Vale Life Magazine May-June 2011 edition

Vale Life

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May/June 2011

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Tuning up in Thame Shear Madness in Walter’s Ash Radhuni’s the word...

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Mar/Apr 2011

7a Fort End, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8EJ. Tel: 01844 290426 Also at Haddenham and Thame Parkway and Bicester North.

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Inside: Inside:

Inside:

Woman to Wycombe

Horsing around in Speen

Beverley’s back!

Help out our four-legged friends

Aylesbury gold rush

Fit for a King

Life with the bullionaires

Ale and hearty in Aylesbury Into the light A bright future in Thame

Thame to treat yourself

The healing power of acupuncture

Veggie Heaven in Tring

Plus full diary round up of arts and culture... is it farewell to rock’n’roll?...and much more

plus competitions, what’s on and much more...

w SoPHie dAHL cookerY w LuSH deLigHT w goLf Book w BALLeT PuMPS w Vale Life.indd 1

20/04/2010 05:59:32

w lAnd rover drIvIng experIence w dInner For Four w 3BAgz w w crAzY BeAr pArTY TIcKeTS w horSe oF The YeAr ShoW TIcKeTS w Vale Life Cover Aug.indd 1

26/07/2010 01:41:42

Inside:

In for the long haul

Inside:

Bargains & Ballgowns

Thame’s perfect trainer

Recollections of Chinnor

Crendon’s new bed biz

Bucking the trend

Hard rock display

Aylesbury goes back to school Deck the halls Free Xmas tree voucher

Thame’s Chapel of Stone Appliance of Science Wendover’s digital healers

plus competitions, shopping and much more...

plus Competitions, What’s On and much more... w frenCH WIne w dInner fOr fOur AT THe THATCH w ACTIOn CAm w w plACe In THe Sun TICkeTS w BrITAIn’S nexT TOp mOdel TICkeTS w Vale Life Cover Sept.indd 1

Coffee Culture

When in Haddenham...

w vAle Ale w meAl AT THe gReek TAveRNA w lusH sTuFF w w WAiTRose HAmpeR w sTeWeD! w HANDmADe CHAiR w

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Match fit

Ringing the changes

Back with a clang in Aston Clinton

Roaring success

Risborough’s big cats

Wrapper’s delight, Umberto’s winter warmer, competitions, what’s on and much more...

w leMMY DvD w MeAl foR foUR AT The Bell w QUesT gAMes w QUeen Book w

Inside:

Inside:

Get fit - Reactivating Bucks They’re off! Point to point at Kingston Blount Feels good! Pampered with purpose in Stoke Mandeville Stately interiors at home in Aylesbury, Matt Brown, competitions, and much more...

A Royal Wedding in the Vale?

Bucks & Goats & Baby Lambs Tattoos and Trims in Aylesbury Eaten alive: it’s a Pisces Pedicure Matt Brown, Penny Harper, Ruby McLee...

w heAlThY eATinG cooK BooK w ideAl hoMe Show TicKeTS w weledA BATh MilK w w MeAl FoR Two AT The villAGe GATe w SecReT GuideS w TRAvel Show TicKeTS w

w TEA foR A YEAR w BooM JEnniEs TickETs w oRGAnic oiLs GifT sETs w w MEAL foR TWo AT THE six BELLs w HEndRix Book w GARdEnERs’ WoRLd TickETs w

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

Vale Life : May / June 2011

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

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Happy Bithday

26

Hook, Line & Sinker

Past & Present

28

Top Gear

A year in print!

Vintage times with Wallace’s Home Boutique

10 Let’s Garden Party!

11

Alisha Johnson goes colour crazy

Just Dig In!

Going outdoors at White Hart Studio

12 To Desire, to Possess, to Cherish 14 15 18

Italian style and a passion for diamonds

New life on the old airfield

32

Food and Drink

36

Spice Up Your Life

Matt Brown, Boycott Farm and Ruby McLee Radhuni’s the word...

38 Open House

Who Dares Trims

40 Try Life In The Fast Lane

Snip Decision

42

Picture Perfect

45

Guitar Man

Ladies will love this sweet boutique!

Paul’s new venture is all inclusive Mad, glad and open for business Penny Harper in the wine section

Back with a Bang!

Lock, stock and smooth, clean barrels

24 Ship Out & Shape Up 25

Servicing with a smile

30 Run-A-Way Success

Chocs Away!

20 Supermarket Sweep 22

Brown’s have all the anglers covered

Naomi MacKay says it’s all out there...

Cherry’s Nursery

She grows you know...

This stylish retreat is the place to party Mark Webber mounts up

Paul Wilkinson: Potrait of a photographer Thame under axe attack!

46 What’s On

Art, music, comedy, culture, events...

48 Island Girl

Mixing media with Robin Eckardt

49 Before Your Very Eyes Bucks Open Studios 2011

Anniversary schmaltz

I

’ve heard it said ‘a year’s a long time in politics’, well it’s a fair innings for most publications too these days!

When I started Vale Life Magazine last year, the idea was to produce a publication with local content and relevance.

I’ve worked for companies with glossy, generic titles full of celebrity interviews and fashion features, a local title and picture on the front and articles that are purely for flicking through, or glancing at the pictures. Stylish ads for spas in Read-

C

ongratulations to the following March/April edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, 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 Woolpack, Stoke Mandeville, Melvita Beauty

Another tough day at the office!

ing or a salon in Gerrards Cross - are you interested - not really!

So why not have a magazine that has articles and features about genuinely local people and places? They are the ones we

Hamper, a Bushbaby backpack, £200 to spend at Stately Interiors and a pair of trendy Cocorose London Ballet Pumps!

Last issue’s prizewinners were: Meal for two at The Six Bells, Thame: John Hutchins, Monks Risborough.

Organic Oils Gift Set: Robyn Barnett, Gt Horwood; Verity Yeates, Long Crendon.

actually want to read about and these are the businesses we will patronise.

That was my reasoning and thankfully, it seems you agree! Over the last year I’ve been bowled over by your enthusiasm, encouragement and at times completelyover-the-top endorsements of what we’ve been doing. I’m glad you are enjoying our efforts. Please keep reading and supporting those local businesses we champion - use it or lose it they say! Thank you and here’s to another year!

Charlie

Charlie Trott: Editor

Hendrix Book: Ron Swanson, Thame; Lynn Woodfield, Aylesbury; Claire Holland, Waddesdon.

Good Food Show Tickets: Lloyd Dean, Long Crendon; Jackie Robinson, Wigginton; Frances Monks, Lane End; Tracy Green, Thame, Sarah Bunce, Wendover; Kerenza Floyd, Aylesbury.

Bellevue Tea: Abi Austin, Piddington.

Front cover picture: Original birthday cake painting by Robin Eckardt. Robin created this image for Vale Life on the floor of her new Wycombe studio! Turn to page 48 to read about this talented artist with a local connection.

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 : May / June 2011

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

It’s difficult to believe that a whole year has flown by since the first edition of Vale Life magazine in May 2010! It’s been hard work at times, but as the song says, a whole lot ‘better than digging a ditch’. We’ve made a lot of new friends and discovered some amazing people and places and if one thing has driven us on it’s been all your kind words and encouraging comments. We thought this a good time to check on some of the people who have featured in the magazine so far, for an update on how they are doing too...

Aylesbury Bullion “Well Done for producing such a great magazine and Happy 1st Birthday, hope there are many more to come.

We find Vale Life an enjoyable, informative read in a high quality finish and always look forward to the next edition being delivered. We were pleased with the spread Charlie did on us when he first started out last year and we have had good feed back from customers.

Trading is genuinely good, especially the buying in of gold as promoted in our GOLD, GOLD, GOLD adverts - See page 59!”

