Vale Life Magazine Feb-Mar 2013

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Your free magazine for Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding area

Take me home

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Vale L fe

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

Feb/Mar 2013

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

Free local listings for events and businesses Cover picture: Chris and Nadia, taken by Rob Wheal www.robwhealphotography.com See page 11

Inside:

I do, I do, I do!

15 page wedding feature

Are you an ‘L’ Lister?

John Lewis is gift list heaven

Good Chimes

New era for village pub

Greek is the word

Local yogurt is chef’s inspiration Penny, Ruby, Matt, Muddy, Naomi, Amanda and much, much more... w dinner for Two at the Village Gate w Tickets for The Ideal Home Show w w A Pendley manor Wedding Experience StaY w A Castell Coch hamper w

E st a

2 b lish e d 2 0 0

For all your stone needs...

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

External stone at Great Milton

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

Stoneworld is a family-run, independent company offering help and advice on all aspects of stone purchase and use

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 Natural stone walling l Range of interior stone for floors, walls & worktops l Feature stones and water features l Bespoke fireplaces and hearths l Bespoke digital masonry service

www.stoneworld.co.uk

cuss your document storage

dis Call us on 01296 425744 to

As a document storage provider, we make it simple to move, store and manage any businesses or organisations records off-site.

You pack your archive documents (or we can); we convey them free of charge to our secure, heated storage facility. When you need them back, we retrieve either individual files or whole boxes and deliver them to you – easily and quickly.

Why Archive with us? ✓ To preserve paper based files safely and securely in correct environmental conditions ✓ Simple fee structure, no hidden charges ✓ Low storage prices – it costs only pence

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THE ARCHIVE CENTRE LTD 01296 425744 ENQUIRIES@THEARCHIVECENTRE.COM WWW.THEARCHIVECENTRE.COM

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Kitchens, Bedrooms and Studies by

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Free CAD design and A personal service, visuals help bring to life your brand-new kitchen including full

project-management

Competitive pricing throughout the year An extensive range of luxury German kitchens

An extensive range of luxury German kitchens

Traditional and modern bespoke furniture to suit all tastes

Traditional and modern bespoke furniture to suit all tastes

A personal service, including full project-management

A personal service, including full project-management

A one-stop solution

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Free CAD design and visuals help bring to life your brand-new kitchen

A one-stop solution Free CAD design and help An extensive range bring to Anvisuals extensive range oflife of luxury German kitchens your German brand-new kitchen luxury kitchens Traditional and modern

Competitive Traditional andpricing modern bespoke furniture to throughout year suit allthe tastes bespoke furniture to

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A including full Competitive pricing Competitive pricing ewaykitchens.co.uk | 01844 279throughout 900the year | www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk A one-stop solution project-management throughout the year Free CAD design and visuals help bring to life your brand-new kitchen

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Free CAD design and Competitive visuals help bring topricing life throughout the year your brand-new kitchen

info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk | 01844 279 900 | www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk Competitive pricing info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk | 01844 279 900 | www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk throughout the year

Luxury Coach Holidays

DayTrips,Theatres & Shows Join one of our great value tours! el.com .mottstrav w w w : e n nli Book o

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The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is the biggest and most exciting Christmas show of all time in Britain. Come and experience the popular blend of Christmas entertainment, with dazzling dancers, beautiful costumes, Christmas songs, carols, including outstanding music and singing from our cast of over one hundred.

Choice of 2, 3 or 4 days!

2 Days: November 14 & 19 £139 3 Days: November 15 & December 4 £249 4 Days: November 8 & December 6 £329 All breaks include: Luxury coach travel, 1/2/or 3 nights Hotel, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance to Thursford, Excursions on 3 & 4 Day breaks All Thursford tickets have been booked for Day 2 at 2pm with the exception of Dec 4 when we visit Thursford at 7pm on Day 2.

As hush falls and darkness deepens, the great oak gates sweep open and the swell of pipes and drums cracks through the night sky. As massed bands march out in their hundreds across the drawbridge, feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! Come with us and witness Scotland’s major, annual event which is attended by more than 250,000 each year.

Please note: No Evening meal is included on Tattoo night.

3 Days: August 2 £239 & August 16 £239 4 Days: August 2 £279 Price Includes: Luxury Coach Travel, 2/3 nights hotel, Breakfast & Dinner (1 or 2 nights), Entrance to Tattoo, Porterage, Tea/Coffee after dinner, Excursion to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs (4 Day tour) DAY TRIPS AVAILABLE NOW FROM YOUR AREA - PLEASE RING FOR DETAILS.

See our 2013 brochure for many more holidays...

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Motts Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD BOOKING HOTLINE: 01296 336666 6

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

REQUEST YOUR 2013 HOLIDAY BROCHURE

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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

31

Different strokes

10 Wedding feature

32

Home is where the heart is

Wedding gowns

35

Muddy Stilettos Awards

Bloomin’ Romantic

38

Heated discussions

With this ring

41

Powered up

Field of dreams

42

It’s the business

All aboard

43

Digital decorator

Are you an ‘L’ lister?

44

Best days of your life

Red Carpet

46

Farcical fun

I do, I do, I do!

49

Acting up

Back to my roots

53

Good chimes

Beauty spot

54

Greek is the word

55

One Hungry Gent

8

12 14 15 16 17 18 20 23 25 26

Katy Dyer dissects the latest fashion trends 15 pages of wedding ideas and suppliers Three fabulous wedding dress boutiques Where to get your fresh British flora Is this your most enduring purchase?

Get hitched in the great outdoors It’s about arriving in style John Lewis is gift list heaven Clipped, pampered, plucked and tanned Unique gifts and cards for the happy couple Updating the eighties

College salon has right prescription

30 Fitness focus

Get the habit says Chris Gallagher

Size is everything

I

t hardly seems possible that it’s only six weeks since the last Vale Life Magazine hit the streets. So much has happened since, what with Christmas, New Year and the snowy spell, it seems but a distant memory now!

There have been good memories since though. This yule the Trott clan decided to have Christmas dinner out, for a change, at The Pointer at Brill. The sumptuous banquet served up was quite superb. A chance for some to try goose, (most liked it) and all to

C

ongratulations to the following Dec/Jan edition competition winners!

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

get totally stuffed. It was excellent and very good service too. I have since called in at the butchers, just behind the pub and bought the most fantastic joint of pork I’ve ever tasted. What they are doing to the pigs up at Brill I do not know, but it’s working! Perhaps they massage them with Vale Brewery beer like those Japanese Kobe beef cattle! It was the most tender and delicious pork I have ever tasted and I will definitely be back for more!

It hasn’t all been good though.

My car was written off by a careless white van man - typically Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: Tickets for The Ideal Home Show, A Pendley Manor Wedding

Charlie’s on the road to well Put a little love in your life

Your nominations please for Muddy’s medals How to keep a cool thatch and a warm hearth New garage has winning formula BBF says join our club Company website gets ‘lick of paint’ The art of picking schools

Comedy thriller sets course for Waterside Small theatre raises the bar New era for village pub Chef inspired by local yogurt Time for a little horse sense

just after a service and with winter tyres newly installed. The insurance company were to scrap it, so I had the tyres taken off and proceeded to buy the same model car again, this time a diesel and a couple of years newer.

Of course, when the snow came, I found the new car’s wheels were actually an inch bigger than on my last one and the winter tyres wouldn’t fit! You’ve got to laugh!

Happy reading

An Aberdeen Angus getting a Kobe style massage at Lucie’s Farm in Gloucestershire They’re all at it, you know...

Charlie

Charlie Trott: editor@vale-life.co.uk Experience Stay, A delicious Castell Coch luxury Welsh food Hamper and a meal for two at The Village Gate, Wendover.

Last issue’s prizewinners were: Six months membership of Reflexions

Health & Leisure Club, Aylesbury: Carol Lindley, Weedon; Dinner for two at The Unicorn, Cublington: Arthur Evans, Quainton

Front cover picture: Chris Howard and Nadia Binns (dress by Justin Alexander). Photographer: www.robwhealphotography.com (see page 11).

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 2013

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Vale Life : Dec Nov/Dec 20122012 / Jan 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...

S

o it’s that time of year again. End of the sales, nearly the end of Winter, yet not quite the start of Spring. But new season trends are already in the shops - so what’s going to be around this year, and what can you bring back from 2012? Get ready to pack away the winter woollies and be inspired. Here’s a great guide to what’s hot and what’s not for Spring/Summer 2013 - and where to find it local to you.

One of the main trends waking us up to Spring is Brights and Neons. Curve in Wendover already have it covered in abundance with super-bright tops from 360 Sweater, right. Make a real impact by putting your neon brights with white. Too bright for you? Just add a hint using a bold camisole under a neutral jacket. Hey, if all else fails - go for a bright umbrella to drive the clouds away! Love this floaty top from Isabella’s Closet, Thame with the bright pastel design, bottom right.

Shimmer and Shine is also a key feature this Spring. This trend works for daytime looks when teamed with a great neutral colour, but come nighttime put your shimmer with brights to make it really come alive. Sequins aren’t just for the party season - you will see them on plenty of pieces over the coming weeks, so bring out a bit of sparkle to brighten up your wardrobe. Gallivant in Thame have great accessories to add a bit of shine with the Ash Metallic Leather Studded Sneakers and Lamb1887 gold envelope clutch, right. Brights and shimmer also featured heavily in make-up trends on the catwalks for Spring/Summer 2013, so take a look at new colourways and take the opportunity to freshen up your makeup bag.

The Pencil Skirt is still around for the coming season, but this time with added pattern and bold colourways. This will look fabulous on those with curves, and for those with a triangle (pear) shape, keep to subtle, simple styles to balance your hips with your top half.

The nature-inspired prints and florals from the last two seasons have morphed into Graphic Geometrics. With these kinds of prints in stripes, plaids and checks, let the garment do the talking and keep accessories to a minimum. There are great designs to be found at Chocolate Boutique in Princes Risborough, such as the bold stripe dress by 8

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Curve: 360 Sweater, grey sweater with neon green skull motif - £219

Curve: 360 Sweater, blue/white stripe sweater with neon pink top - £185

Chocolate Boutique: Fransa, Silver geometric lace top £39.99; black vest top, noa noa £15; pendant necklace £22

Alexa Faux Fur Coat £115, Monsoon Chocolate Boutique: b.young, Stripe Dress - £49.99 Gallivant: Lamb1887, Gold envelope Clutch - £99

Isabella’s Closet: Naomi Tsakishima, pastel print blouse - £45

Style File with Katy Dyer...

Freerange Fashion: Jackpot, Emmelie Long Skirt - £89.95

b.young and Fransa’s geometric lace shell top (below left).

Straight and square patterns work well on those with straighter body shapes, but those with curves should try zig-zags or softer swirls.

Make sure you consider your scale when choosing print - petites stick to smaller patterns, whilst tall girls will look great in the larger, bolder designs.

Still around from last season is the Volume trend. This is a relaxed look for all, and the key is to stick to one over-size garment - don’t go for it all over. Whatever your size, keep the bottom half slim. Here’s a couple of stylish combinations from Freerange Fashion - Jackpot’s Warna blue shirt and Copena white pants, right and this gorgeous Emmelie long print skirt, left, which just shouts summer.

For the guys this season, supersharp colours have arrived on the high street inspired by the catwalks. Look out for colour in sportswear and skateinspired styles. Make sure to choose the perfect shade - if you have dark hair and light eyes, the brights will be a brilliant look for you. If you have a few (or more) silver streaks in your hair, bright blues, teals or magenta will

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

be a great choice.

Technical performance fabrics also feature this season, great for sports fans. If you are more of a classic dresser, you will be pleased to hear that tailoring is back, albeit with a bit of a twist - add a splash of colour to your neutrals to bring your wardrobe right up to date this season. Make sure to choose designs that work with your physique, keeping your look relaxed.

So add a bit of colour inspiration to your wardrobe and get yourself ready for Spring. l Katy Dyer is a professional 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

Freerange Fashion: Jackpot, Warna blue shirt - £54.95 & Copena white pants - £49.95

‘the difference is in the detail…’

Eton Duchamp Circle of Gentlemen Paul & Shark Gant Lagerfeld Without Prejudice Falke Mabro Uomo Sand

10 Greyhound Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3DY gallant-thame.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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...

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

OOL STORE

es.com

w MK18 3AB

8

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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 industry is now worth a staggering £10b a year in Britain with the pressure on for couples to create a day like no other,” says Samantha Stonehouse of Tetsworth based whatafabparty. com. “An average wedding costs £21,000, giving many brides-to-be a case of wedding frenzy.

“A designer wedding at an affordable price is at the top of every newly engaged couple’s wish list and with some savvy planning and supplier sourcing you can save thousands on your perfect day.

“Tip 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 also offer

weekday discounts.

Tip 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 saved yourself a small fortune.

Tip 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.

Tip 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.

Tip 5: Replace Champagne for your toast with Cava or Prosecco: Trust me, no one will notice at this stage in the day.

Tip 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 keep sake.

Lazertech Sound & Light The Mobile Disco Company

Floral design andSCHOOL weddingSTORE service FLORAL DESIGN SCHOOL STORE FLORAL DESIGN

‘Serious about having fun’

www.rhubarbandroses.com www.rhubarbandroses.com

15 Market Square Winslow MK18 3AB

15 Market Square Winslow MK18 3AB 01296 711158

01296 711158

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Tel: 07990 845851 / 07516 469816 Email: lazertech-disco@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.lazertech-disco.co.uk

FLORAL DESIGN SCHOOL STORE

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Wedding feature Samantha is used to planning weddings but if you are looking for some ideas for your big day, here are her predictions for wedding trends that will be big in 2013: 1. Meaningful Menus and Food Stations: Couples are designing their own menus and asking chefs to come up with innovative dishes, that mean something to them. In the evening it’s bye-bye to boring buffets and hello to themed food stations packed full of continental cheeses and meats to Tapas, Sushi or even ice cream!

