Valelife novdec 2013 web

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Nov/Dec 2013

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

Free local listings for events and businesses

Inside:

Wicked role for Anita

Dobson’s choice for Waterside Panto

Happy days

Clothes & toys to make you giggle

Best kept secret?

Wendover gallery spreads its wings

Flutterly gorgeous Is it time for falsies?

Penny, Ruby, Muddy, Rob, Amanda, and much, much more...

Cover picture: Anita Dobson Photograph taken

by Frank Millar at Waddesdon Manor See page 62

w dinner for Two at the Bell, stoke mandeville w Waitrose christmas Hamper w w Champneys Tring relax day for two with free facials w

Bow House is proud to celebrate the fact that they have been short listed for two prestigious awards Private Dentistry and also Dentistry Awards for...

Best Practice Best Marketing Best UK Practice Treatment carried out by Dr Edward Masheder BDS MFDS RCS PGcert IMPLANTS

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We offer a full range of treatment such as:

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• Sedation • Tooth Whitening (ZOOM!) • Injectable Wrinkle Treatment Before

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State of the art technology Late Evenings & Saturday Morning appointments available

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Simply call now for a friendly no obligation chat Tel: 01442 890 384 Bow House a Centre of Dental Excellence, 75 Western Road, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4BH

T 01442 890 384 E info@bowhousedental.co.uk W www.bowhousedental.co.uk

Bartlett’s

The Hambledon Wing Open May 2013.

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

Exceptional Elderly Care in Buckinghamshire

www.stoneworld.co.uk 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

See the new Scavolini Kitchen range at Gallery Stoneworld, Thame Best sellers in Italy for 30 years

Showroom now Open

An extensive range of luxury German kitchens Traditional and modern bespoke furniture to suit all tastes

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NEWS N

SEPTEMBER 2013

The holiday new

Join one of our greatLeisure value tours!

Style

NOVEMBER 2013

The holiday newsletter T hfor e ourUcustomers l t i m a t e

1940’s

SS CROWN – WEYMOUTH MOCK C H RCRUISE I S T M A S B R E A K

Leisure Style Luxury Coach Holidays OCTOBER 2013

At Staveton Star Join us for a trip Park with a Hotel difference– –4 the everDevere. popular on Land takes place on March 24th, 2014.

The holiday newsletter Cruise for our customers This fabulous festive break is themed on 1940’s Everyday thewith foodall entertainment and decor isThe themed and comes the festive trimmings. on a different country. us to Riowith De entertainment rooms Come will bewith decorated bunting , posters, flags and webbing and Janeiro – Shanghai & Cadiz, half board and an Air H E UisLyour T I M AT E RaidTWarden excursions included. host throughout your stay.

Entertainment will be second to none with Entrance 5tributes Days Mar to 24 £339

DayTrips,Theatres & Shows

Birmingham International

Tattoo & German vel.com Christmas ottstraMarket m . w w w e:

ticket include d to the Tattoo

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1940’s

George Formby, Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, & The T HAndrews EMED C H R I SComedy T M A S and BR E AK Sisters. singalongs.

With Live Tributes of the stars of yesteryear Enjoy Sherry Reception, Mince Luxury Coach Travel 4 Nights Pies, Full Traditional Christmas Accommodation Breakfast & Dinner each day Lunch plus half board.

Traditional Christmas Lunch Sherry Reception Afternoon Tea & Christmas Cake Live Entertainment Quizzies Best Dressed Guest Competition on Boxing Day Unlimited Hot Drinks whilst in hotel.

December 23, 2013 5 Days £439 £339 non members £349

By Coach Members £429 non members £439

Self Driver Members ONLY

NEWS

A magical day out for a truly unique Christmas experience!

Be wowed by a cast of singers, dancers and speciality acts from Due to the popularity of this weekend break we have secured extra stage, T.V. and the Britain’s West End in aindoor magical Christmas ticketsscreen and accommodation. biggest military tattoo, with over 1,200 performers, celebratedisplay its silver anniversary this dance year by from extravaganza of showwill stopping of song and bringing together marching bands, gymnasts, dog display teams, the around the world. From dazzling dancers and glittering costumes field gun race and many other performers to the NIA in Birmingham. to a collection of festive favourites and traditional carols, enter This year’s special event will feature international military bands from Belgium, Slovenia the UK. Representing Norway will be the theNorway, Christmas Spirit thatand is the Tatton Park Christmas world famous Band and Drill Contingent of the King’s Guard, joining Spectacular. them will be the Royal Band of the Belgium Navy and the Slovenian November 20th Coach Travel Entrance Services Band and -nearer to home the& Royal Air Force£59 Band, the Band of

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Leisure Style

The holiday newsletter for our customers NOVEMBER 2013 the Air Training Corps and the National Youth Band.

Complementing the music of the massed bands will be the thrills of Tel: 01296 33 66 66 • Fax: 01296 33 the exciting displays including the Inter-Service Field Gun, the popular SS CROWN – WEYMOUTH MOCK CRUISE Motts Holidays Travel Shop. 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesb dog display, the Blue Falcons Gymnasts plus special anniversary Join us for a trip with a difference – the ever popular performances from the Scouts and the Air Training Corps.

Cruise Land takes place onmany March 24th,good 2014.

Weon received comments from our Everyday the food entertainment and decor is themed The Spectacular Grand Finale will feature all performers in a spectacle year onpassengers a different country. Comethis with us to Rio De who travelled with us to Italy for Janeiro – Shanghai & Cadiz, half board and of light and sound. They will be joined by the British Tenor Tim Pitman this amazing event. There’s bands in the street, excursions included. and the UK’s new singing sensation Rebecca Robinson in the special 25th and giants made from citrus fruits.

5 floats, Days Mar 24acrobats £339 We have ofFebruary 28th 2014 anniversary finale. This fantastic show coupled withan theunrivalled sights and selection smells You’ll also see Monte Carlo & Monaco, Dolceaqua Easter for 2014.makes MostanpopularMembers only £186 of the German Christmas Market in the centrebreaks of Birmingham and Menton.

British resorts have not beenJoin us for a great weekend excellent weekend break.

Early booking advised forgotten many Continentalfull of laughter We stay at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Walsall withplus dinner on arrival and fun.

21 – 8 Days from £499 destinations – book seatsexperience! early.Lots of Feb A magical day out for a truly your unique Christmas night and breakfast two mornings. live entertainment, Be wowed by a cast of singers, dancers and speciality acts from stage, screen T.V. and the West End in a magical Christmas Quizzies, bingo, meet the Friday November 29th, 2013 – 3ofDays £179 extravaganza show stopping display of song and dance from staff. Half Board & around the world. From dazzling dancers and glittering costumes to a collection of festive favourites and traditional carols, enter excursions included.

Single Room supplement £35

MENTON LEMON FESTIVAL – COTE D’AZUR

Easter

WARNERS NORTON GRANGE REUNION WEEKEND

the Christmas Spirit that is the Tatton Park Christmas Spectacular.

BRONEW Ri CH 20 ng U 14 fo RE HO r 01 yo OU LI 33 2 ur T DA 66 96 co NOW Y py 66 : !

Tel: 01296 33 66 66 • Fax: 01296 33 66 67 • www.mottstravel.com

Motts Holidays Travel Shop.

4 Buckingham Street, November 20th - Coach Travel & Entrance £59Aylesbury, Bucks. HP20 2LD Email address: valmott@mottstravel.com LEMON FESTIVAL – Tel: 01296 33 66 66 • Fax:Motts 01296 Holidays 33 66 67 • MENTON www.mottstravel.com COTE D’AZUR

Easter

We received many good comments from our

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

Motts Holidays Travel Shop. 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP20 2LDthisEmail passengers year who address: travelled with usvalmott@mottstravel.com to Italy for

6

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

We have an unrivalled selection of Easter breaks for 2014. Most popular British resorts have not been forgotten plus many Continental destinations – book your seats early.

this amazing event. There’s bands in the street, floats, acrobats and giants made from citrus fruits.

You’ll also see Monte Carlo & Monaco, Dolceaqua and Menton.

Early booking advised Feb 21 – 8 Days from £499

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 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

8

Style file

31

Swimming to fitness

9

Win a Champneys Spa Relax Day

32

Fruity but fun

On the first day

34

Eat, drink and be merry!

Happy days

38

Making the most of it

Loyal flush

43

Spits and sawdust

Winter Onederland

44

Add a little winter colour

Things to love

45

Know your rights

Past and presents

46

Best kept secret

Confessions of a non-shopaholic

48

Puppy love

Flutterly gorgeous

51

A taste of Italy

The sweetest thing

54

Turkey delight

Let’s party!

62

Wicked role for Anita

Seeing is believing

68

Win a Christmas hamper!

10 11 13 14 17 18 20 21 23 25 28

Katy gets cosy with winter warmers

Win a relax day for two with free extra facials White Hart Studio’s 12 days of Christmas Have a giggle at gorgeous children’s store Town is a rewarding place to shop Beautiful things are not just for Christmas Mabel’s magnificent vintage treasures Stop at Sally’s for gifts with a story Is Penny really a bloke-bird?!

Up your batting average with luscious lashes Don’t wax... Sugar!

Salon will have you ready to rock!

Optician offers a better quality service

Hair today...

T

here’s a distinct chill in the air now and some of us will be feeling it more than others.

I am thinking particularly of 17-year-old Tye Budziszewski, pictured right, who recently had all his hair shaved off as part of a charity challenge, he is undertaking in memory of his father, to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Tye works at Eclipse Hair Design in Thame. He sadly lost his father to cancer in 2006 when Tye was

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ongratulations to the following Nov/Dec edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: A meal for two at The Bell, Stoke Mandeville; a Waitrose

only ten and is donating the funds he raises to help Cancer Research UK combat the frightening disease.

Cancer Research UK is entirely funded by the public and is the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research - finding new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat it and save more lives.

Tye has had his hair shaved off and will now be taking on the second part of his challenge, which involves growing a beard through ‘Movember’ as it has now became known.

Tye has already given the girls in Christmas Hamper and a Champneys Relax Spa Day for Two...

Last issue’s prizewinners were: Aylesbury Bullion Voucher: Louise Parbat, Aylesbury Tickets for BBC Good Food Show: Chrysilla Lewies, Aylesbury; Debbie Johnson, Long Crendon; Amy Beddall, Tring; Bev Bristow, Tiddington; Alison Gray,

Cathy Cavender says ‘take the plunge’ ‘Happiness is a full tum’, says Emma Melanie’s guide to Christmas accessories Get inspired with a trip to the craft shop Introducing Heather, our farmer’s wife Is your garden looking gloomy?

Jonathan Vernon-Smith’s consumer column Wendover gallery is hidden gem Pet hotel gives five star treatment Cici courses are really cooking How to pick your Christmas bird Naughty ‘Nita’s no Sleeping Beauty Fancy winning a £100 John Lewis hamper?!

Tye with Eclipse colleagues preparing for ‘the chop’ the salon a good chuckle watching him lose his locks - luckily for him the look quite suits him - and now there will be weeks of amusement to come, no doubt as the beard develops!

Please support Tye and Cancer Research UK by making a donation Thame Tickets for Clothes Show Live: Amelia Hope, Quainton; Alexandra Reading, Whitchurch; Samantha Prior, Oakley Dinner for two at The Thatch: Alison Earnshaw, Chinnor A copy of The Good Pub Guide: James Maconochie-Joy, Crowell; Sian Jones, Aylesbury; Sue Wallace, Thame

Tye with new look online at the Just Giving website.

Tye’s page address is: www. justgiving.com/Tye-Budziszewski1 Good luck Baldy!

Charlie

Charlie Trott, Editor editor@vale-life.co.uk Voucher for Ella Jane Gifts: Laura Berry, Brill A pair of Skribbies: Tina Ray, Stokenchurch Artistry Youth Xtend: Angela Harvey, Aylesbury Dobble game: Freda Lyford, Aston Clinton; Venise Harrison, Aylesbury; Shelagh Hutson, Thame

Front cover picture: Anita Dobson in costume as Waterside panto baddie Carabosse. Picture taken by Frank Millar (www.frankmillar.com) 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 : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

with Katy Dyer

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

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hilst we’ve had a Pia Rossini Lara Scarf, gentle ease into Hat & Gloves Autumn with some Chocolate Boutique, Princes Risborough beautiful warm days, now Winter is nearly upon us wrap up with cosy fabrics of wool and cashmere plus luxurious velvet and furs (faux, naturally).

Layering is a must for the colder months, so snuggle up with toasty cardigans and warm woollens.

Saint Tropez Statement knitwear is a huge feature Leopard Jumper for Autumn/Winter 2013 so if you Muse, Thame choose nothing else, get out there and bag a feature knit. glamour it has to be fur. There are charcoal, mulberry and forest greens Don’t forget to add a splash of which can be much more flattering lots of ways to add this to your colour - an easy way to do this is and versatile - and will make you winter wardrobe - with a collar, with accessories such scarf, shrug or simply fur cuffs, stand out from the crowd. as scarves, gloves and If your penchant is for pattern, work this trend for the coming hats. Choose red or this season it’s got to be tartan - it’s months. pink to brighten up a If you are looking for a great to see it back. And not just in chilly morning. Blanket new winter coat to wrap up in, the traditional reds and greens, but scarves and cosy in bright colourways of cobalt blue there is a huge choice. From snoods are sure to keep the ultra-cosy duvet to and hot pink, teamed with camel you warm - look out and charcoal, it’s certainly not going the super chic fit and for prints, from skulls to turn you into a shrinking violet! flare, pick a style that and Russian dolls to A classic pea coat will work well Unisa tan wedged short boot works with your own Gallivant, Thame nature-inspired pictures body shape and lifestyle. for all occasions, and can be dressed of leaves and animal.

What colour - winter coats don’t up or down according to your For the utmost in luxury and have to be black! Look out for needs. Parkas and quilted jackets are

Vero Moda Roxie PU Biker Jacket Muse, Thame just made for long wintry walks. A simple coat can look amazing with a feature fabric or neckline. Do take the time to try different coats and find the perfect one for you - after all, it is probably one of your most expensive investment purchases, so it will pay to choose well. l Katy Dyer is an award-winning personal stylist and image consultant.

She can help you change or develop your personal or professional style and image. Visit: www.katydyer.com or email: katy@katydyer.com Gift vouchers and experiences are also available and make great gifts.

360 Cashmere skull scarf Curve Boutique, Wendover

Sugarhill Boutique Black & Grape Coat Isabella’s Closet, Thame 8 2

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Heart Clothing ‘Fongheiser’ Coat White Hart Studio, Haddenham

Blanche in the Brambles Fergie Sheepskin headband Curve Boutique, Wendover

‘the difference is in the detail…’

Eton Duchamp Circle of Gentlemen Paul & Shark Gant Lagerfeld Handstich Gran Sasso Mabro Hiltl Trapper 10 Greyhound Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3DY Tel: 01844 218400 www.gallant-thame.co.uk

New Collections Autumn/Winter 2013

WIN a Champneys Relax Day for 2 with Free Facial!

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f you’re a regular reader of Vale Life Magazine, you’ll know what a fabulous place Champneys Spa Resort at Tring is. It’s the ultimate in sophistication and relaxation and a lovely place to immerse yourself for a day of spa wellbeing and pampering.

One of Champneys Spa Day breaks is devoted entirely to relaxing, and if you book up before November 30th there’s the added attraction of a free 25 minute Champneys Relaxing Facial worth £35 included! You can also personally tailor your day to suit,

by booking additional treatments.

Champneys offers over 100 different types of treatments, from the traditional to the exotic!

What’s included in your Relax day?

Arrival 9am; Welcome to resort and refreshing juice drink; Use of the facilities; Access to up to 20 different classes per day*; Champneys Relaxing Facial 25 mins (worth £35); Nutritious and delicious buffet style lunch; Complimentary robe hire; Depart 6pm. Prices from £99 at Henlow and Springs per person.

Prices from £109 at Tring and Forest Mere per person - remember a pampering Champneys spa break or gift card makes a great present (see website for details).

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a Relax Day for two at Champneys Tring (with 25 minute facial each), simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk How many treatments does Champneys offer?

Winner to be drawn at random

from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 10th, 2013.

Please indicate if you would like further information on Champneys products and services. l Champneys Tring Reservations: Tel: 0843 3162222 Email reservations@champneys.com Terms & conditions: *£3 charge applies for advanced class bookings only. Offer not valid on Saturdays. Minimum age 16. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer has limited availability. The free facial cannot be swapped for another treatment, but may be upgraded to a 55 minute treatment or longer and the price difference will be charged.

Visit us at: 6 Swan Walk, Thame, OX9 3HN www.lovelyandlovely.co.uk or call us on: 01844 213090

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013

All sing along now!

...And a necklace in a Christmas Tree!

Four Gifts for Dad

Six Santa Candles

Eight Woolly things to wear tEn Christmas Decs

Two Anna K Baldwin Silver with Smokey Quartz drop earrings

Three Stag Heads

A

ccording to the song there are 12 Days of Christmas. We would advise giving yourself slightly longer than this to prepare, if you really want things to jingle along merrily come the festive season, but if your ‘True Love’ is going to send you the bits and pieces required during the run up, that will certainly help.

And just in case they are short on ideas or uncertain where to look, this beautiful selection of Christmas gift and decoration suggestions are all available from Haddenham’s White Hart Studio.

There’s an awful lot more to choose from down there of course, including a whole Santa’s Grotto of festive decorations and some gorgeous ladies fashions, so you’ll be looking your best when the big man arrives!

Best get organised then, all together now - FIVE GO-OLD RINGS!!!

l White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, HP17 8AB Tel: 01844 292308 Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm Also opening on Monday 9th/16th and 23rd December (10am-5pm) Website: www.whitehartstudio.com www.facebook.com/WhiteHartStudio

Five Niya Glitzerland Bracelets

SEVEN Children’s Toys

NINE Creams and Soaps

Eleven Ribbons to tie

Twelve Pretty Spoons 10

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Starting your own business is a scary step, but for one Princes Risborough couple, leaving the city life to run their own children’s clothes and toy shop has proved a bit of a giggle...

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elen Lowe loves working with children and has done for many years, training in paediatric nursing and working with children in different capacities. Her more recent pharmaceutical career brought her to London where she met her husband Mark.

The couple often travelled past Princes Risborough on their way North to visit family, (Mark is originally from the Midlands, Helen from Wigan) and they liked the town’s name!

“We moved out from London to buy a house and start a family,” says Helen. “We had a look around and thought Princes Risborough had a lot of potential. It’s a pretty place, with a real mix of people from all walks of life. We moved here in 2007 and we’re now proud to call it home.

“The town has really picked up recently.

There’s a lot of interesting independent stores here now, of which Gorgeous Giggles is one.

There’s a big car park by St Mary’s Church which is only 20p. It’s well worth coming in to shop here now. This Christmas we have late night opening until 8pm on Thursdays from November 14th and many shops are opening on Sundays through December. We’ll all be dressing our windows with a Christmas song theme too, so it will be very festive.”

Helen and Mark wanted more family time, so decided to give up commuting and start their own business: “We tried to find a christening outfit and couldn’t get anything we liked locally,” says Helen. “There was very little choice and no one seemed to sell British brands either. We thought there was a need for babies’ and children’s clothes and toys - good value, good quality, ethically produced clothes and toys, made by British firms where possible and at reasonable prices.

“We began online. Our daughter Amy was just three months old when I started our first website.

When Amy giggled it was such a lovely sound

that we thought we’d call the shop Gorgeous Giggles and hope to welcome lots of other gigglers.

“It was a busy time. We’d got married in 2009 at Bledlow church, had Amy in 2010, started an internet business and then in April 2011, with Amy only 10 months old, we opened our first shop on Princes Risborough High Street.