Boycott Farm “What a year it has been at Boycott Farm. Since starting our Vale Life column our Farm Shop, Butchery and The Hayloft have become popular destinations and people travel miles for one of Rosemary’s Sunday Roasts!

Our farm has been in the family for three generations and we are happy to say it should now be here for a few more.” Column page 32.

College Farm Shooting Ground “Well done on your first year of the magazine. We would like to thank you for your help on the article you produced for us, the lay out and pictures were brilliant. Also the way you planned the adverts in the following issues were just as good.

We pride ourselves on the way we listen and react to customers and it 6

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Artist Robin Eckardt painted this amazing picture of a birthday cake for us on her studio floor! We’ve incorporated it into our anniversary edition front cover, but thought you’d like to see the whole picture. Read more about Robin on page 48

is nice to work with people who do the same, long may you continue.”

Steve Ward & Kevin Grey College Farm Shooting Ground Crendon Furniture Outlet / Thame Direct Distribution Ltd “Running a courier/distribution business offering warehousing, a pick & pack service, same day couriers and a European service it has been a busy year. We also launched our Crendon Furniture outlet supplying top quality Hypnos beds factory seconds and solid wood bedroom furniture (see ad page 58).

We have continued to advertise in Vale Life magazine since our two page spread last year. It has generated sales for both our companies.

Vale Life is an eye opener as to what is happening around the Vale and is always packed with interesting and smartly presented stories. We would like to wish Vale life Magazine a happy 1st anniversary and the very best for the future.” See ad page 58.

Destiny Hair Design “Happy Birthday Vale Life! I cannot believe the amount of places I have see your magazine, it is everywhere and has given us excellent brand awareness.

In the last year we have re-branded and have also introduced some new services and products.

All information and promotions can be found at www.destinyhair design.co.uk” See article on page 19 about Des-

tiny’s Destination Africa challenge to early edition of Vale Life focused on the history and charm of our anhelp the orphanage in Ubombo. cient pub. The article was fantastic and we would like to wish Vale Life Eclipse Hair Design Magazine a very happy 1st birthday “Happy 1st Birthday Vale Life, and best wishes for the future.” wishing you every success for the future! We have been very pleased with all our advertising and we hope Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (IRHH) has been delighted with the magazine goes from strength the way Vale Life has helped raise to strength. Here at Eclipse we are awareness of the charity over the excited to welcome back Mandy last year. Lively and interesting interfrom her maternity leave, she will views with our celebrity supporters be working three days a week, and Beverley Craven and Fern Britton we wish Heidi well on the start of hers! From 7th June we will be open supported our 25th Anniversary concert and the first ever Chilterns on Tuesdays as well.

Cycle Challenge and generated local Also a vacancy has arisen for interest in our fundraising activities. an Assistant Manager - anyone Our next major event is the interested should pop their CV in to Goodnight Walk in Amersham on Louise or Vicki or ring us.”

18 June, aiming to raise £75,000. It would be great to see Vale Life readThe Farmers’ Bar, King’s Head ers dressed up and joining the Walk!

Inn, Market Square, Aylesbury Find out more at www.irhh.org “Our double page feature in an

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Jazzercise Happy First Birthday to Vale Life. Thanks for a fantastic article last year for our special Sport Relief class in Aylesbury. We raised almost £800 when Jazzercisers got together for a mega three hour session!

A local magazine for local people is the best way to get across what we do and big congratulations are in order to Charlie and the team for a very successful publication.

Our classes are now available morning, evenings & weekends across Aylesbury, Bierton, Halton, Ivinghoe, Pitstone, Tring, Wendover, Wilstone & Winslow. Check out the website www.jazzclass.co.uk or call 07900 987230 for specific details.

See ad page 54.

Maid please visit our website www. mummysmaid.co.uk or call us on 0845 463 0075 to discuss your requirements.”

never fails to capture the attention of the Vale Life readers. Congratulations to Charlie and all his team on a wonderful 1st year!”

Rhiannon Griffiths Acupuncture “I was privileged to be featured in the first edition of Vale Life - an introduction to acupuncture and how I became an acupuncturist. The next couple of editions featured a case study on treating Amanda’s hayfever. It had fabulous results for both of us – she was symptom free for the first time in 30 years, and it showed acupuncture does much more than just relieve pain. I’m now getting patients who read the articles last year, as we gear up for another sneezing season.

As the magazine has gone from strength to strength, with its domiKew Bookbinding nation of every outlet imaginable “Vale Life delivers to many of in the Vale, this year has also seen the areas we want to reach. Our my own practice extend from The Powder business is specialised and people White House in Thame, into SusanLike Vale Life, Powder is also may travel for miles to benefit from nah Nicholas at Princes Risborough, the expertise of our British Museum celebrating it’s first anniversary. As with a couple of new clinic spaces in Bookbinder and gold tooling expert. a new business using Vale Life has the pipeline for the coming months! been critical in getting our name The Vale Life article was light, Congratulations to Charlie and accurate, paid attention to detail and known and recognised and to reach the team on what continues to be a broader audience. gave the desired impression that an excellent publication that truly We are looking forward to the Kew Bookbinding is a very friendly year ahead and adding new ranges to reflects our local area. Happy 1st and approachable operation.

Birthday!”

It also gave a little of my person- our most recent additions of Floris al background, which gave a ‘human’ and Bomb Cosmetic and Love and Rosemary Conley Aylesbury Toast, a youthful fragrance line touch to the feature. which includes lip balms and glazes. “As Vale Life reaches it’s 1st We gained new customers from As we continue to grow we wish the Birthday, Rosemary Conley Diet the article and we also know that and Fitness in Aylesbury reaches same success for Vale Life. some of these have recommended it’s 3rd. It’s amazing what you can our services to others. Vale Life got achieve with the help and support people through the door and we will ProFITme from those around you.

Having discovered Vale Life in certainly advertise with them again.

At RCDFC Aylesbury we enWaitrose, Thame, I thought the Happy Birthday!” www.kewbookcourage and praise one another’s adverts and content interesting and binding.co.uk progress and are there for each informative and that the magazine other when support is needed. Be had just the right image for us.

Marketing Foods happy, fit and healthy and able to Having slowly grown ProFITme It is great to have a local publicaover the past 12 months we took the appreciate all that life has to offer.” tion that can embrace the wealth For more information call Joanna opportunity to advertise our home of food and drink producers in the on 01296 485933 or visit www. personal training to the Aylesbury area. Great idea and a great magarosemaryconley.com Vale in Vale Life. zine. Long may it run. Happy first Was it worth it? Definitely. We birthday from Sally & Julian. have gained new clients almost every Sally Evans Events Thank you Charlie and Vale Life. week that our advert has been runMummy’s Maid  ning and Charlie has been more than Your magazine has been extremely “Mummy’s Maid would like to helpful in promoting my events in helpful in refining our ads for us. wish Charlie and all those at Vale Thame and Wendover. Art and Craft We wish Vale Life a very happy Life a Happy 1st Anniversary. Since Markets still to come this year are as our advertisements last year we have birthday and good luck for another follows: 21st May and 12th Novemseen our business grow and in order 12 months from all at ProFITme. ber in Wendover and 15th October to meet the demands of our clients in Thame. Happy Birthday and hope we now require more caring, reliable Recollections, Chinnor to see you there! See ad page 44.

“Happy 1st birthday Vale Life! mums to join us.

The team at Mummy’s Maid have Since Recollections first featured, we have enjoyed welcoming back many Speedwell Complementary been providing busy mums and Health Centre those who have recently given birth past customers and new ones.