2. Themed Bars: Funky martini bar, sophisticated Champagne bar or branded beer station, they look great and are fun, visual and different. Why not give the husband to be some wedding planning responsibility, I am sure he would take this on with glee creating a true ‘gentleman’s club’ feel.

3. Vintage: It’s no secret that vintage is back, however there has been a shift from Victorian-style, tea parties to more English country garden. Think big rustic signs, bunting dressed along your garden fence, old tin baths filled with

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

bottles of beer, vintage table cloths laden with your wedding cards and children playing croquet on the lawn... divine!

4. Themed Lounge areas: A gorgeous themed chill out area for relaxing away from the dancefloor is great fun whether Moroccan with shisha pipes, outside seating with furs and lanterns, or Studio 54 style 70s retro, all can be easily created and add to the party vibe.

5. Lace: Still trending from the Royal Wedding, lace is classical and timeless and something I hope we will never tire of. Whether it’s incorporated in your dress, veil or around your bouquet, lace is big this year.

Samantha Stonehouse set up What A Fab Party! in 2010 and concentrates on wedding day management and wedding design.

“Underneath all the frills its a day about love and creating life long memories,” she says. l Contact Samantha Stonehouse Tel; 07771 543386 Samantha@whatafabparty.com www.whatafabparty.com

Plan l Full party planning and design l Supplier sourcing from caterers, marquee companies to DJ’s, photographers and wedding transport Style l Vintage china & prop hire, vintage inspired venue styling Full range of crockery, birdcages, apple crates, bunting, garden games, blankets & cushions... l

Deliver

l

On the day event management at your venue

Contact Samantha Stonehouse to discuss your event or hire enquiry info@whatafabparty.com 01844 281746 / 07771 543386

www.whatafabparty.com

Wedding & Event Childcare Services l l

Mobile creche l Babysitters l Event nannies, Entertainment & activities l Unique gift bags Professional, innovative, creative, bespoke

For further information call: 01844 212134 Email: enquiries@lemonjellychildcaresolutions.co.uk Website: www.lemonjellychildcaresolutions.co.uk

Fabulous food and unforgettable occasions Our chefs design contemporary menus and exciting dishes, with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce, to ensure a truly unforgettable occasion The experienced Cavendish team of event managers and waiting staff offer a friendly and professional service, understanding that attention to every last detail really does matter

Discover how Cavendish can ensure your day is stunning and unique. For more information or to discuss your plans with our wedding co-ordinator, please call 01844 202299 www.cavendishevents.co.uk l

Stylish Weddings l Creative Food l Modern Menus Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

A

nna McDonald Bridal Gallery at Thame, is a leading bridal boutique providing designer wedding dresses and accessories.

Brides, from all over the country, travel to experience a one to one appointment with expert advice,

Dress by Justin Alexander (as is front cover dress ) Call for details of Anna’s Justin Alexander designer weekend on February 16th & 17th

having viewed the collection on Anna’s easy to navigate website: www.anna-mcdonald.com Anna’s dresses are from leading designers, recognised for their quality design, originality and sheer elegance including Justin Alexander, Charlotte Balbier, Sophia Tolli and Marylise. The award-winning collection offers something for everyone.

Anna prides herself on the personalised service from her or business partner Adele. As a customer you can browse the fabulous range in comfort and privacy, with chosen friends and family and enjoy large luxury fitting rooms all to yourself. You will never feel pressurised into buying. It is vital that you are 100% delighted with your choice and this often requires a repeat visit to see your favourite dresses again.

The busiest days are Saturdays, although many customers are seen

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Dress by Ronald Joyce 12

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in the evenings, during the week, to fit in with people’s busy working Anna McDonald lives.

Dresses are made and delivered to customers 1216 weeks after ordering, with fittings taking place in the Bridal Gallery.

Anna and her team love what they do, and believe that their service makes them stand out from other shops. If you would like the chance to WIN a £50 voucher towards your wedding dress, email your name, address and telephone number to: editor@vale-life.co.uk.

To find out more about Anna’s Bridal Gallery visit her website or call for an appointment on: 01844214190. l The White House, East Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3JS Tel: 01844 214190 Web: www.anna-mcdonald.com

Dress by Sophia Tolli

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 five 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. They make for a breathtaking and diverse collection and are priced 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 your wedding day and beyond. We are proud that many of our brides have been recommended to us by previous happy customers.”

The Bridal House

The Bridal House also stocks a gorgeous selection of bridesmaid dresses. Their collection is carefully chosen to flatter the bridesmaid and enhance the bride, with beautiful colours, fabric’s and styles.

Appointments are now available Monday to Saturday and alternate Sundays, just call or see The Bridal House website for further information.

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

C

onfetti Bridalwear is a pretty shop situated in the shade of St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church just behind M&S in middle of the lovely market town of Tring.

The business was established nearly 30 years ago but has been owned and run for the last 19 years

by Sarah Shaw, who has over 25 years experience in the wedding industry. Originally from the Midlands, Sarah went into theatre when she left school and came to the area to work in the costume department at Windsor Theatre and then at Watford’s Palace Theatre.

“I learnt on the job,” says Sarah, “sewing, dressmaking and alterations.

I worked doing alterations for Mary Perryman, when she owned Confetti and later took the business over.

“We are open Monday to Saturday and there are four of us working here at different times, myself, Lisa, Jo and Carol. Normal hours are 10am-5pm but we are open

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

later on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Appointments are preferable but you can just pop in for a look around, if you like.

We do dresses by Charlotte Balbier, Amanda Wyatt, Ellis, Paloma Blanco, Atelier Diagonal and La Sposa among others. We’ve handpicked a gorgeous range from simple dresses to sumptuous gowns in a variety of styles and have some lovely bridesmaids dresses and accessories too, including unique, bespoke, handmade headdresses and matching jewellery by Princess Conchetta. 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

Dresses by Charlotte Balbier

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Wedding feature

Flowers are an important part of any wedding adding a finishing flourish to your outfits and a personal touch to the decorations

F

ullers Flowers has been blooming since 1899,” says Lorna Brooks, owner of the pretty Princes Risborough florists.

“We are a long established, family business, now in our 114th year and we are dedicated to flowers as flowers should be .. natural, seasonal and preferably British grown.

“Now we have our own cut flower nursery as well as the ‘Flowers From A Farm’ network of British growers to source from, our

“

passion for British grown blooms has become our trademark,” says Lorna.

Lorna and store manager Lydia are experienced in catering for weddings and have an eye for arrangement and a knack for combining their blooms in quirky, countryinspired ways. The results are often quite breathtaking and always individual, distinctive and full of character and charm.

“Like wedding gowns, flowers are subject to fashion,” says Lorna, “and luckily this season it’s all about romance - ideal if you are planning a wedding! Vintage is the look of the moment, from the faded elegance and gentle tones of ivory, dusky pink and lavenders, peony and Victorian Roses will burst, blowsy and sumptuous, evoking a timeless mood.

“We love vibrant, old school blooms, such as the dramatic Dahlia, Striking Sunflowers or Zesty Zinnia, which are all very popular, teamed with scented herbs and garden foliage for a quirky retro twist.

“Less is definitely more at the moment too, with the trend being to compliment the surroundings with your table flowers not dominate them - simple jam jars filled with wild styled flowers are one of our favourites.

“And for an original twist, why not add vintage jewellery to Bridal flowers, maybe a family treasure, to give a truly personal touch.”

Lydia and Lorna are happy to discuss flowers for any occasion: weddings, Valentine’s Day, Mothering Sunday... just give them a call, pop in, email, or get in touch via their Facebook page or website, as below. l Fullers Flowers, 26 Bell Street, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0AD. Tel: 01844 345426 Email: shop@fullersflowers.co.uk

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Lydia, left and Lorna with Wendy their reliable delivery van

Website: www.fullersflowers.co.uk To keep up with news and offers ‘like’ the Fullers Flowers Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/fullersflowers

Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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-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 for 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.”

Hester Clarke are known for their

Andrew Leggett

Sarah Jordan bi-set 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 2013

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Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Field of dreams

T

here is some beautiful, quintessentially English countryside in The Chilterns and none more so than the rolling woods and farmland of The Misbourne Valley around Hyde Heath and Great Missenden.

If your dream is a romantic marquee wedding on a lush meadow, manicured and rolled to polo pitch perfection, then Middlegrove Farm could be for you.

It’s quite a bit more than a blank canvas, but all you are hiring is the field, so the only limitations as to what kind of wedding party you are going to stage here are your imagination and budget!

The field is adjacent to the farm but has it’s own separate gate entrance. Hire is for a week and the owners are on site to receive deliveries, flowers, decorations, etc.

They can also recommend local suppliers for most usual

Win a Pendley wedding taster

P

endley Manor is an elegant 73 bedroom Victorian Country House Hotel, set in 35 acres of landscaped gardens and wooded parkland - a peaceful and elegant setting for your special day.

Licensed to hold civil ceremonies, each function suite has its own characteristics and splendid views of the grounds, accommodating up to 160 guests for a civil ceremony and up to 200 guests for a wedding breakfast.

Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, spa bath, steam room, sauna, gym, aerobics studio, snooker room, and a four acre meadow with helipad.

To help with planning and organisation there is also the benefit of your own Wedding Manager.

A choice of three wedding

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

requirements: marquee hire, portaloos, caterers, florists etc. but it is up to the bride and groom to design and organise their own, totally unique event.

There is no restriction on the amount of guests invited, or on hours, so an all night party is feasible! There is also ample room for parking and nearby guest accommodation.

Space is plentiful, so if you’d like to play games, or put up a bouncy

castle to entertain the younger guests, anything is possible.

Straw bales can be provided too which are ideal for rustic seating!

To ensure the field is in best order, only one booking per month is taken. To find out more call Janet Pusey on 01494 862985 (evenings). l Middlegrove Farm, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 0RD Tel: 01494 862985 Email: janet.pusey@btinternet.com

Wedding Brochure

packages are available, catering to everyone’s tastes and budgets and including everything from reception drinks, which can be served in the picturesque gardens or in a private room whilst your photographs are Congratulations to you both on your engagement. We would like to being taken, wedding breakfast, thank you for enquiring about your forthcoming Wedding at evening buffet, toastmaster, tableManor.

Pendley decorations, table plans, a room for the bride and groom etc. The Manor, an elegant 73 bedroom Victorian Country House Hotel, is set in 35 acres of landscaped gardens and wooded parkland, Pendley Manor also caters for hen creating a peaceful setting for your special day. nights which include use of the spa Our Suites are licensed to hold civil ceremonies. Each have their facilities, spa treatments, afternoon own characteristics and splendid views of our grounds, tea, dinner, overnight stayaccommodating and up to 160 guests for a civil ceremony and up to breakfast with additional 200 activities guestsiffor a wedding breakfast. bridal suite plus a full tour of the required. wedding to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Our leisure facilities include a swimming pool, spa bath, steam facilities and dinner (a tasting menu To find out more or make an A winner room, sauna, gym, aerobics studio, snooker room, and a four acre will be drawn at random of possible wedding breakfast fare, appointment to see the facilities and notified by March 10th, 2013. meadow with helipad. champagne/wine choices etc.) and contact Kristina as below. l Pendley Manor, Cow Lane, Tring, Weddings taking a great of planning, breakfast:for email your name,deal address If you would like the chance to are renowned HP23 5QY organisation and at times can be challenging. At PendleyHertfordshire, Manor, and telephone number, plus those win a unique ‘Vale Life Pendley you will have the benefit of having the expertise of your own Tel: 01442 820016 of your partner you and every the dates Manor Wedding Taster Experience’ Wedding Manager.

To support step you of the way.

To make Email: weddings@pendley-manor.co.uk an in appointment with Kristina, please either are currently considering foremail youron Web: www.pendley-manor.co.uk including an overnight stay the weddings@pendley-manor.co.uk or call on 01442 820016 Pendley Manor Cow Lane, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 5QY www.pendley-manor.co.uk

Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

All aboard!

V

intage vehicle enthusiasts Louise Taylor and husband Andrew, started their classic car business after restoring a 1966 Princess Limousine over a period of two years to use for their own wedding in 2000.

Their collection has grown steadily from one car to 15.

Andrew is a mechanic by trade and

the couple restore the vehicles themselves turning old barn wrecks into beautifully restored cars that people can enjoy once more.

Allerston Taylor & Regency Carriages now offers a stunning collection of over 15 vintage and classic Rolls Royces, Daimlers, Vanden Plas Princess Limousines, Jaguar & Mercedes for your wedding day.

Cathy Cavendar

“Our cars will be prepared to your exact requirements,” says Louise. “with ribbons and flowers to match your colour scheme, a uniformed chauffeur and complimentary champagne for the bride and groom.

“We only ever do one wedding a day with each car, so we can tailor our service to meet your individual needs, whether it be providing transport for the whole bridal party, or just a car for photos and a romantic drive for the newly weds after the ceremony.

“Our cars are all kept in immaculate condition and we are always happy to arrange an appointment to view them at our showroom in Westcott.

Pictured right are Andrew and

Louise dressed for a 1930s charity ball, which they attended with their cars! l Allerston Taylor & Regency Carriages, Westcott, Nr Aylesbury, Bucks, HP18 0PA Tel: 01296 655021 Mob: 07761 656857 Email: info@regencycarriages.co.uk Web: www.regencycarriages.co.uk

Wedding celebrations at The Angel

The Angel offers the perfect combination of superb cooking, ambience and attentive service in relaxing surroundings A 16th Century coaching inn nestled in the picturesque village of Long Crendon on the Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire boarders, The Angel is a delightful location for an intimate, bespoke wedding party.

The charming restaurant brims with character, exposed beams, open fireplaces and original wattle & daub features.

The bright airy conservatory transforms into a romantic, candlelit dining room at night, while an alfresco reception on the sun terrace is delightful in the warmer months.

The Angel also offers four en suite double rooms for guests who would like to stay over.

Three course wedding menus are available from £35 per person.