“We have christening wear (from Sarah Louise) as this was the catalyst for Gorgeous Giggles but we have much more, from Aden and Anais swaddling clothes (as used by Prince George) to Ruth Lednik (of Oxford) reversible duffle coats - they are lovely, warm coats, for 2 to 7 years, in bright colours and patterns. We have the most beautiful hand-smocked dresses, also from Sarah Louise - she uses the best quality fabrics and her design and attention to detail are fabulous. You can pay more for her at Harrods, if you wish to travel all the way into London!”

Helen and Mark have been keen to keep their prices competitive. “You will find we actually have lower prices than the company who claims to be ‘never knowingly undersold,’” says Helen.

“We stock Hatley raincoats and wellies. They are our only non-UK brand. We just can’t find a British supplier who is as good. Hatley’s lined waterproof coats are lovely. Children adore the colourful prints. The wellies with handgrips to pull them on are brilliant too.

“We have Frugi, lined, organic cord trousers - adjustable in waist and length, so they will last longer, growing with your child for a while.

Olive and Moss, London, appliqué sweat shirts and T-shirts (£20-£30), hats, gloves, scarves... pricewise a shirt would be from £15 and jumpers around £30, so there’s lots of lovely gift ideas.”

It really is an impressive range of clothing.

There are two wardrobes of baby sizes and two of bigger sizes and then waterproofs, smarter wear, nightwear, coats and christening

Helen, Mark and Amy wear, shoes, tights, changing bags, organic shampoos and conditioners, handmade bibs by local company Down with the Kidz, Littlelife backpacks and animal bags with reins and the amazing Melton socks that really do stay on!

There are lots of toys too from ride on cars, balance bikes, train sets, play tables, rocking horses and kitchen play sets, to building blocks, wooden kitchen accessories, shop sets. farm sets, garage sets and cuddly toys galore!

“We have wheelchair and pram access and plenty of space plus a play area in which your toddler can remain safe and occupied while you shop,” says Helen.

“It has turned out to be a jolly shop with lots of gigglers - sometimes it’s mayhem but we have lots of fun and we are loving it.”

Gorgeous Giggles recently launched a new easy to navigate website and even more exciting, a postbox for Father Christmas in the shop!

Children can post their letter to Santa and receive a reply in the post - now that really is a giggle Ho Ho Ho! l Gorgeous Giggles, 4 Duke Street, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0AT Tel: 01844 690378 Mob: 07519 547694 Email: enquiries@gorgeousgiggles.co.uk Website: www.gorgeousgiggles.co.uk

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Book a shopping party!

Earn free gifts or charity donations!

l Column:

Hero Brown

Perfect for all your Christmas gifts

A variety of gorgeous quality furniture, wonderful unique gifts, toys, scarves, jewellery and leather bags of the finest quality - and fantastic value too!

Our Macmillan Shopping Evening is November 30th from 5.30-9.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join us and 10% of takings will be donated to Macmillan.

Like us on Facebook for weekly notifications of special offers leading up to Christmas Open Mon to Sat 9am-5.30pm and Sun 11am-4pm 11 Swan Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3HN www.ellajanegifts.com Tel: 01844 260865

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Quality repairs, jewellery design and re-modelling too.

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

I

s there anything more glorious than eating a meal with utter justification? I’ve been reviewing lots of gastropubs recently - so far so piggy - but I’ve just started tagging on a walk in the area before I embark on my lunch. This has the double benefit of justifying a sticky toffee pudding at 1.30pm on a weekday, and giving Muddy readers a fantastic pub/ walk combo to try on the weekend to come.

The only problem with this strolland-scoff scenario, I’m discovering, is my utter lack of direction. No, not in life (though now you mention it…). Every time I try a walk, even if I have written instructions, I mess up. Last week I attempted to walk to Jordans from Seer Green before eating at The Jolly Cricketers pub (recommended by the way, it was fantastic) – virtually a straight line and only about two mile – but I somehow nearly ended up in Chalfont St Peter.

But, actually, I never mind getting lost. It’s been really fun walking around bits of the county I don’t know, even if it’s not the bits I intended, not least because ordinarily I drive absolutely

everywhere - even to school 10 minutes walk away (I know, I know), not because I’m lazy particularly, but because I’m always running late.

My children’s faces light up when we make it for the registration bell because it’s such a rarity.

There is an upside to being permanently behind the clock, though. Never have I picked up my children late from school or an event and seen them quivering with worry in the corner. They are confident and relaxed, they know I’m coming. And of course they have benefited from it academically, as they now know the words, deadline, apology and grovel.

There will no doubt be more rubbish time keeping in the months to come, as I chomp my way around Cadsden, Thame, Brill, Stoke Mandeville and surrounds on your behalf. Keep your eyes out for the woman exiting the local gastropub looking a bit lost, and if you wouldn’t mind, please remind me to pick up my children, and point me in the right direction for home! l Sign up for free email updates on the best things to do in Bucks & Oxon from Hero’s award-winning blog at www.muddystilettos.co.uk

. . . and we’ll Christmas wrap your chosen gift for free.

43b Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2NQ Tel: 01296 423233 / 0800 298 8514

GEORGINI

A warm welcome always awaits you at

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▪

Fine Jewellers Cambridge Street ▪ Aylesbury ▪ 01296 482963 ▪ hesterclarke.co.uk

QUALITY ▪ AFFORDABLE ▪ APPROACHABLE Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Email: suesflowers2@hotmail.com www.suesflowers.co.uk w Weddings w Corporate w Special Occasions w w Birthdays Parties w Sympathy w Gifts w w Soft Toys w Wines and Champagne w Innovative, contemporary and traditional designs

Picture by Nick White www.nickwhitephotography.com

You only need one card for a winning hand when it comes to shopping in Thame. For just a £1 you can bag a Thame Loyalty Card and enjoy discounts and offers across the town...

T

G & 85 OX Tel Mob sales www

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Happy the town’s businesses and every shop where - 5% discount on all purchases. shopNewitts ping . you see a Thame Loyalty Card sign.

Thame Loyalty Card member or not, The Thame Loyalty Scheme is designed November is a good time to subscribe to the to help Thame retain local business and Thame Loyalty Card newsletter, for if you maintain the attractiveness of its shopping sign up during the month, you will be entered areas. It includes a loyalty card scheme, into a draw to win £50 in vouchers to spend supported by around 30 local shops in Loyalty card participating businesses, during and businesses, a web page to provide December. Go to: www.thameloyalty.co.uk, information, an email newsletter, leaflets scroll to the bottom and click on ‘Sign up to our and various promotions to keep members email newsletter’. informed.

Thame’s attractive, vibrant town centre is Four new businesses: Ella Jane Gifts, The ideal for family friendly shopping. There’s Lovely Shop and Sew Patchwork, all in independent gift, clothes, skincare, toys and Swan Walk and Berkeley Executive Travel, homeware shops, two quality butchers, bakers, a Longwick based taxi business have just and delicatessens, award-winning specialist joined the scheme and already have offers for shops, all of which give Thame its unique and cardholders. special character.

Current offers with existing members l Thame Loyalty Scheme, 11 Friday Court, include: A Piece of Cake - Loyalty card North Street, OX9 3GA, Thame, Oxfordshire stamped each time you spend over £10. Full Tel: 01844 215 101 www.thameloyalty.co.uk card worth £5 towards your next purchase.

Email: info@thameloyalty.co.uk Pearson Insurance Services - Everyone Twitter: @thameloyalty.co.uk who pops in for quote during November and Facebook: ThameLoyaltyCardScheme

END END PRIEST PRIEST

he pretty town of Thame is possibly the quintessential English market town. From humble beginnings in Saxon times as a crossing point on the River Thame, it became a new market town after the Norman Conquest and the right to hold a weekly market was granted by Royal Charter in the 12th century. With a mention in the Domesday Book and beautiful, historic architecture everywhere, it is a town that oozes history and yet is very much in step with modern life.

While many small town high streets have struggled in the face of competition from supermarkets and retail parks Thame has maintained a good balance and boasts many excellent independent stores and a fabulous selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants, which

Tham Loyal e Card ty

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Thame Loyalty Scheme members: Medusa Silver Jewellery, Thame Market (Tuesdays); Kismit Jewellers, Buttermarket; Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, Upper High Street; A Piece Of Cake, Upper High Street; Powder, Buttermarket; Planet Health & Organics, Greyhound Walk; Thame Plumbing Supplies, Station Yard; iCatching Design Ltd, Hampden Avenue; ZKS Print & Design, Walton Place, Aylesbury; Gallery Wood Flooring, High Street; ZKS Martial Arts, Racquets Fitness Centre, North Street; Bizzie Lizzie Flower Shop, Upper High Street; FROM, Cornmarket; M. Newitt and Sons, High Street; Petcare, Cornmarket; Fuji Image Centre, Buttermarket; Time Out, High Street; Abbotts Office Solutions, Station Yard; Thame Therapy Clinic, Upper High Street, Colour Me Beautiful; Pearson Insurance Services, Swan Walk; Racquets Fitness Centre, North Street; Berkeley Executive Travel, Longwick; The Lovely Shop, Swan Walk, Ella Jane Gifts, Swan Walk; Sew Patchwork, Swan Walk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

There’s a distinct chill in the air and while we’ve yet to hear the jingle of sleigh bells, the signs that Christmas is on the way are all around - nowhere more so than at Wendover’s Number One...

A

pre-Christmas trip to Number One is an annual necessity. The kids might wish to visit Santa’s Grotto but for adults loving the seasonal sparkle and glitter, the gift shop’s stunning selection of festive decorations, cards, wrapping and present ideas should not be missed!

Vicky Langdon, has been running Number One at the bottom of Wendover High Streeet for six years now. She stocks a range of unique gifts, quirky items and lovely home accessories, such as cushions, throws, glassware and crockery and is constantly sourcing exciting new lines, which keep her displays new and exciting.

“We have items from £1.25 up to a couple of hundred pounds,” says Vicky, “there’s something to suit all pockets. On the decoration side people are usually looking to add to their existing collection rather than start anew and we have a range of items that can be combined with what you already have to create a totally fresh look.”

We love Number One’s amazing weathered tin indoor/outdoor Christmas trees, far right, which are designed to display candles, tea lights or solar lights on little shelves. They come in a range of sizes up to about a metre high and look fabulous. The huge candy-striped balls hanging in the window, top right, are lovely too and give a slightly vintage sweetshop-comeNutcracker feel which is very festive.

There’s handmade felt Christmas tree decorations, giant four person crackers (£9.95) and some lovely old fashioned vintage advent cards, plus cute 3D Christmas cards. Glittery twigs and twig lights would add sparkle to the dingiest room while the pretty rotary candles

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

(£9.95) will bring back childhood memories for some while the huge white 24” paper snowflake decorations make a lot of impact for only £7.95!

The Scandanavian influence can be seen in beautiful big thick cable knit throws and the faux fur cushions, throws and hot water bottle covers are back - absolutely gorgeous and ideal if you wish to save on heating! There are deliciously smelling Danish candles too with woodland and wintery fragrances such as spicy apple, rosewood and red berry.

“We have pottery by Fenella Smith and Emma Bridgewater,” says Vicky. “Emma has two Christmas gift lines this year and in addition to our popular LSA Polish glass range designed by Monika Lubkowska-Jonas, we now have Mikasa drink glasses from shots to cocktail glasses, tumblers, wine glasses, wine goblets and champagne flutes, in a range of patterns. We also have a selection of elegant glass decanters.

“We’ll be open seven days a week through November and December and we offer a

complimentary gift wrapping service, which we’ve noticed is particularly popular with our male customers at this time of year! There is paper and ribbons though if you prefer to do your own thing.”

Number One really is an Aladdin’s cave of gift ideas, from chunky American candles in glasses to Kemp Aromatherapy English handmade bath melts - they look like little cupcakes - soaps, body oils and bath care products (from £3) to woodland scene cake tins and tea caddies to leather iPad cases and tote bags... and if you really can’t make your mind up, there’s always a gift voucher! l No1, 1 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 623150 Open: 9am-5pm, Mon-Sat Sundays open from Nov 10th to Christmas: 10.30am-4pm Wednesday Dec 4th: Wendover Late Night Shopping event, open until 8pm with mulled wine and mince pies for customers.

Weathered tin Christmas trees

Delightful woodland scene pottery, tea caddies and cake tins

CELEBRATE YOUR CHRISTMAS MOMENTS New PANDORA Store Open Now

PANDORA Aylesbury Friars Square Shopping Centre, Aylesbury, HP20 2SP Be inspired at pandora.net

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A B C AYLESBURY BULLION COMPANY The Family of Jewellers

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

01296 423198

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

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

probate

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

Batteries fitted and waterproof testing carried out on the premises.

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

Part exchange available.

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

Tel: 01296 423198 www.aylesburybullion.co.uk

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

It’s nice to find unique and unusual things, whether for your own home or as gifts for others. Magnificent Mabel is a Bucks based website featuring vintage French and handcrafted items, sourced or made by arty friends, Annie and Jacqui...

A

nnie Januszewski and Jacqui Piper are more than old friends, they are ex sisters-in-law and now business partners.

The girls share a love of the French country cottage look, vintage chic, the quirky and the unusual and have set about sourcing and selling a range of such items via their internet site (www.magnificentmabel.co.uk).

“We don’t sell the usual high street stuff,” says Annie. “these are things to love for people who like to be a little bit different. Most of our stock is bought in France. We particularly love that shabby chic, French country look and the more retro and vintage the better in our opinion!”

Annie is originally from Beaconsfield. She is half French, half Polish and has an uncle in Northern France who provides a base for their sourcing sorties: “We scour flea markets and collectables fairs and buy the most wondrous things,” says Annie. “Then bring them home and clean them up, or transform them into things for you to love. They are unique finds, which will not generally be available elsewhere.

“Some things just need a lick of paint, a good polish, a good scrub. Other things require a total overhaul in order for their inner loveliness to be released! Whatever you buy

Annie and Jacqui from us, you can be assured that a whole lot of love, sweat and tears has been bestowed upon it before appearing on our website!”

“Each piece has an individual history attached,” says Jacqui “telling what we know about its past. We have some brand new stock too, also carefully chosen for its individuality.”

Annie loves an adventure. She has a degree in English and a Fine Art masters and three years ago she was one half of a two woman team, rowing across the Atlantic for The Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race 2009! That meant 77 days in a small boat rowing the 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua.

She has cycled across China raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support and worked in Kandahar and Dubai organising staff for NATO bases in Afghanistan!

Jacqui is an expert crafter. Originally from Northolt she has been a nursery nurse and charity worker for Scope but is now generally to be found in her studio, unless out attending exhibitions and shows to keep up to date with the latest crafty trends and fashions!

The ladies hatched the idea of Magnificent Mabel while staying at Annie’s uncle’s. “We thought the name sounded a bit old fashioned, a bit quirky and vintage like some old gift emporium,” says Annie. “It has the right feel

for what we are doing.”

Annie and Jacqui run Magnificent Mabel from premises in Marlow Bottom. All the vintage items they have for sale are displayed on their website and being unique go out of stock as soon as they are bought, so if you see something you like, don’t delay!.

They have been trading for several months now and have already built a loyal following.

“French vintage is very popular in England at the moment,” says Jacqui. “We have quite a good customer base already and around 1,000 followers for our Facebook page - they are from all over the country - I’m not sure how they find out about us!”

The Magnificent Mabel team will be out and about at various craft fairs in the run up to Christmas, exhibiting a mix of French and vintage items, handcrafted gifts and art. You can meet them locally at: Hearing Dogs for the Deaf ’s Christmas Fair, Saunderton on Saturday November 30th, or at Buckingham Community Centre Craft Fair, Buckingham on Saturday 21st December. l Magnificent Mabel, Unit A6, Rose Business Estate, Marlow Bottom, Buckinghamshire, SL7 3ND Tel: 01628 477181 Email: hello@magnificentmabel.co.uk Website: www.magnificentmabel.co.uk

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

A poke around Sally Turner’s antique shop is an adventure. You’ll discover delightful items, with unique stories to tell. From beautiful jewellery to ancient artefacts, it’s an eclectic mix but if you are searching for that special gift, it could be there waiting for you... “

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W

e’re a rare breed,” says Sally, “an old fashioned antiques and jewellery shop. We also do restoration, cleaning and repairs of furniture, jewellery, antiques, clocks, oil paintings, enamel and porcelain, you name it... and we can remodel old jewellery to look wonderful again, in a more modern style and create new pieces to your specifications.”

But this barely scratches the surface!

Born into the trade, (her grandfather dealt in antiques and her parents ran an antiques shop), Sally was fascinated from an early age and has been running her own business since 1979. She moved to Wendover in 1988 and is this year celebrating 25 years in her High Street store.

Sally’s first purchase, aged seven, was a chaise longue, bought from Arthur Negus, the Going for a Song presenter, who happened to be a family friend! Sally left the family home in Cheltenham for London, at 22, with hardly a penny. She slept on friends floors and scraped cash together to buy and sell antiques, trading her way to a shared shop in Chelsea and then a lease on a tiny shop of her own. She often slept on the basement floor in a sleeping bag with her dog for company, as she couldn’t afford the petrol home! “I worked seven days a week for years,” says Sally, “driving up and down the country to antique fairs.”

A friend introduced her to Wendover, where his family ran a business and she ended up taking over the lease of their premises and moving operations to Buckinghamshire.

With a good eye and years of experience, Sally is a discerning buyer and prides herself

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

on selling only fine quality items while offering good value and reasonable prices.

“All our jewellery is solid silver or gold, not plate,” she says. “We have a wide selection of antique and modern jewellery and a range of modern silverware too, which is ideal for christening, wedding and anniversary gifts.”

Sally is an expert in diamonds and precious stones and can supply high quality diamonds at much less than you would pay at the big stores: “I want my customers to have value and I want them to come back, so we try and offer good service and the best quality products,” says Sally. “I have been a member of the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association for many years. I have a code of practice to adhere to and supply a receipt with every item sold, describing and guaranteeing what it is, so you can buy with confidence.”

Sally’s shop is a charming higgledy-piggledy maze of rooms, nooks and crannies, crammed with treasures. There is a silver room with beautiful vinaigrettes, candlesticks, picture frames and objets d‘art, a corridor of long case clocks, cabinets of porcelain and glass and upstairs, rooms of furniture.

“We have things like silver charms from only £5,” says Sally, “so there is something for all budgets. We can also source specific items if requested. It’s such a pleasure selling something beautiful to someone you know is going to enjoy it.”

Sally is supported by a dedicated, friendly and knowledgeable team and offers a range of services, from valuations for probate and insurance purposes, to jewellery cleaning, engraving and furniture restoration. She has an onsite artist and a goldsmith who can repair or rework old jewellery, or design and make new pieces to your specifications, unwanted gold and silver is bought and enamel can be cleaned and repaired.

For Christmas gift ideas, how about gold or silver cufflinks, jewellery, an old framed map, silver napkin rings, or a fascinating ‘objet’ with

Sally Turner with 1830s Indian Sandalwood sewing box an amazing story, such as an ancient Chinese terracotta burial attendant figure, dating back to between 206BC and 220AD - that’s about 20 years younger than the terracotta army! Admittedly it is £2200, an extravagant gift perhaps, but for something that is so old and quite unique, it is amazing value. An intricately carved and inlaid Indian Sandalwood sewing box made in Vizagapatam c1830 with silver lions feet is £795. There are pretty silver and gold thimbles, Victorian perfume and smelling salt bottles, or a set of bone letters carved by French Napoleonic prisoners of war from their food. It’s an eclectic and ever changing collection and well worth a visit.

If you are able to get there soon Sally is currently offering 20% off all clocks and if you are a Vale Life reader and have something you would like valued, visit her on a Wednesday in December, before Christmas and you can have a free verbal valuation - just mention Vale Life Magazine. l Sally Turner antiques, Hogarth House, High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 624402 Email: enquiries@sallyturnerantiques.com www.sallyturnerantiques.com Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat (closed Wed and Sun but open Weds though Dec) Wendover lights and late night shopping evening Wed, December 4th.

