what’s on diary at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Live Music Saturday 15 February: Free State Revolution, The Weavers, Aylesbury, 9pm Saturday 15 February: Quadrophonia (The Who Tribute), The Britannia, Aylesbury, 9pm Saturday 15 February: Maxwell Hammer & Smith, Shoot Pool, Aylesbury, 10.30pm Friday 21 February: Leech (Rock Covers), The Black Horse, Tring, 9pm Friday 21 February: The Ska Faces (Ska/2tone/Mod), Shoot Pool, Aylesbury, 9.30pm Friday 21 February: Clare Free, Queens Park Centre, Aylesbury, 9pm (£8.50) Friday 21 February: Haggis (Ska/2tone/Mod), The Britannia, Aylesbury, 8pm Saturday 22 February: Puretone (Covers), Rose & Crown, Wingrave, 9pm Saturday 22 February: Guns 2 Roses (Guns ‘n’ Roses), The Britannia, Aylesbury, 9pm Saturday 22 February: Jump, Queens Park Centre, Aylesbury, 8pm Saturday 22 February: Mouth On A Stick (Acoustic), Green Man, Aylesbury, 9.30pm Saturday 22 February: Replica Rockaholics (Rock/Pop), Shoot Pool, Aylesbury, 10.30pm Sunday 23 February: Jam Night, Queen’s Head, Aylesbury, 8pm 66

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

The Powders Steve Rothery

S

teve Rothery, guitarist and founder member of the multi-millionalbum selling rock band Marillion, has been telling Vale Life about his long-awaited solo album ‘The Ghosts of Pripyat’, which is due for release in September.

On his birthday last November, Rothery created and launched a ‘Kickstarter Campaign’ to help raise profile and finance for this solo project. Amazingly it hit its target of £15,000 within 24 hours and by the end of the campaign, on Jan 22nd, had raised £59,782 in pledges!

“When I was invited to play the annual Plovdiv guitar festival last October,” says Steve, “I got together to write some new material for it, with my good friend and fellow guitarist Dave Foster. Dave and I have a great musical chemistry and after a couple of days rehearsal with the fantastic rhythm section of Leon Parr and Yatim Halimi I realised something really special was happening.

“The music went down so well at the festival and was so effortless to write that it seemed obvious to record an album. We just needed to raise the funds.

Steve Hackett and Don Airey will be making guest appearances on it and other musicians will be announced soon.”

An album launch party is planned for September 20th at Pendley Court Theatre, Tring and Steve is currently booking a European tour for October and November and has been offered shows in the Ukraine, Russia, Japan and Malta.

A concert at Bush Hall, London has been scheduled for Saturday, November 8th.

For further information or to join Steve’s mailing list visit www.

SteveRothery.com

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Local club that rocked the world

F

rom March 1st to July 5th, 2014 a major new exhibition is to take place featuring the development of Aylesbury’s legendary live music club, Friars, from when it first launched in 1969 to the present day. The exhibition at the Buckinghamshire County Museum, on Church Street, in Aylesbury’s old town, is entitled ‘The Evolution of Frairs’.

The exhibition will feature rare posters, photographs and memorabilia from Friars extensive archive and unique items including instruments on loan from artists who have performed there. It will include audio and audio-visual material, plus a small cinema, with Friars members and artists talking about their own personal memories of Friars.

For the news and information visit: www.AylesburyFriars.co.uk

New EP was meant to be

L

ocal musician Ben McKelvey, is celebrating the release of his new EP ‘Everything You Were Meant To Be’ (out Feb 2nd).

The EP is a solo project - but you also have a full band, is that correct?

“Yes, I recorded most of the EP on my own - guitar, bass, drums etc. I’m a one man band but when I play bigger shows and need a full band, my mates help me out. I tour acoustically most of the time though.”

One of the tracks from the EP is called ‘Stay Young’ - you’ve made a great video for it too, with people from all round the world holding up a sign, saying ‘Stay Young’. What inspired it?

The song was one of the first I’ve ever written and has always meant a lot to me. It’s always gone down really well at shows, so for the music video I wanted to do something really special. I wanted to make a video that anyone in the

Ben McKelvey

world could be part of as I think a lot of people can relate to the song. I started sending out tweets for people to send in a photo of themselves holding a sign saying ‘Stay Young’. I encouraged people to be as creative as possible and to get all their friends involved. For a lot of people it would be the only

chance for them to feature in a music video, and I wanted to give something back to people who have been supportive of my music over the last couple of years.

We received some incredible photos and tried to make sure everyone was seen in the video as much as possible. I think the furthest ones came from Australia and South America. We got a few from Japan and Russia, but the majority were from America and Europe.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Mainly touring, I have some really exciting gigs to play this year, one in particular is the Water Rats in London on the 5th April. It will be amazing to play such an iconic venue. Plans are also in place for more singles and music videos in the next few months as well.