47 Bicester Road, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9EE

www.angelrestaurant.co.uk

Tel: 01844 208268

Restaurant open: For Lunch, Monday - Saturday: 12-2.30pm, Sunday: 12-3pm For Dinner, Monday - Saturday: 7-9.30pm, Sunday Evenings: Closed. Bank Holidays open as usual.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Wedding feature

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Everybody loves shopping at John Lewis, but imagine wandering through the store, picking out your favourite items and then having friends and family buy them for you...

I

f you are getting married, or celebrating a special event, a John Lewis Gift List makes giving and receiving easy and allows family and friends to choose gifts they know you’ll love, to help mark the happy occasion.

John Lewis is well known for quality, customer care and their ‘never knowingly undersold’ commitment. It is the UK’s largest department store group with a national network of branches selling over one million different lines. Our local branch at High Wycombe mainly stocks home and leisure items but is soon to significantly expand the shop floor to include a large clothing section.

John Lewis have been helping couples set up home for many years, they have everything one might need, from curtains and blinds to picture frames, artwork, mirrors, toasters, kitchen utensils, lighting, furniture, electrical goods, crockery, gardening equipment, sports goods and decorative homeware.

If a wedding is on the agenda though, a range of additional services from personalised stationery and invitations to wedding cakes and table decorations are also available. They even do wedding and travel insurance and your gift list could include contributions towards your honeymoon with their travel partner Kuoni or donations to Cancer Research UK. The Wycombe store currently boasts a pop-up wedding shop on the first floor where a selection of wedding services and inspiring gift collections are being displayed through February, March and April.

Here customer support executive Danny Whelan explained how John Lewis have embraced technology to make their free Gift List service even simpler to use.

“You can register in store, online (www. johnlewisgiftlist.com) or by phone (0845 604 7384) and a gift list is set up in your name,” says Danny. “About eight weeks before the wedding is the best time to make your final gift selection.”

“At the Gift List counter you are given a scanner (see above right) and can add items to your gift list by scanning their barcodes. It’s that simple, and better still the system will list items in a range, so if you are selecting some 18

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Red: contemporary, innovative and the most popular colour

Gift ideas are displayed in four coordinated collections: ‘Stylish interiors’, ‘No place like home’, ‘Red’ and ‘First Home’

Above & right: Using the hand scanner dinner plates, it will suggest other items from the same dinner service, which might be gift options too, say side plates or dessert bowls.”

Your gift list goes live about six weeks before your wedding and is closed two weeks after. When you register you are given insert cards, to send to your guests with their invitations, complete with wedding list number and the date the list goes live and they can start shopping! Guests can buy items from the list online, by phone, or at a John Lewis store and their gifts are delivered together, free of charge at a date to suit, unless the guest wishes to take their present away with them to deliver personally.

The High Wycombe store stocks a huge range of home and leisure items and is ideal for gift shopping. John Lewis first trialled their gift list service there in 1996 and have been running it successfully ever since.

The store has occasional ‘scanning’ or ‘gift list evenings’ (April 13th, April 20th and May 18th are the next ones) when couples are invited to attend the store and choose items

for their gift lists, usually with refreshments supplied to add to the fun. There are often product demonstrations too.

“We can give the bride and groom a list of popular gift items, if they are looking for ideas” says Danny. “You can have a ‘collation list’ where gift vouchers are an option, or a ‘gift voucher only’ list for which people buy vouchers that can be combined towards a large item.

“When your guest arrives at John Lewis they put your gift list number, or surname, into the computer terminal at Gift List reception and will get a printout of listed items available for purchase. They can buy there and then, or go and have a look at the items first.”

“There are no restrictions on what you list,” says Danny. “I’ve seen rubber ducks for the bath, a tube of jelly beans and even a roll of cling film!” l John Lewis Gift List Service Tel: 0845 604 7384 Web: www.johnlewisgiftlist.com

The John Lewis Gift List.

The John Lewis Gift List.

For gifts The Johnyou’ll Lewislove Giftforever.

List.

For gifts you’ll love forever.

Create your perfect Gift List with a choice of For gifts you’ll love Create your perfect Gift List with aforever. choice of 350,000 beautiful products, charity donations

350,000 beautiful products, charity donations or honeymoon contributions.

Create your perfect Gift List with a choice of or honeymoon contributions.

350,000 products, charity donations Visit us atbeautiful John Lewis High Wycombe or register Visit us JohnatLewis High Wycombe or register or honeymoon contributions. your GiftatList johnlewisgiftlist.com your GiftatList johnlewisgiftlist.com Visit us JohnatLewis High Wycombe or register your Gift List at johnlewisgiftlist.com

Our commitment to value means that we match the prices of the high street competitors (this excludes online-only or mail order businesses). Service conditions must be comparable. See our ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ leaflet in our shops or online for details.

Our commitment to value means that we match the prices of the high street competitors (this excludes online-only or mail order businesses). Service conditions must be comparable. See our ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ leaflet

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Wedding feature

Red Carpet H a i r d r e ssi n g

Fabulous hair and make up is crucial for the big day but a little pampering can go down well anytime, especially with hens...

W

endover’s Red Carpet hair and beauty salon celebrated it’s 5th birthday on February 14th.

The stylish salon was fully refurbished last summer and clients can now enjoy their high quality ‘red carpet’ treatment in very luxurious surroundings.

Owner Angela Smith, set up the business in February 2008 and says she has thoroughly enjoyed her time in Wendover.

“It’s a lovely village,” she says, “with lots of nice shops and restaurants and suits our style of salon. It’s a pleasant place for a group of girls to wander round, do some shopping and then come in for a spot of indulgence.

“We do Bridal Hair, Wedding Packages and Hen Parties/Ladies afternoons,” says Angela.

“We can accommodate the bride and her attendants in our dedicated VIP area. They can have their hair and nails done, eyebrows too and spray tans. We have a service called Perfect Brows which includes: threading, plucking and shaping. No doubt there will be a glass or two of fizz on offer as well!

“We can do Gelish nails, or traditional manicures and pedicures. Gelish is a polish that won’t chip or peel for up to three weeks and protects your natural nails underneath. It comes in an amazing range of colours and is applied like a polish but then hardened with a

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Gelish nails - ideal with your large rock!

Ready for the honeymoon with Nouvatan

lamp to stop smudges and dents. We also do courses to be updated on new products, traditional luxury manicures and pedicures or trends and techniques. The Moroccanoil a quick shape and paint, if you prefer.” conditioning treatment is particularly fabulous.

Red Carpet has a Spray “ Service is key here though.

Tanning Booth and uses At Red Carpet you will find a fabulous 100% natural, a friendly greeting, a great premium quality organic-based haircut, a good consultation, a tan product called Nouvatan, lovely head massage, up to date or noUVAtan - get it?! It is magazines, luxury products, available in six different shades trained, knowledgeable staff and which can be matched to your beauty treatments. skintone, ideal for adding a bit “We are open until 8pm, from of all-over colour ready for your Wednesday to Friday and can honeymoon. send text confirmations and You’ll enjoy these treatments appointment reminders.”

Angela Smith in comfort, amid stylish Red Carpet Hairdressing was surroundings, as Red Carpet sports some very recently awarded a maximum five stars by The cool furniture from Italy, designed by Nicola Good Salon Guide. If you’d like to experience Andrea Frignani. the Red Carpet treatment, book in for a free Angela now has ten staff and offers a tiered consultation to discuss what you would like to hairstyling range with prices dependant on the achieve. level of stylist. Model night appointments are And for those reading this - take your occasionally available too. copy of Vale Life Magazine along when you “I have a lovely team, they are very friendly book in for colour at Red Carpet and you and keen to give the best customer service. will be offered a complimentary conditioning We have a fantastic Schwarzkopf colour range treatment on production of the magazine! and lovely, luxury Pureology shampoos, l Red Carpet Hairdressing, 8 Aylesbury Road, treatments and conditioners, which is great Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6JQ for colour retention. We also retail Label.M, Tel: 01296 625511 Pureology, Schwarzkopf, Moroccanoil and Website: www.redcarpethairdressing.com GHD products and the girls go on regular Open Wed-Fri: 9am-8pm, Tue/Sat: 9am-5.30pm

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

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Wedding feature

WIN tickets to the Ideal Home Show

F

rom March 15th - April 1st, the British Home Show returns to Earls Court, London for its 105th Year and we have 5 pairs of tickets for our lucky readers to win!

With seven dedicated show areas catering to every need and taste, and boasting over 600 exhibitors, the Ideal Home Show is the only place to visit when making your home ideal.

From ideal Interiors, to ideal Home Improvements, with ideal Gardens, and ideal Technology, plus ideal Food & Housewares, ideal Shopping and ideal Woman, the enhanced sections give you more choice and bigger brands, all under one roof.

It’s a great day out for the whole family - shop, see new product launches, explore full scale show homes and gardens, visit the revolutionary Technology Hub, powered by Virgin Media, and enjoy a glass of bubbles in the Ideal Gardens champagne bar, sponsored

by Hydropool. You can even celeb spot and enjoy a spot of lunch in the Celebrity Chef restaurant.

Not forgetting the fantastic Celebrity Ambassadors and Experts

Notley Tythe Barn is a beautiful, fully restored 12th-century barn set in picturesque gardens within 500 acres of pasture land at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. It is also an elegant and unique venue for weddings, receptions, parties, functions, celebrations and other special events.

Notley Farm, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire HP18 9ER T: 01844 201226 F: 01844 201226 Notley NotleyFarm, Farm,Chearsley ChearsleyRoad, Road,Long LongCrendon, Crendon, Notley Farm, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon, E: weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk Notley Farm, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire HP18 9ER Buckinghamshire HP18 9ER Buckinghamshire HP18 9ER www.notleyfarm.co.uk Buckinghamshire HP18 9ER T:T:01844 01844201226 201226F:F: F:01844 01844201226 201226 T: 01844 01844 201226 01844 201226 T: 201226 F: 01844 201226 E:E:weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk E: weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk E: weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk www.notleyfarm.co.uk www.notleyfarm.co.uk www.notleyfarm.co.uk www.notleyfarm.co.uk

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

that will be on hand at the show, both on the Super Theatre stage, and B&Q’s own DIY theatre, to share their knowledge and skills through 1000s of demonstrations and workshops.

If you’d like a chance to win a pair of tickets to The Ideal home Show, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk How many years has the Ideal Home Show been in London?

Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by March 1st. l www.idealhomeshow.co.uk Tel: 0844 858 6763 Email: show@ideal_home_show

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

S

omething old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, And a silver sixpence in her shoe’, says the Victorian good luck poem and fortunately at The White Hart Studio in Haddenham all these crucial elements are to hand and a lot more besides, including handpicked, natural petal biodegradable, churchyard friendly confetti!

The new display of wedding cards is fabulous - it’s often hard to find decent ones, but Jane has a great Artpress selection featuring classic images from photographers such as Norman Parkinson. There’s beautiful images in the Susan O’Hanlon range too and from Clementine Cummins.

New in are tiny gift boxes with old sixpences inside, your ‘something old’ and also good fortune packs with a real horseshoe, cleaned up, tied with a bow and full of good luck - a lovely present.

There’s also some fabulous christening gifts - I know we probably won’t need these quite yet - very cute though, little pillboxes for baby’s first tooth, or curl, photo albums, brush and comb sets and a special tube in which to keep the birth certificate.

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.

N.B. When it comes to ‘something borrowed’ permission should be sought first, or the luck will probably be of the bad sort! ‘

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 2013

23

The heart & soul of

Charlotte, Fenella, Rob, Laura, Cate, Jez and Anna.

Just a few of the local artists making exceptional and unique pieces on our doorstep.

You don’t have to look far to find something beautiful this Valentine’s Day.

16 Cornmarket, Thame, Oxford, OX9 2BW 01844 217998. www.fromroundhere.com

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Providing the ultimate salon experience Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Back to my roots...

Eclipse Hair Design’s Beverley Worlock demonstrates her new take on a classic 80s look

model’s hair was faded and uneven from exposure to the sun, so I gave it an intensive conditioning treatment and enhanced the richness and gloss of her colour by using a semi-permanent Model: Amber-Lauren Ballantyne-Styles luscious, warm, chocolate brown.

Hair: Beverley Worlock “Amber’s hair has a slight, natural curl Makeup: Model’s own and a tendency to be a little wild and Photographer: Cherry-Ann Ballantyne unruly at times, so I applied: Redken’s Clothes & accessories : Beverley Worlock ‘Curvaceous Full Swirl’, a cream/serum “Hairdressers are always looking for formula to reduce frizziness, seal in inspiration for a cut, colour or complete moisture and enhance and help form style,” says Beverley. “Something that the curl; ‘Duo Shield 07’ to provide heat we can update and put our own stamp protection and medium hold and a and identity on. The 80s is a great must-have product that I use on every decade for this: flicks, curls, power client - ‘Moroccan Oil’, to eliminate any dressing and curly perms - you may fluffiness, reduce drying time and leave remember these styles, or perhaps you the hair shiny, silky and ready for styling. are still trying to forget!

“My idea was to achieve 80s curls, “Here I am going for two takes on with an ‘edgy’ look. Back in the day the 80s curl to show just what is possible curling tongs or rollers would have been when you go back to your roots! used but I’ve brought the look up to “Condition is vital for a great look. My date using modern equipment and

techniques.

“Taking tiny sections I used GHDs to achieve root lift, and a small curling wand pinning the curls in place, to set them and produce perfect spiral curls.

“To show how versatile these curls are I then styled two different looks. First, after cooling, I dressed the hair out into tousles, lifting at the root to give the femininity of the curls but draping them over the face to give a tougher look.

The silver of the bodice and chains contrasts dramatically with the warmth of the hair.

“The second style introduces a softer look, by lifting the hair through the sides and nape and draping the curls to follow and enhance the contours of the face.”

“We think Amber looks fantastic and you’d never guess the style is from 30 years ago! Now come in to Eclipse and inspire us with your ideas!”

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... Receptionist/Salon Co-ordinator wanted, see website for details... www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Amanda Trott

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

We’ve all driven past Aylesbury’s stylish, new college but did you know that within the walls of this state of the art structure are several standalone businesses, run by the college under the ‘Intuition’ banner. This includes a thriving, professional hair and beauty salon...