CeX, Unit 1, Crown Buildings, High Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1SL Vale Life : May/Jun 2013

Opening Hours Mon to Fri: 9.30am-6pm Saturdays: 9am-6pm Sundays: 11am-5pm

Buy, sell, exchange!

At CeX you can buy, sell and exchange technology and entertainment products including DVDs, mobile phones, consoles, video games, computers, Blu Ray movies, digital electronics, laptops, cameras, iPhones, Blackberrys, iPods, xBox, iPad, Playstation...

We’re at the top of the High Street!

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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l

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

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Penny Harper

I

’m pretty certain I’m a man. I don’t mean in the ‘I was born into the wrong body, Channel 5 documentary’ kind of way.

I mean that I have to be bleeding out of my eyeballs before I see a doctor, I will always plump for a pint of lager over a glass of wine, and I simply can’t stand Christmas shopping. The only time I’ve ever enjoyed Christmas shopping was on holiday in the States once. It was the middle of August and I stumbled across one of those all year round Christmas stores that the Yanks do so brilliantly. The reason I was so excited was the air-conditioning. It was like the North Pole in there.

Nothing cools you down faster than sitting in a pretend blizzard while the air-con works overtime, especially when it’s so hot the tarmac’s melting outside.

Whilst I hate shopping for Christmas gifts, what I excel in, is finding the perfect present for everybody, in April, and then promptly forgetting what it was. At this, I am a genius. If only I knew how to harness my powers for pure evil; then I could rule the world.

Mwa ha haaaaaaaaaaa! Having instantly forgotten the ideal present for each and every family member, what I’m left doing come December, is the inevitable Dance of the Desperate. You can witness it in pretty much every department store across the country throughout the month. The Dance of the Desperate sees the hysterical shopper flit from store to store and shelf to shelf saying things like “Dad played a record that had a golfer on the sleeve once, so he’s bound to like this cup that’s shaped like a tee” even though your Dad blinkin’ hates golf and has never set foot on a golf course and doesn’t even like hot beverages (which, incidentally, is ridiculous; everybody likes a cup of tea. If they don’t they’re not to be trusted).

Mind you, when I think about it, I am hard pushed to think of a truly excellent Christmas present that I’ve ever received. When I was five, my Mum and Dad announced that they were expecting a baby at Christmas and that it would be ‘the best Christmas present ever’.

I just replied, “That had better

not be all I’m getting”. What a delightful child I must have been!

I thought they were joking but Tom did indeed arrive at about 6 o’clock on Christmas morning. Dad brought my little brother for me to see and I was a suitably nonplussed to say the least. By 6.30am, little brother James and I were in the bedroom with Mum, opening our Christmas presents. We had a Bernard Matthews turkey roll prepared by Dad for our Christmas dinner, and didn’t see Mum for much of the day. It was certainly the weirdest Christmas ever.

Mum and Dad wanted to call the new baby ‘Lawrence’ after Lawrence of Arabia (I think it was Dad’s favourite film) but as soon as I saw his chubby little face I said “Hello Tom!” and in that instant, for me anyway, my baby brother really came into existence.

A photographer came round but we weren’t allowed in the photo; he wanted “just mum and baby”.

So James and I watched from the stairs. When the newspaper came out a few days later, we rifled through it to find the picture.

Small Town

Girl

There, in amongst the marriage announcements was quite a large picture of Mum and teeny-tiny Tom. The headline read: ‘Oh Thomas, what a present!’

You know, Mum and Dad were right. Tom’s Christmas Day arrival turned out to be the best present ever. That headline has so far given us thirty years of ribbing and taking the mickey out of Tom. It really is the gift that keeps on giving and, as his siblings, we feel it’s our duty to never let that one go. It just goes to show: it really is just the thought that counts.

The The Tythe Tythe Barn Barn at at Christmas Christmas

Find something different this Christmas Find something different this Christmas Opening Wednesday to Saturday 9.30am - 5pm, November 6th through to December 21sth Opening Wednesday to Saturday 9.30am - 5pm, November 6th through to December 21sth

We are decking the beautiful 15thC Tythe Barn with stunning Christmas decorations, gorgeous gifts and unusual stocking fillers.

We are decking the beautiful 15thC Tythe Barn with stunning Christmas decorations, gorgeous gifts and unusual stocking fillers.

The Tythe Barn, Manor Farm, Church End, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8AH The Tythe Barn, Manorweb: Farm, Church End, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8AH www.thetythebarn.com web: www.thetythebarn.com

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Amanda Trott

l Column

The party season is upon us and a girl needs to look her best. The eyes are a focal point of course, but what can you do to enhance those baby blues...

I

t’s fair to say that few women would miss the chance to enhance their peepers; thick, glossy, luxurious lashes are probably at the top of most ladies’ Christmas lists. Sadly not all of us are blessed with a lush foliage, and as we age, once thick, glossy lashes can thin out, leaving us feeling a little exposed and reliant more than ever on coatings of mascara to lengthen and thicken our lashes.

There is a longer lasting answer though - false lashes. Not the furry caterpillar-like sets you find in your local chemist but individual lashes, painstakingly applied, one by one, to each of your own lashes for a Mexican wave of a flutter which can last up to three weeks!

Ditching my mascara I headed off to see Ashlia at Aylesbury’s Body

how to look after my beautiful new lashes, advising me not to use mascara or eye make-up remover and to try not to get them too wet, too often. She gave me a little brush, not dissimilar to a mascara brush, which she suggested I use to brush my lashes with each morning.

The results are brilliant and teamed with my wonderful eyebrow tattoos, which Karen Vetter from The lash extensions Whitethorn Fields gave me earlier are applied individually this year, have attracted numerous and the process can compliments. My morning make-up take between 90 routine has been greatly shortened and 120 minutes too! Two weeks later my lashes are still looking beautiful! I love them long lashes a flick, rather than a and Soul who was ready to give my and will definitely be visiting Body full-on curl, which the C-shaped eyes some va va voom just in time for the party season. infills achieve. Ashlia then asked if I and Soul for more infills very soon.

See the panel, bottom left, for Firstly Ashlia looked at my natural would like a natural or a false look. details of Body and Soul’s special I opted to go for more of a false lashes and advised me to go for a Lash Extension offer of £10 off the J-shaped infill to give my already look, hoping I could kiss goodbye to my mascara for good as infills can standard price (£55 instead of £65) be done every two to three weeks to and the option of having additional Shellac or OPI Gel Colour nails for maintain the look. half price and added glitter at only Once I was comfortable on the 25p per nail! couch, Ashlia removed my eye make-up and placed adhesive gel l Body & Soul, 59, Westmorland strips just under my eyes, gently Avenue, Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 7HS Get ready for the Christmas party season tucking my lower lashes underneath, Tel: 01296 434216 www.bodyandsoulaylesbury.co.uk so they weren’t accidentally stuck with our amazing Christmas offers to my upper lashes in the process! l Amanda is a talented and available through November and December One by one she then very carefully experienced, Vidal Sassoon trained applied the individual lashes to each hair stylist.

Amazing Elemis Christmas Gift Bags FULL SET OF During her varied and creative AVAILABLE NOW!!

LASH EXTENSIONS of my own, working from one eye for only £55 (normally £65) career she has managed Charles to the other so as to maintain the Worthington’s Covent Garden same shape and balance on each eye salon and her own salon in Princes and to give the adhesive a chance Risborough.

If you would like your hair cut, to set. The whole process takes styled or coloured by Amanda she between a very relaxing (I nodded Book a full set of Lash Extensions is available in Thame from Monday off once or twice!) one and a half and have Shellac or OPI Gel Colour through to Thursdays at Eclipse Hair on your nails for HALF PRICE to two hours to complete but was Design. (add glitter for just £2.50) well worth the wait as the result was Call 01844 260062 to book or Glam up your Shellac or OPI Gel Colour with our fab range arrange a free consultation. astonishing! Ashlia then explained

Christmas Offers at Body & Soul

Before

After

Images courtesy of AmazingLashes

of glitters for an extra £2.50 for all ten nails or just 50p for two nails.

And don't forget about our special Christmas evenings in November and December, please check our website for more information 59 Westmorland Avenue, Aylesbury HP21 7HS 01296 434216

www.bodyandsoulaylesbury.co.uk

All done - lush lashes!

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Get ready for the party season Come to Aurora Skin Clinics and try our tailored skin peels to give you a sparkle Muscle Relaxing Injections Dermal Fillers Microdermabrasion Neo Strata and Agera Peels Dermaroller EDS Microneedling LVL Lashes High Impact Brows NEW PRP Therapy (Vampire Face Lift) NEW Radiofrequency/ Skin Tightening Treatment NEW Hydropeptide Treatments

Call us now, or visit our website www.aurora-skin-clinics.co.uk

The Paddocks Clinic Aylesbury Road Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 0JS Tel: 01844 211777

The Gatehouse Clinic 82 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DF Tel: 01604 875040

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Most of us view waxing or shaving as a necessary evil. But is there an effective, less painful way of removing unwanted hair...

S

ugaring is an ancient Arabic method of hair removal. It is a technique that enables a skilled practitioner to remove the entire hair, including the hair bulb, so that not only is regrowth slower but when the hair re-grows, it is much finer.

After successive treatments, hair growth diminishes until that area of skin is free from hair. No matter how strong or dense your hair, the treatment is effective and according to the clients of Thame-based practitioner Suzanne Thorby: ‘preferable to and much less painful than waxing’.

Suzanne, who is originally from Long Crendon, was introduced to sugaring some years ago by a work colleague and not being a great fan of waxing, thought she’d give it a try.

“I was so impressed,” says Suzanne, “I wanted to train in the art myself! The lady who introduced the technique to the UK, Zahra, was based in Bournemouth and I was actually one of the last people to be trained in the Zahra Sugaring Method by the lady herself. That was back in 1990. I was working in IT and practiced, in my spare time, on friends and family and then, when I moved back to Thame, I set up a treatment room in our cellar and have been gradually building a clientelle.

“Sugar paste is a very natural, gentle product, it’s made entirely of natural ingredients, (sugar, water, lemon and herbs). It can be used anywhere on the body (except on moles) and is even gentle enough to be used on skin suffering from eczema and psoriasis, often having a healing effect, as the sugaring gently exfoliates your skin leaving it feeling soft and silky smooth.”

Depending on the area treated the hair may be removed with a ball of sugar paste worked gently in the practitioner’s hand, (top right) or with a spatula and paper strips, as with the eyebrows (right).

Sugaring is less painful and more effective than waxing and because the hair is removed from the root there is no stubbly re-growth.

“The paste is applied against the hair growth,” says Suzanne, “so you’re roughing it up as you apply the paste and when you remove it you do so in the direction of the hair growth, so it’s less likely to break and

The warm sugar paste

Pulling off sugar paste with unwanted hair attached comes out with the bulb attached.

“Sugar paste only adheres to hairs and dead skin. It doesn’t strip layers of healthy skin off and make you sore, which can happen with wax. Also, as I am applying the sugar paste with my hand, I can feel it is a comfortable temperature and won’t burn my client.

“Sugaring is gentle on the skin, clearing away dead cells and drawing moisture into the outer layers. It can be quite beneficial for a variety of skin conditions and leaves healthy skin feeling amazingly soft and smooth, silky smooth in fact, hence my business name Smooth as silk by Suzanne!”

Suzanne also offers Nouveau Lashes, bottom right, which are semi-permanent eyelash extensions giving longer, thicker, very natural looking lashes; eyelash shaping and lash and brow tinting.

Suzanne’s clients are both male and female and range in age from 10 to 87 years. Her basement salon is in a private location near the M&S garage on Park Street and has its own parking. She is happy to accommodate children in the salon during your treatment, if childcare is difficult to organise.

If you’d like to try sugaring, Suzanne is offering Vale Life readers a special introductory offer of 10% off a first sugaring treatment of your choice. Just mention Vale Life Magazine when you phone to book.

For further details and prices, see Suzanne’s website or call her on: 07770 558849 to make an appointment.

Suzanne applies a sticky sugar paste to her client’s leg and then pulls off with unwanted hair attached Shaping eyebrows with sugar paste

Eyelash extensions

l Smooth as Silk by Suzanne, 64 Park St, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HT Telephone: 07770 558849 Email: smoothassilkbysuzanne@gmail.com Web: www.smooth-as-silk.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Providing the ultimate salon experience

Photo shoot: ‘Woodland Creatures’ Stylist: Sam Probets Models: Abbie - Nest look Gina - Mysterious Crow Inspiration: a picture of a hair piece

by Guido Palau who is a session stylist representative of Redken Aim: Extreme creativity / something different.

Storyline: A mysterious crow is watching over a nest. Jade took the pictures while Sam directed our models.

The combination worked well - a real team shoot.

Location: Chinnor Woods - chosen for eerie woodland feel.

Stylist: Jade Martin Models: Becki - Squirrel Emma - Deer Inspiration: an episode of Great British Hairdresser 2011 - creative woodland wildlife inspired hair up.

Aim: to capture the best pictures, even if it meant the model climbing into a bush!

Make-up: Abbie Martin Ask about our Christmas raffle for Helen & Douglas House! Fantastic prizes: £100 facial; Month’s free Gym membership & more. Buy tickets in salon until 24th Dec!

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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

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Rock Star nails

With the party season upon us it’s time to dazzle with a little glamour and glitter, so head to Wendover for the Red Carpet treatment ...

Y

ou really can feel like a star at Red Carpet Hairdressing! Angela and the skilled team at her stylish Wendover salon, can transform any wannabe screen god or goddess from top to toe, literally! All you have to do is provide the outfit and a smile and you are good to go!

Red Carpet has been giving customers great hair styling, colouring and service for over five years now and since the new Beauty Area was added to the rear of the salon, you can now have the full party treatment under one roof. Have your hair styled, blow-dried or hair up, your nails done and eye lashes enhanced in one visit. Manicures, pedicures and spray tanning are available too.

Angela has now welcomed a new member to her team to attend to those all important finishing touches - right on time for the party season. Her name is India and she is a trained beautician specialising in nails and makeup.

India is a master at ‘NOUVATAN’, the spray tanning product unique to Red Carpet.

Nouvatan is 100% organic and made from natural ingredients, so no parabens or alcohol.

There are several different shades to choose from and a ‘Rapid Tan’ option that develops within four hours. Great for that impromptu party invite!

India is also offering ‘GELISH’ nail polish

Red Carpet reception and styling area - a long lasting nail colour for hands and toes, luxury manicures and pedicures, and eyebrow waxing and tinting. For real nail glamour she is an expert in the ‘Rock Star’ glitter finishes pictured above. Gelish is applied like a nail polish and cured under an LED lamp, which guarantees it won’t smudge or dent, as it will be completely dry and hard! The polish shouldn’t chip or peel for up to three weeks and will protect your natural nails. There is an amazing range of colours to choose from.

For the Rock Star effect glitter is applied over a base layer of polish and then sealed under further clear layers to create the glamorous glittering finish.

Red Carpet has a great value Party Package currently on offer which includes a Spray Tan, Gel Nails and lashes for only £60, a saving of £10. There’s also the option of Express Lashes for only £20.

There is no need to feel guilty about being pampered at Red Carpet over the Christmas season either, as you can pick up some great gifts or stocking fillers while at the salon - solve your pressie needs and beauty requirements in one visit!

Red Carpet has a stylish collection of Label

Great gift ideas

GHD straighteners: includes styler’s bag which opens Moroccan Oil set: £18.75 out as heat protective mat and sectioning clips: £135

India applies Rock Star nails M shampoo and conditioner sets for men and women at very good prices. Label M is the ultimate indulgence for hair and all the sets come in a smart gift box, complete with black silk ribbon detailing. Prices start from £12 and offer great savings on the standard prices.

There is also a Professional Hairdryer Set with a free Volume Mousse included for only £46.95, the perfect way to infuse hair with volume and glamour this festive season.

There are gorgeous GHD sets and much more and of course for those who are difficult to choose for, Gift Vouchers are available and make a lovely present!

Audition now for your starring role - book in for a free consultation and experience the Red Carpet treatment! For hair and beauty under one roof, contact Red Carpet Hairdressing via the website, or phone below. l Red Carpet Hairdressing, 8 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6JQ Tel: 01296 625511 Website: www.redcarpethairdressing.com Facebook: RedCarpetHairdressing Open Tues 9am-5.30pm, Wed-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat: 8.30am-4pm, plus extended Christmas opening hours - call for details.

Stylish Shampoo & Conditioner Sets label.men Style K Label.men Style kit

Stylish shampoo and conditioner sets

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Has a cheap eye test offer or two-for-one glasses discount caught your eye lately? They may be tempting but when it comes to your vision and the health of your eyes, value for money is in the quality of service, time taken, professional know-how and up-to-date advice given...

O

ptometrist Ivan Cammack is well established in our local area. He started his practice in Thame, nearly 27 years ago and now has branches in Wendover and Chinnor as well.

Ivan is originally from Kings Lynn in Norfolk and was introduced to optometry, while studying for his A Levels, when his father got him some work experience with a local optician.

Ivan found it interesting and went on to study Optometry at Aston University.

Afterwards his pre-registration year brought him to work at an opticians in Kidlington.

“While a student I came to Oxford once a year with our Optics Society to go punting,” says Ivan, “I rather liked the place, so was happy to take a position at a firm in the area to complete my training. The company had a small branch in Thame and when I qualified I was put in charge of running it. That was in 1984. It was a small house practice and about 18 months later I had the opportunity to buy the business and run it as my own. It was a former sweet shop, opposite The Cross Keys on Park Street.

“We

Varilux S series lenses

28

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Ivan Cammack grew the practice gradually and when Waitrose was built moved to new premises in Greyhound Walk. We are celebrating 20 years there this year.

“We opened a second branch in Wendover in 1988 and about ten years ago a third in Chinnor.”

From humble beginnings with just Ivan and a receptionist as staff, the business now has eight qualified and experienced Optometrists providing eye examinations and contact lens care, six qualified and experienced Dispensing Opticians, to make sure your spectacles look and feel good and provide the correct level of vision, plus 14 admin and reception staff!

“We aim to offer a high quality service, an alternative to the high street multiples,” says Ivan. “We take the time to do a proper examination and offer professional

advice. Our appointments are roughly twice as long (45 minutes) but if you are going to do a thorough examination it is necessary.

“We keep pace with advances in technology and training. Optical Coherence Tomography, or 3D scanning of the back of the eye is a recent development which enables us to look for early signs of Glaucoma and Macular Disease. I personally specialise in the eyecare of the elderly and dry eye conditions and we use the latest digital testing charts and a suite of Ophthalmic Examination Equipment including Digital Retinal Photography to provide not only an accurate assessment of vision, but to detect any risks to the future health of your eyes.

“You not only see a specialist when you come here but our specialists take the time to give you the best service. Our fees for eye examinations are higher than some opticians but we do offer exceptional value. For even better value ask about Eyeplan, our monthly payment reward scheme.”

Paul Minton, left, is one of Ivan’s Dispensing Opticians and an expert on glasses

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Prevencia lenses filter out UV and harmful blue violet light too and the latest frames and lenses. Apparently a lens is not just a lens these days!

“There have been lots of changes over the years,” says Paul. “At the turn of the twentieth century, spectacles were usually only worn by wealthy people! Both the frame and lenses were ‘made to order’ and lenses were usually ground by hand from a single material - optical glass - and available as just single vision or bifocals.

“Nowadays, the choice of lens types is wider than it has ever been, with many basic lenses being mass produced. Glass has been almost entirely replaced by modern optical plastics, making for lighter and safer lenses and Paul Minton optical lens designers now have access to extremely sophisticated computer software which has revolutionised lens design.

“Both the visual performance and appearance of spectacles is so much better, now and they are more comfortable to wear as the weight has reduced.

“It is now possible to take into account an individual’s very specific requirements and make ‘bespoke’ lenses: in this way things have ‘turned full circle’ one might say!