Happy Birthday Vale Life! Nicky We have years of experience in with short term household services helping our clients to look their best Ward and Christine Watson-Bartlam since last year. and Charlie’s beautiful photography would like to congratulate all To learn more about Mummy’s Obsidian Art Obsidian Art has continued to flourish and grow. Over the past year we’ve had our busiest ever year organising and hosting fourteen different art exhibitions showing selected art and craft by over 200 different artists and makers – sourced from all over the country, as well as many local. It was lovely to be featured in Vale Life’s first edition and we’ve been delighted to stock each new edition – they never stay on the table for long here! Congratulations for such an interesting local magazine and many thanks for supporting local businesses, artists and craftspeople.

involved in producing the quality magazine Vale Life. It always has varied and interesting content, is well written, beautifully illustrated with photos, is local and relative to our area, seasonal and entertaining.

After the piece on our Asyra Health Screening and the remedial work we do at Speedwell CHC, we saw an increase in clients. From the masses of information given it was well edited to give a clear concise picture of us and some of the many treatments available here.

Well done Vale Life, long may you run, and bring us information and entertainment from our locality.

See ad page 23. tillynilly “Happy Birthday Vale Life - we wish you continued success!

Since advertising in Vale Life tillynilly has enjoyed increased enquiries and business. Charlie wrote a lovely feature explaining who we are and what we do and this really boosted our client base.

We found new customers were confident to contact us and request the sorts of things the usual soft furnishings manufacturers can not always provide - having read about us in Vale Life they could tell we have vision and we have received enquiries from exactly the sort of people we were trying to reach.

Our webstore, selling home accessories, is blooming and has received more orders from the local area since advertised in Vale Life. www.tillynilly.com/store. See ad page 16.

The Village Gate “Since we opened in August last year we’ve been delighted by how warmly we have been welcomed by the people of Wendover and the surrounding area.

The team at Vale Life has been great to work with – we were new to the area and it was helpful to talk to people who really knew what was going on.

It’s good to support other local businesses – we buy meat, fruit and vegetables from local suppliers, and so supporting a local magazine was a natural thing to do.

What makes Vale Life really special is the quality of the production – not your average local rag! Featuring in the magazine has definitely helped get our name around – and we look forward to working closely with Vale Life over the next year.”

See ad page 34.

Vale Life : May / June 2011

7

Don’t be put off by the Witch Ball sign swinging over Wallace’s Home Boutique. It’s a curiosity from Thame’s past appropriate to the present as the boutique boasts a magical mix of old and new that’ll take you back in time under its vintage spell...

J

ohn and Diane Fleming are adventurous souls. A look around their home boutique on Thame’s Cornmarket hints at a hidden wonderlust or perhaps a restless youth with the eclectic combination of wares on display: Art Deco, 1950’s Americana, French shabby chic, period pieces, Irish linen, colonial handcrafts and vintage British pieces all jostle for position under the exposed beams of the delightful Grade II listed store.

Wallace’s Home Boutique, named after the couple’s much-loved and sadly-missed miniature Schnauzer Wallace, arrived in the town last November and has delighted locals with its gorgeous collection of decorative and useful household items all with a reassuringly enduring feel.

“We love it here,” says John. “The town is everything we could have dreamed of. People have been so friendly, as soon as we opened the doors other traders were popping in to wish us well. There’s a real community spirit.”

This is the couple’s first high street store, although Diane has retail experience and they have previously tested the water by taking a stall of their retro stock to classic car shows, themed weekends and vintage rallys.

“We met in Aylesbury,” says John, “Diane’s originally from Bootle but her family moved down here when she was five - she’s almost lost that Scouse accent now! I’m an Aylesbury lad, born and bred and went to school in Quarrenden.

“I did an apprenticeship as an electronics engineer in Haddenham but it didn’t excite me, so afterwards I got a job on a building site in the village. That seemed more interesting as it involved building Wychert walls made out of old woodchip, clay and chopped straw!

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

Diane and John Fleming “That’s when I started getting interested in old stuff. We were continually digging up ancient lemonade bottles with glass stoppers and finding artefacts that builders had used years before buried in walls.”

When John and Diane were first married, 26 years ago, they did a lot of travelling.

“We were away for at least half our first three years,” says John. “We’d save up some money and go travelling until it ran out!”

“Our priorities were different then - a suntan was most important! We loved travelling - we’d backpack and stay away until we were emaciated and broke!

“Diane was a nurse while I’d do building work and driving jobs. We were having fun but then I woke up and thought ‘Oh God, I’m 30 this year - I need a career! My experience was all in transport and labouring though, I had to think how to take it to the next level.”

Diane injured her back nursing which forced a change of career. She got a job

with the DHSS and did well working up to management level.

Meanwhile John was building a haulage business and had reached the point where he needed help with the administration. The two of them started working together in 2002 and found they made great business partners.

The transport business was doing well but after eight years John and Diane fancied a change and having been approached by a local firm who wanted to buy their business, they decided to make the move last year.

“With fuel prices continuing to rise and margins tightening it seems like we made the right decision,” says John.

“We knew we wanted to do something along vintage lines. I’ve always been into old motor cars and a few years ago I bought one which we took to car shows. We noticed people didn’t just have an old car or a motorbike, they’d wear vintage clothes too and many decorated their homes in the style of past eras.

“It’s a fun thing really, you don’t need specialist knowledge, it’s as if the world of antiques has moved on and is less stuffy!

“I think people like vintage stuff because they’re yearning back to a time of optimism, a world that was simpler and less complicated.

“Young people are into vintage too though and they can’t have any memory of those bygone days. It’s purely a style thing to them.”

Wallace’s Home Boutique displays a varied range of gifts, accessories and homeware.

Original vintage artefacts and modern retro designs from the 30s to the 50s delight and inspire, while home furnishing ideas have French shabby chic appeal. It’s the ideal place to find the perfect gift, a timeless keepsake or an impulse treat.

“In the boutique we’ve quite a mix of items,” says John. “We source from charity fairs and magazines, sometimes people bring us things. We’re always looking for little curios. We’ve a couple of cabinets of genuine artefacts and you can see how the styling is reproduced in some of the contemporary lines.

“At trade fairs we like finding smaller companies or individuals who are doing something

different and we buy British products as much as possible.

“We have boudoir art pieces and art deco items by Lisbeth Dahl - elegant, timeless designs. There’s linen bags, Irish Linen - contemporary designs but with an ageless quality.

Metal signs, are popular and fun, old Victorian art or 50s kitsch. Some have old English scenes which people love to send out to relatives abroad and the John Deere and Land Rover items sell well, we’re obviously still a very agricultural community!

“Enamel clocks are very popular in that French ‘shabby chic’ style as are our bedding and quilts in traditional designs. There’s a girl who uses old Jonelle and Sanderson patterns for her cushion fabric and we’ve some great cushions and tea towels with old fashioned images of savings books and pocket watches on them, by Becky Broome.

“We’ve cheese plate bottles made by a girl from Shropshire which are very unusual.

We’ve two lines of jewellery, a contemporary one by Anney Grace and another made from recycled biscuit tins by Kate Hamilton who is based in North Wales.

“We stock East of India, a well known brand producing contemporary designs that are modern but have a traditional handcrafted look and feel.

“Bath House toiletries are a fast growing British bathing and bodycare range from Cumbria using natural plant extracts and we’ve taken on Arran Aromatics as another Thame shop Essence used to do it and there’s quite a demand now they’ve closed.

“Our True Grace candles are handmade in Wiltshire. They burn cleanly and perfume beautifully in 37 different fragrances, while American Woodwick candles have a wick that crackles and pops like a log fire!

“We don’t profess to be vintage experts. If we find an original piece and there are marks or numbers on it we usually google them and sometimes it turns up an interesting story.