O

ne of the product ranges used

by Aylesbury’s Intuition salon is Dermalogica, a skin care range developed nearly 30 years ago by the International Dermal Institute. Based on skin health as opposed to pure beauty, it is a range of products free of common irritants and ingredients including: lanolin, SD alcohol, mineral oil, artificial colours and fragrances, that commonly cause skin reactions. It was developed to help improve skin health, and is only available from qualified skin therapy professionals. Unlike some, Dermalogica lists all the ingredients on its packaging, which is helpful if you are allergic to certain items.

When I visited Intuition I was introduced to Marianne, one of the salon’s senior therapists, to experience a Dermalogica Prescription Facial. After filling out a simple questionnaire about my general health, diet and beauty regime, Marianne explained that she would assess my skin using Dermalogica’s unique skin analysis Face Mapping system.

Face Mapping only takes a few minutes, it is free of charge and eliminates the guesswork when selecting the correct products for your skin.

Marianne divided my face and neck into fourteen zones, which she then examined using touch and sight with the aid of a magnifying headset. She then noted her findings on a prescription sheet which also serves as a customised visual guide, illustrating any areas of congestion, breakouts, dehydration and

10% OFF any treatment* Aylesbury College, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 8PD Telephone: 01296 588555 www.aylesbury.ac.uk/intuition *Terms and conditions: Offer valid from 1st February 2013 until 31st March 2013.

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Marianne with light and magnifying glasses headset on, to do the face mapping

Marianne applies pre-cleanse to Amanda’s face

Marianne applies Scaling Fluid to bring impurities to the surface

Two different masques are applied

excess pigmentation.

Although I had used Dermalogica products myself for some time, I had not ever been offered this unique and invaluable service.

It was decided I had a normal to combination skin. Your skin type is genetic, so shouldn’t change throughout your lifetime, although different conditions such as changing seasons, your health and age, can affect your skin, therefore, each time you have a Dermalogica Signature Facial you will be reassessed.

Marianne began my facial using Pre Cleanse, a soft and silky oil which removes all traces of make up, before moving onto the deep cleanse for which she used Essential Cleansing Solution followed by Multi Active Toner.

Daily Microfoliant was then applied to gently exfoliate my skin and slough away any dead skin cells, before moving onto steam and extraction.

Marianne applied Scaling Fluid to help bring any impurities to the surface before she gently ‘rolled’ the skin, using a tissue, to remove any comedones - blackheads to you and I! Then came the bit I had been waiting for, the massage! Although not dissimilar to a conventional massage, and still very soothing, Dermalogica’s unique massage focuses on 26

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Removing the masques

pressure points and lymphatic drainage.

As my skin is ‘normal to combination’, Marianne applied two different masques, one to my T zone and the other to the remaining areas, being careful to avoid the delicate eye area. The masques were left on my skin, and in the meantime I was offered the choice of three Touch Therapies, a hand massage, a foot massage or an Indian Head Massage which I opted for - bliss! Finally, when Marianne had removed every trace of the masque, she gently dotted Total Eye Care around my eyes and applied Intensive Moisture Balance to my face and neck.

The prescription facial was thoroughly enjoyable and very professionally delivered by Marianne.

I was particularly impressed with the personalised nature of the treatment which had been individually tailored just for me and left the salon feeling educated, relaxed and pampered while my skin looked and felt wonderful. l Intuition Hair & Beauty, Aylesbury College, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 8PD Tel: 01296 588555 Email: intuitionbeauty@aylesbury.ac.uk Website: www.aylesbury.ac.uk/other-services/ intuition-hair-and-beauty-salon

l

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

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Penny Harper

S

omeone recently asked me, what was the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for me? The fact that I took about half an hour to reply wasn’t an indication that my life is filled with hearts, chocolates and flowers, nor was it a sign that I am romance-deprived; I think it’s romantic when Mr P scrapes the ice off my car in the mornings. I was, however, stuck on the idea of what actually constitutes romance.

As far as grand gestures are concerned, the most romantic was probably the chap who missed his flight to stay another day with me in Australia. When I tell this story, I tend to make it a transatlantic crossing, when in fact it was a commuter plane from Sydney to Brisbane. Still, we had an extra ‘arvo’ together, which, predictably, was enough time for me to realise that ‘Shawn the prawn’ was actually a ‘flaming galah’, and I packed him off on the next available plane.

Fizzy snakes - sweet or sickly?!

I suppose most married people would go for the obvious ‘when I proposed/was proposed to’ answer.

My brother asked his now wife to marry him on a gondola in Venice and promptly won the scorn of all his already-married mates for making their dinner- and- a- red -rose proposals look, well, a bit lame and lacking in imagination.

The closest I ever came to a proposal was my university boyfriend who told me: ‘I’d marry you tomorrow…if it wasn’t for all your faults’. They just don’t write Hallmark cards like they used to.

Feeling that I might be a little jaded on the subject, I quizzed my friends on the subject of romance.

One told me that he and a girlfriend went up to a ‘romantic’ spot and

drank wine while looking at the stars. They talked about their hopes and dreams and then wrote them down on a Chinese lantern and watched the lights disappear up into the night sky. Of course, she then promptly disappeared with her gym instructor and was last known to be living in Milton Keynes.

That’s a true story; there’s still an awful lot of bitterness towards roundabouts on his part.

According to all the polls, I’m not alone. The majority of us ladies consider the smallest of kind gestures to be romantic.

This very conversation prompted a female friend of mine to choke on her white wine spritzer. She then proceeded to tell me it’s true: romance doesn’t actually exist.

Apparently it’s all an illusion and a figment of our imagination. Wasn’t it that great romantic, Disraeli who once called it ‘the offspring of fiction and love’? Mind you, there are an awful lot of babies born in

Small Town

Girl

November.

Me, I’ll take the car-scraping, the fact that he takes me to see musicals when he’d rather pickle his eyeballs, that he buys me fizzy snake sweets when I’m feeling blue and insists on a snog every time we go through a ‘kissing gate’ on our walks, as being examples of true romance.

But that proposal had better be an absolute stonker.

Maria Bray

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Column: Chris Gallagher ‘Fitness Focus’

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Guns and roses...

F ebruary is here, raising heartbeats with the promise of love and romance on that most romantic day of the year, February 14th - St Valentine’s Day! When it comes to affairs of the heart we all want to look and feel our best, both for ourselves and our partners or dates. Having a positive personal body image - being able to feel happy about the way we look and to carry ourselves with confidence - is very much part of this. If you project a confident and assured outlook, people will notice and respond positively to you. It will benefit every aspect of your life, including romantic affairs.

Physical activity not only helps develop a physique of which you can be proud, but can help mental wellbeing too. A regular training programme builds self confidence,

helps manage stress and promotes a more positive self body image.

PT-Results has set goals for the coming year and put strategies in place to achieve our targets. Hopefully many of you have done the same over December and January and if thoughts of romance can help motivate you to look and feel your best, so much the better!

If you are one of the thousands who have made a New Year’s resolution to get fit in 2013 you’ll be in the early stages of your new routine. Perhaps you’ve already had a few hiccups - one third of resolutions are broken by the end of January and 80% end up failing!

Many fail because they are not specific enough, because they are unrealistic or because they are based on will power alone, with no systems in place to ensure success.

A vague idea of wanting to be healthy is not enough - you must set specific and measurable goals and work to a deadline.

How much do you want to reduce your body fat percentage? And by what date? How will you achieve this? On which days will you exercise? What changes are you going to make to your nutritional habits and lifestyle?

Take professional advice as to which activities will best help you achieve your targets. Many regular gym goers work out incorrectly and ineffectually. Their routines ‘make them feel good’ but are not actually taking them anywhere.

Look at the new trends and training ideas available. Consider alternatives to your usual classes and cardio machines. New tools and equipment like suspension trainers are becoming more and more popular. Suspension training is resistance training using your own bodyweight as the load. It’s fun and to many a lot less intimidating than a heavily loaded barbell.

Research suggests that habit-

Chris Gallagher

Fitness Focus forming takes around 66 days.* If you can sustain your new fitness routine through March, then there is a strong possibility you will have developed a healthy new habit that will change your life for the better.

If romance doesn’t immediately blossom at least you’ll have good reason to love yourself a little bit more! Good luck with those goals. *http://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/ hbrc/2012/06/29/busting-the-21days-habit-formation-myth/ l Chris Gallagher is Fitness Director of PT-Results, Aylesbury Web: www.pt-results.co.uk www.facebook.com/Personal TrainingResults, Twitter: @ PT_Results

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Everyone enjoys different activities and has different fitness goals. Vale Life editor Charlie Trott visits Racquets in Thame to see if the fitness centre can inspire him to exercise regularly...

T

hey say that the hardest part of exercising is putting your trainers on! It’s finding the time and motivation to actually get into your sports gear and head for the gym. If you can do this regularly and build a habit, it will become part of your life and you will reap the benefits of being fit and healthy.

Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame has been keeping the local population in shape for some 35 years now. It began life as a squash club, with a small gym, but over the years has developed into a thriving, friendly, family sports club, offering all manner of fitness options from Ab Attack to Zumba classes.

Racquets boasts four squash/racketball courts and caters for all standards of play with lessons and coaching available for beginners upwards. There are fun tournaments, serious tournaments, leagues, social matches and occasionally national competitions held at the club, so there is always something going on.

The club has two air-conditioned gyms and a dance studio where over 30 weekly fitness classes are run (see website, or pop in for details) and occasional functions and social events are held. There’s also a bar, a sauna and

a treatment room.

It’s a family business, run by Simon Martin and his father. Simon played squash for the county and is a qualified squash and racketball coach and fitness instructor. He runs Racquets assisted by a small team of fitness experts, coaches and instructors.

The club is very much part of the local community. They introduce squash to juniors from all the local schools - they learn from four years upwards - and run all sorts of afterschool and holiday courses.

They even have a crèche for those too young to exercise! It’s supervised from 9.45am-11.45am (£3 per child) but outside those times the room is still available with toys and videos. It’s just off the bar so after their class, or gym session mums can have a coffee and chat while their youngsters are playing happily nearby.

Membership is flexible, depending on what you’d like to do. You can have a free trial to start - an instructor will show you round and you can try a class or have a go at squash or racketball. If you are still not sure, you can join for five weeks and see how it goes.

There’s also a 16 months for price of ten deal

Trina and Shamus

on offer at the moment, which is great value.

Over the next few months I’ll be trying out a variety of different activities at Racquets to see if I can get back into the fitness habit.

First impressions are that it is a friendly, family club where the staff know the members and genuinely care about their wellbeing.

So far I’ve eased in with a spinning class taken by Emma, who knowing I was just starting, went fairly easy on me! I’ll be going for a full fitness assessment and regular workouts though, so watch this space and see if I can keep it up! l Racquets Fitness Centre, North Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3TH Tel: 01844 261754 Email: info@racquets-fitness-centre.com Website: www.racquets-fitness-centre.com

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Our House by Melanie Parr

Hearts are not just for Valentine’s Day so why not put a little love back into your home with these cute but chic hearty finds...

T

hey may well be cute but hearts don’t have to be greetings card schmaltzy, and they’re most definitely not just for Valentine’s Day. All the local interiors shops are awash with heart-shaped goodies this Le Creuset ramekins, Steamer Trading Cookshop month, and you can choose every kind of shade Ginger Interiors has country-chic bookends, from sweet pastels to bold brights.

Tillynilly has zingy enamel-coated recycled photo frames, mirrors and objets, while in aluminium bowls and salad servers in cerise, aqua Buckingham sisters Jenny and Sarah at At Home have simply elegant ‘Love’ china by Keith or lime, while Cargo Homeshop has coordinating Brymer Jones as well as driftwood cookie cutters. hearts and decorative heart hooks.

In Thame, head to Meanwhile, David Shuttle, in Steamer Trading Cookshop Beaconsfield and Princes Risborough, for gorgeous Le Creuset has plenty to warm hearts, from lidded ramekins, pie dishes Emma Bridgewater and Jan and casseroles, as well as Constantine china to Just Slate lots of lovey-dovey baking cheese boards and coasters. accessories such as cake tins, muffin pans, baking l Melanie Parr is an interiors cases and aprons.

Colourworks heart cookie journalist with many years’ Also in Thame, FROM cutters, £4, Cargo Homeshop experience on a range of has lovingly handmade well-known homes magazines. wooden blocks and hearts by Sarah Jones from If you have a features idea or would like your business featured, email editor@vale-life.co.uk Hardwick Village.

Emma Bridgewater flan dish and Just Slate cheese board, David Shuttle

Where to get the look...

Ginger Interiors 8 Duck Farm Court, Aylesbury, HP20 2SQ; 01296 415035; www.gingerinteriors.co.uk David Shuttle 6 Duke Street, Princes Risborough, HP27 0AT; 01844 273388; and 3 The Broadway, Penn Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 2PD; 01494 673501; www.davidshuttle.com Tillynilly 01844 220035; info@tillynilly.com; www.tillynilly.com Steamer Trading Company 109 High Street, Thame, OX9 3DZ; 01844 217389; Mug by Jan Constantine at www.steamer.co.uk

David Shuttle

FROM 16 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 2BW; 01844 217998; www.fromroundhere.co.uk At Home

Bookends, 1 Well Street, Buckingham, Ginger MK18 1EW; 01280 821452; Interiors www.athomebucks.co.uk Cargo Homeshop 19-20 High Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1SS; 01296 397701; and 18 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 2BL; 01844 217701; www.cargohomeshop.com

Clockwise from left: bowls and matching salad servers, Tillynilly; heart-shaped photo frames, Ginger Interiors; handmade wooden hearts and blocks by Sarah Jones available at FROM 32

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Love china range by Keith Brymer Jones, At Home in Buckingham

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33

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

l Column:

Hero Brown Muddy Stilettos

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

The urban guide

Hero Brown

It’s time to vote your very favourite, special local places...

Your nominees please for the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2013!