“The current range of varifocal lenses is a good example of modern improvements in optical design. The original Varilux lens was introduced in 1959 but this one-designhopefully-fits-all ethos has been superseded and now there are designs for all, from every day wear to more specific requirements such as sports wear, or use with computers.

“The latest Varilux S Series lens was launched only last year but it’s already won many awards. Each lens is an individually tailored design to take account of an individual’s spectacle-wearing habits. For example, some people scan a newspaper with their eyes, others by moving their heads more; some people’s behaviour is relatively constant, while for others it varies all the time.”

“These characteristics can be quantified using new measuring and dispensing systems that are linked to powerful computers and sophisticated software. When combined with the latest manufacturing techniques the top-of-the-range lenses produced are the most user-friendly varifocals ever. They are designed and manufactured very specifically

for the person who will be wearing them.”

“Every lens is made to order, and is unique to that person. It is a bespoke service like in the old days, but one that is more affordable now.

“Today most lenses are available in a wide variety of materials which means that all spectacle wearers (even those with high prescriptions) can enjoy thin and light lenses.

They’re so much better looking and much more comfortable to wear than was previously possible. This includes single vision lenses, so there’s no need for anyone to have to put up with spectacles with thick, ugly, bulging lenses any more.”

“And many modern lenses have durable hi-tech coatings that give genuine benefits for the wearer. First-time spectacle wearers were often horrified to discover that when driving at night, their lenses created an overwhelming glare from oncoming headlights and street lamps, which made night driving much more difficult. Modern anti-reflection lens coatings like Crizal UV massively reduce such glare, yet protect the lenses from scratches and the wearer’s eyes from the ever-present dangers of UV radiation. The ideal all round lenses!

“The very newest thing is Essilor Crizal Prevencia lenses. They don’t just offer UV protection, they also filter out harmful blue violet light too, which can cause premature ageing of the eye and lead to conditions like cataracts and AMD. Not everyone is aware that blue violet light is transmitted by tablets, smartphones, computers and the like..

“We also dispense Optifog lenses which are far less prone to ‘misting up’ - useful in steamy kitchens or when coming in from the cold.”

It seems that these days it’s impossible for the layman to keep up with all the changes that are taking place in optics and with many of us going two years between sight tests, there may be quite a few developments we have missed since our last visit to the optician.

“It’s important to talk things through with your optician,” says Paul, “and find out about any improvements in spectacle lens design that will have taken place since your last consultation. Next time you visit one of Ivan Cammack’s branches in Wendover, Chinnor or Thame, make sure you ask about the latest lens designs and coatings. I can assure you, you’ll be glad you did!” l Ivan R. Cammack (Thame), 3-4 Greyhound Walk, Thame, OX9 3DY Tel:01844 212048 Ivan R. Cammack (Wendover) 23 High Street, Wendover, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625892 Ivan R. Cammack (Chinnor) 47 High St, Chinnor,OX39 4DJ, Tel: 01844 351564 Email: info@ivancammack.com Website: www.ivancammack.com

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Chinnor

47 High Street OX39 4DJ T. 01844 351564

www.ivancammack.com

Thame

3-4 Greyhound Walk OX9 3DY T. 01844 212048

l

Column: Fitness Focus with Cathy Cavender

Swimming to fitness

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

S

wimming can be an excellent way to keep fit. It is possible to exercise the full body with no impact and costs are minimal. It is an easily accessible and rewarding physical activity which is enjoyed by many.

However, for some people, unlocking the benefits and pleasures of swimming is not so straight-forward. Struggling with poor stroke technique or a lack of water confidence can result in un-pleasurable and frustrating experiences. It is wonderful to watch swimmers effortlessly glide through the water length after graceful length. So, why do some fit and active people struggle to complete a length without gasping for breath or experiencing discomfort?

Whether you are a complete beginner or a competent swimmer, the key to improving your swimming experience is to focus on working with the water, rather than against it. Less is more.

For instance, a correct head

Cathy Cavender

Fitness Focus

position enables tension free and efficient swimming, by allowing the body to be fully supported by the water. The body can then glide through the water with ease, promote the free movement of arms and legs and enable comfortable exercise without strain. When the water does all of the hard work, you are free to enjoy the liberating experience and physical benefits of exercising in a weightless environment.

In contrast, with an incorrect head position, a swimmer may feel like they are fighting against the water and would be likely to

experience sinking feet, difficulty breathing and back/neck/shoulder pain. Typically the swimmer would tire quickly and struggle to engage their arms and legs effectively in order to progress smoothly through the water. It is likely under these circumstances that the physical benefits of swimming will be limited and swimming is unlikely to become an enjoyable part of a regular fitness schedule.

If you would like to pursue the option of using swimming to keep fit, but feel that your swimming skills could be improved, you will be pleased to hear that help is at

hand. Adult one-to-one lessons are available in the Thame area and Vale Life readers are entitled to a special introductory offer of an initial 45min lesson for £25 from Cathy Cavender Swimming Tuition. Lessons take place at The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel and Spa and bookings should be made by end Jan 2014 (please quote REF VL0114). Further lessons at £45 per hour. l Cathy Cavender Swimming Tel: 01844351253 Mob: 07886268745 Email: cathycavenderswimming@ hotmail.com Web: www.cathycavender swimming.co.uk

Maria Bray

Nutritional Therapy

The Science of Health and Vitality l

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l

New Saturday morning Teen Clinic: £30 for 1 hour session l Boost your energy l Lower ‘bad’cholesterol/blood pressure l Lose weight without starving l Brighten your skin, hair and nails l Take charge of your health l Help your child deal with

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I can assist you to achieve your desired health improvements with a mutually agreed and appropriate stepped programme of dietary and lifestyle changes.

Call for free half hour consultation

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Tavistock House Dental Practice 77 Tring Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1LE Tel: 01296 481615 Email: info@tavistockhouse.co.uk Website: www. tavistockhouse.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

31

l

Column: Emma Ward‘Country Girl’

Fruity but fun

A

utumn; the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’, as John Keats so perfectly put it in 1819, and even in the 21st Century autumn still holds the same magical power for me as it did for Keats.

Early autumn can combine balmy, summer temperatures and a glorious, bounteous beauty; the trees and hedgerows heavy with fruit and vegetable patches bursting with produce.

Autumn and the festival of Michaelmas also mark the end of harvest for farmers, who have worked ceaselessly throughout the summer. Perhaps this is why everyone is always in particularly high spirits at our Young Farmers Michaelmas Ball, hosted every year by our County Federation and very popular with young and old.

This year the ball was kindly hosted by the Lear family at Creslow Manor, a stunning location with the added bonus of being just up the road from me! Strangely enough, the most popular topic of conversation that evening was

my column, and in particular my aquarium which featured a couple of issues ago. I think it is safe to say that the farmers of Buckinghamshire do not think too much of my interest in tropical fish!

However, the pleasures of autumn do not solely lie in a good old fashioned knees up! When we were far too young to think about partying ‘til dawn our favourite autumn activity was blackberrying.

Grandma would take my cousins and I out into the fields around the village to spend hours among the brambles. We returned home with baskets bulging and fingers scratched and purple.

Within a couple of hours, my Gran would have turned the juicy blackberries into a host of delicious crumbles, pies and tarts.

Nowadays I have expanded my foraging horizons, and with so much out there, why not?! I have been out collecting apples from our trees (both cooking and eating), rosehips, damsons, sloes, mushrooms (although you do need to know what you’re looking for

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

with mushrooms!) and of course the good old blackberry.

The sloes are in high demand in our household at this time of year, for the making of alcoholic concoctions. Most people make sloe gin, but sloes go very well in vodka and whiskey too! The shooting season simply wouldn’t be the same without this fabulous berry. Talking of shooting, obviously autumn is also the perfect time to try out your game cooking skills. Unfortunately I wasn’t blessed when it comes to culinary skills, so it is always a pleasure (and perhaps a relief for anyone subjected to my cooking?!) that many local pubs recognise the quality of game and make an effort to include seasonal, and local, produce on their menus.

After a bracing walk in Wendover Woods a couple of weeks ago, my boyfriend Dale and I thought it’d be wrong not to visit the pub to refuel and we certainly weren’t disappointed with the newly refurbished Pink and Lily just outside Princes Risborough.

With its open fire, comfy leather armchairs and friendly staff, the Pink and Lily is the perfect autumn retreat and lo

Emma Ward

Country Girl and behold, there was game on the menu in the form of a hefty burger, which boasted a lot of meat for your money! We also met the pub’s newest edition - an adorable cocker spaniel puppy named Snorkel. In fact he was so cute I couldn’t resist including a picture of him!

Keats was right, autumn is pretty special. And although he may not have agreed with me on this one, it’s definitely made better when you can spend the afternoon at the pub in your wellies with a full tum and a puppy on your lap!

Creslow Manor: Snorkel www.creslowevents.co.uk The Pink and Lily: www.pink-lily.com

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Symmetry Solutions Member of NFM Amanda Ben-Scully LLB (Hons) Tel: 07926 528238 Email: a.benscully@gmail.com www.symmetrysolutions.org

by Cathy Soughton

Brill Windmill Brill

B

rill Windmill stands in a commanding position high on Brill Common with lovely views for miles around. Built originally in 1686 it is one of the oldest surviving and best preserved windmills of its type.

Windmills were first introduced in England in the late 12th Century and records show there have been windmills in Brill since at least 1252.

The present windmill is a timber post mill, the earliest type of windmill in Britain, where the whole body of the mill rotated around the central post to move the sails to face the wind. The mill was used to grind locally grown cereals to make flour and grist. A carved date in the rear door lintel suggested that it was built originally in the 1680s and recent dendrochronology tests using tree ring dating carried out by Oxford Dendrochronology Laboratory show that the oldest timber in the mill was felled in the winter of 1685/6 hence the windmill was probably built in 1686.

Brill Windmill The mill has three floors; the top used as a grain store, the middle contained the mills stones and the bottom, (the meal floor) where the milled flour was collected.

Weatherboard cladding protected the timber frame from the elements although the mill has been repaired numerous times since it was built and other old beams which date from the 18th century indicate that it was rebuilt in 1759/60, possibly following storm damage.

A roundhouse was built at the base of the mill in the 1860s to provide

storage and more protection.

It is believed that the mill has only been operated by 6 milling families.

Albert Nixey, the last miller ran the mill from 1906. However by then traditional post mills had difficulty competing with the new large steam driven roller mills.

During World War 1 the mill was only periodically used and production ceased totally in the early 1920s. In 1927 the mill was purchased by a local landowner for £37 with a view to preserving the windmill for posterity and it was leased to a group of local trustees who undertook work to conserve it.

In 1947 ownership of the mill was transferred to Buckinghamshire County Council and further repair work was undertaken including the addition of a steel framework (hidden under the cladding) to provide support and protection.

The Council has since worked in partnership with local volunteers and other organisations to ensure the historic fabric of the windmill is preserved.

By the 2000s the windmill again had suffered weather damage and a comprehensive survey undertaken in 2006 identified the need for major structural repairs to reinstate

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

the integrity of the structure and a Brill Windmill Management Group was established to manage the project. Over a six month period the mill was dismantled and repaired and reconstructed by specialist building contractor IJP Building Conservation. The restored windmill was officially reopened on 9th July 2009.

A book by Luke Bonwick of Bonwick Milling Heritage Consultancy who undertook the 2006 survey provides a detailed account of the history, technology, conservation and repair of the mill for those interested in the restoration.

Brill Society volunteers open the windmill to the public on Sunday afternoons from April to September for a small admission fee. It is well worth a visit to see one of the best examples of a restored historically significant windmill and enjoy its attractive setting. l Cathy Soughton is a professional genealogist and architectural historian providing family history and house history research in Buckinghamshire and adjacent counties: www.bucksresearch.co.uk, email soughton@btopenworld.com, Tel 01296624845

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FREE taster session Swanbourne House is a place where: • High academic standards • Extensive sports coaching • A myriad of music and drama opportunities • Exciting activities programme

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Parents and children all welcome to have a go!

Website: www.dunxdrumschool.com Email: duncan@dunxdrumschool.com Telephone: 01296 651273 Mobile: 07708 733288 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

33

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Our House by Melanie Parr

This Christmas dress up your festive feast with the season’s finest tableware and decorations…

T

LSA bowl and decorations, John Lewis (above); Sabre spoons, David Shuttle (right)

Where to get the look...

FROM 16 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 2BW; 01844 217998; www.fromroundhere.com Ginger Interiors 10 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, HP20 2SQ; 01296 415035; www.gingerinteriors.co.uk David Shuttle 6 Duke Street, Princes Risborough, HP27 0AT; 01844 273388; www.davidshuttle.com John Lewis Holmers Farm Way, Cressex Centre, High Wycombe, HP12 4NW; 01494 462666; www.johnlewis.com

rad red is back on the menu for Christmas tables this year. You can team it with its usual seasonal partner, classic white. Or, if you’re after more of a sparkle, add a touch of silver.

House of Fraser has embraced the Scandi log cabin look with red and white hearts and Let it Snow paté Christmas tree motifs and dip knife set, emblazoned on everything Steamer Trading from cups to candles.

On a similar vibe is Emma Bridgewater’s Christmas Town crockery range, featuring cute red and white silhouettes of houses, churches, trees and sleds. There are plenty of local Emma Bridgewater stockists, including David Shuttle, Steamer Trading and Number One (see page 14).

Also check out Cargo Mug, Ginger Interiors Homeshop for

At Home 1 Well Street, Buckingham, MK18 1EW; 01280 430148; www.athomebucks.co.uk

Cargo Homeshop 18 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 2BL; 01844 217171; www.cargohomeshop.com

Oven mitts, Cargo Homeshop Xmas Birdie crockery, BHS

34

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

complementary Scandi-style oven mitts, aprons, table runners, coasters and placemats in tactile felt and John Lewis’s snuggly cutlery stockings. Meanwhile, Steamer Trading has Partridge & Pear cake Cath Kidston Santa stands and tins, nibble mug, John Lewis Vintage Market festive table, John Lewis

House of Fraser Friars Square, Aylesbury; 0844 800 3703; and at Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe; 0844 800 3732; www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Steamer Trading 109 High Street, Thame, OX9 3DZ; 01844 217389; www.steamer.co.uk

Scandi kitchen collection, House of Fraser

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Table runner, Cargo Homeshop

Charles Huntington Flooring

bowls and platters, and David Shuttle has Sabre spoons topped with stars and trees.

Tapping into the Downton Abbey trend, John Lewis has plenty of vintage-style decorations to pull off an Edwardian Christmas, including bird tealights, pine wreaths and

Charles Huntington Flooring

Deer table runner, Cargo Homeshop garlands, homely Le Creuset, LSA punch bowls and glasses,

•Expert Advice •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive for Residential and Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets •Free Quotes •No Obligation Christmas dining collection, BHS •Free Parking glass Christmas trees and cake stands,

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and silver-plated candelabras.

House of Fraser’s Woodland • STAIR RODS Dining range is similarly classic and featuring white, Continued overleaf •romantic, BINDING TAPES

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment

Hammered steel barware, John Lewis

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•Professional Fitting Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Tel: 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 •Very Competitive Saturday 10am until 4pm.

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

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for Residential •Carpets to suit and all Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets Opening Times: Monday to Friday •10am 5pm CARPETS VINYLSuntil • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS Saturday • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS SISAL • Any STAIRother RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES until•RODS 4pm. time•Free by appointment CARPETS • VINYLS • 10am SISAL • STAIR SAFETY FLOORING • WOODQuotes • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORINGTel: • WOOD • BINDING TAPES Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm •No Obligation Saturday 10am until 4pm.

Any other time by appointment Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Opening Times: Monday toWeb: Friday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment www.charleshuntington.co.uk Saturday 4pm.

Any by appointment Saturday until time 4pm.

Any other time Tel: by appointment 07767370067 Saturday10am 10amuntil until 4pm.10am Any other other time by appointment Tel:01296 01296 337181 337181 Mob: Mob: 07767370067 Tel: 337181 Mob:337181 07767370067 Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 Web: •FreeHP20 Parking Tel:01296 0129623 337181 Web:www.charleshuntington.co.uk www.charleshuntington.co.uk DUCK Mob: FARM07767370067 COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, 2SQ Commercial work •Carpets Budgetsto suit all •Carpets to suit all •Carpets to suit all Budgets •Carpets to suit all Budgets Budgets •Free Quotes CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS Budgets •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •No Obligation •Free Quotes •No SAFETY FLOORING • •No WOOD • BINDING TAPES •No Obligation Obligation •FreeObligation Parking •No Obligation •Free Parking •Free Parking •Free Parking •Free Parking

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

35

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Our House by Melanie Parr

Odyssey Festive Table, John Lewis

Colour-in Christmas tablecloth, Ginger Interiors

purse-friendly crockery with Continued from previous page snowflake-embossed platters and jugs; metallic banding. crisp, white, sparkle-striped tablecloths; For children and big kids alike, pearl beaded napkin rings, and whiteGinger Interiors has Colour-in specked glassware. For a more cleanChristmas tablecloths, there are lined, modern look, John roundly tactile Let it Snow patĂŠ and Lewis has hammered steel dip knives, Rudolph coasters and barware, or head to Santa & Friends salt and BHS for stainless- Emma Bridgewater pepper shakers at mug, David Shuttle Steamer Trading, and steel water jugs, elegant glassware BHS Xmas Birdie and expensive-looking but crockery featuring tweeting robins and cute hearts.

Partridge & Pear cake Cutlery stocking, John Lewis stand, Steamer Trading

36

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Woodland Dining range, House of Fraser l Melanie Parr is a home interiors journalist with many years’ experience on a range of well-known homes magazines. If you have a features idea, please email editor@vale-life.co.uk or follow on Twitter @melaniejparr.

Ginger Interiors would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Christmas goodies now in

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

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Walk, Open Thame, VisitSwan our showroom.

Mon-Sat. Oxon, OX9 2HN

New Stables, Notley Farm, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9ER | www.crendonconservatories.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

37

l

Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’

Inspiring store

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Janice Issitt

A

s a photographer and maker I’m always working on seasonal looks months in advance. During early summer I was knitting socks for a book on fairisle while sweltering under a gazebo. Late summer I was creating autumn and winter sets for a crochet catalogue and desperately trying to find gold and yellow leaves. The same principle applies if you want to make gifts and cards as presents, so Christmas plans should probably be underway by now if you want to finish them in time.

If you are lacking inspiration and ideas then magazines like Mollie Makes are full of simple and easy projects - it just so happens that I am in issue 32 talking about my collection of Dala Horses. One of the projects in this issue is to make your own Swedish style horse in felt which gave me the idea to do mini ones as Christmas decorations.

Every month they demonstrate how to make small and easy items with clear tutorials on techniques.

Our local art and craft supply

Making the most of it shops will also be able to fire your imagination for unusual and personal gifts.

My latest venture is with Annie Sloan the paint maker from Oxford.

For this I needed a lot of small inexpensive brushes so it was a very happy moment for me to discover that my local art shop is still going strong despite rumours of closure.

Aylesbury Art & Craft in the town centre on Kingsbury is open and better than ever. Their range is huge, covering every imaginable craft - embroidery, jewellery, paints, paper and card, everything except

fabric and wool. Some local mums told me that its like a treasure trove for children which indicates that a gift of ingredients to spark a new hobby or skill would be great for a younger family member, and one that could last way beyond Boxing Day. Even Einstein would probably agree, as he said ‘imagination will take you everywhere’ .

If ‘making it yourself ‘ is out of the question then I urge you to support local artisans and November is the month for the most events in the handmade fair calendar. Heres a selection of art

and craft fairs coming up in and around The Vale during November: 23rd Wendover Memorial Hall 23rd Seeleys House Beaconsfield 24th Cheddington Town Farm 24th Winslow Public Hall, Elm Fields Gate 28th Whaddon (evening fair 7-9.30) Jubilee Hall 30th Thame Town Hall l Read Janice’s blog at: http://

janiceissittlifestyle.blogspot.co.uk where she posts photo tutorials about things to make and lovely pictures of life in The Vale.

northmillstoves.co.uk 01844 342400 info@northmillstoves.co.uk 38

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Audited, Vetted & Approved by Buckinghamshire County Council Trading Standards

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

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

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

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

✔ Residential ✔ Commercial ✔ Industrial

"Mick and the boys are fantastic, I would never have any other decorator."