For more information and to watch the ‘Stay Young’ video visit: www.bmckmusic.co.uk

SEE WEBSITE FOR ALL INFORMATION & TIMINGS

l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles Telephone:

01844 353388

Hot hatch

Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo

V

irtually every family hatch has a hot diesel on (to rear of Claremont Automatics) board, giving motorists Email: johnnixey@btconnect.com the ‘have your cake and eat it’ option of firepower balanced Telephone: 01844 353388 out by excellent economy.

A latecomer to the party is the l Bosch Car Service Centre Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo, excitingly l MOTs including Class VII (3.5 tonnes) named, glamorous and a smashing drive to boot. l Servicing, repairs, tyres, exhausts and air Vauxhall now have a revitalised conditioning for cars and light commercials range, thanks mainly to the quirky presence of ADAM and Mokka, l Diagnostics: we have the most up to date work and the BiTurbo is another shot in shops and equipment in the area the arm in terms of red blooded l High ceilings and long ramps enable us to service performance driving. long wheelbase vans, campers and trucks The BiTurbo looks the part, low slung and wide with cool smoked alloys, facelifted styling with a bodykit and two chromed exhausts and comes with lowered sports suspension, which helps in terms of agility without losing out on comfort.

Inside there’s a racy flatbottomed sports steering wheel, black seats with red flashing and a surreal red pulsing glow from around the gearbox housing, which looks like something from a sci-fi B-movie and a bit superfluous.

Tel: 01296 658257 The BiTurbo hatch is apowered try! by e us engine v i a 2.0 CDTi- 16v diesel with G inted dly whichdzips oelegant p n p start/stop, the e a s i i r be in a pretty on’tot 62mph t & Fsportster ou w7.8 Fas Yquick seconds, topping out at a tad over double the maximum legal speed limit.

Bucks leading Jaguar and The BiTurbo diesel engine Japanese car Specialists delivers the power discreetly and is deceptively quick - speed comes in a fast, smooth flow rather than a l Servicing & repairs l 4 wheel laser alignment Servicing and repairs Engine diagnostics sudden kick in the back. l Latest diagnostic equipment l Courtesy car available

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68

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

Alan Candy’s

AltomobilES An ultra-light, quick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox is a delight to handle and the BiTurbo is a pleasure to pilot - always well mannered around town and at its best at higher speeds, when the torque comes into play. You can change down a gear, boot the throttle and climb comfortably from 50-70mph, or overtake comfortably on the motorway with the minimum of effort.

Engaging steering ensures plenty of driver involvement and swift lane changes can be safely carried out while the agile body allows the driver to sit back and dictate enjoyably.

Bends are taken with confidence, with bags of grip as the car stays flat and the BiTurbo stays well anchored in the straight-ahead position.

A big bonus is that ride quality is never compromised and suspension is always comfortable, unlike some rivals.

If I have a criticism it’s that I like a high driving position and would have preferred the steering wheel to lift a little more than its maximum, but that’s more a personal thing than a fault. Even seated high up, I still couldn’t see anything of the bonnet because of the aerodynamics and heavily

l Column: Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Consumer Affairs

raked front screen, but it’s the same with many cars.

Ergonomics in the Astra BiTurbo are particularly good, with all switchgear positioned high up so that you don’t have to go searching for it. Although there are a plethora of similar buttons to sift through, familiarity soon sorts the problem.

In terms of comfort and practicality, the BiTurbo also scores highly. There’s plenty of good width and adequate rear legroom and the chunky, bigwinged front sports seats are very supportive and well upholstered.

Bags of space is revealed

when the rear seats are quickly converted in one movement.

There’s plenty of rivals out there in a tough market but the BiTurbo is one of the smartest around and packs plenty of punch.

Factfile: Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo Hatchback 2.0 CDTi 16v (195PS) start/stop.

Price: £24,100.

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Award-winning BBC Three Counties presenter Jonathan Vernon-Smith extends his Consumer Hour to report for Vale Life Magazine on consumer issues that could effect you...

T

hankfully most consumer disputes can be settled through effective and firm dialogue. If not, there are programmes such as mine that offer additional assistance for people who are finding it difficult to resolve their consumer complaint.

However, some cases just cannot be resolved, no matter how hard one or both parties try. It is for these cases that the small claims court can be very helpful.

This month, I will outline how to use the small claims court system to obtain the best results.

Firstly, DO NOT RUSH TO COURT. In my experience, judges often look unfavourably at customers who are seen to take a company to court too quickly. It makes the consumer look unreasonable which never bodes well. Therefore always try as hard as you can to resolve the complaint between yourselves first.

Consider the small claims court your last resort and it is essential that you have kept a record of your conversations and correspondence.

When you reach the conclusion that (within 6 years of the dispute and for amounts up to £10,000) the company or tradesman is not prepared to resolve the problem, you must write a letter of intention.

Make it clear in the letter that you have tried hard to offer them opportunities to resolve the problem and that you would like to offer them one final opportunity.

Allow them one month from receipt of the letter to respond, and make it clear that if you do not hear from them, you will lodge papers with the small claims court.