Hero Brown has swapped the bright lights of the big city for fresh air and farmers markets. She now blogs about life in the sticks at www.muddystilettos.co.uk and is here to share her urban take on country living with Vale Life Magazine

T

here’s never anything very cheerful going on in February - all that self-loathing over failed diets, the feeling that Winter will go on for ever. So I’m delighted to buck the trend and announce something positive for the month: the very first Muddy Stilettos Awards, launching on February 25th.

Ever since I started Muddy Stilettos I’ve wanted to formally celebrate the creative and special places, people and ideas I come across in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

There are so many worth mentioning, from the lovely Thame concept store FROM to the quirky brilliance of LASSCO in Milton Common, the stunning mid-century furniture at Out of the Dark in High Wycombe, to the impeccable service at Askett’s The Three Crowns. The list goes on!

Anyone who reads Muddy Stilettos regularly will know that quality is paramount - I am 100% independent and try everything out myself. If it’s not good enough, it won’t make it into Muddy Stilettos. So to win a

Hartwell House, nr Aylesbury Lassco, Milton Common

FROM in Thame Out Of The Dark, Wycombe

category award is a real achievement and an accolade worth having. All 20 category winners will receive a unique Muddy Stilettos Awards rosette, a trophy, a dedicated write-up in Muddy Stilettos, plus press coverage in the regional media.

How to enter?

Much of the content on Muddy Stilettos is inspired by recommendations from readers, friends and the people I meet out-and-about, which is why I’d like the nominations to come from YOU. You can vote for others - or yourselves! - by registering for free at Muddy Stilettos (www.muddystilettos.co.uk) and following the simple instructions on the blog from February 25th. I will quality check after the first round of nominations (just to check Wimpy hasn’t sneaked into the best restaurant category!) and then a final round of voting

Awards categories

Women’s fashion boutique Women’s vintage fashion boutique Men’s boutique Café Children’s shop Boutique hotel/ B&B Large hotel Online retailer Day spa Casual dining Restaurant Destination pub Beauty salon Bar Deli Local food producer Interiors store Gift shop Café Fitness instructor will begin. The winners will be announced on May 2nd.

In the meantime, I have two treats for you, because I’m nice like that. Firstly, I’ve discovered a brilliant ‘farmer’s market supermarket’ called Ten Mile Menu (www. tenmilemenu.co.uk) based in Speen and have persuaded them to give away a whopping £200 of Chilterns-sourced artisan food to a Muddy Stilettos subscriber throughout March (*greedy sigh*). Secondly, in the last two weeks of February, I’m running a Hartwell House competition to win 6 months of joint luxury spa membership worth an incredible £1000.

Time to form an orderly queue. No, sod that, register with Muddy Stilettos as fast as you can! www.muddystilettos.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

35

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Column: Emma Ward‘Country Girl’

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

New kitten in town

T Charles Huntington Flooring

quickly as besotted as me! journey home was quite eventful. hey say a dog is a man’s After hours of cooing and By the time I had reached Padbury, best friend, and we are Holly had escaped said box and was photographing (pictures certainly a nation of immediately posted to Facebook crawling around in the darkness of dog-lovers. Our household of course), came the third and final my car’s footwell. By Winslow she boasts two canine chums, who hurdle of the evening... bedtime. had found my warm, comfortable provide daily hilarity amongst I hadn’t planned on getting a other things, such as shredded kitten - like most of my purchases newspapers and funny odours.

•Expert Advice she was a bit of an impulse buy - a But what is a girl’s best friend? bargain at £10, where could I go Well, according to Marilyn Monroe •Professional Fitting wrong? Anyway, this meant I hadn’t it’s diamonds, but for someone like •Very Competitivebought her a bed yet, so my sister me, whose bank balance is more •Expert Advice and I constructed a make-shift den Eight weeks on and Holly has, Primark than Prada, that’s for Residential and •Professional for her on my bedroom floor, with surprisingly, never sleptFitting another difficult to judge.

Commercial work cushions and blankets. We settled night in my bedroom.

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•Free Parking For the parts of the night when after coming in from the cold, and The second bridge to cross was collection from a friend’s farm in •No Obligation she actually slept, her preferred is always there waiting to greet me my parents’ reaction at having Tingewick.

Parking position was right next to me, but after a•Free long day. another cat added to our brood (I That first evening was someCARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS while she felt warm and safe I was Whoever said diamonds were a thought I would surprise them!) what traumatic. It turned out a FLOORING •and WOOD • BINDING the idea didn’t exactly goTAPES down terrified that if I fell asleep I might girl’s best friend obviously never cardboardSAFETY box is no match for a • VINYLS • STAIR and crush the poor thing.• SISAL owned a cat likeRODS Holly! well, although mum being mum was roll overCARPETS stressed out kitten, and our car

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

There are some beautiful, thatched properties across the Vale and most, due to their age, will have open fireplaces, woodburners or stoves for heating and cooking. Heat and thatch are not always good bedfellows though and the fact that roof fires are on the increase, leaves a burning question...

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tories of thatch fires seem increasingly common across the Vale at this time of year. Obviously it’s colder, so more people are going to be turning up the heat now, but why do thatched properties seem increasingly prone to catching alight these days?

“People are often confused as to why a chimney in a very old property catches fire,” says Laura Morgan of North Mill Stoves in Bledlow. “especially when it has been perfectly fine for centuries! The reason is simple though. Until quite recently, homes were not as warm and cosy as they have now become. Older properties were draughty and cold with much lower internal temperatures than are accepted today. Once a stove is installed and the base of the chimney is closed off, the cooler air that previously drew

freely up through an open fireplace, is no longer available to mix with the warm air and help to reduce the build up of heat. A high temperature within the chimney stack is often what leads to a thatch fire.”

The National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT) has done extensive research into how thatch fires start. You would think sparks might be the main culprit however they have recently discovered that thick beds of thatch, built up against the chimney stack, effectively insulate the brickwork and cause ‘hot spots’ which can lead to charring or ignition.

“It is possible to reline chimney stacks,” says Laura, “with traditional methods such as flexible steel liners, however this also requires the thatch to be taken back from the chimney stack and

rafters. Quite often conservation restrictions prohibit modifications to thatched roofs and homeowners are usually loath to disrupt a sound roof.

“The safest solution for installing a stove is to construct a rigid metal insulated chimney (sometimes called a twin walled flue), which can be lowered inside a standard two brick (450mm) stack. This method means no work is required on the thatch at all.

“To meet current Building Regulations when installing a stove, or ‘closed appliance’, it is necessary that the top of the chimney pot is no less than 1.8m (almost 6ft) above the thatch.

Although a straightforward job for any good builder, these works still require permission from both the planning and listed building

North Mill Road, Bledlow, Bucks HP27 9QP (Showroom by Appointment)

01844 342400

www.northmillstoves.co.uk

Specialist installers of wood burning stoves for all types of buildings of special interest.

Clearview Stoves – 750 High Canopy 14kW multi fuel stove 38

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

North Mill Stoves: examples of stove installations in thatched and listed cottages Original opening over Inglenook fireplace, daylight from chimney opening above

Cherrypicker/Boom Lift for rooftop access to avoid damaging thatch

New inner chimney, looking down from stack departments. The reason for such a height is to allow sparks time to cool before hitting the thatch. This was previously thought to be prevented by ‘spark arrestors’ but these are no longer recommended as they may actually increase the risks, due to blockages forming.

“Carrying out any works within a thatched or listed property requires specialist knowledge, along with a respect for our heritage properties. It is also essential to have an appreciation of the complexities involved with finding a solution that meets both the needs of the property owner and the requirements of conservation organisations and local authorities.”

It seems that for owners of ‘properties of special interest’ it may not be a case of ‘which stove can I have’ but ‘can I have one at all’?

North Mill Stoves have been working for The National Trust for some years now on some of the most stunning properties, both large and small, from Hughenden to Cliveden, West Wycombe, Ashridge and beyond, entrusted to ensure the safe operation of existing open fires, reconditioning of existing stoves and the installation of new, modern systems in over 70 properties. After 25 years installing stoves and chimney systems, North Mill Stoves have built a vast knowledge which comes into it’s own when faced with more

Construction of internal supports

Lowering the chimney lining in

Inspection panel

complicated or challenging installations. If your home fits into this category, it could be worth giving them a call! l North Mill Stoves Limited, North Mill Road, Bledlow, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9QP Telephone: 01844 342400 Email: info@northmillstoves.co.uk Website: www.northmillstoves.co.uk

Stove installed and working

Stove installed in a listed barn conversion with no existing fireplace or chimney

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

39

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

A touch of glass

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t was a chilly start to the year, and if the cold weather continues, it’s going to give us a late start to the growing season. But growing under glass can allow you to start off veg and flower seeds early on, as well as give you the opportunity to grow some interesting varieties that need protection from the British weather.

So how do you choose your greenhouse?

Size matters: Linda Lane, director of Griffin Glasshouses, says: “Cost is important but how much space you may lose from your garden is too. Another issue is what it’s for; a few plants over wintering may suggest one size but all-yearround food production will be a much larger proposition. You never hear people saying their glasshouse is too big, but there are lots that are too small!”

Where will it go? If space is limited, you may not have much choice about position, but if you want it to catch as much light as possible, have the longest axis running east to west. Linda adds: “If you are planning a lean-to then the best position is a south-facing wall.”

Try to position away from trees, which can offer too much shade, and problems such as falling leaves, twigs and branches!

If you have an exposed garden, try to place your greenhouse in a position that is sheltered from the wind by a fence or hedge.

Distance from the house can be important if you have a large garden. Will you remember to go out and check on your seedlings if it’s hidden away somewhere, or dark when you get home from work?

What style? You have two choices – a free standing structure or a lean-to. “If you have a fairly high south-facing wall, fitting a glasshouse to it will mean you can be like the Victorians and enjoy the advantages of a lean-to glasshouse.

The rear wall absorbs heat from sunlight during the day and then emits at night. This saves you having to heat the glasshouse and is great for growing soft fruit up - peaches were often grown in this way. And don’t forget L-shaped or U-shaped lean-to glasshouses can make use of awkward corners in your garden,” says Linda.

Letting in air: Ventilation is key

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Think carefully about where to position your new greenhouse, like this one from Griffin Glasshouses - on a hot day, your plants could die if there is not enough. “A general rule of thumb is open vents area to be at least 15% of the floor area of the greenhouse,” Linda says.

Water and power: You may use a watering can or hosepipe, but if you want to set up a watering system, consider how you will route the water. And also if you think you may use electricity for heat, light and watering, bear that in mind too.

Glass or polycarbonate? Toughened glass is safer than ordinary glass obviously, and polycarbonate is safer still, but it’s light and more susceptible to wind damage, algae, and it is not transparent like glass.

No space: buy a plastic greenhouse as a temporary structure during the early months to get your seeds or small plants going, then pack away until next year, leaving you more space in the summer to enjoy your garden. Draper makes a walk-in greenhouse of this type for just over £50.

Get out! Seed weekend, Waddesdon Manor Plant Centre, Feb 15-16 2013. l Naomi is running workshops for local firms on writing for the web, social media and SEO. From £30 a delegate if you quote code VLFeb13. Email naomimackay@ gmail.com for details.

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 40

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

If you haven’t got a powerboat, take your car along to British champion Jason Jackson. The senior BMW technician and his brother Neil, have just launched their own garage, Protech Cars, offering top quality servicing and repairs at rock bottom prices...

J

ason Jackson has always been interested in cars. He grew up in Maidenhead, where his father owned a garage and Jason decided at an early age that he would like to be a mechanic.

“I like helping people,” says Jason, “and I’ve got a passion for fixing things!”

Jason qualified as a mechanic with a local Ford garage and then went on to spend 18 years with BMW rising to senior technician at Sytner BMW, before spending a couple of years working with a specialist sports performance and tuning firm in Uxbridge.

Jason and brother Neil have now set up their own service and repair garage, ProTech Cars, in a unit at Fleet Marston Farm, just off the A41 Bicester Road between Aylesbury and Waddesdon.

With Jason’s knowledge, drive and experience ProTech is already becoming known for providing an excellent, friendly and professional service at extremely reasonable rates: “We’re specialising in BMW and MINI servicing and repairs,” says Jason, “but I have a wealth of knowledge of many other makes and models and can provide professional service and repairs on those too.”

Jason has Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) and can service your BMW/MINI within its initial three year warranty period. You are no longer required to go to a main dealer for your warranty servicing and by using approved BMW oils and genuine BMW parts and following BMW service schedules your warranty will be maintained at ProTech. If your BMW or MINI is outside of its warranty period, even better, as it is possible to use alternative brand parts to keep your costs down further.

Jason Jackson Trina and Shamus

Jason and Neil Jackson in their Championship winning Powerboat

Image courtesy of www.islandoffshorephotography.co.uk “I love BMWs, the engineering is brilliant and they are great cars to drive. I am at home working on everything from a cherished classic right up to the latest F series models.

We have the latest diagnostic equipment but more importantly, we have the knowledge and passion to get things right.

“Our labour rates are less than half that of the BMW main dealers,” says Jason, “so having your BMW or MINI serviced or repaired no longer needs to be an expensive burden.

“I want to take all the inconvenience out of having your car serviced or repaired too,” says Jason. “I can pick your car up the night before and leave you a loan car, so you don’t have to take time out in the morning to get it to me, or if you are getting the train to work, I can pick your car up and drop you at the station on the way to the garage, whatever is most convenient.

“I want to make it easy for people and to give a good service, a trustworthy service. I’m building a business, building goodwill and a reputation here, so it’s important to me that people know they are going to get a good deal and can rely on our advice - a quality service with those personal touches you’d expect from people who care.

“We also offer a breakdown service and can do a home start call-out, if you can’t get your vehicle going, to bring it in. If it’s happened first thing, we may be able to drop you to work or arrange a loan car too.