Mrs McKibbin, Nr Princes Risborough.

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

Bespoke Architectural Joinery for Period, Listed and Contemporary Buildings

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

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

www.premieraj.co.uk FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

39

40

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Supporting pupils from abroad

D

o you enjoy spending time with children? Do you have the space in your home and spare time to offer support to a child from abroad, who attends a boarding school in our area?

The children will be living at their school during the termtime and return home to their parents during the long holidays at Christmas, Easter and in the Summer, but they require an English family to look after them for a couple of weekends each term and during the half term holiday.

It’s a daunting experience for a child to attend a boarding school overseas, perhaps thousands of miles from their home, and a worrying time for the parents too, so having a local family to help all shapes and sizes, but all have and support the pupil is reassuring a common interest in offering for all. care and support to children and The role is suitable for families, teenagers from overseas. single parents, couples without This is an excellent opportunity: children, retired couples with empty l For your own children to make nests - guardian families come in new friends, to learn about

them through attendance at school matches, concerts or parents’ evenings. l To build lasting friendships with international families overseas.

As keeping in touch with the child and the school is an important part of being a guardian, families would generally live no more than an hour by car from their school.

Why not put your spare bedroom to good use and bring in a few extra pennies?

The role of Guardian is voluntary, with generous expenses paid per night’s stay, as well as to cover travel and entertainment.

To find out more about this interesting and rewarding role, visit The Guardian Family Network website: www.guardianfamily.co.uk or call for an informal chat on: 01865 522066.

other countries and gain cultural understanding. l To fill the ‘empty nest’ when your own children have perhaps gone off to university or left home. l To become involved in the school life of a young person, supporting

Ian & Lynne welcome you to our Christmas Menu at

The Black Horse, Lacey Green We are in the 2014 GOOD FOOD GUIDE and GOOD BEER Guides

The Black Horse Christmas menu 2013 Wild Mushroom Soup [V] Served with a warm crusty roll

MAIN MEALS

Roast Norfolk Turkey Crown Somerset Brie And Asparagus Cheesecake With Chipolata Sausage, Bacon Roll and Sage and Onion Stuffing Served with a side salad and onion chutney [V] Pork Fillet Rolled In Black Pepper’n’herbs Chicken Liver And Cranberry Paté Grilled and served with a Cider sauce Served with Melba Toast Stuffed Guinea Fowl Smoked Salmon, Mustard And Dill Mousse Wrapped in Bacon and served with an On a bed of green salad Onion and Red Wine Sauce Crayfish Cocktail [GF] Served with a green salad and a Marie Rose sauce

Poached Haddock Florentine Au Gratin Mushroom, Brie, Rocket And Redcurrent Parcels [V] Served with field mushrooms All served with dauphinoise potatoes and seasonal vegetables

DESSERTS Select a luxury hot or cold dessert from Braised Lamb Shank our sweet menu, followed by coffee and Tender Lamb in a Red Wine and Rosemary mince pies sauce

Cheeseboard £5.75 per person extra 2 Courses plus Coffee and Mince Pies £18.99 - Same price as last year!

3 Courses plus Coffee and Mince Pies £21.99 - Same price as last year!

Christmas Menu available from November to January. Bookings only. £5 per person deposit non refundable. Open all day.

Call: 01844 345195 for further details

The Black Horse, Main Road, Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0QU Tel: 01844 345195 Email: lynnecomley@btconnect.com www.blackhorse-pub.co.uk.co.uk

Open For Breakfast: Tuesday - Saturday: 9-11am Open For Lunch: Tuesday - Sunday: 12-2.30pm Open for evening meals: Tuesday - Saturday: 6.30-9.30pm. Closed Mondays until 5pm. Open all day Fri, Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays.

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

41

“Bringing you more than warmth”

JØtul “fighting the cold since 1853” Call in to see the range of JØtul stoves on display

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

Jøtul – logo

HETAS registered. Ample free parking.

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

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

l

Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Spits and sawdust

B

arbecues might seem more suited to summer but outdoor eating is just as much fun, if not more so at this time of year, when the nights are dark, the leaves are falling and a lovely warm bonfire is crackling nearby.

Jacket potatoes, sizzling sausages and thick burgers smothered in barbecue sauce are a fabulous treat at Halloween and Guy Fawkes events all over the Vale.

For Ricky Jeffrey, who runs Bangers and Spits outdoor catering it’s a busy time. At the beginning of November he is serving 1,000 people at the Haddenham St Mary’s school bonfire and firework night.

Ricky says: “I’ll have eight people working for me; we’ll be running three or four barbecues and will serve 1,000 people in one and a half hours, so it’ll be pretty full on.”

Ricky is used to hard work.

He runs his own online butchers www.egghousecharcuterie.co.uk

business and set up Bangers and Spits two years ago, supplying pig and lamb roasts and barbecues, before going completely solo a from premises in Kimble, where year later with the Egghouse he processes the meat before Charcuterie. delivering it to customers, on He says: “I was very aware Fridays and Saturday mornings, that we are rearing some of the from his 1968 Morris Traveller. best meat in the country here in He also sells through six or the Chilterns and I wanted to get seven farmers markets, including 100% behind the farmers and get Aylesbury and Thame. And he’s out their food in front of the public. I two or three times a week through buy straight from the farmers and the summer with his Bangers and use my skill to produce a lovely Spits business. product.”

His career started with Simon Ricky buys in beef from North Parminter, the popular Haddenham Dean, Scotsgrove and Cuddington; family butcher. Ricky lamb from Cuddington; says: “I was with pork from Waterperry and Simon for 12 years; I Cuddington; and chicken started straight from from Tring. His sausages school when I was have won awards and he 16 and trained as a also produces dry cured butcher there. Simon and smoked bacon and was a good boss and burgers and is about trained me well; I to unveil his answer to was privileged to Parma ham, salami and Ricky Jeffrey work alongside him. chorizo...

He’s a nice bloke with traditional He says: “I have no farming values and instilled them in me.” background, my interest is in food.

Married with two young children But I appreciate that to get the Ricky was keen to start his own best meat you have to go direct to

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

the farmer. I like to know where my food comes from, I love eating and I love eating good food in particular. I’d rather eat less, but better quality, because I enjoy it a lot more.” l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist

and a farmer’s wife. She and her husband sell their own award winning Terrick Beef* and other local produce from their small farm shop at Kimble, near Wendover, on the first Friday and Saturday of each month. Further details on www.downonthefarm.co.uk *Terrick Beef won the Countryside Alliance Local Food award for the South East 2012.

Stay Warm This Winter!

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P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop Wilstone, Nr Tring, HP23 4NT 01442 828478 www.pemeadandsons.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

43

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

Add a little winter colour

N

ovember can be a bit grim in the garden - especially if the rain sets in. But never fear, you can give your garden some seasonal cheer by investing in plants that will add a little winter colour to your outdoor space.

Take a trip to the garden centre and look out for plants such as dogwood (cornus) and willow. They will provide some interesting colour from their bark and stems.

Hebes are worth looking at too.

They are happy to grow in most types of soil and varieties such as ‘Heartbreaker’ start to flush pink in November, while the likes of ‘Caledonia’ have wonderful burgundy foliage and stems.

And if you think all conifers stay green through winter think again - varieties such as Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Rubicon’ and Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans Compacta’ will bring lovely red/bronze tones to your garden before they take on their green hue again in the spring.

And of course you can always look ahead to the spring and plant tulip bulbs. November is a good month for tulip planting, as it is

thought that late plantings help to combat the problem of tulip fire, a disease that can wipe out your whole planting scheme. Plant now, remembering to reject any bulbs that are damaged or have mould, and bury them two or three three times the height of the bulb.

And don’t forget your lawn at this time of year! If it’s frosty, try not to walk on it if possible, as you’ll end up with brown patches in the shape of footprints! If you get a lot of dieback from the lawn being walked over during Feed the birds wet, muddy times, this winter it might be worth considering laying grandchildren on a chilly some stepping afternoon, how about making stones or a path some pinecone feeders? Pick to combat the up some cones when you’re problem. out for a walk, and then soften November is a Feed the birds some breadcrumbs in water, good time for We’re in for and gather together some Tulip planting a harsh winter grated cheese and dried fruit according to the such as raisins or sultanas. weather experts, so now is the time Push the breadcrumbs into the gaps to start thinking abut keeping the in the cone, following on with the birds happy through the winter. fruit and cheese – tie string around If you want an activity for the top and hang from a tree or yourself or the children or washing line in the garden.

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Another idea that recycles your rubbish and helps small birds is to use a small milk container as a bird feeder. Cut a hole in the front of a container, so it is big enough for a small bird to get through. Then melt lard and mix in peanuts (chopped finely) or bird seed. Spoon it into the container and leave to harden.

Simply hang the container by its handle so that it leans forward, which stops both larger birds and the rain getting in.

The likes of thrushes, wrens, tits and woodpeckers enjoy fats such as suet while robins and song thrushes like grated cheese. Song thrushes, robins and blackbirds are keen on soaked dried fruits.

If you have any bruised pears and apples left over, chop them up for starlings. tits and blackbirds.

Bread is not the best food for birds as it offers little in the way of nutritional content - it should only be offered in small quantities, and soaked so that it doesn’t swell inside their stomachs. l Naomi Mackay is a freelance journalist and publisher of a new website for parents of primary-aged boys: www.itsaboything.net. The site includes ideas on getting boys connected with education, expert hints on raising boys, book reviews, days out, toys, competitions...

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

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Delivery service available www.briantsltd.co.uk

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01844 343663 Green Close Works, Longwick, Princes Risborough. HP27 9SG

44

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Vacancies for hard landscaper and skilled labourers - contact Rodney on: 07732 329118

l Column: Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Consumer Affairs

Award-winning BBC Three Counties presenter Jonathan Vernon-Smith extends his Consumer Hour to report for Vale Life Magazine on consumer issues that could effect you...

S

o, you go to a clothes shop, buy a pair of jeans, get them home and decide that actually you’re not that keen on them after all. Simple!

You can return them, yes? NOT NECESSARILY! Indeed one subject often up for discussion on my radio show concerns the successful returning of goods to a retailer.

Let me make it very clear. If goods are FAULTY, then of course you have the right to return them and depending on the length of time you have had them (usually only a couple of weeks), you should be entitled to your money back in full. If you’ve had the item for longer, then you can ask the retailer to either repair the item (if possible) or replace it. This applies for at least 12 months and often for a much longer period, so don’t be fobbed off by cheeky shop assistants!

Where you don’t automatically have the right to return items is when you simply change your mind.

Whilst many retailers operate a ‘good will’ returns policy and will happily take items back as long as they are in perfect condition, the law does not guarantee this.

Always check the returns policy of the individual company before you make a purchase if you’re not 100% confident you’ll keep the item. Failure to do this could cause a very embarrassing scene in the shop and a generous splattering of egg on your face.

There is an exception to all of this though, and this exception is even more important now than ever before, considering how many purchases are made online.

When buying a new product from an internet or mail order

Your company books balanced with a Jelly Baby At Lancasters Chartered Accountants, you’ll find all the financial advice and expertise you’d expect, delivered in a way you didn’t.

Our personal and friendly approach means we get to know you before looking at your accounts. We think it’s the only way to fully understand your financial needs.

Call us for a free consultation.

We’ll stock up on the boardroom sweets.

Manor Courtyard, Aston Sandford, Bucks, HP17 8JB www.lancasters.uk.net

01844-292270

company, you are covered by ‘distance selling regulations’.

These dictate that because you haven’t had the opportunity to see the item you’re buying in the flesh (as it were), you have seven working days, from receipt of the goods, to return them for a full refund.

Always confirm that you are returning the items by email to obtain a date stamp and please note there are exceptions to this including CDs, DVDs, perishable goods and underwear etc.

Always check the sellers’ returns postage policy as if they don’t state who is liable for the p&p, then they automatically are!

Finally, always keep your receipts and if you don’t, remember that a bank statement or credit card bill should act as proof of purchase instead.

tillynilly

| Refreshing advice

creative home interiors

Handblown glass at The Gallery Stoneworld 43a Upper High Street Thame OX9 2DW

     



l Listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio www.bbc.co.uk/threecountiesradio If you have a consumer rights issue you think may be of interest to JVC listeners, email your contact number and if the team can help, they’ll get in touch.

Email: jvsshow@bbc.co.uk

‘Made for you’ service includes soft furnishings, curtains and blinds

www.tillynilly.com 01844 220035 *discount offer only applies to online orders. Glass can be viewed and reserved for 3 days at The Gallery pending online transaction Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Tucked away on Back Street, just off Wendover’s bustling High Street, are some of the town’s finest old houses. Among them, Vine Tree House is home to something rather special…

W

ith its tiled roof and elegant Vine Tree House, home of Georgian façade of mottled Aces High Aviation Gallery red bricks weathered by time, Vine Tree House is an imposing building. Step inside the grand front door though and you’re in for quite a surprise.

Not only are you entering another world - that of a much earlier Elizabethan, timber-framed house, but the maze of quirky rooms are home to one of the finest collections of original paintings and limited edition prints of WWI and WWII subjects to be found anywhere!

There’s a clue, of course in the discreet sign on the front wall - Aces High Aviation Gallery, but this is no ordinary art gallery.

Since its creation in 1997 by two passionate collectors, Rick Taylor and Colin Hudson, Aces High has established itself internationally as opened our first gallery ‘the world’s foremost here in Wendover. It specialist in Aviation was a tiny loft space and Military art’. in the eaves of a Going in is a bit like former stable, the entering Dr Who’s only place we could Tardis. There’s more afford at the time. than 6,ooo sq ft of Every evening was display space within the building, where Rick Taylor & Colin Hudson, co-founders of Aces High spent either framing or renovating the place hundreds of outstanding to stop the wind and rain getting in. It wasn’t prints and original paintings can be viewed. the ideal location and, in the end, the regular It’s one of the best stocked aviation and concussions from the low beams just proved military art galleries in the world and can too much!” source nearly a thousand different print titles It was in 2001 that Colin and Rick, a former for immediate delivery.

Royal Marine, discovered that the nearby Vine The pictures themselves tell many stories, Tree House was shortly to become available. often of courage and heroic sacrifice.

Full of character and with masses of display Throughout the year the gallery hosts a space, it has turned out to be not only the number of important signing events and ideal place for their expanding business, seminars; occasions when customers have the but the perfect venue in which to host the opportunity to meet some of the prominent increasing number of signing events that the veterans from military history, including pair are now organising with military veterans.

WWII and more recent conflicts, and have “Over the years we’ve had the honour to their prints and other items autographed host some legendary veterans at the gallery”, “It wasn’t always like this,” explains Colin. says Rick. “We did have one scary moment “In the very beginning we sold prints from when the ground floor of Vine Tree House home by mail order and exhibited at a few flooded on the morning of a major event with air shows. But then, a year after starting our several Battle of Britain veterans. We were business, Rick and I took the plunge and

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

ankle deep in water, with staff and customers bailing out the corridor with buckets, when Dame Vera Lynn and the veterans arrived!

Fortunately the bulldog spirit that got these amazing people through the war was still very much in evidence and Dame Vera led us all veterans, customers and staff - across the road to reconvene the event at the Red Lion pub.

What a lady!”

At the heart of Aces High lies a genuine passion for aviation and military art. Beautiful original paintings and prints adorn the gallery

Famous bomber pilots Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC and Squadron Leader ‘Mac’ Hamilton with top aviation artist Robert Taylor, Colin and Rick

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

The Aces High Gallery in America opened in 2003, in the picturesque town of Ojai, California walls and the skills of the Aces High framing department and their specialist knowledge of conservation framing and matting of military artworks and items of memorabilia, is very apparent.

Colin and Rick were getting a lot of mail order business from America, so in 2003 they opened a second gallery, situated in Ojai, California and Aces High USA is now America’s most prominent retailer of Aviation Art. In 2009 the partners opened a third gallery, this time within the prestigious Utah Beach Museum in Normandy.

Aces High USA

Aces High UK

Merlin Chorus

Hollywood star Damian Lewis, who played Major Dick Winters in the TV series ‘Band of Brothers’, and is currently starring as Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody in Homeland, autographs prints at Aces High.

To visit Aces High Gallery at Vine Tree House is an experience not to be missed. It might well be Wendover’s best-kept secret, but once you’ve seen it, we’re betting you won’t be able to keep it!

The Aces High Gallery is open from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Dambusters: The Impossible Mission Road to The Rhine

l Aces High Aviation Gallery, Vine Tree House, Back Street, Wendover, HP22 6EB Tel: 01296 625681 Fax: 01296 620668 Email: enquiries@aceshigh-uk.com Website: www.aces-high.com Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Leaving your pet in kennels is a worry for most dog owners. Even if properly cared for there’s the fear it will miss its home and family. Luckily one local kennels is offering the kind of care and attention that will ease doggy homesickness and keep your pet healthy and happy until you return...

M

Barry and Megan Cook

egan and Barry Cook love dogs.

Megan grew up in Chesham without a pet of her own, but was always out walking dogs for elderly neighbours. She has since owned many dogs and has been breeding, showing and judging for over 40 years. She is an International Championship Show Judge of working and pastoral breeds and has bred 28 Champions.

In 1991 she sold her home in Towersey and purchased Maccabee Kennels in Longwick.

The kennels are situated in a rural location and occupy four acres of land.

Megan met husband Barry an ex professional rugby player and Managing Director of International Training company Franklin - Covey Europe Ltd in 2001, whilst walking in the Welsh mountains. Barry used to breed and show Great Danes and around this common interest their friendship blossomed and they eventually married in 2012.

The kennels have just been refurbished and the name upgraded to ‘Maccabee Pets Hotel’ to reflect the new level of comfortable and up to date accommodation. In particular the

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

The Garden Chalets rooms with a view

Front entrance garden chalets enjoy views of lawns, apple trees and a pond.

Megan has recently recovered from a long illness, during which time she had to take something of a backseat at the Pets Hotel, while Barry managed the refurbishment and maintained local authority contracts. She is back now, fully recovered and ready to welcome boarding dogs once more.

“Our aim is to be more than just a kennels where dogs are left while the owner takes a short break or holiday,” says Megan. “We believe that dogs deserve a holiday too, so we make every effort to ensure each of our canine guests enjoys its stay with us and is happy to return. We actually have some who are reluctant to leave!”

Conscious that some dogs take a while to settle in, and with the well being of the pets being of paramount importance, the Cooks have restricted boarding to just 30 kennels.

This allows them to spend quality time with their guests, as each dog enjoys the luxury of individual care and attention in their temperature controlled accommodation.

They also get more than just a daily walk at

Play Area and Exercise Paddock

The Maccabee team: from left, Tomasz, Suzy, Barry, Kevin and Megan the Pets Hotel, with up to two hours playtime and stimulation each day to look forward to.

On a more practical note individual health checks are carried out twice daily and any ongoing medical condition is monitored.

“We try to give all our guests the comforts they would have at home. It’s important we establish a bond of trust with both the dog and their owners,” says Barry. “The owners need to feel sure their dog is having just as good a time on his break as they are on their’s!

“We have a small knowledgeable team, chosen for their rapport with dogs. Team leader Suzanne, or ‘Fluff ’ as she is known, has been here for 23 years. We aim to give dogs the 5-Star treatment while in our care. Our attention to detail makes a big difference for the family pets we are looking after, which is why we are a 5-Star kennel.”

“At Christmas we have a visit from ‘Santa Paws’ with a doggy Christmas stocking for each of our guests,” laughs Megan, “and maybe even a chicken treat for Christmas dinner with their food!