Send the letter recorded delivery and ensure they have received it and signed for it.

If they still show no interest in resolving the dispute, then you have an important decision to make. Will you go through with your threat of court action or not? If you decide

on the former, you must go into it with your eyes open. You can always lose as well as win, however it may not cost you as much as you may think. The fee is dependent on how much you are suing for, but this will be outlined when you proceed with the action. If you are successful, the defendant will have to pay your costs as well as the amount you are claiming for.

It is also worth noting that you do not need a lawyer to take someone to the small claims court.

It’s relatively straight forward, and as long as you’ve been reasonable and sensible in your dealings with the company or tradesman, you stand a good chance of getting a favourable judgement.

In many cases, mediation is offered as a way of agreeing a course of action. The result of this is not legally binding, and most often I would advise you to proceed with this where offered. It doesn’t prevent you progressing a case to a judge if unsuccessful. However, turning it down can made you look unreasonable.

If things go your way, the judge will award in your favour and will request that the defendant pays you a sum of money (either the whole of the amount you’re seeking, or a proportion of it). They will be given instructions as to how to pay it, and if they fail to do so, you can instruct county court bailiffs to recover the money. You can also escalate the case to the high court for a further fee and instruct the high court enforcement officers to chase your money.

Taking a company to court can be a daunting prospect, and I would always suggest obtaining advice from your local citizens advice bureau who will give you tailormade advice on your specific case. l Listen to The JVS Show weekday mornings from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio: www.bbc.co.uk/ threecountiesradio Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

69

l Column:

On The Road

Feeling sporty ?

Porsche Cayman

Telephone: 07817 826659

O

FF it goes, down the road, and as the highly distinctive burble from the twin exhausts gradually fades I’m genuinely sorry to see it go.

Porsche’s new Cayman created a lasting impression of a car that’s grown out of its shorts and is now ready to go toe to toe with its 911 big brother in long trousers.

It’s grown up to the point where you can understand why some sages are questioning why you would want to pay 30 odd grand more for a 911 - undoubtedly good as it is - when for around £40,000 you can have a whole heaping lot of fun in its Cayman stablemate.

A car that to my mind has a better balanced feel and is less likely to have you filling up the bathroom laundry basket with indecent regularity.

Its all round agility and ability leads me to pose this question – who needs a Bang and Olufsen

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road system in a car? Or even a Harmon Cardon set up? Car fans the world over will agree that all that’s required is a small, inconspicuous button like the one you’ll find on the centre console of the Cayman.

It depicts a couple of exhaust pipes, and thus, at your fingertips, is an absolutely blinding symphony of noise. The sort of noise that gets the hair on the back of your neck to tingle and your grip to tighten just a bit more on the steering wheel.

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Fully equipped workshop using the latest diagnostic equipment l Comfortable waiting area with free hot drinks, tv, wifi and newspapers l Warranty safe servicing on all makes and models l Tyres, tyres, tyres all makes at guaranteed unbeatable prices l MOT testing on class 4, 5 and 7 l All repairs undertaken from clutches to total engine rebuilds l

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 70

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

with Rob Auchterlonie

And while it might not be quite as swift as a 911, it’s no less exhilarating to drive but has the nod as far as I’m concerned when it comes to poise and, importantly, predictability. No longer do you get that tyre squealing health

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

and safety warning that your next trip might be in something with blue lights flashing and an A&E department as its destination.

It’s got a new chassis, longer wheelbase and less weight to lug around, having shed some 30kgs during its evolution

‘Stop/start technology and a top speed of 164mph

from the mid engine rear drive car first launched in 2006.

It even comes with stop/start technology, not something you’d probably associate with a 164mph all out sports car. No sluggishness though – start up and go is instantaneous, with no holding back the 275 straining horses behind your left ear - that’s roughly

one for each cc of engine capacity.

The impression of speed is heightened by the fact your rump is closer to the ground than in most cars. 5.6 seconds to 62mph may seem on the face of it modest for a machine like this, but it’s an involving five and a half seconds, rest assured.

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71

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2014

On The Road cont’d iPhone App now available to download free from The App Store Airport transfers a speciality

the driver has a great working environment. The paddles on the steering column allow you to change when you want to, thus invoking some great blips from the exhaust on down shifts, in addition to the sound it makes under brisk acceleration.

The larger rear boot-lid offers better access to the cargo area, and luggage capacity of the twoseater has been increased by 15 litres to 425 litres when loaded to the roof.

Cayman’s a car that’s going to continue to tread on the coat-tails

of the 911 for some time to come.

FASTFACTS: Porsche Cayman; £39,694; 2.7 litre six cylinder, 275hp, 290Nm; 7 speed PDK transmission; top speed 164mph, 0-62mph 5.6 secs (5.4 with Sports Chrono Package Plus and launch control function); fuel - urban 26.6, extra urban 47.9, combined 36.7; CO2 – 180g/km. l Follow Rob Auchterlonie Twitter: @robauchy

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