The advantages in taking your vehicle to ProTech Cars are plain to see. Jason is an easy person to deal with. He is chatty and amiable and you know he has the experience and skills to do a quality job, whereas in bigger garages you may well have a junior mechanic working on your vehicle. You deal directly with Jason, he is highly trained and he is the one who will be working on your car, much better if you have a tricky fault that needs diagnosing and you’d like to explain just what is going wrong.

Away from the garage, it’s not just cars that interest Jason - although he has dabbled in saloon car racing and narrowly missed winning the British Clubman Championship in his XR2 a few years back - he is into powerboat racing - well, they do have engines! That’s him with brother Neil pictured above. The two have been competing in offshore powerboat racing for many years now and last year won the RYA British BCC Class 2 Championship in their 23ft Batboat, squeezing speeds of up to 85mph from their 200HP engine!

Take your car to ProTech and not only will you get a top mechanic working on your vehicle, you’ll be able to mention, a British Champion has serviced your motor - even your average BMW owner can’t usually say that! l ProTech Cars, Unit 20, Fleet Marston Farm, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0PZ Tel: 01296655799 Mobile: 07774604149 Email: service@protechcars.com Website: www.protechcars.com Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Become a member of

Buckinghamshire Business First for FREE

BBF offers help, support and collective power to local businesses, plus the chance to make some great contacts and it’s all for free...

B

uckinghamshire Business First (BBF) was launched in 2011 to help Buckinghamshire businesses grow. Backed by business leaders from across the county, the group has been developed to ensure that Buckinghamshire is the place to do business.

Since the launch, BBF has been working hard to support businesses across the county by providing networking events, offering business advice and creating employment opportunities, in order to maintain a dynamic business environment in the entrepreneurial heart of Britain.

So, why should your business join Buckinghamshire Business First?

Over 1,500 local businesses can testify to the fact that the business community is more powerful when it works together and the organisation is dedicated to connecting and supporting businesses in the area.

BBF does this by running informative and impactful events, lobbying local and national Government, identifying funding for businesses, encouraging businesses from outside the county to relocate to Bucks and addressing the issues that local businesses face.

In addition, BBF and the Buckinghamshire Institute of Directors (IoD) have launched ‘The Hub’ at the Clare Charity Centre in Saunderton. The Hub is an area of shared

Tim Sallis of FX Fireworks plugs in at The Hub in Saunderton 42

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

and take advantage of numerous benefits including: free meeting space, business advice, events, research, lobbying and more.

Visit bbf.uk.com/register-today

The Hub at Saunderton office and meeting space available for use by business people from across the county. There is hot desk space with computer terminals and internet to work from, hold meetings in or even relax over a coffee, while away from the office, and catch up with other businesses in the county. Better still, the facilities are completely free of charge to members of Buckinghamshire Business First and there is no charge for joining BBF, you simply sign up online.

The Hub is a unique offering and is proving to be a valuable asset to business people in the area. One BBF member who has found The Hub useful is Tim Sallis of Total FX

Fireworks. Tim works from home, but disaster struck and his broadband went down. Luckily, Tim had visited the Hub for its launch back in April 2012 and after seeing what was on offer, knew that the Hub could be his salvation.

Tim describes the Hub as a huge help, not just for one-off emergencies, but in the long run too: “I work from home so it gets me out of the house and to a place where I can interact with other business people,” he says. “I could almost see myself moving here permanently!”

Tim has been thinking of ways he can further utilise the Hub and is currently considering hosting a breakfast club there.

As business people BBF members are an extremely diverse group and many are very successful in their field. Being involved with BBF can help you make contact with some of the county’s leading entrepreneurs and local authority representatives. Ultimately, our local business people all make a vital contribution to the economic success of the area and the UK as a whole and if you are in business, by joining Buckinghamshire Business First you’ll be part of an organisation dedicated to your own success. l Buckinghamshire Business First, The Saunderton Estate, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4BF Web: www.bbf.uk.com General Enquiries: 01494 568937 Email: info@bbf.uk.com

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

It’s always good to hear about local businesses working together, especially when they have linked up through Vale Life Magazine! Here technological expertise combines with old school craftsmanship to create an impressive new website for a local decorating firm...

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nlike many craftsmen working in traditional trades Michael Simmonds has always been quick to embrace new technology and has had a company website displaying his firm’s painting and decorating services for many years (www.msimmonds.co.uk).

Feeling it was time to update his digital marketing, Mick was looking for someone who could take on the project, when he read a feature on Shared creative, an Aylesbury based website design and marketing company run by Ian Collett and Stuart Miller, in Vale Life Magazine last October.

The client: M. Simmonds “We’ve had a website for about 12 years,” says Mick, “and it was looking a bit dated. It needed a facelift, so I contacted Ian and Stuart to discuss designing a new site that better reflected the character and qualities of our business.

“The Shared creative lads have been great. They are full of good ideas and were able to get the job done in a reasonable timescale and on budget. I would definitely recommend their services.

“We wanted the site to reassure potential clients, both domestic and commercial, that M. Simmonds is the company to choose and to show that although we have over 35 years experience and a team of fully qualified staff, we are always looking forward and continue to invest in young people, offering apprenticeships to ensure the future of our business and our trade.

“I am now delighted with the new site, it is a real ‘showcase’ for the business and I think our professionalism comes across well.

Potential clients will enjoy clicking through, as it is informative but not over the top and it is easy to appreciate the key elements on which our service is based: quality, reliability, care and trust.

“Browsing the website should reassure potential clients, that in choosing us as their decorator and/or refurbishment contractor they are choosing one of the best in the business and that everything will be in safe hands, from the moment of first contact right though to contract completion and our first

SHARED creative’s new website for M. Simmonds Right, mobile versions www.msimmonds.co.uk class aftersales service.

“We recognise that in difficult times like these it is even more important to invest in communicating the quality of our service and we continue to keep busy by offering competitive pricing without any compromise in quality, service or after sales service.

“We are available to undertake internal painting and refurbishment until the spring and early summer and then embark on a six month season of external painting as well, which includes a full in-house carpentry and repair service. l M. Simmonds Decorating Contractors, Hobbs Barn, Klee Close, Quainton, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4AF Tel: 01296 655774 Mobile: 07850 499795 Email: michael@msimmonds.co.uk Web: www.msimmonds.co.uk

The designer: SHARED creative “Mick telephoned us after seeing our advertorial in Vale Life (Sept/Oct edition),” says Stuart Miller, of Shared creative.

“He explained that his current website was looking outdated and that he found it difficult to work with and upload new information and pictures. We arranged for Ian and I to visit him at his office to talk through his requirements. Mick was keen to stick with his existing logo and colour scheme, so noting this and taking a brief away with us, we then produced a proposal document outlining

design options, costs and training plan.

“Mick was happy with the price and plan so SHARED creative got to work producing a visual/mock up of how the website could look. He seemed really pleased with the design and after a few minor changes we started the website build, liaising with Mick throughout and providing him with updates on progress.

“Mick was keen for the site to be live before Christmas, so we pulled out all the stops and had the website up and running within four weeks. This included liaising with his current website/hosting supplier on his behalf so he didn’t have to get involved.

“Once the website was live a training session was arranged to show Mick how to update the website himself. He’s now able to add new pages with ease and can create upto-date case studies with photographs of jobs and projects his firm has worked on.

“The transition of the website and email from Mick’s previous supplier to SHARED creative has been seamless, so Mick was able to get on with the day-to-day running of his company without any website worries. l SHARED creative, Verna House, 9 Bicester Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9AQ Tel: 01296 346346 Email: hello@sharedcreative.co.uk Website: http://sharedcreative.co.uk

Best of luck to you both from Vale Life the website is excellent and well worth a visit.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

43

Schools / education

Best days of your life?

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

‘Excellence in schools cannot be measured by exam results alone, though exams have to be passed, nor by sporting results, though it’s nice to win. True excellence is measured by what pupils do with their lives hereafter’ - William Waldegrave, the Provost of Eton

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good school can be either a day school or a boarding school, or a day and boarding school; it can be a faith school or secular in its outlook; it can be a co-educational or a single-sex school. The sort of school you choose for your child will owe most to personal circumstances and personal beliefs and prejudices, but good schools tend to share a few defining features, however different they may look at face value.

Children are not just at school to pass exams - although to some parents academic results are all important. They will be growing, maturing and learning important lessons in life, developing social skills and hopefully being encouraged to take an interest in

A prep school for boys and girls aged 3 - 13 years

the world around them.

What sort of community is the school - is it competitive yet compassionate? Is there good discipline? Is it safe, clean, caring and well organised? What is the school’s ethos - is it proud of its heritage but able to move with the times? Does learning go on in and beyond the classroom - are sports, music, the arts, adventure and service, integral to the curriculum or just bolt-ons?

Is there a well-balanced and broad curriculum that can play to the strengths of all its pupils, whether they are academically excellent, or likely to need extra support to fulfil their academic potential?

What are the facilities like? How good is the teaching - are pupils

instilled with an ability to learn and a love of learning as lessons for life? Are there good teachers?

Are all pupils encouraged to fulfil their potential? Are pupils regularly assessed to monitor achievement? Is there a philosophy that all children can learn if taught, coupled with high expectations for all students?

In a good school there is often a high level of parent and community involvement and evident ease of communication between all elements: between pupils and teachers, between teachers and parents, and between the school and its wider community (neighbours, feeder schools and alumni).

Is there a strong head? The principal must have the respect of students, parents, and staff and demonstrate a vision, high

Ashfold sChool An independent day, weekly and flexi boarding school within easy reach of Thame, Princes Risborough, Oxford, Bicester and Aylesbury For more information including details of our termly Open Mornings, please visit our website or contact

Ashfold School Dorton House Dorton Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP18 9NG

44

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Mrs Katrina Hartley Registrar E: registrar@ashfoldschool.co.uk T: 01844 238237 www.ashfoldschool.co.uk

expectations, and the ability to help others succeed. This person must be able understand people, and motivate them, creating a positive attitude throughout the school, for most successful schools have a sense of trust built on the back of an honest and caring leader.

There are those who have left school with few qualifications but gone on to achieve great things, while others have a pile of certificates and have done little since, we are all individuals and will find our own path, our own level.

Do your research though, make a few school visits, ask lots of questions and find out how your child feels. It’s a big decision and a year down the line you don’t want to be thinking, ‘could have done better’!

y S ruar AY eb m D h F 0 a rch day N 27t 11.0 Ma id PE ay to nd M O esd am ay 2 12pm n d ed .00 ur to W 9 at am S 0 3 9.

Chesham Preparatory School

Independent education for boys and girls aged 3 to 13

Set within the beautiful Swanbourne Estate, Home Farm Day Nursery is a small and homely Nursery.

Our aim is to provide the highest quality of care and education within a calm and secure atmosphere, allowing the children to flourish. Come and visit; you can be assured of a warm welcome!

Special features of Home Farm Day Nursery include: • Beautiful countryside location • Home cooked food • Baby sign • New Sensory Room • Convenient location for commuters • Close to Swanbourne House and many village schools For details call 01296 720 835, email office@homefarmnursery.co.uk or visit www.homefarmnursery.co.uk 15 minutes from: Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury

“The aims of the school are fulfilled extremely well, and the pupils’ achievement is excellent.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report 2010

Superb results at 11+ 12+ and 13+ Outstanding preparation for life Bus route operating from Wendover and Tring Tel 01494 782619 | www.cheshamprep.co.uk Email registrar@cheshamprep.co.uk

“Egerton is a school where your child can thrive – not just survive.”

16721_CPS_ValeMag_Ad.indd 1

At Egerton Rothesay we want to deliver the best possible education for each child whilst providing them with a genuinely supportive framework that will help them to achieve their full potential.

Children come to us with a variety of needs and different learning styles and we make use of a wide range of teaching strategies in order to match these. As part of this we provide additional levels of support, both in the classroom and on an individual basis, to suit each child.

We are an inclusive school, welcoming children with a wide range of abilities, from all faiths – or none – and from all cultures. We believe that learning should be both enjoyable and rounded, being about preparing each child for life after school as well as exams.

Our aim is always to identify what we can do for your child – and then to work with our resources, and your support, so that we can help them be successful. Our input can be for the child’s whole school career, through to GCSE, or simply on an interim basis to help re-focus their progress.

We aim to prepare students for life in today’s complex society and an ever-changing world of work. All our learning and activities take place within an environment offering exceptional pastoral care and wholeperson development that is informed by the school’s Christian foundation.

We are more than just a local school. Students travel to the school from a wide area, many using the comprehensive mini-bus service that the school runs over a 35 mile radius.

The school hosts regular Open Days or you can visit at a time that suits you. Please contact our Registrar, Mrs Liz Martin for more information or to arrange to see the school.

Chesham Preparatory School Two Dells Lane, Orchard Leigh, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 3QF

We do not promise

miracles

14/01/2013 12:19

But we do make a difference

ERS: a mainstream school supporting those with additional needs such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Speech & Language difficulties.

Come to our Open Day

Thursday 14th March

to see if your child would gain from the ERS Experience www.eger-roth.co.uk 01442 877060

BERkhAMSTED For children aged 5-18 years

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Current West End cast photographed by Tristram Kenton

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

The spring season at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre kicks off with fast-paced comedy thriller The 39 Steps, on tour in the UK for the first time. Vale Life catches up with playwright Patrick Barlow for the lowdown on his stage adaptation...

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ylesbury Waterside Theatre’s spring season is getting into full swing. Beginning with the hip-thrusting Rocky Horror Show (February 4th-9th), there is a full line-up of shows to keep you entertained through Valentine’s week, including the phenomenal Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (February 11th), dynamic dance from BalletBoyz (February 14th) and swinging musical fireworks courtesy of Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra (February 15th).

They are just a taste of things to come as the world’s favourite comedy, The 39 Steps, takes to the stage for one week only (February 18th-23rd). The Laurence Olivierand Tony Award-winning show is celebrating its sixth year at the West End’s Criterion Theatre, and for the first time has been unleashed for a UK tour.