“I’ve always loved running the kennels. If I can talk about dogs and be with them, I am happy. I like meeting people too, so I get the best of both worlds here. “I can’t think of anything better than to make a living out of what I enjoy doing most.” l Maccabee Pets Hotel, Bar Lane, Longwick, Bucks, HP27 9RG Tel: 01844 342515 Email: maccabeeph@btconnect.com Monday - Saturday Check In: 8.30am-5pm Check Out: 10.30am – 5pm Please note - Sundays: Open from 3-5pm only Website under construction

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

Rabbit Ritz

Small pet hotel and cattery New luxury cattery with heated penthouses, overlooking a country garden with free-running pet rabbits. l

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Profits to our Bunny rescue

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TV available

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Established 15 years

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Fully licenced and insured

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Visits welcome Rabbit Ritz Small Pet Hotel, 200 Wendover Road, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5TG Tel: 01296 612220 Mob: 07752 336419 Email: karen@rabbitritz.co.uk Website: www.rabbitritz.co.uk

Horsewyse CIC Come and saddle up for a fun time at Horsewyse

Out of the Doghouse Dog Listening

Contact: Roselle 07989 947316 email: roselle@ outofdoghouse.co.uk

Does your dog:

Do you to give your puppy or rescue dog • jump upwant • pull on the lead• bark excessively the best possible start in your home?

• display nervous, obsessive or aggressive behaviour Does your dog: bicycles or livestock • have issues with food • chase joggers, • jump up • destroy carpets or furniture when left alone?

• pull on the lead

Dog Listening is a simple non-confrontational method, for all bark excessively dogs,• through which you can address undesirable behaviours • display nervous, obsessive or aggressive and build a rewarding relationship with your dog. behaviour

www.outofthedoghouse.co.uk • chase joggers, bicycles or livestock • destroy carpets or furniture when left alone • have issues with food?

Dog Listening uses a simple non-confrontational method, suitable for all dogs, regardless of size, age or breed, through which you can address all undesirable behaviours and build a rewarding relationship with your dog.

Contact: Roselle 07989 947316 or roselle@outofdoghouse.co.uk or visit www.outofthedoghouse.co.uk

design

folderse-mail

solutions campaigns

leaflets digital print adverts exhibition forms

cost effective rollers banners

displays

web design

· Pub rides (a fun hack across beautiful countryside over fields and bridleways to pub and back) · Children’s birthday parties from age 4 years Groups up to 12. Party activities for all abilities · Return to riding adults who have had a break and are ready to get back in the saddle Riding stables based at Long Crendon

www.horsewyse.org.uk Tel: 01844 202966

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

PRINT

Media

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

Feel free to contact us to see what we can do for your business, whether it be a complete project or a re-vamp of your corporate stationery

media t 01296 432612 e thecomproom@btconnect.com w www.comproommedia.com 18 Edison Road x Rabans Lane x Aylesbury x Bucks x HP19 8TE Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

49

l Column:

Ruby Rasa ‘Tomayto Tomaaahto’

Sweet and Spicy Potato Bake (Serves four as a side)

What You Need: 1 large sweet potato 300ml double cream Small jar mild peppadew or jalapeño peppers

cover with the potato slices.

What You Do:

4. Chop about 2 peppadews, or 4 slices of jalapeños, and sprinkle them over the potatoes.

1. Preheat the oven to 180° C.

5. Cover with remaining cream, until potatoes are just covered.

2. Peel the potato and slice into 1/2” rounds.

6. Bake uncovered for 1/2 hour or until the potatoes are tender.

3. Spread a little cream at the bottom of your baking dish, then

7. Garnish with some of the remaining pepper slices & serve.

I

was at the market in Wendover the other day, quite happily sniffing the vegetables and feeling up the fruits, as one does. Suddenly, I was accosted by an innocent-looking woman who had taken a rather pointed interest in the contents of my basket. What exactly, she wanted to know, did I plan to do with my sweet potatoes?

Taken aback by this very personal interrogation, and worried about what the correct answer might be, I fibbed.

“Mash”, I said, somewhat defensively.

Simple and boring, but safe. She looked justifiably disappointed. “I’m always looking for new ways to serve them,” she explained, “as my husband doesn’t care for them.” OK, so now I felt bad.

I had let her down. And it was too late to backtrack and tell her what I actually planned to do with my little orange lovelies.

What a shame, too, because her husband would probably enjoy this dish. Nothing at all like any other sweet potato dish I’ve ever had, and with a kick of chili pepper in it to get the blood going. It’s also one of the easiest recipes in the world (no seasoning

necessary as the peppers infuse the cream) and a Thanksgiving favourite at our house. It’s quite rich and a little goes a long way. The sweetness of this bake means it pairs wonderfully with turkey and chicken, but my son also loves it with barbecued ribs.

So this recipe, dear lady, whoever you are, is for you. Or your husband, rather. Please forgive me for staring at you like a deer in headlights and failing you on the day in question. Hopefully converting your husband to a sweet potato lover will make up for it. l Ruby is a local freelance writer and photographer.

Please contact her via her website: http://lensandletter.com

Join Ian & Elle this festive season at

The George & Dragon

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a 4 Star Rating by the AA Guide for our Guest Accommodation The George & Dragon is a perfect spot to stop and enjoy a pint of ale or some food. Open all day our chefs serve top class, beautifully presented meals with a daily specials board to tempt even the most distinguished palate. Our excellent Sunday roasts are also not to be missed. Ingredients locally sourced where possible

• Our Restaurant is open: Monday to Saturday 12pm-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm • Sunday Roasts 12pm-4pm every Sunday: 2 courses from £13.95 Bookings Advisable • Friday Nights: Dinner and Music Night - every week Live Music from 9.30pm

Our Christmas menus are available from November 18th through to December 30th (except Xmas and Boxing Day), 2 courses from £16.95, Office parties and family celebrations catered for - express menu also offered.

News Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Party, featuring live entertainment, pre-dinner drink, 4 course meal and glass of bubbles at midnight: £44.95.

Book soon as this is a limited ticket only event.

Come and see what everyone is talking about!

The George & Dragon, 74 High Street, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0AX Tel: 01844 343087 Email: info@gndpubco.co.uk www.gndprincesrisborough.co.uk 50

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

If you have ever sampled one of Cici-Coco Kitchen’s delicious lasagnas, you will be delighted to hear that award-winning cook, Giuliana Cortese, is now running courses that not only show how to recreate her Italian inspired dishes but where to get the best ingredients locally...

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Course at Sandy Lane Farm

ici-Coco Kitchen is a name that many readers will be familiar with. You may have bought one of their delicious Italian lasagnas or sauces from a local market, farm shop, or even Selfridges Food Hall, or seen their stall at Thame Food Festival, or Cuddington Fete.

Cici-Coco is an Italian expression that means ‘goes perfectly together’ a name that local couple Giuliana Cortese and Simon Shaw felt suited their idea of combining Giuliana’s passion and Italian cookery skills with their love of locally sourced ingredients.

Over the past two and a half years CiciCoco has grown from an artisan producer of food to cook at home into into an awardwinning, speciality food kitchen and cookery school, where the couple share their passion for local ingredients and some of the recipes Giuliana creates.

Giuliana grew up near Trieste in the North East of Italy and learnt to cook helping her mother and grandmother in the kitchen. Food is a big part of Italian life and when she left home to study in Bologna she missed her mother’s cooking: “I had to cook for myself,” she says, “and realised I had a real passion for food and in particular for making the dishes I had grown up with.”

In 1997 Giuliana moved to London to improve her English and find a job in the fashion industry.: “I missed my favourite foods even more over here,” she says, “so I would cook whenever I could, not just for myself but

Giuliana Cortese for friends and work colleagues.”

The next few years involved a dream job, meeting Simon, starting a family in 2005 and moving out to Cuddington in 2008.

After having their second daughter, Scarlett, Giuliana decided to set up her own business and work from home. She knew people loved her cooking but she wanted more people to experience really good home-cooked Italian food: “Today many people treat Lasagne like fast food,” says Giuliana. “But in Italy we would have it for Sunday lunch. It is a real feast, not just mince, pasta and sauce and might contain beef, pork, sausages and a variety of seasonal ingredients.”

Cici-Coco now produce a range of speciality lasagnes such as: Pork, apple and quince or Napoletana - a meatball lasagne made with hard-boiled eggs and mozzarella and they offer a range of ragu, pesto and tomato sauces. While developing their recipes Simon and Giuliana have tried to source the finest ingredients and have even developed their own pasta made with a specially developed ancient variety of heritage flour combining rivet and spelt wheat. The pasta won two stars at The Great Taste Awards earlier this year!

In September 2013 CiCi-CoCo Italian Cookery School was launched so Giuliana could share her recipes, knowledge and passion for local and seasonal ingredients with a wider audience and inspire us all with some gorgeous, regional Italian dishes and fabulous local ingredients.

Making pasta The courses are taught by Giuliana and hosted in a variety of beautiful, local locations including Sandy Lane Organic Farm at Tiddington and Cuddington’s Tyringham Hall, a stunning GradeII listed manor house, and Dadbrook Gallery, a beautiful house with an amazing kitchen garden.

They are a mix of day courses (10am3pm) during which you will enjoy eating your endeavours and morning courses (10am1pm) after which you take the food you have prepared home. Prices range from £65 to £115 and include all equipment and ingredients. Best of all, you don’t need any cooking skills!

Class topics range from: ‘Pasta making’ (four types) to ‘A Northern Italian Christmas’, ‘Regional flavours of Friuli and Veneto’, ‘A trip to Tuscany’ and ‘The Italian Alps’ among others. See the Cici-Coco website for full details. Each is an experience in itself and you will learn a little about Italy and Italian life as well as how to cook some authentic dishes.

Gift vouchers are available (phone or email to order) and would make a great Christmas gift with a difference.

“When I see people enjoying themselves and loving cooking this food, it really makes me feel good!” says Giuliana. l Cici-Coco Kitchen, Beam Cottage, Cuddington, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0AS Tel: 07939 032834 Email: thecook@cici-coco.com Website: www.cici-coco.com Twitter @cicicocokitchen Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with us!

Call for our Party Menu and to book Also Now booking: Christmas Menu (available throughout December): Lunch £19.95, Dinner £24.95 Delicious, three course festive menu: 5 choices of starter, 5 choices of mains, 4 dessert choices

Christmas Day Menu: £65 per person

Come in, or see our website for full details

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

Win dinner for 2 at The Bell, Stoke Mandeville

J

ames and Nicky Penlington will soon be celebrating their first year at The Bell in Stoke Mandeville.

The couple and their young family took over last Winter and have turned the tired old boozer into a stylish and welcoming, modern, dining pub, without losing that welcoming village pub feel.

James worked under Tom Kerridge at The Hand and Flowers in Marlow and at Danesfield House, so he knows a thing or two about service and fine dining but at The Bell his aim has been to create a comfortable village pub with great food, rather than a formal dining experience.

“I want the pub to be a sociable place,” says James. “It’s all about people coming together and creating a great experience - the food, the drink and a nice warm atmosphere just help it to flow.

“Our food is simple honest fare, cooked freshly on the premises and it’s been really well received so far.

“Simple, tasty dishes made with the best ingredients. Ash, our head chef, loves hearty, full flavoured meals but he’s great with fish and lighter dishes too. We cater for all dietary requirements and keep our menu gluten free where possible. If we can

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

we source our ingredients from within a ten mile radius and have found some fabulous local producers - our Little Meadle sausages from Orchard View Farm are particularly delicious!”

Dishes range from Pan Roast Duck Breast with Confit Leg Croquette & Braised Red Cabbage; to Hake Fillet with Brown Shrimp, Wilted Spinach, Fennel & Potato Rösti; or Pork Belly with Puy Lentils, Chantonnay Carrots & Mustard Jus. There’s small plates or starters such as: Grilled Goats’ Cheese Crotin; Chicken, Pork & Ham Terrine; or Bubble & Squeak With Smoked Bacon, Poached Egg & Hollandaise; while on the Bar Menu there’s ‘light lunchtime snacks’, ‘afternoon nibbles’ and ‘cheeky bites’ such as Fish, Chips & Tartare Sauce; Blue Cheese, Pear

& Walnut Salad; Hand Raised Pork Pie & Piccalilli; or Mini Sausages & English Mustard!

Desserts sound equally as mouthwatering; Treacle Tart With Lemon Chantilly; Toffee Panna Cotta With Berry Compôte; or Apple & Berry Crumble With Vanilla Custard to name a few.

On Sundays roast lunches are served from 12noon until 4pm with a choice of Pork Loin Rack With Crackling And Apple Sauce; 21 Day Aged Beef With Yorkshire Pudding; or Leg Of Lamb With Mint Sauce; all come with with Roast Potatoes, Parsnips, Swede And Carrot and all cost £12.75 (it might be wise to book!). The kitchen opens again from 6pm-8.30pm if you are still peckish!

If you’d like to be in with a chance

of winning dinner for two, with a bottle of house wine, at The Bell, Stoke Mandeville, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where did James work with Tom Kerridge?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 10th, 2013. l The Bell, 29 Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5XA Tel: 01296 612434 E: info@bellstokemandeville.co.uk W: www.bellstokemandeville.co.uk Now taking bookings for Christmas Parties and New Year’s Day Brunch.

Please pop in, see website, or call for details.

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

You don’t have to walk the Ridgeway to work up an appetite for dining at Wendover’s Shoulder of Mutton but if the size of their new fish or steak pies are anything to go by, it might just help...

T

he Shoulder of Mutton is a handsome red brick, ivy-clad country pub on the edge of the historic market town of Wendover.

The Grade II listed, 18th Century, Chilterns inn is the perfect venue for a relaxing pub lunch, romantic dinner, or family celebration.

It’s a popular spot for walkers tackling nearby Ridgeway trails, who often leave their cars in the carpark first thing and phone-in or post their lunch orders, to save waiting when they return starving at lunchtime.

Candle-lit tables, original wooden beams and roaring fires offer a warm welcome in the winter months and the pub serves delicious pub food and seasonal specials every day of the week from 11am to 10pm, plus tasty roast lunches on Sundays. Behind the bar you’ll find cask ales, good wine and a wide range of quality drinks and snacks.

“We have raised our game a bit,” says manager Adam Szczypior. “We were known for being a friendly, welcoming family pub and great value, but we have broadened our range and are now offering a more luxurious experience as well.

“We have redecorated and refurbished our furnishings. Our smart new tartan chairs are very comfortable and we have extended our wine list to include some exceptional awardwinning selections, such as the Australian Dead Arm Shiraz which is an aromatic, floral wine, rich with red berries and spicy notes (£40) and our Sancerre Blanc Les Chailloux from France, an intensely aromatic white with notes of ripe apple, pear, citrus zest and spices (£30).

“At the lower end there is great value to be had too, such as the Monte Schiavo

Verdicchio Di Jesi, a dry, crisp Italian white with a fresh, long and lingering taste at only £12 a bottle! And the highly quaffable Ancora Montepulciano D’abruzzo, a simple and delicious, smooth and dry Italian gem of a red, also at only £12, which will suit most palates and pockets.

“If you like to sparkle, there’s ‘Italian Champagne’ Sant’orsola Prosecco - a refreshing, bright fizz for any occasion at only £15 a bottle, while for connoisseurs of the bubble the Veuve Clicquot is reminiscent of white fruits and raisins with vanilla and a fine balance between fruity and toasty aromas. It is ideal as an aperitif or to accompany your meal (£50).

“I am particularly excited about the new menus which our head chef Simone Maritan has crafted. They are full of delicious, classic dishes with a modern twist.”

Certainly the Shoulder’s Famous Fish Pie is impressive; a very generous helping (enough for two) of salmon, clams, prawns, smoked haddock and peas in a white wine sauce, topped with mature Cheddar mashed potato and garlic king prawns. It is quite delicious, enormous and good value at £12.99!

The Slow-Cooked Beef and Red Wine Pie at £11.99 is similarly huge and full of chunky lumps of tender beef, onions, garlic-roasted new potatoes, mushrooms and carrots, in a rich red wine sauce topped with puff pastry.

This hearty dish requires a hearty appetite!

There really is something for everyone on the menu though from a sandwich or selection of pub favourites such as a 6oz Rump Steak Burger (£6) or Scampi and Chips (£6) to Chilli Tagliatelle (£9.99) or Stilton and Butternut Squash Risotto (£9.99) to a 10oz

Slow-cooked Beef Pie

Famous Fish pie Rib-Eye Steak for only £16.49 or Roasted Rump of Lamb served on a warm salad of sweet potato, roasted red onion, cherry and semi-dried tomatoes, fine beans, feta, rocket and balsamic reduction. (£14.49).

There’s an impressive selection of starters and desserts too from £4 to £6.

On Sundays a choice of Roast Turkey £9.99), Beef (£10.99) or Pork (£9.99) with all the trimmings is available from 12noon to 9pm plus a full supporting menu selection for those who fancy something different.

“Of course we love Christmas here,” says Adam. “and we’ve created some great festive party menus to help your celebrations go with a swing. There are two (£16.99) and three (£19.99) course festive fayre menus available from Nov 20th to January 2nd - excluding Christmas Day (3 courses £59.99), Boxing Day (3 courses £24.99) and New Year’s Eve (7 courses £34.99).”

There are full details of Adam’s new menus and The Shoulder of Mutton’s festive offering on the Chef and Brewer website at www. chefandbrewer.com or pop in and pick up one of their Christmas brochures from the bar. l The Shoulder Of Mutton, 20 Pound Street, Wendover, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EJ Tel: 01296 623223 Website: www.chefandbrewer.com

Vale ValeLife Life:: Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Christmas dinner has got to be the most important lunch of the year and the roast turkey should be the star of the show. So why do they often disappoint and where can you find a real tasty bird...

T

here’s not much Patrick Lambert doesn’t know about Turkeys.

The farmer has been raising the birds on his farm at Stone, near Aylesbury, for over 25 years.

Patrick has a mixed farm, just off the Oxford Road with about eighty beef cattle and several hundred acres of arable land: “Turkeys fit nicely into our farming year,” says Patrick. “The busiest time with turkeys is December, by which time the grain harvest is over and the cattle have been brought in for the winter.

“Turkey breeding has come on a lot over the last few decades and birds today should be much more juicy and tasty than they were a few years back. I think many people remember the turkeys of their childhood being dry and tasteless, but the turkeys we breed here are completely different now.”

Patrick personally oversees the quality and welfare of his turkey flock, which numbers around 5,000. His Free Range Bronze Turkeys have access to meadows and are free to graze on fresh grass (to supplement their diet), forage for insects, dust-bathe, or scratch around all day, while his Barn Reared White Turkeys live in spacious, straw-filled barns, with high ceilings, natural light, and fresh air.

At night both are kept safe and secure inside the barns, where there natural light and plenty of food and water. The birds have ample room to run around without crowding and get fresh straw every day, as well as a nutritious vegetarian diet of blended wheat and soya.

Starveall Farm is a member of the Traditional Farmfresh Turkey Association and Starveall turkeys are reared and produced according to the Association’s strict quality and welfare codes.

The turkeys arrive in June each year from

2 54

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Patrick Lambert and Bronze free range turkeys

Kelly Turkeys Hatchery in Essex as day-old chicks. They are carefully reared over the following months, until Christmas when they are fully mature.

All processing is carried out on site where the turkeys are dry-plucked and hand finished and then, for extra succulent flavour, they are hung for 10-14 days. Finally, the Starveall turkeys are boxed, complete with pop-up timer and a recipe leaflet, ready for collection.

“We slowly rear our turkeys the traditional way and feed them on a natural vegetable diet, with no harmful artificial additives,” says Patrick. Their welfare is very important and we take great care to ensure that all our birds are healthy and contented. The result is the most succulent and delicious turkeys you have ever tasted.

“The free range birds are black feathered and the barn reared are white feathered. We have different strains within those groups which mature at different rates, so they will be different sizes when fully grown. They range from 10-12lb (4-5kg) to 18-20lbs (9-10kg).