“Modern reproductions seem just as popular today though. It’s the vintage style and feel that a lot of people like.

“Last summer we took our stall to shows and events as a way to get a feel for what might work. It was part market-testing and part getting ourselves up to speed!

“We’d like to do some more this year. We had a stall at the Kop Hill Climb near Princes Risborough in September, which was great fun, so we’ll try and revisit this year.

“It took us a while to decide on the right location. We looked at several towns but kept coming back to Thame. Its just got the right feel about it.

“Moving in was a rush. We had to refurb and get ready for trading in three weeks or we’d have missed the busiest time of year!

There was quite a bit to do as well, but stripping back and redecorating we discovered some lovely hidden features and the shop looks stunning now.

“We’re selling items on our website too now. We’ve just had it remodelled by John Williscroft at iCatching in Thame. The orders are beginning to come in, including one from a lady in Florida who ordered a couple of our American metal signs! We’ve had customers from New Zealand too as well as the UK. “Life’s all about work for us at the moment.

It’s our ‘nursery year’, so this is all we do, six days a week with bookwork on a Sunday! We haven’t even got into the events season yet so there won’t be much in the way of days off for a while. The boutique is our life at the moment and we are loving working together in Thame, it’s a town with a vintage quality all of its own!” l Wallaces Home Boutique, 2 Cornmarket, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3DX Tel: 01844 217123 Email: thame@wallaceshomeboutique.com Web: www.wallaceshomeboutique.co.uk Open Monday-Friday: 9.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm

Vale Life : May / June 2011

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l Column: Alisha Johnson

It’s officially Spring - time to restock your wardrobe with beautiful brights, floaty fabrics and pretty pastels. Vale Life’s Alisha Johnson tells us about the must have for the garden party season...

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he sun has got its hat we can wear bright colours and on but our wardrobes banish the black to the back of may be sadly lackour wardrobes. If eye-popping ing neons aren’t for you, go for a in attire for this sudden subtler splash of colour and burst of sunshine! Worry take inspiration from jewelled not - here’s a guide to tones. There are some beautithis season’s trends to ful dresses available on the make sure you stand out high street, such as this purple at every Spring soirée you Warehouse glamazon dress, colour and great to team with attend. left (£75). Jewelled tones can any Spring outfit.

There’s nothing better also be utilized when accessoBottom left is the colourful than sitting in the garden rising, add a brightly coloured Nemo wedge from Dune (£75). watching butterflies flit bag, or statement jewellery Now get out there around, and fashion like this Vienna turqoise gem armed with your new Spring has taken a leaf cuff from Monsoon to make wardrobe, you’re ready to stun out of the butteryour friends green with envy at in the sun! flies... well, tree! your fabulous outfit!

Butterfly prints It can be a hard task to coax are a great way to your toes out of snugly boots, jazz up floaty fabrics. but with some amazing shoes Try not to go too print available it’s well worth getcrazy, instead team a ting a pedicure! Florals make butterfly cardigan or top everyone feel summery so with a neutral pair of incorporate this into your foottrousers and some colwear with a pair of printed oured sandals. Or team sandals.

TheseProduct Miss Selfridge Bushbaby Minipack is voted The Best Safety for Kids a butterfly print dress, sandals, far right (£45) are The Bushbaby Minipack has just been awarded the Mother & Baby Magazine Gold Award Best Safety Product 2010. like this one, right, from named after Monet for a reaThe minipacks can be filled with a child’s essentials for nursery or trips out, they provide them with a sense of independence, however they aren’t totally free: the minipack’s detachable reins allow full parental control.

Laura Ashley (£80), with son; their print is practically key features The three-litre pack can accommodate a drink, snacks and teddy. Well thought out, these packs feature a 3 point harness that utilises a waist belt to lower the removing any a simple cardigan, and a balance workpoint, of art!

If you prefer Bushbaby Minipack is voted Th 3 point chance of choking if or when they fall. harness you’re set to wow. Perhaps something a bit more contiThe backpack has a removable lead rein should the parent need to rein them in.

The leash The Bushbaby Minipack has just been awarded the detachable too via an easy-to-use clip, which can be clipped off in seconds, leaving the looks fresh fun while the nental then opt for a pair of even add some colour to your islittle one to adventure safelyand by themselves. adjustable The minipacks can be filled with a child’s essentials for n features include pockets, soother attachment points, large grab handle and safety funky dots two from White Hart home with a few butterfly pil- Other espadrilles.

They come in independence, flats waist belt however they aren’t totally free: the minip reflector.

Studio, left, in with a very lows (Laura Ashley, £45)! and heels, there’s an option Colours: Red, pink, apple are green hot and blue a fun sheep and pig detail, SRPso 16.00.

The three-litre pack can accommodate a drink, snacks a Minipack is available from leading nursery and outdoor retailers nationwide, or direct harness that utilises a waist belt to low cool way.

This Eva floral Print dress Bushbaby for everyone.

This Topshopfeature pair a 3 pointreflective from Bushbaby. For stockist information visit www.bush-baby.com or call 0161 474 7097. disc chance of choking if or when they fall.

Now summer is nearly here from Monsoon, top, (£110) (£65) are a flattering coral 3 point child harness to keep them safe.

Waist belt to lower the balance point.

Reflective disc for night time visabilty.

Win a Bushbaby Minipack The Bushbaby Minipack has just been awarded the Mother & Baby Magazine Gold Award Best Safety Product 2010.

Minipacks can be filled with a child’s essentials for nursery, or trips out, providing a sense of independence, while the minipack’s detachable reins allow full parental control.

The three-litre pack can accommodate a drink, snacks and teddy and feature a 3 point harness that utilises a waist belt to 10

Vale Life : May / June 2011

lower the balance point, removing any chance of choking if they fall.

The leash is detachable and can be clipped off in seconds, leaving little ones to adventure by themselves.

Other features include two pockets, soother attachment points, a large grab handle and a safety reflector.

They come in red, pink, apple green and blue with a fun sheep and pig detail.

Bushbaby Minipack is available

The backpack has a removable lead rein should the pare is detachable too via an easy-to-use clip, which can be c colour options little one to adventure safely by themselves.

telephone number, along with the

Other features include two pockets, soother attachment reflector. answer to the following question

to: editor@vale-life.co.uk.

Which continent does the Bushbaby Minipack is available from leading nursery and bushbaby come from? from Bushbaby.

For stockist information visit www.bush Winners to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email on May 31st.

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from leading nursery and outdoor retailers nationwide, or direct from Bushbaby. For stockist information visit www.bush-baby.com or call 0161 474 7097.

To be in with a chance of winning one of three Bushbaby Packs email your name, address and

Vale Life : May/June 2011

Live music added to the fun

Jane with a spectacular outdoor clock

L

ive music and cupcakes added to the excitement in Haddenham on Easter weekend as a magnificent new garden room was unveiled at the The White Hart Studio.

The popular boutique, known for its gorgeous selection of gifts, homeware, clothing and accessories, now features an alluring door marked ‘Garden’, through which a delightful display of outdoor goodies awaits.

Owner Jane Davies says she is thrilled with the way the project came together.

“We’ve a lovely new paved area behind the shop which sets off our garden room,” says Jane. “It looks stunning, I’m very pleased.”

It is now crammed with a stylish selection of ornaments and tools, bunting, lamps, clocks, furniture, fairylights, parasols and planters... in fact all you might need to chic up those shabby outdoor areas and turn them into al fresco delights ready for the summer. l White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, HP17 8AB Telephone: 01844 292308 Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm Sundays: 11am-4pm

Vale Life : May/June 2011

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

We’ve heard it on the radio and seen the television advertisements, while his stores sparkle with stunning selections of ultra stylish and beautifully crafted jewellery. But surprisingly Biagio the Jewellers is not an international chain, just two shops and one man’s inspired vision...