Based on John Buchan’s 1914 spy thriller, with design by Peter McKintosh, lighting by The Thirty Nine Steps, and Hitchcock’s 1935 Ian Scott, sound by Mic Pool and movement film version, and adapted for the stage by

by Toby Sedgwick. It is presented by Edward Patrick Barlow (well known for his comedic Snape for Fiery Angel and Tricycle alter ego Desmond Olivier Dingle London Productions with the and The National Theatre of West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Brent), the show follows ‘Much as we love Vale Life spoke to handsome hero Richard Hannay (played by theatre, it is ridiculous by The 39 Steps playwright Patrick Barlow ahead of Richard Ede) alongside its very nature the show’s arrival at the three other fearless Waterside to find out what actors, Charlotte Peters, Gary makes this gripping comedy thriller, Mackay and Tony Bell. Together they described by Stephen Fry as “theatrical play 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced gold”, so dizzyingly entertaining. fun. With Hannay’s stiff upper lip, lots of British gung-ho and devastatingly beautiful Your version of The 39 Steps is very funny, women, The 39 Steps is a must see. but it also manages to keep the story’s The 39 Steps is directed by Maria Aitken,

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

sense of pace and urgency. Was it difficult to strike this balance?

“Yes, it is a difficult balance, but it’s also a very attractive balance to go for. One of the things that interested me in the project was having the chance to do something that was very farcical and fast but which still had people gripped by the story. It’s not meant to be a spoof of the story. The most important thing for me was to keep the story as tight and real as possible.”

like a meditation on a man alone, searching for the truth. Not exactly nail-biting, which is what one needs. So at first I couldn’t really find a way in – until I bought the VHS of the Hitchcock film for £2.99, and there was the answer, ready-made.”

What do the four actors have to understand about their parts to ensure the show works at its best?

“Two things. That the faster and tighter they play it, the more Does that mean it is the story will work. We ‘One of the things a send-up of the should all be breathless ridiculousness of by the end. So when that interested me was the theatre rather than the actors take their chance to do something that final the ridiculousness of bow, it should be the story? like they’ve achieved was farcical and fast’ “Yes, absolutely. something extraordinary.

Much as we love theatre, it is Secondly - as I’ve said - the ridiculous, of course, by its very nature. A story is all: both the story of the play and the world of wood, canvas and light, as someone characters’ own individual stories as well. once said, but always taken so madly Even though it’s billed as a comedy, the seriously by performer and audience. There actors should take the story as seriously as is a kind of unspoken agreement that neither they would a psychological drama.” will let on that we know it’s actually total artifice and pretence and therefore barmy The 39 Steps promises to be an evening really. The actual story is quite different. I of fun and laughter harking back to a more would never ever send that up. The story is spiffing time when men wore moustaches the key to everything.” and tweed, and women swooned. Tickets are available through the Waterside booking What was your starting point for adapting office or online.

Hitchcock’s film for the stage?

“The first idea was of adapting John l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Buchan’s book, which of course is one of Exchange Street, Aylesbury, the first great thrillers. It is very elegant Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG and charming and even for its time quite Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury suspenseful, but still rather staid. It is more

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

Rocky Horror Show

February 4th-9th

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

February 11th

Colin Fry

February 12th

Balletboyz

February 14th

Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra

February 15th

The 39 Steps

February 18th-23rd

Russian State Ballet: Coppelia & Swan Lake

February 25th-27th

Anton & Erin: Go to Hollywood

March 2nd

Wow! A Celebration of Kate Bush

March 4th

Milton Jones

March 6th

Tommy Emmanuel & Martin Taylor

March 7th

The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular

March 8th

Joseph

March 12th-16th

Chinese State Circus

March 20th-21st

Roy Chubby Brown Mother Africa Goodnight Mister Tom

March 22nd March 23rd March 26th-30th

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Court Theatre Illustration: George Sear

Local theatre conjures images of enthusiastic amateurs hamming up the Alan Ayckbourn in a draughty village hall. There’s a professional set up in Tring though which is raising the bar for local groups and attracting some famous names...

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he Court Theatre at Pendley, near Tring was established in 1978, as The Pendley Arts Centre and will be celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The versatile modern auditorium is housed in a converted ‘French barn’ which dates back exactly 100 years from the date the theatre first opened.

It stands, not far from Tring Station, on the edge of the Pendley Manor estate, which was the family home of famous equestrian and ‘voice of showjumping’ Dorian Williams (1914-1985), right. He used it as an indoor riding school, although at one time it housed an indoor tennis court, hence the theatre’s name. Williams was a keen amateur actor and in 1949 founded the popular Pendley Open Air Shakespeare Festival, which still takes place each summer, in the manor grounds.

The Court Theatre is now owned and supported by The Grass Roots Group, whose offices are in an adjoining block. Their patronage and the support of Chairman David Evans MBE has been invaluable in providing and maintaining the premises which the Court Theatre charity runs for the community, with additional financial support from Dacorum Borough Council, through Tring Arts Trust.

Ian Gower is one of four trustees who help oversee the running of the charity.

He has been involved in theatre at Pendley since his teens and has recently seen his own aspirations of being a playwright and producer begin to take off.

“I first started coming here when I was 15,” says Ian, “Dorian Williams had given his old riding school to be used as a theatre and we had great fun making sets and putting on shows. I was back stage for the first ever show, Tring Theatre Company’s production of Charley’s Aunt in 1978. The manor estate was bought by Grass Roots in 1983 and they have honoured Dorian’s wish for the theatre to be available for all and invested in the facilities, helping make it the fabulous theatre it now is.”

The Court is run as a ‘receiving theatre’.

Theatre groups, organisations and production

Ian Gower

companies can rent it out and put on performances. It is in demand for all types of use, from amateur The old barn before it was dramatics to transformed into a theatre comedy, concerts, theatre groups, musicals, pantomimes and charity events.

“We have the theatre space, lighting, sound, a box office, a bar, it’s a proper theatre experience,” says Ian. All the staff are volunteers, Dorian Williams front of house, back stage, even on the bar and box office, but we know Old Court photographs by Derek Randall what we are doing and operate as a professional theatre would.” of theatre that is staged here and it’s a great Check out the Court Theatre website, or opportunity for amateur groups to give their pick up one of their brochures and you will audiences a proper theatre experience.” see a wealth of activity is programmed for the Ian is currently busy helping produce Tring months ahead and not just amateur shows.

Festival Company’s forthcoming production The Get Stuffed Comedy Club in particular of Calendar Girls. In recent years he has has attracted some big names over the past adapted several classic British TV comedies couple of years, such as Rob Brydon, Rhod for the stage. Dads Army, Hi-De-Hi!, Gilbert and Dominic Holland and has gigs Porridge, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum and The coming up with Jenny Eclair and Richard Vicar of Dibley and the scripts have been Herring among others. used for national professional tours.

The theatre can accommodate 200 for a Coming up at The Court there’s comedian seated performance but the seating retracts Alun Cochrane on Saturday, February to accommodate 350 standing for a concert 16; a Court Youth Theatre production: or band night. Local theatre groups such as Granddad’s Tree on Saturday, February 23; Frayed Knot and Tring Festival Group are more comedy with Wittank on Thursday, regulars but the venue is also popular with February 28; a murder mystery dinner theatre those from further afield such as The Vale evening: Murder In Secret from March 7-9; a Musical Society and Aylesbury Opera Group.

Monster Brass Day on Sunday, March 10th; “The theatre has become increasingly Stars Of British Jazz on Friday, March 15th professional over the years,” says Ian. “Our and Tring Festival Company’s production of production values and attention to detail Calendar Girls from March 26th to 30th. have improved and people coming here can See the Court Theatre website for booking see that. Outside companies are starting to details and further information. understand there is a level of production that we want to put on. It’s not just about putting l The Court Theatre, Station Road, a play on, we want it to be done well and that Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 5QY. is often more about attention to detail than Email: info@courttheatre.co.uk putting extra money in. It’s raising the quality Website: www.courttheatre.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Tiggywinkles exhibition

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

T

iggywinkles is the busiest wildlife hospital in the world, treating, caring for and rehabilitating around 10,000 injured birds and animals each year at it’s centre in Haddenham.

From sparrows to red kites, hedgehogs to fallow deer, all patients receive the best veterinary treatment and at no cost to the general public.

There is a delightful and informative Visitor Centre at Tiggywinkles and the animal hospital is proud to be hosting its first British Wildlife Art Exhibition there in March. Organised by Stewart Clough the exhibition highlights the beauty and variety of Britain’s own specialist wildlife.

“It has been a great pleasure collaborating with the Tiggywinkles team,” says Stewart.

“The exhibition is being staged in Tiggywinkles’ prestigious Red Kite Centre, in the beautiful grounds of Tiggywinkles Visitor Centre.

“I have brought together an inspiring combination of passionate, talented, local, wildlife artists and I’m very proud to be exhibiting their work. The British Wildlife exhibition is a unique collection of diverse styles from thirty professional and amateur artists and I urge you to come to Tiggywinkles and experience

Tiggywinkles presents its first Art Exhibition of British Wildlife.

A stunning collection of original art celebrating the beauty of Britain’s wildlife… brought together by professional / amateur photographers, painters and sculptors.

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 March 10-4pm

£2 entry includes catalogue Children free www.tiggywinkles.com www.stewartclough.com

this array of stunning paintings, sculptures and photography.

Tiggywinkles will continue its association with local artists later this year when Bucks Open Studios takes place from June 8th-23rd.

Drums & Percussion Education

l Tiggywinkles, Aston Road, Haddenham, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8AF UK Tel: 01844 292292 Email: art@stewartclough.com Website: www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk www.stewartclough.com

Horsewyse CIC Holiday activities for kids

Drum Tuition Studio Rental Rehearsal Room Hire

Horsewyse CIC runs Activity Days during school holidays that focus on an introduction to horse-riding and general fun in the great outdoors.

Kids must be prepared to run around a lot, get dirty and have fun.

Each day runs from 10am-3pm and costs £25/child.

Further information and booking forms can be downloaded from: www.horsewyse.org.uk All profits go towards our work with children with learning and behavioural difficulties Tel: 01844 202966 or email: horsewyse@btconnect.com or visit our website at:

www.horsewyse.org.uk

Website: www.dunxdrumschool.com Email: duncan@dunxdrumschool.com Telephone: 01296 651273 Mobile: 07708 733288 50

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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

The Hub Aston Clinton London Road Aston Clinton Bucks HP22 5HL T: 07795 818787 www.thehubastonclinton.co.uk

Thursday Quiz Night Held on the 1st Thursday of every month 7.30pm - 10.00pm. £5.50 per person, includes quiz entry and a curry supper.

Tables must be booked in advance.

Call us on 07795 818787 to book now!

Mon - Fri 5pm - 7pm at the bar

All draught beers

£2.50 a pint

1st, 2nd and 3rd Prizes to be won

Wine Offer

Buy two large glasses of wine & get the rest of the bottle FREE!

Wine offer available all week

(on wines sold by the glass only)

Traditional English Cooked Breakfast for £5.95

Served every Saturday & Sunday

9.00am - 12 noon

All produce sourced from local suppliers

KIDS EAT FREE

ily m in the restaurant a f m r a w ere h p s o MONDAY - FRIDAY 3.30pm - 6.30pm atm

great value!

A free child’s one course meal per adult purchasing a main course or more. Drinks not included.

For private bookings or general enquiries call us on 07795 818787

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

51

l Column:

T

Ruby Moukli ‘Tomayto Tomaaahto’

his one’s for the boys out there who have a special girl to impress this Valentine’s Day. And by boys of course I mean anyone who might not be used to spending too much time in a kitchen. Wait, I’m being sexist, so let me rephrase that: For all cook-o-phobes out there, this one’s for you.

Pavlovas are meringues topped with whipped cream topped with fruit. Simple, stunning and sooooo good. My spin is to use fresh exotic fruits, chosen for their contrasting colours and textures and also for their acidity, which balances out the sweetness of the meringues.

Mangoes are a sensual fruit, being soft, sweet and juicy.

Pomegranates, an ancient symbol of fertility, are a gorgeous ruby red, the colour that most stimulates the senses and gets the blood flowing. And passion fruit... well, the name says it all really. While these

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Passionate Pavlovas (makes 2)

three might not all come from the same corners of the world, the flavours do work wonderfully together.

Pavlovas are impressive yet simple, even when you bake the meringues yourself. But, as promised, I’m not going to make you do that. Good meringues are easy enough to find in grocery stores and farm shops. And, so long as your meringues are the only things you’re ‘cheating’ on, your relationship will surely survive this tiny little indiscretion.

What You Need: 125 ml double (whipping) cream 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 ready-made meringue shells, individual serving size 1/2 mango, diced 2 passion fruits (look for those with slightly wrinkled skins) 1 handful of pomegranate seeds for garnish What You Do: 1. Pour the cream and vanilla into a large bowl and whisk until it forms stiff peaks. This can be done by hand but is much easier with an electric whisk. If you’re not sure whether you’ve whisked it enough, stop.

Slightly soft whipped cream is better than churning it into butter, which can happen very quickly.

2. Place the meringue shells on individual plates and spoon the whipped cream into the centres of each shell.

Flatten slightly to make room for the fruit.

3. Start with the mango, arranging it gently on top of the cream, then slice the passion fruits in half and spoon the insides out on top of the mango.

Let it run down the sides if it wants to.

4. Finally, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the tops and serve.

l Ruby Moukli blogs at www.tomaytotomahto.com

Win dinner for 2 at The Village Gate

T

he Village Gate is a welcoming place. Smart and stylish, in a traditional pub way - beams, boards and open fireplaces, a cosy lounge bar with open fire, comfortable leather armchairs and an impressive double height dining room. The gardens are lovely too and look out across open fields towards Coombe Hill.

Set at World’s End on the edge of Wendover parts of the building date back to the end of the 16th Century, although it was brick-cased more than a century later and only recently given a complete refurbishment.

From coffee and cake to a refreshing pint, or a glass of good wine with your Sunday roast, The Village Gate has something to please

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

all the family.

A new team of qualified chefs make and cook everything on site and you can taste the difference. They use seasonal, local produce where possible but draw from further afield if quality and quantity demands.