The hens weigh less than the stags generally.”

Turkeys were first introduced here from North America in the 16th Century. They were a large bird, about 40lbs fully grown - far to big to cook in an oven!

Prince Albert popularised the idea of turkeys and Christmas trees here in Victorian times. Turkeys were only eaten by the wealthy though and would have been slaughtered when only half grown, so they were a more manageable size.

“If you do this you get very lean meat and a poor ‘confirmation’ or shape,” says Patrick.

It’s the fat that gives meat taste, so these immature turkeys weren’t that tasty and quite dry, leathery and tasteless when eaten cold.

“Now we produce birds that mature at a lower weight, so they are a convenient size and have proper fat cover, which gives flavour and a good shape with plenty of breast meat.

“People used to choose hens rather than stags as these problems were exaggerated in the larger male birds but now there is little difference as they are all fully grown birds.

“You will still find turkeys in supermarkets that aren’t as tasty as our’s as they are mass produced on a vast scale. They are very fast growing and then wet rather than dry plucked and immediately sealed in carbon dioxide filled bags for up to a couple of months.

Our’s mature shortly before Christmas and are then dry plucked and hung for 10 to 14 days, improving the flavour, before being boxed and delivered. We also remove tendons from the legs, so the drumsticks are more pleasant to eat.

“If you look after your turkeys well, they will be contented and that does reflect in the quality you get on the dinner table.

“Most people think a turkey is a turkey, but there is a big difference between what we sell and what you can buy in a supermarket, both in terms of how it is reared and the way it is processed.”

For more information about Starveall Turkeys see their website below. There is a video of the farm, information on the turkeys and details of how to order. Give yourself a treat this Christmas and ask Patrick to pick you a real tasty bird! l Starveall Farm, Oxford Road, Upton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8PZ Tel: 01296 747 549 Email: turkey@starveallturkeys.co.uk Website: www.starveallturkeys.co.uk

Now Booking:

Wine evenings with local wine expert Neil Irvine Wednesday November 20th Sparkling Wine (ÂŁ30 per head)

Christmas Party Menu and Christmas Platter Menu now available To book your party or reserve a wine evening place call John on: 01296 696380 or email: info@twistwendover.com 20 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6AR Tel; 01296 696380 Email: info@twistwendover.com Website: www.twistwendover.com Open: Monday - Saturday: 9am-12am, Sunday: 9am-11.30pm Food served all day.

07925 363 657

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Our stand at Wendover Market Every Thursday

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Largest Selection in the Area. Available From

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Fine British & Continental Cheese

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

55

SINCE 1763

RUSSELL

ARMS ale.wine.food

Celebrate at Russell Arms

RE-EST D 2012

• Party Menus from £25 from 3rd December Friends get together, family celebration, whatever the occasion….

• Christmas Day Feast of 7 courses £60 let us select your wines for an extra £50

• New Years Eve 9 Course Tasting Dinner with a band £80 let us select your wines for an extra £50

To book call 01296 624411 or email reservations@russellarms.co.uk Visit www.russellarms.co.uk to view the menus

Christmas Shopping List

Hampers, Wine, Turkeys, Foodie Treats, Cheese, Christmas Stockings & Stocking Fillers, Party Crackers…

At No2 our Christmas elves will organise your shopping whilst you enjoy a glass of mulled wine*. Offers valid 25th-29th November 2013. One voucher per person only. No copies accepted. *Bring this ad to No2 for a glass of mulled wine on us.

No2 Pound Street • Wendover • HP22 6EJ • 01296 585022 • www.2poundstreet.com 56

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Do you swoon at the thought of artisan cheeses, homemade chutney, smoked meats and handcrafted pasta? Would a gourmet scotch egg be your salivation or do you just wish to know exactly where your food comes from and wash it down with a local brew, or some English wine?

In The Vale we have lots of fabulous food producers, but how do you find them...

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here’s a wealth of high quality, locally produced food on offer across Aylesbury Vale and yet many people who live in the area are unaware of what’s available, where and when.

To help remedy this a group of producers has come together, under the banner of Vale Harvest, to connect local people with local food, whether buying direct from a supplier or from a local retailer.

The Vale Harvest committee is made up of: St George’s Gelato, Made by Mums, Kirsty’s Kitchen, Egg House Charcuterie, Orchard View Farm and Cici Coco - all established local food producers, passionate about bringing the best quality produce on offer to the local community.

An informative website is available at www.valeharvest.weebly.com and their regular monthly, Saturday Market, held in the grounds of Haddenham Village Hall, has grown from 15 stalls to a spread of 25+, with many regular customers now pre-ordering their goods to collect on market day.

It’s good for the village too as shoppers come from far and wide and subsequently use other facilities that Haddenham has to offer.

The market, on the first Saturday of the month (next one December 7th, 9am to 1pm) is something of an event. It has the feel of a traditional village market of old, where people

would come, not just to shop for provisions, but to mingle, chat and soak up the friendly atmosphere. There is always hot food on offer, ranging from sausage baps to breakfast baps, to slow cooked beef wraps and spitroasting legs of lamb. Monkshood coffee are on-hand with their trusty camper van to provide warm refreshments, alongside the XT Brewery and Daws Hill Vineyard with their beer and wine.

A seating area is provided and in the summer months there was a bouncy castle and face painting for the kids. There’s plenty of free parking too.

Open Air Foods with their fantastic selection of British cheeses are a main attraction, (there’s lots to sniff and nibble) while Cornfield Bakery, Kirsty’s Scotch Eggs and meat/hot food stalls Orchard View Farm and Egg House Charcuterie are generally kept busy - everyone does a steady trade.

“By raising awareness of the many producers in our area, we hope to make it easier for local people to buy and sell local food,” says Kirsty of Kirsty’s Kitchen.

“Our December market will also feature Christmas produce and gifts, with a number of gift related stalls in addition to the food and drink on offer. Many of the Vale Harvest producers will have special offers and goods on sale that are just perfect for Christmas, so do come along.

“There will be mulled wine, carol singers,

warm toasted nuts and a seating area where customers can take a moment to enjoy some of the produce they have purchased.

“Customers will be able to place orders for xmas, or collect orders already placed. There will be no market in January, though, we’ll start our new year in February!”

“We have a lovely group of stallholders at present. From organic farmers and awardwinning brewers to home-made jam and artisan ice cream makers, but we are always looking for new and different stalls, so anyone interested is welcome to get in touch.”

You can keep an eye on the Vale Harvest website for further details of markets, stallholders and local suppliers, or even sign up for their email newsletter and they’ll keep you informed of news and events. Producers and retailers are also welcome to link up and get listed online and if you know of any local producers who aren’t involved, give them a nudge. For those who like social media Vale Harvest are quite active on Twitter too and have a Facebook page, so there’s no excuse for not knowing where to find that perfect sausage roll or pasta sauce to die for, check out Vale Harvest! l Vale Harvest: Twitter @valeharvest Email: valeharvest@gmail.com Web: www.valeharvest.weebly.com Facebook: Vale-Harvest

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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l Column: Jacqui

The pub is dead - long live the pub

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ccording to a recent article in The Telegraph, an average of 16 pubs are closing in the UK each and every week; only a month earlier, The Independent reported on The Good Pub Guide quoting that pub closures would be ‘at the bottom of the pecking order - the Bad Pubs’ adding ‘It’s high time they closed their doors.’

So with the Great British Pub becoming something of an endangered species, there is an ongoing debate as to whether better quality food could be deliverance or destruction for the old dog.

Being partial to a good gastro pub, I’m always pleased to hear of an ‘average’ food pub, that’s been content with serving up Aunt Bessie style cook-from-frozen spuds (other brands are, I’m sure, available), upping the ante and serving better quality food - but, there are those who mourn the loss

Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’

Mole & Chicken, Nr Long Crendon of the ‘traditional boozer’, citing gentrification as the murderer and cold hard cash as the motive.

So what is the answer?

Personally, I think it’s a matter of supply and demand - if there’s enough demand for an old fashioned two-pints-of-lager-and-a-packetof-crisps pub, then it will remain; if, however, the majority rule that they want better food with their beer; or, even more controversially, GREAT food, then surely that’s just progress.

You may have guessed I fall into the latter category (I do prefer a nice Chablis to a beer), but I do not wish to ring time on the old fashioned boozer - there’s nothing wrong with variety. A number of people see the changes as a bad thing, complaining about hiked

up prices for ‘foodie nonsense’; personally, I think it’s more about getting back to home cooked, decent, fresh food. Maybe Britain has become bored with lazy, passionless, throw-it-in-the-frier, 50-shades-of-brown food, and all we’re doing is demanding something better.

Look at the recent National Restaurant Awards, a pub won the 2013 top spot. You heard it… a PUB, winning Restaurant of the Year! Not just any pub though, this was Marlow based Hand and Flowers, which also boasts two Michelin stars.

Before you blow a gasket, don’t worry, I don’t expect or want Michelin star pubs taking over the land, but somewhere in between would be heaven for me; and this is where a decent Gastro pub fits – better than the food you might cook at home, but not so fancy you can’t rock up in jeans and a t-shirt having booked months ahead.

So, with great pub food being on the menu, here are a few of my favourite local food pubs that I would recommend checking out: • The Mole Inn, Toot Baldon,

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013

Jacqui Thorndyke

Oxford OX44 9NG www.moleinn.com • Mole & Chicken, Easington Lane, Nr Long Crendon, HP19 9EY www.themoleandchicken.co.uk • The Pointer, 27 Church Street, Brill, HP18 9RT www.thepointerbrill.co.uk • The Peacock Country Inn, Henton, Thame, OX39 4AH www.peacockcountryinn.co.uk l For local food and restaurant reviews and recommendations, visit www.foodieontour.co.uk, or follow Jacqui on Twitter @FoodieOnTour.

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

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

Fr e

Little Kimble Indian Restaurant New restaurant serving the finest quality Indian cuisine

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Come and experience the authentic tastes of India.

Our menu has all your favourites plus exciting new dishes created by our expert chefs

Thursday Banquet Night: Starter/Main Dish/Side Dish/ Rice or Nan only £12.95 58

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

Sunday Gourmet Night: Starter/Main Dish/Side Dish/ Rice or Nan only £12.95

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Christmas lights have a different meaning at Waddesdon, where exclusive installations add magic and mystery to the gardens while Austrian festivities have the house a-glow...

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alongside masses of handcrafted and authentic Austrian decorations, including gingerbread creations. The Coach House will be magically transformed into an alpine chalet, where children will be able to write and post their letters to Father Christmas, while adults can enjoy a

ovember signals the start of another spectacular Christmas season at Waddesdon Manor.

Six dazzling light installations by acclaimed light artist Bruce Munro can be seen from the 13th November.

Two of the installations are making their debut, having been created specifically for Waddesdon. These are Mynah Words and Parliament of Owls. Also on show will be River of Light, Tepees, Water Towers and Brass Monkeys. They will create a dramatic explosion of light and colour for the winter season.

The light installations are best viewed at dusk or at night, so Waddesdon Manor is hosting weekend ‘Late Night Openings’ (Fri/Sat/Sun) from Nov 29th to Dec 29th, when the installations will be illuminated from 3pm-8pm and the House open from 11am-7.30pm, (last admission 6.45pm).

See www.waddesdon.org for details.

The East Wing of the house will reopen transformed and decorated for a traditional Austrian Christmas. Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, who built the house, was from the Austrian branch of the family and this year the Manor celebrates in sumptuous Austrian style. 13th Nov-Jan 1st, Weds to Sun (including 30th and 31st Jan), East and Bachelors’ Wings 11am-4pm, Gardens, Aviary, Shops and Restaurants 10am-5pm.

Magnificent Christmas trees will sparkle,

Water Towers © Water Towers by Bruce Munro, Longwood Gardens (PA, USA 2012). Photo: Mark Pickthall

© National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo: Derek Pelling

Willow Reindeer: © Anne Ratnarajah, Waddesdon Manor, National Trust. Photo: Derek Pelling

steaming glass or two of ‘Gluhwein’.

On weekends from Sat 30th Nov to Sun 22nd Dec the Siberian Husky Welfare Association will be bringing along some of their beautiful huskies to meet visitors - a perfect picture opportunity!

Edelweiss and waltzes, crystals and red ribbons are just some of the treats in store as you visit the East Wing of the house.

Another must see is the Court dress of Rozsika Rothschild, the Hungarian wife of Nathaniel Charles Rothschild. She was the current Lord Rothschild’s grandmother and she would have worn the dress for presentation at the Austro-Hungarian

The North Front at Christmas © National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo: Barry Keen

Court in Vienna. It is a magical sight against the backdrop of the house.

As an important patron of contemporary art, Waddesdon is to install a special Christmas tree, in the manner of Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’, along with a few other delightful surprises, including a decorated woodland playground with reindeer created by Willow artist Anne Ratnarajah.

Outside the turrets and spires will float above a wreath of twinkling lights as the house is lit up from the outside, emphasising its architectural brilliance.

The Plant Centre will host a Gift Fair: Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th November, with an extensive range of gifts and produce on offer, from inexpensive stocking fillers to stunning individual pieces; and an extensive Christmas Food Market: Friday 29th November to Sunday December 1st and Friday 6th December to Sunday 8th December. Both events run from: 10.30am to 4.30pm.

The Plant Centre is open Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm and Sun 10.30am-4.30pm.

The Glasshouse Café shuts 30 mins earlier. The shop will be fully decorated making shopping for Christmas presents a joyful, festive experience.

Admission Prices House and Grounds: (National Trust members and children under 5 years of age admitted free of charge) Adult £18, Child (U16yrs) £9.

Grounds only: Adult £8, Child £4.

Booking in advance is advisable for the House, either via the Booking Office: 01296 653226 or online: www.waddesdon.org.uk

Tepees: © Tepees by Bruce Munro, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art in Nashville, TN, USA. Photo: Mark Pickthall

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Rennie Grove Hospice Care provides vital care and support for those affected by life-limiting illness. Running costs are almost entirely funded by the public though and at this time of year your support is much appreciated...

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he Iain Rennie Hospice Here are three ways to help which at Home nurses at Rennie may well be of mutual benefit to you too!

Grove Hospice Care provide planned and Shop online for responsive visits to patients’ homes round the clock, 365 days a year.

Christmas cards and gifts The charity’s Family Support Team One great way to help is also on hand to offer bereavement support for as long as needed. raise vital funds is to visit the Rennie Grove online Christmas The lead up to Christmas can be a particularly tough time for patients shop, which is now open for and families affected by life-limiting business at www.renniegrove.org/ shop. As well as cards and calendars, illness, but did you know, there are you can buy gift vouchers in support ways we can help Rennie Grove of their services, and perhaps even care for these patients and families, both in the run up to Christmas and one of their ever-popular Christmas IR_CCC_ad_90x128:Layout 1 18/10/2013 09:57 Page 1 beyond? puddings (only £5.95). You might

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get healthy – get happy – for life Apply for a place on our health & well-being programme – designed by experts to help you achieve the best ever you!

Web: www.renniegrove.org/biggestloser Tel: 01442 820720

EVE & ADAM day spa

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

November and December also like to browse the full details are available at: brand new fashion section www.renniegrove.org/lual and books department for some “Families tell us that attending great one-off deals. a Light up a Life service brings a special comfort,” says Rennie Grove Sign up for a brand New You in Communications Manager Gemma the New Year Baxter. “It offers another link to a You can now apply for a loved one and they appreciate the place on the 2014 Rennie Grove message it sends, that those we have Biggest Loser programme at www. lost are not forgotten. renniegrove.org/biggestloser - an “Anyone is welcome at the exciting scheme which offers the services; they don’t have to have any opportunity to transform your life link to Rennie Grove in order to while supporting Rennie Grove attend. As well as attending a service nurses. and lighting a candle in memory, A lucky 60 applicants will receive you can also dedicate a personal a free 18-week fitness and nutrition message to a loved one. We’ll display programme, with expert advice. these messages on our tree of There are prizes for the best weight memories in our Tring office during loss at each of three participating December and we can also send gyms: Nuffield Health, Fitness & you a dedication card if you’d like Wellbeing Centres in Aylesbury and one. The donation you make along St Albans and Fitness First in High with your dedication will ensure Wycombe. other families facing life-limiting The overall winner, ‘The Rennie illness can continue to receive 24/7 Grove Biggest Loser’, will receive responsive and specialist care in a Stay and Spa Package from St their own home.”

Michael’s Manor and Verulamium Rennie Grove relies on public Spa. Each participant must raise at support to fund 85% of its annual least £500 in sponsorship for Rennie £6.5 million running costs. Your Grove and there is also a free spa support will make a massive treatment for the most successful difference to patients who wish to fundraiser. Last year the ‘losers’ shed spend their final days at home - let’s 45 stone and raised nearly £20,000 make it a caring Christmas and help in total!

Rennie Grove help others in our local communities through very Light Up a Life difficult times.

Each year, eight Light up a l Rennie Grove Hospice Care, Unit 3, Life services are organised where Icknield Way Industrial Estate, Tring, bereaved families come together to Hertfordshire, HP23 4JX reflect and remember loved ones.

Tel: 01442 890222 The special services take place Email: info@renniegrove.org across Herts and Bucks during Website: www.renniegrove.org

Photos by Anita Ross Marshall / Bucks Free Press and Veronica Stewart Photography

Festive dates for your diary: Aylesbury Town Centre Off the Wall Art Fair: 16-30 November, County Museum Exciting exhibition of paintings, prints, ceramics and sculpture. Browse, buy and take away. www.buckscc.gov.uk/museum Tel: 01296 331441 Winter Craft Fair: Saturday 23 November, St Mary’s Church, 10.30am-2pm Craft stalls for that original Christmas gift.

Literary Day: Saturday 30 November, Aylesbury Library, 10.30am-3.30pm Authors including S.J. Bolton, Steve Cole and Teri Terry will be with us to discuss their work. www.buckscc.gov.uk

Carol Service for the Children of the Holy Land: Sun 8th December, St Mary’s Church, 6pm An opportunity for the children and young people of Aylesbury to show their support and make a difference to the children of this troubled region.

Christmas Fayre & Carolfest: Sun 15 December, Christmas Fayre, 11am-4pm, Carolfest 6pm-7pm With magic, seasonal songs, a traditional Christmas Mummers, plus arts and craft fun for the children.

Followed by Carolfest, your chance to sing your favourite Christmas carols, accompanied by Aylesbury Choral Society and the Caduceus Brass Quintet.

Traditional Candlelit Service For All: Sun 15th December, St Mary’s Church, 6pm-9pm

Chilterns Christmas Food Fair: Sat 30 November, Waterside Theatre: 11am-7.30pm FREE ENTRY Breakfast with Santa, 9.30am-11am Discover produce from the region across four floors, including suppliers from Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Christmas Unwrapped: Saturday 21 December, Kingsbury Square, noon-3pm A Christmas Musical Event for all the family, with live bands and choirs from churches across the town celebrating the heart of the Christmas story, plus free gift wrap, craft activities and warm refreshments.

Christmas Craft and Gift Fair: Sunday 1 December, Market Square, 11am-3pm An ideal opportunity to buy that extra special present from the wide selection of different handcrafts and gifts on offer.

Special Christmas Market Trio: Tuesday 24 December, Market Square, 9am-2pm Come to the festive market and buy your veg and all those luxury items that make your Christmas dinner stand out from the rest! Treat someone from the Antiques Market, and buy some fabulous local produce in the Farmers’ Market

The Mayor’s Carol Service: Sunday 1 December Town Hall to St Mary’s Church. Parade at 4pm, service at 4.30pm The Mayoral parade leaves the Town Hall to walk to The King’s Head Courtyard for carols, then to Kingsbury and on to St Mary’s Church for the service.

Christmas Craft and Gift Fair: Sunday 8 December, Market Square, 11am-3pm Browse the wide range of stalls to find the perfect treat for yourself or gift for that special someone.