I

am an Italian romantic at heart” says jeweller Biagio Patalano. “I love to see couples get engaged, all the excitement and anticipation! I’ve had a passion for jewellery since I was a child but my first love is diamonds. I spend much of my time searching for and handpicking diamonds. I want to ensure I am giving my customers the best!”

Perhaps Biagio’s ancestry has more than a little to do with the success of his jewellery business. He has an Italian eye for design and a flair for finding unusual pieces that delight and enthrall.

With style, vision and an instinctive understanding of his customers’ needs, Biagio has built his business into a thriving centre for exciting ready-to-wear jewellery, bespoke design and his own unique ‘Your diamond, your way’ sourcing and setting service.

Biagio was born and raised in Aylesbury.

His parents came to England in the 60s from the island of Ischia, off the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy and he still has family there.

When he left school he got a job in a town centre jewellers where his manager was Peter Thomas, who is now manager of Biagio’s Thame store.

After gaining a variety of experience in several different jewellery businesses, he launched his own shop in Bicester in 1989.

“It was quite an unusual step,” says Peter.

Biagio Patalano “A jewellers is an expensive business to start up and most new owners are much older.”

Biagio was in his early-twenties and not from a wealthy background. He started small with help from his parents and began building up relationships with suppliers and customers.

“He’s built it gradually, with hard work, charm and goodwill, says Peter. “It was tough as the 80s recession was beginning to bite.”

The unit was much bigger than he could stock at first, bur gradually Biagio expanded the business to fill it: “He took a chance and it paid off,” says Peter. “He’s a charismatic person and developed a loyal customer base

Peter Thomas with Jacky and Sharon at Thame 12

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Biagio, Thame in Bicester. The store is now managed by his sister-in-law, Francesca.”

Biagio’s second store came by chance! He was in Thame one Christmas when he came upon an empty shop on Greyhound Walk.

He’d actually had a dream about opening a second shop with pretty double-fronted bay windows and there it was!”

About a year later, when it was up and running, Biagio approached his old colleague Peter, to see if he would run the Thame branch for him. That was 14 years ago; Peter agreed and is still going strong: “It’s been great,” says Peter. “We’ve a fantastic team here

Vale Life : May / June 2011

and the customers are lovely. I like working in Thame, it’s such a friendly town and I enjoy the buying trips and trade fairs too.

“Biagio likes to buy stock from unique sources and suppliers rather than larger more common brands. It’s unusual for a company with stores in two small market towns to actually travel abroad and source original designs, but it sets us apart from other jewellers. We’ve just come back from Basel in Switzerland where we found some fabulous new lines to be introduced later in the year.

“Our customers are looking for good quality, well made pieces, but they want an edge, something a little bit out of the ordinary and Biagio is very good at finding the right products.

“We have a staff of seven in each shop, all of whom have had in-house training and been encouraged to take trade qualifications.

“Myself, Sharon, Vivienne, Anna and Sue have all been on the diamond grading course, while Anne-Christine is a highly-qualified and well-respected antique silver valuer.

Several staff have progressed through the National Association of Goldsmith’s professional jewellery qualifications. Marina, at the Bicester branch, got an A Grade last year. It’s quite an undertaking as it’s a two year course studied in your spare time.

“Cathy is the longest-serving member of staff at 16 years but even our ‘newcomers’ have been here at least five years.

“We are predominantly jewellers but carry a number of high-profile brand watches such as Gucci and Armani. We recently won an award from Gucci as their top store for the region.

“Biagio aims for a slightly continental look, which is what sets us apart. We have jewellery for young girls, Jo for Girls and then Italian styling from Ti Sento which has just won brand of the year - it’s high-end silver and costume jewellery, handcrafted and very well made. We’re quite well known for our unusual mix of silver jewellery.

“Personally sourcing means we can buy jewellery specifically to suit our customers in

Bicester and Thame.

“Biagio leads the buying. He might look through a thousand pieces at one supplier and then specify exactly how he wants a particular piece adapted. ‘I want that stone in that setting’, he’ll say. He’ll have things tweaked just for us. We’re constantly evolving the stock, so you won’t see the same piece everywhere.

“Biagio’s passion is diamonds and he loves to hand-pick the best diamonds for our bespoke pieces. We have a portfolio of suppliers who we can go to and say: ‘We need to make this up at this price, what have you got?’ We can buy diamonds at very good prices and we pass that saving on to the customer.”

“We have a stock of engagement and wedding rings and we source loose diamonds, which are displayed on our website.”

“Customers can use the website (www. biagiothejewellers.com) as a guide to our services and price-points and to see the sort of thing that can be achieved, then come into the store to discuss their requirements. Many items are also available to purchase online.”

Biagio’s wedding service is obviously working well - in both shops staff have been invited to weddings after the bride and groom were bowled over by their rings and the service they’d received.

The company holds special wedding events twice a year when couples can go to browse rings, have some champagne and receive a golden ticket which could win them between 10% and 50% off their ring.

The next wedding event is later in the year, but there is a Valuation Day on May 26th and a Jewellery design day in June, when a designer visits the store to discuss people’s ideas for bespoke projects - ask in store for details.

“We also do restoration and repair work,” says Peter. “There’s a lot of trust involved as we are often dealing with items of great sentimental value. We can alter, repair and restore, or create something new and unique from an existing piece, if the customer wishes.

“One lady inherited a beautiful ring from an elderly aunt but the style was a little unwieldy.

We were able to create a sympathetic design from it which is like a contemporary version of the original. People often say: ‘I never knew it could look like that’!

“Some people will always want classic and traditional styles but you’ve also got people who want the latest fashions. At trade shows like the one in Basle you can spot the trends.

That way we can set them too. As a small independent we can change stock more quickly than a chain store.

“Biagio has always been ahead of the game.

He wants to bring to Oxfordshire the kind of designs that aren’t already here. We’ve become known for it, it’s what the customers expect and he buys with them in mind.”

It seems Biagio’s success is a combination of style and vision and an ability to take on board the desires of his customers. He lives in the Aylesbury area with his Italian wife, Gloria and their three children and divides his time between his two great passions: family and diamonds.

“People come to Biagio because they enjoy the atmosphere of the shops, the individuality of our pieces and our product knowledge,” says Peter. “We’re not a stuffy jewellers. We’re friendly and welcoming.

“I recently sold an engagement ring to someone who first came in as a twelve year old, to buy a present for his mum. He’s come back now, fourteen years later, to buy an engagement ring. I love that!” l Biagio Thame, Aureo House, 2 Greyhound Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3DY Tel: 01844 217001 l Biagio Bicester, 19 Crown Walk, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6HY Tel: 01869 252323 Website: www.biagiothejewellers.com Vale Life : May / June 2011

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

‘Is that the pitter patter of raindrops?’ they’ll be saying in Risborough. No! It’s the clickety clack of heels as ladies flock to a fab new boutique with the sweetest of names...

E

xciting things are happening in Princes Risborough! In the last few weeks several new shops have opened in the town centre, the market is growing and WH Smith is taking on the sadly vacant book shop premises.

Most exciting of all, for our female readers, is Chocolate, a delicious new ladies fashion boutique on the High Street opposite Costa Coffee.

The chic modern store is the brainchild of Jo Louis from Wendover and stocks an irresistibly stylish collection of affordably priced designer labels such as Anna Scott, Uttam and Millie K among others, some beautiful jewellery, gorgeous bags and cool accessories.

“I’m mad on clothes, I’ve always wanted a clothing boutique,” says Jo. “I’m renowned for having too many clothes, I’m always having to have wardrobe clearouts!”