The new steak menu is very popular featuring beef from the Harefield premier range, bred at select farms in Lancashire and Cumbria. It’s hung for minimum of 28 days and the quality is excellent.

It is served with a choice of five

different sauces and five different potato dishes, so you can have mash rather than chips if you prefer.

Sausages are from the local King’s Farm shop and No2 in Wendover supplies British cheeses.

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning dinner for two, with a bottle of house wine, at The Village Gate, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which village is The Village Gate on

the edge of?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by March 10th, 2013. l The Village Gate, 225 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6BA Tel: 01296 623884 Email: info@villagegatewendover.co.uk Website: www.villagegatewendover.co.uk

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

A genuinely warm welcome now awaits at The Bell, in Stoke Mandeville, where new landlord James is ringing the changes...

T

he Bell at Stoke Mandeville has just relaunched under new ownership.

In recent years the pretty village pub has been known as a live music venue and as a carvery but new host, James Penlington is running it as a traditional British dining pub.

James moved into The Bell with wife Nicky and their two young sons late last year and has overseen a major refurbishment of the hostelry, creating stylish and comfortable surroundings for his warm welcome, great food and good service. “I want The Bell to be everything you would expect a great British dining pub to be,” says James.

Inside the layout has not changed much - he’s taken out a wall, laid some lovely oak floorboards and installed a log burning stove - but the new decor gives a casually stylish, contemporary look, while the beams and natural wood and stone flooring hark back to the pub’s Victorian heritage. Quirky paintings and prints add the finishing touch - images by local artist Gerald Bright, illustrations from Alice in Wonderland, a few classic prints of the Aylesbury Vale Steeplechase and Hunt, it’s an eclectic mix.

In the garden room a drop down screen offers the possibility of watching major events, or of projecting presentations for business meetings.

There is fresh food, a roaring fire, good quality wines, mostly available by the glass and well kept real ales from the Wells and Young brewery in Bedford. James has also had new patio areas put down outside and revamped the gardens, so when the weather improves The Bell’s delightful beer garden - a real

Pictures by Elliot Mcrae

summer sun-trap, will be more easily accessed.

Originally from Marlow, James has many years experience in the pub and restaurant trade. “I started waitering at 16,” he says “and worked behind bars from the age of 18. I’ve had other jobs, in design and recruitment, but I keep coming back to the pub trade!”

James trained to be a restaurant manager with Tom Kerridge at The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, one of the country’s finest restaurants. “It was hard work, a real steep learning curve!” says James.

He has worked at Danesfield House and for the last four years ran The Royal Oak in Bovingdon Green, near Marlow. Each of those years the pub won the Best Dining Pub in Buckinghamshire award.

“I like to do things properly,” he says. “The Bell is a pretty pub with great atmosphere and lots of potential. There’s a lovely village right on the doorstep and I’d like to engage with the community and make it a proper local pub for them again.”

For those living further afield, looking for good, reasonably priced food in comfortable surroundings, The Bell has plenty of parking.

“We have a well stocked bar and a well kept cellar with beers from Charles Wells at Bedford,” says James. “We’ve Bombardier on at the moment and Eagle IPA due soon. Their London Gold is nice too. We’ve three lagers and a couple of ciders as well.

“I’ve a background in food, so it will be a big part of what we do, but I want the pub to be a sociable place. It’s all about people coming together and creating a great atmosphere - the food, the drink and the nice warm environment just help it to flow.

James Penlington

“Our food is simple honest fare, cooked freshly on the premises and it’s been really well received so far. We’ve started with a fairly simple menu, but we can be flexible, as it is freshly prepared, so if you would like your fish and chips without batter it can be easily arranged.”

To give a taste of the menu, there’s local sausages made nearby at Orchard View Farm, Meadle served with mash and onion gravy, pan fried sea bass fillet with butterbeans and Jerusalem artichoke or a choice of a filet or minute steak, or a vegetable Wellington, plus daily specials.

A bar menu is available from 12-6.30pm with sandwiches and salads and Orchard View’s hand-raised pork pie with piccalilli, among other delights, while the main menu is available from 12-2.30pm and 6.30-9.30pm.

There’s traditional Sunday roasts at the weekend too of course.

“Reservations are available,” says James, “but we always hold a few tables back for spontaneous visits.

“We do everything with love and care, because it personally matters to me and to Ash the chef and to everyone else at the Bell that when people come here they are rewarded.

We’ll be living here and want to be part of the community, so we are working hard to make The Bell a lovely welcoming place to come - a proper pub for proper people!” l The Bell, 29 Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5XA Tel: 01296 612434 Email: info@bellstokemandeville.co.uk Web: www.bellstokemandeville.co.uk Twitter: @TheBellSM Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Did you know, some of the best tasting Greek style yogurt is made in The Chilterns at Chalfont St Peter? And it’s not just Vale Life that thinks so, top Greek Chef Theodore Kyriakou is so impressed he’s created a range of recipes inspired by classic Greek style yogurts from our local Tims Dairy...

Where to buy our yogurt

T

ims Dairy was founded in 1949 by Euripides Nicolaou and his partner Michael Timotheou, in central London, where the pair supplied local restaurants, coffee bars and delicatessens with their homemade natural yogurts and desserts. The business grew steadily and Tims Dairy is now run by Euripides’ nephews, Michael’s sons Chris, Peter, Bides and Tony Timotheou from their own purpose built dairy in Chalfont St Peter, near Amersham.

In 2009 the family business made a range of premium quality, fresh, live and great-tasting, classic Greek style yogurts available directly to the public and you may well have seen them in branches of Asda, Budgens and Waitrose.

Now, with the help of top London chef Theodore Kyriakou, (best known for launching Livebait and The Real Greek restaurants in London), Tims Dairy is launching seven delicious, new recipes that capture the essence, flavours and aromas of the Aegean.

Theodore grew up in a typical Greek household where yogurt was one of the main food ingredients and regularly uses yogurt in his recipes at home and in his restaurants.

“I love Tims Dairy Greek Style yogurt,” he enthuses. “I think it is the best this side of the Aegean! I have created a range of recipes, inspired by my Greek heritage and passion for using the most authentic ingredients, which deliver different flavour bursts and truly highlight Greek Style yogurt’s versatility as an alternative to cream.

“These dishes are both mouth-watering and easy to make for family meals. The idea is to inspire home cooks and show how simple it is

Chris and Pete Timotheou

You can find our range of Greek style yogurts at s Budgens, Waitrose and Whole Foods Market. The independent retail outlets, farm shops, delicatess also available online at Ocado. Please check ww stockist near you.

Theodore Kyriakou

Clas

Newsletter…

Raspberry Yogurt and Herb Marinated Salmon Fillets

Reci

sic G ree

pes w ith cre

k St yle

Raw Beetroot with Feta and Greek Yogurt Salad Yogu

If you have enjoyed these recipe ideas then plea on the Home Page of our website. It only takes a way to keep up with mouth-watering recipe idea Honey Yogurt Bread

ated rt by to cook great tasting dishes with yogurt and are very Theo dore Kyria these wonderful, classic Greek pleased that Theodore kou Style yogurts from Tims has been inspired by www .tims Dairy. One of my favourite and loves our products.” dairy .co.u k @ tims flavour bursts is my recipe for Tims Dairy’s Greek dairy Raspberry Yogurt and Herb Marinated Style yogurts support UK Salmon Fillets, (see picture above) - try it and farmers as they are made be amazed at how brilliantly the flavours work with fresh British milk and cream. This is together!” combined with natural fruit compotes to All of Theodore’s recipes can be create luxuriously tasty Greek Style yogurts, downloaded free from www.timsdairy.co.uk free from artificial colours and flavours.

Tims Dairy has been making great tasting l Tims Dairy Ltd, Anglo House. Bell Lane Greek Style yogurts for over 60 years: “We Office Village, Bell Lane, Little Chalfont, are delighted that Theodore has created such Buckinghamshire, HP6 6FA inspirational yet achievable recipes,” says Tel: 01494 541890 Chris Timotheou, Managing Director of Tims Email: info@timsdairy.co.uk Dairy. “We pride ourselves on our skill and Website: www.timsdairy.co.uk Twitter @timsdairy long standing tradition in making great tasting

Social Media…

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Everyone is doing it, and so are we.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

l Column: Matt

Y

Brown ‘One Hungry Gent’ Matt Brown

ou must forgive me if I’m not my usual self this edition but I have ONE Hungry Gent just come out of the Seven Stages of Early Jan. The first is ‘shock and denial’ (OMG did I really eat that much over Christmas? There’s no way I ate that much over Christmas!). Stage two is ‘pain and guilt’ (My stomach hurts bad, why did I eat three tins of Quality Street?). Third stage is ‘anger and bargaining’ (Christmas pudding makes me mad! Please, please, please give me some more of that sweet, sweet Christmas l Listen to Matt Brown on Heart Breakfast With Matt and Michelle pudding). Next comes ‘depression’ (weekdays 6-9am 102.6FM).

(I can’t believe I’ve got to wait Tweet Matt at twitter.com/frazzleddaddy 348 days until I eat turkey again). www.onehungrygent.blogspot.com Fifth stage is ‘reflection’ (Boy we had us some good times at staying up all night drinking, kind Christmas didn’t we? Remember of world we find that THE hot food that slice of brie?). Next is topic of 2013 so far is… horses. ‘acceptance’ (So I ate a lot this In case you missed it, certain Christmas. What are you gonna burgers in certain supermarkets do?). And lastly in the Seventh contained certain traces of certain Stage in early Jan we come to horse DNA. ‘hope’ (Hey is that an Not wanting to go into ‘I bought a horse Easter Egg?). the ifs and whats and steak on the internet’ the, Well, in this post d’you mind if I Christmas, post New Year, post don’ts, of feeding things to people turkey and all the trimmings, post they don’t know they’re eating, I

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Horse left and beef right

Horse left and centre, beef right

thought I would devote the first column of the year to the hidden hippophagist in all of us carnivores.

Why is it that we are happy to eat some mammals but not some others? Cows, pigs, goats, sheep, deer and rabbits are all eaten happily by millions of people.

However, mention that a haunch of horse is on the menu for Sunday lunch and you’ll find yourself as popular as... well, as popular as

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2012

some horse DNA in a supermarket beefburger.

In talking to people about eating horse I heard the same story from virtually everyone. Most seem to think that they have (a) eaten horse (b) in France and (c) without knowing that they were eating horse. Given this unusual set of facts I did what any self respecting food writer would do. I bought a horse steak on the internet and cooked it up for lunch.

The horsemeat in question was lean and dark, a little like venison.

When fried up for a few minutes it was quite tasty with a firm texture and a distinctive ‘gamey’ flavour.

I also cooked a fillet steak for comparison and I am happy to report that despite looking very similar, the beef won hands down for flavour and texture.

Would I eat horse again? Yes, I don’t see why not. Would I choose it on a menu over beef? I don’t think I would. Buckinghamshire horses can rest easy, they are simply not delicious enough for this hungry gent. l Hear Matt’s Creepy Valley tales at http://thecreepyvalley.com

WIN a truly delicious Castell Coch hamper

A

new one-stop-shop for luxury Welsh food has launched. Gourmet Wales is an online delicatessen selling sumptuous Welsh food products. It’s a sister enterprise to Welsh Rarebits, the respected boutique and luxury hotel group founded almost 30 years ago to help guide visitors towards independent places to stay brimming with warmth, comfort and charm.

“Gourmet Wales has a similar ethos,” says director, Chris Hutton.

“Wales is full of fantastic produce, some of which is very well known, like Halen Mon sea salt. However, we have discovered so many unsung enterprises producing wonderful food, that we felt they needed a platform to bring them before a wider audience.”

If you’d like a chance to sample some of this delicious Welsh produce by winning a fabulous Castell Coch hamper - named after one of Wales’ fairytale castles and crammed with goodies such as artisan cheese; smoky mackerel paté deliciously flavoured with a hint of mayo; capers and fresh parsley; a limited

edition canister of the famed Halen Mon sea salt, as used by top chefs, here flavoured with a hint of chilli and garlic; a scrumptious chocolate lovespoon (lovespoons were traditionally carved by young men to give to their loved one), and a bottle of luscious Pinot Noir to wash down the cheese, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk What drink is Pinot Noir?

Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by March 1st.

See the Gourmet Wales website to find out more about fantastic Welsh food. l www.gourmetwales.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

55

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EAT’S popular Ibiza supermini has long been one of their best sellers because even though rivals like the Fiesta and Corsa have, in name anyway, been around longer, there are still plenty of us with an eye for a car that offers good value for our money.

I’ll hold my hand up here and admit I’m one of those who looked, compared, and bought a bright red Ibiza SC as our family runabout and I’m wishing I hadn’t.

Not because there’s anything wrong with the car - far from it. But with every decision you make, as sure as Ferrari were once again destined to lose the F1 championship, a few months later something better will appear to have you kicking the garage door in anguish.

In my case, it’s the engine in this month’s test car. There’s not much wrong with the 1.4 engine in mine - it’s economical, nippy when you need it. But with 200cc less and

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road state-of-the-art turbocharging, the 105ps 1.2 in the five door FR we’ve been sampling is just so much better all round.

105ps against 84ps for the 1.4, 175Nm of torque against 132, 118mph versus 110, 43.5 urban v 35.5 - getting the picture? That torque figure is available from just 1550rpm so it’s more on the button than Jenson and very responsive.

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It’s a very neat little car with a mildly refettled exterior design that’s even sharper than before with revised head and tail lights, bumpers and the front grille.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2013

Inside, among other touches, there’s a much enlarged glovebox, because quite simply the previous offering just wasn’t big enough.

Otherwise there’s not a lot of change - radical revisions were not required.

The handling is as sharp as the bodywork. There’s a lovely light clutch and equally deft five speed gearbox that works in harmony with the speed sensitive electromechanical power steering - very positive when you need to change direction - and that helps to make manoeuvring in town traffic or zipping along a country road a far less taxing experience than it sometimes can be - a sensibly priced car with sporty credentials that’s fun to drive.

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