Santa Dash: Sunday 8 December, Vale Park, Town Centre. 11am start Watch dozens of Santas running through the streets of Aylesbury to raise money for St John Ambulance and WheelPower. www.aylesburysantadash.org

Crib Service: Tuesday 24 December, St Mary’s Church, 4pm A special service for the whole family. Younger people are invited to come dressed as their favourite character from the Christmas story.

Free Community Christmas Lunch: Wednesday 25 December, St Mary’s Church, Noon Especially for those who would normally spend the day alone. Please book in advance if possible.

Tel: 01296 437641.

New Year Kids Event: Thursday 2 January, Market Square, 11am-3pm Celebrate the New Year with a free laser quest in the Market Square!

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Thursday 21 November, Popular event providing free family NOV 5.30pm - 7.30pm entertainment from 5.30pm. The lights will Popular eventonproviding freefollowed family by be switched at 6.50pm entertainment 5.30pm. will fireworks and from music.

There isThe alsolights a small be switched on opportunity at 6.50pm followed by late funfair and the to do some fireworks and music.

There is also a small night shopping until 8pm. funfair and the opportunity to do some late night shopping until 8pm.

Live music from My Holiday Romance

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For further information, please call Aylesbury Town Centre Events on: 01296 585880

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CHRISTMAS SHOPPING HOURS FOR AYLESBURY TOWN CENTRE • Santa’s Grotto open Wed to Sun from 24th November • Sunday trading every week 10.30am-4.30pm • Late night shopping until 8pm every Thursday from November 21st to Christmas Aylesbury Town FREE Christmas Events • Free Parking after 4.30pm every Thursday from November 21st until December 19th in AVDC Town Centre Car Parks and Friars Square Shoppers’ Car Park

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Santa’s Parade Sunday 24 November, Santa’s Parade parade starts at 10.30am

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and activities 11am - 3pm

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24 SUN Sunday 24 November, and activities 11am - 3pm NOV 24 parade starts at 10.30am A firm family favourite. Santa and all his friends parade through the town from A family favourite. all his thefirm High Street, around Santa Marketand Square friends through the town and intoparade Friars Square.

There willfrom also be the High Street, around Market Square entertainment and free face painting after and into Friars Square. There will also be the parade. entertainment and free face painting after Information in this leaflet is accurate at time of going to press. the parade.

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Information in this leaflet is accurate at time of going to press.

For further information please call 01296 585880 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

For many the highlight of the festive season is a trip to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for the annual pantomime. This is the fourth year the venue has laid on a lavish, star-studded show packed with fun and laughter for all ages. Read on and meet some of the Sleeping Beauty cast...

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is the season to be jolly, for Christmas is coming, the geese are cackling and at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre there’s just one thing on everyone’s minds... it’s panto time, OH No IT’S NOT! OH YES IT IS! Sleeping Beauty (Friday 13th December 2013 to Sunday 5th January 2014) marks the welcome return of Waterside’s traditional family pantomime and promises more jokes, laughter and join-in fun than ever before, not to mention a spindle-spinning array of sparkling costumes, shimmering sets and show-stopping song and dance.

The Queen of the Square is set to become the Queen of the Vale as star of screen and stage, Anita Dobson will play boo-able baddie Carabosse. Vale Life caught up with the panto cast recently and asked the Wicked Fairy herself just what it is that draws her to spend the festive season in pantoland: “I’ve done panto all my career,” says Anita. “If I don’t do it I feel like I’ve been left out of the best party going! It’s very rewarding, and for a lot of children it’s the first time they’ve ever come to the theatre. Kids are probably the best audience you can wish for,

John Godber

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

‘Welcome to my Manor’ says Anita, in costume as wicked fairy Carabosse

Holly, Anita, panto dame Graham Kent and Andy show off their fabulous costumes

Photographs by Frank Millar: www.frankmillar.com

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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

Chilterns Christmas Food Fair Sat 30th Nov FREE ENTRY 11am – 7.30pm Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Sat 30th Nov

Paul Carrack

Sun 1st Dec

Steeleye Span

Mon 2nd Dec

Chas ‘n’ Dave

Wed 4th Dec

The Bootleg Beatles

Thu 5th Dec

Show of Hands

Sat 7th Dec

Winter White New Year’s Eve Party

Tue 31st Dec

Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Sun 12th Jan

West Side Story *The Perfect Xmas Present!*

Tue 11th to Sat 15th Feb

Snow White

Fri 13th Dec to Sun 5th Jan

Anita and Andy work on their characters because if you can make them boo and laugh they will be happy and you’ve succeeded.”

Back by popular demand joining Anita, is Aylesbury’s very own comedian Andy Collins as Chester the Jester. You’ll be guaranteed a rib-ticking, laugh-a-minute performance from Andy who’s done it all, from Shakespeare to stand-up, clubland to cabaret, MTV to CITV. Andy has also hosted Family Fortunes and presented programs including Garden S.O.S., Street Mate, and the Alan Titchmarsh Show.

Andy grins: “I’m the idiot again! I’ve been type cast - short, little fat buffoon! Chester the Jester is my name, and the costume this year is amazing, I have to say without a doubt, it is the best costume I’ve ever had.”

Sleeping Beauty tells the tale of a beautiful princess who pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep - thanks to an evil spell cast upon her by the wicked fairy.

Everybody loves a good fairytale, not least Anita Dobson who says: “I think part of the reason I love panto is, if it’s done well, it’s a really good fairy story told at its best. Also it’s a chance for kids to let rip - they can scream and yell and eat sweets and jump up and down - some of them get really quite hot under the collar. Parents can relax and let the children have a blast.”

The title role of Sleeping Beauty will be played by the stunning Holly Brewer, Buckinghamshire’s favourite singer and songwriter. Holly made her Waterside debut in panto last year playing Wendy in Peter Pan and is delighted to return again this year to work with what she describes as ‘the panto dream team’.

So, Holly, where would you go if you really were a Princess for the day?

“There are so many beautiful places I would want to go,” says Holly, “but I think if

it’s just for the day, Paris. Lots of shopping and beautiful things to see.”

Good choice we think and of course a grown up Princess like Holly would need a Prince to help her carry all that shopping home. So Holly, If you could choose your own real life prince, who would it be?

“I would probably have to say Ryan Gosling,” says Holly, dreamily, “as ‘The Notebook’ is my favourite film ever and you totally fall in love with him.”

It looks like Christmas will be a busy time for you this year, Holly. How will you be spending it?

“I will be at the theatre for most of it,” says Holly, “but for Christmas day I will be all cosy at home with my family.”

When it comes to pressies and what she’d like to find under her Christmas Tree, Holly is a girl of simple tastes!

“Without being toooooo greedy... a white grand piano would be nice,” she smiles sweetly. “But if that’s not possible, a girl can never have too many clothes!!”

As an accomplished singer herself, does Holly have a favourite festive song?

“I love most Christmas songs,” she says. “I think they play a massive part in making that time of year so special. ‘Grown Up Christmas List’ by Natalie Cole is the loveliest though.

So why should you see Sleeping Beauty this year? Don’t ask us, ask your panto star of 2013 Anita Dobson: “Everybody deserves a treat at Christmas time and if you’ve got little children it’s a lovely way to introduce them to the theatre,” says Anita. “They’ll adore this wonderful fairy story and have such fantastic fun, they’ll remember it for a long, long time!”

Don’t delay, book your tickets today! Visit Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office, call

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

Holly Brewer is Sleeping Beauty

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

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l Column:

On The Road

Best of both worlds Peugeot 2008 Active

Tyres l Exhausts l Brakes l Servicing MOT Testing (class 4 & 7) l Air-Con Regas l Latest 4 Wheel Alignment Technology l l

Tyred and Exhausted is an independent, family-run garage, doing much more than tyres and exhausts! We are expert mechanics and have solid knowledge in all areas of vehicle repairs, servicing and MOT testing and provide a first-class service at competitive prices.

2a & 3a Broadfields Court (opposite Tesco), Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8BU Tel: 01296 432552 Web: www.tyredandexhaustedaylesbury.co.uk

P

eugeot’s best selling 208 has been putting on a bit of weight of late, so it can mix it with the bigger boys in the car park.

Enter, in the bleu corner, the 2008 Crossover - the little brother of the already popular 3008 of the same ilk.

Aimed fair and square at the urban user, the 2008 has all the looks of a crossover without the ensuing bulk of the current crop.

But what is a crossover? A car that’s neither one nor the other, but a mix up of the best of two types of vehicle.

And is it the best of both worlds?

Well, it’s certainly a practical vehicle, with very good use of its interior space, a decent load area with the rear seats down, and its enhanced ground clearance.

And from the world of comfortable cars then yes, the 2008 is all that, with a very smartly finished interior that

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road brings a certain touch of luxury to the £15,000 price bracket (The Active 1.4 HDi 70 version sampled here is £15,195 on the road).

I am a firm fan of the interior in general - the chunky aviationstyle handbrake is a neat touch, and the instruments sitting high on the dash and above the top edge of the steering wheel rim give unimpaired vision.

But you can’t say that of the C pillar, which is almost as wide as James Corden’s waistline. The

K.M. Commercials

Your Mercedes Technician

Car & commercial vehicle repairs (all makes) Servicing l Inspections l MOT preparation l Breakdowns l Recovery service l Class 4/7 MOTs l Truck & Van repairer l Mobile on-site servicing l

Open Monday to Saturday: Unit 7A, Smeaton Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8SU Tel: 01296 488898 / 07720 706918 64

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

with Rob Auchterlonie

view over your left shoulder at a staggered junction is, in effect, no view at all, as you can’t see a thing.

But its profile fits in well in the urban landscape.

It’s got the capacity to fit all the kids in on the way to school, but its footprint on the road is significantly less than its larger counterparts. And it is a lot more economical to run into the bargain.

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

The 1.4 litre diesel here is OK round town, but turns into a bit of a wheezy boy after a cross country run if you try to coax too much in the way of performance out of it. There are, happily, other more powerful engines to pick from in the range.

What else will you notice? Well, the seats, while very comfortable, leave you with the sensation of sitting on them rather than in them. The ride

The chunky aviation-style handbrake is a neat touch

Tyres l Brakes l Batteries l Servicing l Exhausts l MOTs

A ll makes serviced & R epaired

BMW & MINI specialist

Keeping You on the Move

Independent autocentre

offering dealership style service Fully equipped workshop using the latest diagnostic equipment l Comfortable waiting area with free hot drinks, tv, wifi and newspapers l Warranty safe servicing on all makes and models l Tyres, tyres, tyres all makes at guaranteed unbeatable prices l MOT testing on class 4, 5 and 7 l All repairs undertaken from clutches to total engine rebuilds l

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

T ired of M a i n De aler P ri ce s ?

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

Labour rate more than 50% less than m ain dealers Top quality work, equipment and service Adv anced diagnostics Local collection and deliver y / Loan car av ailable MOTs/Windscreens/AirCon Recover y av ailable ProTechCars Ltd, Unit 20 Fleet Marston Farm, Fleet Marston, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP18 0PZ Tel: 01296 655799 / Mobile: 07774 604149 Email: service@protechcars.com Website: www.protechcars.com Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

65

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

On The Road cont’d Telephone:

01844 353388

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

Telephone: 01844 353388 l Bosch Car Service Centre l MOTs including Class VII (3.5 tonnes)

quality errs on the spongey side, more noticeable on an undulating road, but it’s better than having too firm a set-up.

What they’ve come up with is a car with scaled down looks, a top quality interior with a classy look where head, leg and shoulder room is good for all occupants, and with the space and adaptability that more and more family motorists are seeking.

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ACTIVE comes with DAB radio, a big multifunction touchscreen, Bluetooth and 16 inch alloys, over and above the decently specced entry ACCESS+ model.

AT A GLANCE: Peugeot 2008 ACTIVE; £15,195; 1398cc eight valve diesel FAP, 68bhp, 160Nm; five speed manual gearbox; Top speed 99mph, 0-62mph 14.9 secs; Fuel - urban 61.4, extra urban 78.5, combined 70.6; CO2 104g/km; Will it fit the garage? 4159/2004/1556 (l/w/h).

l Servicing, repairs, tyres, exhausts and air

conditioning for cars and light commercials l Diagnostics: we have the most up to date work

shops and equipment in the area

l High ceilings and long ramps enable us to service

long wheelbase vans, campers and trucks

l Follow Rob Auchterlonie Twitter: @robauchy

Tel: 01844 274652

Email: info@risboroughservicecentre.co.uk

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

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

2.5 miles from station

A41 29 LO NG W IC

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Independent Specialists covering

Petrol Station

AD RO

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03/11/2012 09:32

Tel: 01296 658257

e us a try! v i G y ed riendl ’t be disappoint F & on t Fas You w

Independent servicing, repair & Car Performance performance tuning specialists

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Auto Torque, Unit 9, UBF Industrial Park, Bicester Road, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JX Tel: 01296 658257 Web: www.autotorque.net

Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0QJ Call today for a free and no obligation quote email: info@autotorque.net

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Minibus & people carrier hirehire 3B Hire & Servicing, Townsend Garage, Thame Road, Haddenham, Bucks HP17 8BY Tel: 01844 291430 w car, van, mpv & minibus hire w vehicle servicing - all makes & models w car valeting w tyres, exhausts, batteries

www.3bhire.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

67

handful of delights to be found inside.

Cider 454g

There’s even a bottle of fizz to kick

Olives Et Al Chipotle Smoky Chilli Nuts 150g

start the festive celebrations!

6 Waitrose All Butter Mince Pies

The Original Cake Company Round Top Iced Fruit Cake

For full terms & conditions visit www.minerva-publications.com. The winner(s) will be notified by email.

We reserve the right to report details of competition winners, to take photographs (or other visual media) and to publish such media. The prize must be taken as offered with no alternative. The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Please send your answer by email to competitions@minervapublications.co.uk with Waitrose in the Subject. Alternatively you can send your answer by post to the address on page 4.

Closing date: Friday 11th December. No cash alternative.

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

WIN a John Lewis Hamper from Waitrose, Thame!

W

e all love Waitrose and John Lewis.

Even our Vale Life editor has been known to look slightly less glum at the prospect of going shopping, once he finds out there’s to be a stop at Waitrose Thame, or the new Aylesbury branch, to stock up on a few of his favourites, see what’s on offer in the wine section and maybe even whip out his ‘My Waitrose Card’ to not only save money on the shopping but also enjoy a free coffee and perhaps even a complimentary newspaper.

Of course there’s the added attraction that every six weeks there will be a stack of the latest Vale Life magazines in store too. You’ll have to be sharp though, they go very quickly!

Waitrose are a community minded bunch and regularly support local charities and events.

They’ll be providing the mulled wine once again for this year’s Christmas Carol singalong outside Thame Town Hall on Christmas Eve and are very generously offering Vale Life Magazine readers the chance to win a fantastic John Lewis Contemporary Silver Hamper (worth £100) in this fun Christmas competition.

The rustic wooden crate of festive goodies contains a selection of delights - from Christmas pudding to all butter flapjack bites and will certainly kick start celebrations this winter.

Contents: Botter Prosecco Frizzante Spago, Navarra Campo Nuevo Tempranillo, John Lewis Mini Party Games Crackers, Set of 6 Maxwell & Franks Christmas Pudding with Cider, Highfield Red Onion Marmalade, Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Company Scottish Breakfast Tea, 25 tea bags, The Dormen Spicy Sesame Peanuts, Montezuma’s Organic Smooth Milk Chocolate Giant Buttons, Highfield Strawberry & Marc de Champagne Jam, Adesso Lemon & Herb Marinade, Danucci Luxury Salted Caramels, Sugar ‘n’ Spice Luxury All Butter Flapjack Bites, Zest Parmesan Cheese Bites, Cairnsmhor Crumbly Stem Ginger Fudge, Convivial Yorkshire ‘Nowt on’ Crisps, Cairnsmhor Lemon Shorties If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning this super hamper of delicious goodies, simply email your name, address and telephone number,

along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk What is the Waitrose loyalty scheme called that gives you money off your shopping, a free tea or coffee, and the chance to ‘Win Your Groceries’??

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 10th, 2013 Winner to collect hamper from Thame store l Waitrose, Greyhound Lane, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ZD Tel: 01844 260360 Web: www.waitrose.com

Dentist turns in peak performance

A

n Alesbury dentist and Rotary Club member has completed a dream challenge and raised thousands of pounds for worthy causes in the process.

Peter Gellatley of Tavistock House Dental Practice on Tring Road, and his Rotary team reached the summit of Mt Kilimarnjaro at 7am on Saturday 21st September and have so far raised more than £20,000 for local charities into the bargain!

“It’s been a dream of mine to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain in the world and the highest in Africa,” says Peter. “And to see the sunrise over Africa.

“It seemed the right time to attempt this as it marks forty years at Tavistock House Dental Practice and The Old Vicarage, and fifty years since I first entered the Royal London Hospital to start my Dental Studies. It’s also my 25th year in Rotary.”

To reach the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,980ft took the team six days. It was challenging and demanding at times,” says 68

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

them, so all the support and fantastic donations are sincerely appreciated,” says Peter.

In 2000 Peter helped raise £7,500 for Macmillan Cancer Relief and in 2004 £14,000 for a number of children’s charities.

You can still sponsor him on this challenge through his ‘Just Giving’ website page: www. justgiving.com/Peter-GellatleyKilimanjaro, or donate via JustText by texting: PSJG50 plus the amount you wish to donate to: 700700, or contact Tavistock House for a sponsorship form.

Peter. “But ultimately rewarding.

“I’ve seen it as a climb for ‘life’ as by raising money for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Aylesbury, Help for Heroes and the Puzzle Centre, which is based in East Claydon and is dedicated to the education, support and research into the early years of Autism, we hope, in a small

way, to have a positive effect on somebody’s life.”

Peter made up a team of five with Gary Eastman, Denise Myers (climbing in memory of her husband Geoff) and Nigel and Ester Turnbull.

“We know the excellent work that these charities do and are dedicated to helping

Thai Orchid Massage and Spa www.thai-orchid-massage-and-spa.webs.com Traditional Thai Massage, Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy Body Massage, foot massage, herbal hot compress, back, head & neck massage

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Cleaning Services

Men’s barbers, 245 Main Road, Walter’s Ash, Bucks, HP14 4HT Men’s hair: £10.50 Wash & Cut: £14 Boy’s hair: £8.50 Crew cut: £6.50 Senior Citizen: £6.50 Under 5s: £6.50 Saturdays: all cuts £12 Open Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9.30am to 5pm Sat: 7.30am to 4pm, Thur: closed

Window Cleaning Deodorising Window cleaning from £10 Conservatory roof clean from £25 Gutters and Soffits clean from £35 Thermal Fogging Deodoriser: Small house/large room or car from £25

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

69

J.T. RecoveRy SeRviceS Debt recovery for small businesses Chasing overdue accounts can be frustrating and time consuming. Cash flow is crucial though, so let us worry about your overdue accounts, while you concentrate on running your business

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N R Hearn Glazing Ltd uPVC Installations Sealed Units l Fascia/Soffit/Gutters l Repairs l

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K Collins Felt & Flat Roofing Specialist Local business, Roofmaster approved Established 1969

Glass Splashbacks Property Maintenance (Handyman jobs)

We also do slate and tiling repairs, PVC fascia boarding and chimney repointing

Call today for a free estimate 01296 655526 / 07831 465501

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2013

Old Farm Workshops Haddenham Road Kingsey, HP17 8LS

5/3/13

9:48 am

Page 1

R.W. PEARCE & SON LTD RO O F I N G C O N T R AC T O R S Established 1958 Specialists in re-roofing Period Properties, Country Cottages, Farm Houses and Barns, using traditional materials.

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71

Watermark, Worminghall Road, Oakley, HP18 9UL Family run business designing, supplying and installing kitchens and bathrooms for over 25 years Our extensive showrooms are open to the public - do drop in Bring us your measurements for your Free kitchen or bathroom design

Handmade Bespoke Kitchens now on display