Jo grew up in the Marsworth/Aldbury area near Tring and now lives with her husband and three children in Wendover. She has a background in accounts, so keeping the books up to date shouldn’t be a problems and she has roped in long-time friend Jane Taylor, who has a wealth of retail experience having worked as a manageress for Dorothy Perkins, to help with the day to day running of the store.

“I’ve worked for a couple of firms in Princes Risborough,” says Jo, “and I know a lot of people in the town. It seemed it could

14

Vale Life : May / June 2011

really do with something like this.

“The High Street was looking a bit sad, there were so many empty units, but it’s really come alive again the last few weeks.”

“It was hard work getting the Snap-flops lines together. We went to a lot of trade shows and gradually found the labels we wanted. We’re aiming to offer good quality clothing at affordable prices. Keeping the prices reasonable is important.

We’re aiming to cater for all ages and we’ll be gradually increasing our range of sizes.

“I really like the colourful dresses, tunics and skirts from Spanish label Lavand and we’ve some nice pieces from American label Heather.

Our jewellery is proving popular and of course, a lady can never have too many bags - we’ve a good mixture of materials and styles.

“We’ve some Snap-flops too, which are fun - they’re flip flops with snap on jewellery features, so you can change the look to match your outfit, or mood.”

Jo had to totally refurbish her unit before opening the boutique - it had been an offlicence and needed a complete overhaul. Now it looks cool and sophisticated with a couple of stylish changing rooms, a smart wood floor and some feature furnishings to add a touch of glamour.

“We’ve had a brilliant response so far,” she says, “and I’d really like to thank everyone from Risborough and the villages around for

Jo

Jane

their support. They’ve been superb, really warm and lovely and friendly, lots of nice comments and promises to come and see us again. It was really buzzing here on our opening weekend, really exciting.”

Being a local girl Jo knows what will appeal to ladies of the Vale and has cleverly pitched her fashions to have a wide appeal.

Yummy mummy, domestic goddess, career woman, girl about town, or all of the above, there should be something in her Chocolate selection for you! l Chocolate Boutique, 19 High Street, Princes Risborough Buckinghamshire. HP27 0AE. enquiries@chocolateboutique.me.uk Website: www.chocolateboutique.me.uk Opening times: Mon to Sat: 9.30am to 5pm

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Paul Elliott wants Dare, his new town centre salon, to appeal to all. With clients aged from 3 years to 101, he is well on track...

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Paul Elliott Caroline, Emma and Jess

Vale Life readers

Introduction to Dare Offer First time at Dare?

Receive 25% off a cut and blow dry with Sam or Caroline when you show this article Valid to end of June - cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount

Clive

aul Elliott grew up in Aylesbury and went to Aylesbury Grammar School.

It was the 80s and sporting an impressive head of hair Paul was asked to model for trendy, local salon, Tramps.

He caught the hairdressing bug and after school joined the town centre salon and studied hairdressing on day-release at Aylesbury College: “That was 26 years ago,” says Paul, “I went mobile for a few years and then did a bit of travelling and ended up being offered a job in South Africa! It was near Cape Town, training hairdressers and I absolutely loved it.

I was there for two years working in a salon and training. That was in 1988-89. I came back and alternated between salon and mobile work but I was really looking to start up my own business.

“Tramps old salon, where I began my career, had become Montage and last year I found out the owners were looking to move out. It was in need of a thorough makeover, but I was looking for something I could make my mark on! It was a great opportunity.

“I bought it in November last year and we’re gradually updating the place. We’ve given it a good clean and redecorated, had new flooring put down and the loos and the plumbing sorted. The ceiling and styling units are next!”

The new salon is called ‘Dare’ which Paul felt was short, snappy and memorable.

“I’ve been lucky with staff,” he says. “We’ve got a great team here - some existing staff have stayed on and Lisa, who owned the Miss Monroe salon on Cambridge Street and had come to the end of her lease, has joined me here with her stylists. I’ve recruited two new stylists too and two new juniors. We’ve got Julie, Clive, Leila, Sam, myself and Lisa, plus Caroline has joined us as a stylist from a salon in Walton Court and Donna works here freelance, while our junior stylists are: Jess, Nicola and Emma - they are training and looking for models for supervised cuts at the moment.

“There’s a lot of salons in Aylesbury,” says Paul, “and some of them charge ridiculous prices. We’re not like that here. I wanted this salon to be affordable and welcoming. You should feel comfortable coming in here, it’s a fun place to be.

“We’re a user-friendly salon, we can cater for the high fashion end of hairdressing but

we can also do a shampoo and set. Lisa is our hair-up and wedding hair specialist. I want the salon to be accessible to everyone.

“I think we’re lucky to have a job like this - we meet different people every day, who share their stories and experiences, you become friends, it’s a privilege. I’ve got clients who have been coming to me for years. I’ve watched them get married and have children my oldest client is actually 101!”

Dare Hairdressing is a Wella professional salon - they use Wella colour products and are also stockists of Tigi and GHD. “We’ve ten styling stations, says Paul, “so it’s really buzzing at times. We have extremely qualified staff, really good top quality products and it won’t break the bank to have your hair done here. Our prices start at £26 for a cut and blow dry and go up to £40. You could pay an extra £10 elsewhere in the town but you won’t get a more highly qualified stylist.

The salon looks bright and funky in its fresh green livery and certainly seemed buzzy and fun during Vale Life’s visit.

An added attraction is Steph Taylor’s Urban Bliss beauty business, run from a treatment room off Dare’s reception area.

Steph offers a full range of treatments from facials to manicures, pedicures, waxing, gel nails, massage and eyelash lengthening. Her website (www.urbanblissbeauty.com) gives full details, or pop in for a pricelist.

Steph was brought up in Aylesbury, went to Quarrendon School and then trained at Aylesbury College. Over the past 11 years she has worked in various salons across Buckinghamshire and is an experienced beauty therapist and salon manager. She set up Urban Bliss Beauty four years ago.

“It’s lovely working with Paul and the Dare crew,” says Steph. “He’s got a great team and we all get on really well.

The salon is looking really good.” l Dare Hairdressing, 3 Railway Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1QX Tel: 01296 427074 Open: Mon: 9am-8pm , Tues - Wed: 8.30am-8pm, Thurs: 9.30am-8pm, Fri: 8.30am-6pm, Sat: 8am-5pm l Urban Bliss Beauty Tel: 01296 482085 Website: www.urbanblissbeauty.com Vale Life : May / June 2011

15

Steph

Win a fabulous Melvita Hamper

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elvita has been making the French beautiful for over 25 years, with its affordable organic skincare solutions that work for both the skin and the environment.

A well guarded secret that grew from the picturesque depths of the Ardeche Gorges in France, Melvita is now investing in clinically proving the efficacy of the product range and sharing the joy of organic beauty with us.

The largest certified organic brand boasts over 300 products in its top-to-toe beauty range, where every product is certified organic by ECOCERT. Offering premium, ecological,

everyday care for the whole family, with the range extending from Face care through to Bath and Shower and Food Supplement categories, Melvita provides an organic solution to every beauty need.

Melvita is now offering Vale Life readers the chance of to win a fabulous hamper of Melvita products worth £112.

To enter simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who is the president of France?

Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email on May 31st. l http://uk.melvita.com

   

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

 



Spirit of Tring The Grass Roots Stadium, Cow Lane, Tring

Friday 3rd June, 2011 The Great British Proms

The English National Orchestra will perform works by many of the world’s greatest composers, star guests from the classical world perform as conductor Jae Alexander leads through popular classics, movie themes and all the traditional favourites associated with The Proms. An original WWII spitfire will take to the skies as part of the programme. Plus: Tenor Wynne Evans, Soprano Sarah Ryan + Firework finale. Doors open: 7pm

Saturday 4th June, 2011 Mamma Mia + Planet Funk

Mamma Mia The Music Of ABBA – A Pop Spectacular, presents Abba’s legendary songs as never before; featuring stars from, the West End smash hit musical, Mamma Mia with a symphony orchestra - this promises to be a musical epic of iconic pop moments.

Featuring Mamma Mia, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight), Dancing Queen, Take A Chance On Me, Lay All Your Love On Me, Does Your Mother Know and many more.

Plus 70s soul, funk and disco classics from Planet Funk and local band support. Doors open: 5pm Information and tickets: www.spirit-of-tring.com

16

Vale Life : May / June 2011

The Bell at Chearsley

Summer Party with Alvin the

ultimate Elvis

Saturday August 27th 4pm to late, £30, under 12s free

Pig Roast Disco Tutu’s Thai Food Steel Band Children’s Activities Lucky Ticket Call: 01844 208077

Win a free treasure hunt

E

verybody loves a trasure hunt and Treasuredays treasure hunts are a fun way to explore both new and familiar areas.

Treasuredays has researched and produced treasure hunts for various parts of the country some of which are around the Vale area.

When you order from the website: www.treasuredays.com the firm emails a treasure hunt pack to you as a pdf file ready to print & go - there’s no waiting around for snail-mail. And one pack can serve unlimited

participants - which is excellent value for a group outing!

There are three different types of hunt on offer:

1. Classic full hunt pack - 2 sets of clues (easy/cryptic) and photo clues, pub rounds and items to make/collect sheet - £29.99.

2. A half price family edition - just the easy clues and photo round.

3. A Corporate or personalised edition, which the firm can tailor to your specifications and include company logos, special greetings, or personalisations - £69.99.

Specific to the Vale area are a Chilterns Hunt (Watlington to Hambleden via Turville) and a Chess Valley Bucks Hunt.

Both of those are rural car treasure hunts and there is also a foot hunt available for Oxford.

For a chance to win one of ten Chilterns treasure hunt packs simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who is the famous one legged pirate in Treasure Island?

Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email on May 31st. l www.treasuredays.com

Win a pair of Cocorose London ballet pumps

A

Storage Required?

STORE ‘N’ GO Self Storage has the answer We can offer you a choice of convenient unit sizes to OFF suit your requirements 5 0 % ns app ly Everything you need: Full range of packing materials

s Te r m

io nd it & Co e stor see s e ta il fo r d

year ago one of our most popular competitions ever gave you the chance to win a pair of Cocorose London Ballet Pumps.

Now we’ve teamed up with the company once again for a special first anniversary competition.

London’s ‘Cosmopolitan Chic’ Spring-Summer 2011 Collection of foldable ballet pumps are a must-have for shoenistas.

Stylish and uber-comfortable, they are the cult choice of film stars, jet-setting yummy mummies, preganistas, brides, career girls and media mavens -who adore the shoes - and the charming compact purse with hide-away foldable bag.

BAFTA were so charmed by the ballet pumps that they asked Cocorose London to become an Official Partner to the 2010 and 2011 Orange British Film Academy Awards, and invited them to design an ‘Exclusive Cocorose

London BAFTA Shoe’ for the Gift Bags given to the nominees and presenters at the Orange Briitsh Film Academy Awards.

Cocorose London foldable ballet pumps cost £45 and are available from www.cocorose london.com.

Local stockists include: Frivolity, Hart Street, Henley on Thames; and Fresh, 9 Golders Cross Walk, Cornmarket Street, Oxford.

Cocorose London, the sole of chic for fashionistas feet, are a dream come true for aching tootsies after a hard day’s night of partying!

HOW TO ENTER: Three lucky readers will win a pair of Cocorose London ballet pumps each.

To enter, just answer the following question: Which actress starred in The King’s Speech?

A) Sarah Jessica Parker

B) Helena Bonham-Carter C) Courtney Cox Arquette Email your answer with your name, address, phone, and shoe size to: editor@vale-life.co.uk by 30th May 2011.

Winners will be randomly selected on 31st May from correct entries and informed by email.

The shoes will be delivered by mail. Editor’s decision is final.

Kingston Blount Point to Point Race Meetings: Kimblewick Meeting: 7th May First Race 2PM Berks & Bucks Draghounds Meeting: 29th May First Race 2.30PM Tickets £15 to £25 per car available on gate or in advance from 01494 881321 www.kingstonblount.com

24hr CCTV Come and go anytime we are open to access your goods

Wynne Jones Centre, Tring Road, Aylesbury, HP21 7TL

Tel: 01296 397215 Ref: Bh002010a

Vale Life : May / June 2011

17

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Lynn and Mandy

We’ve all laughed, or winced, at the comical names hairdressers dream up for their salons. But in the case of Lynn Nicholls and Mandy Dearden’s new barbershop in Walter’s Ash, Shear Madness is about right!

L

ynn and Mandy have been friends and work colleagues for years but the idea of running their own business came only recently and seemingly in a moment of pure madness!

Lynn was surfing the internet looking at houses when she came upon a vacant shop opposite the Co-op in Walter’s Ash, a village on the hill above Princes Risborough.

It sparked an idea and she called Mandy to see if she fancied starting a barbers with her there - the girls had worked together for many years at Slattery’s Barbers in Risborough. It took Mandy by surprise and she had to think about it for a few days but within a month they were open and cutting hair! That was in March this year.

“I did do some research” laughs Lynn. “It’s a good area, there are a lot of people living around here and no barber for miles.

“It’s got going a lot faster than we thought it would. We’ve had a mixture of old clients and new. Quite a few people have walked in to try us out. It’s proving a good location. It’s on the main bus route from Risborough to Wycombe and some of our older customers have made the trip for free using their bus passes!

Helen Brand

“It’s nice gradually becoming part of the community, people are already popping in just for a chat. It’s very friendly here.”

The salon is small but stylish. There’s a smart red leather sofa and some sporty pictures, a couple of salon chairs, some mirrors and a rocking horse. What more do you need?!

“We kitted it out from eBay,” laughs Lynn.

“It’s amazing really. We’re particularly pleased with the sofa.”

Mandy (aka Mrs B) and Lynn have worked together for 16 years. Lynn is originally from Princes Risborough and now lives in Prestwood while Mandy came from Chesham and lives in Aylesbury.

They both started in hairdressing at the age of 12, working as Saturday girls and both trained at Aylesbury College, although they didn’t know each other at that time.

Mandy worked in Chesham, Missenden, Berkhamsted, Thame and eventually Risborough where she met Lynn.

“The new barbers has come together really quickly,” says Mandy. “Lynn left Slattery’s in January for another job and then called me up to see if I’d like to join her in a new venture in Walther’s Ash. A week after, I left my job and two weeks later, we opened up here! It was a case of seize the day, do it now - don’t think about it too much, or you never will!

“We’ve worked together for a long time and we know we get on ok. We work well together.

“The business is just the two of us. We are a barbers plain and simple - come in get your hair cut have a laugh, there you are!

“We’re both experienced with the clippers so anything is possible. Whether it’s a youngster who wants a Justin Bieber flick-over, a surfer

dude teen growing his hair a little bit longer, or a traditional short back and sides.

“A gents cut is £10.50, £6.50 for pensioners and under 5s or £8.50 for 5-12s. We don’t do appointments people just pop in.”

The girls have recently been joined by ladies stylist Helen Brand, left. She has opened a small ladies salon at the rear of the barber shop and is offering a full range of cutting and colouring services.

Surprisingly for a salon owner, Helen is only 22. Originally from Amersham she now lives in High Wycombe and trained at Wycombe college where she gained NVQ Levels 1 and 2 in hairdressing. With a natural flair for hairdressing she worked her way up quickly to senior stylist level and came to Walter’s Ash from Dandy Doos salon in Loudwater.

“My Nan was a hairdresser,” says Helen. “I loved watching her. I used to cut all my dolls’ hair when I was little. My mum could see I’d make a good hairdresser and encouraged me into it - I’m glad she did! I’ve five years salon experience now and since I’ve reached senior level I’ve always wanted to open my own salon. I’ve been on a variety of courses over the years: GHD, Wella, hair up and so on. I do colouring, cutting, hair up, setting, perming, blow drys, children’s hair, everything really. It’s just me here at the moment but I hope to build the business and take on another stylist.

“My specialities are hair up and colouring, (Helen uses Wella colouring products), I love doing colour!

It could be a good time to try Helen’s Ladies Salon out: “I’ve set my prices really low for the moment,” she says, “as I’m looking to attract new clientelle. A cut and blow dry is only £16!”

Helen has sensibly named her salon ‘Helen’s Ladies Salon’. As for Shear Madness, well the name is apt, but Lynn and Mandy aren’t totally to blame - they held a Facebook voting contest for a variety of titles and Shear Madness won by a hair! l Shear Madness, 245 Main Road, Walter’s Ash, Bucks, HP14 4HT. Tel: 07742 361711 Email: s.madness@yahoo.co.uk l Helen’s Ladies Salon, 245 Main Road, Walter’s Ash, Bucks, HP14 4HT. Tel: 07742 361711

To find Shear Madness on Facebook please search for: s.madness@yahoo.co.uk 18

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Vale Life : May / June 2011

It’s a long way from Fairford Leys to the village of Ubombo in South Africa.

But travelling there may be the easiest part of a journey that Destiny Hair Design owner Tracey Gascoin and her salon team have embarked upon.

T

racey’s friend Chris Connors has been out to Ubombo and he told her all about the orphanage there for children with HIV and Aids and what the youngsters have been through.

“I found it very emotional,” says Tracey, “I have a three-year-old daughter and I couldn’t believe what he was telling me. I assumed the children had been born with the HIV virus, but they have all contracted it through rape. I find this deeply disturbing, as they were raped between the ages of 3 and 6 years old.

When I shared this with the

salon team they all found it very emotional too and we decided to put some effort into making a difference to these children’s lives.

“It may be a bit strange that a hairdresser with no experience in building is going to Africa to help construct a community centre, but I am keen to learn and get to know and spend time with the children there. I think this is a big opportunity for us all to change lives for the better.”

The girls have called their life changing mission ‘Destination Africa’. They’re joining forces with Chris’s Coco’s Foundation to help extend the orphanage which

Donate to Destination Africa for a FREE Cut and Style for new clients

currently homes, loves and cares for 19 children.

The trip will take place in May 2012 and the team need to raise at least £17,600 for building materials.

Chris owns three hair salons in Sussex and was so moved by the children’s plight that he became involved in building a trauma centre on the orphanage site. He set up Coco’s Foundation to help in 2009.

Chris and his salon team renovated and extended the orphanage’s trauma centre in May 2010.

The building now has separate bedrooms, a bathroom and a physio area and is a place they can call home and be part of a happy family. They remain there until the day they can be integrated into the orphanage with the other children.

Continuing the work, Coco’s will be building a community centre in 2012 and this is where Tracey and her team will be working.

Destination Africa fundraising got off to a flying start with a launch night at the China Brasserie in Fairford Leys in April. The fun event raised £1,070.50 which is well on the way to laying an entire brick on their ‘fundraising wall’.

You can help the girls on their way by making a donation, no matter how small, on their JustGiving page. Simply visit www.justgiving. com/destiny-hair-design0 You can also donate at Destiny Hair Design salon or by calling reception on 01296 337555.

See the panel left for details of how new clients can have a free cut and style at Destiny when they make a £10 donation and mention Vale Life magazine (first 50 only, so be quick!)

You can also donate old clothes.

The girls receive £350 for every ton that’s collected. So clear out your wardrobe and pop a bag along to the salon.

See the salon website at: www.destinyhairdesign.co.uk and click on the Destination Africa link for more information and updates on the project.

The girls have organised an 11 mile around Aylesbury Walk for Sunday, May 22, at 11am. It starts from Destiny Hair salon and includes a stop for a pub lunch. Pick up a sponsor form from the salon and join the fun!

Well done Tracey, Steph, Natalie, Alexa, Kirsty, Lucie, Ali and Jess - Africa’s getting closer every day!

l Destiny Hair Design, 7 Hampden Square, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 7HT. Telephone: 01296 337 555 Web: www.destinyhairdesign.co.uk

Tracey, with flower, and her Destination Africa team at the launch night

Destiny Hair Design is offering 50 lucky new clients a fabulous Cut and Style absolutely FREE. Simply quote “VALE10” when booking then make a £10 donation to Destination Africa when you come into the salon.

For appointments call 01296 337555 *Appointments will be accepted on a first come first served basis allowing the first 50 applicants to take advantage of the offer. We will ask you to make a £10 donation to Destination Africa when you attend the appointment. Offer expires 30th April 2012. Offer is only available to new clients of Destiny Hair Design. Offer not available in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Offer available with all stylists subject to availability.

Vale Life : May / June 2011

19

l Column: Penny Harper - thoughts of a small town girl...

Vale Life : March / April 2011

Penny Harper

A

cross Aylesbury Vale and over the Chilterns, the tills are alive with the sound of beeping.

Go on holiday for more than two weeks this summer and you’ll probably find someone’s stuck a supermarket in your garden while you’ve been away. On the bright side, at least there’ll bread and milk when you get back.

Every time it rains it seems some express store sprouts up across the Vale like a closed cap mushroom. To some they’re a welcome sight and to others, an annoying and fast-spreading fungus.

I have come to the conclusion that supermarkets are not the devil’s spawn as some like to make out, so long as they actually have PEOPLE working in them. The rise of the ‘Robo-tills’ in Thame is like watching the plot of The Terminator becoming

a reality.

To say they’re the bane of my existence is an understatement.

It’s not the fact that it takes me twenty goes to put my shopping in the bag at precisely the right moment to avoid being told off, so much as there’s always an assistant hiding behind the shampoo who has to shout ‘alcohol!’ at the top of their voice every time I buy a bottle of rosé.

I really don’t have a drinking problem.

Ultimately though, supermarkets are full of every type of food, which is why I do like them. Anywhere I can sample 150 kinds of cheese without actually buying any is like heaven for me. Sometimes I think I’d like to keep it all for myself. I’ll open an ‘inconvenience store’ where the shelves are so high no one can reach them. I’m not sure it’s a viable business plan though.

In America, people find love in

supermarkets; the kind that lasts about as long as a dairy product.

It’s ‘Sell-by Dating’ for people on the brink of going sour. Or maybe those who don’t want to get left on the shelf. There’s already a supermarket that does funerals; everything you need for when you check-out. If they really want to cash in and be topical then they could introduce supermarket weddings, for those who can’t wait to walk up Aisle 5.

I don’t think it’s going to be long though before the supermarket becomes obsolete and this all becomes a moot point.

We’ve got such busy lives that it’s no longer convenient for us to drive to one shop and buy everything, we need the supermarket to bring the produce to us in little vans.

Soon there won’t be walk-in supermarkets, just mail-order food and we’ll all say ‘remember when you could just buy a

Small Town

Girl

banana, peel it and eat it’ and my Dad will say ‘No, I’m violently allergic’. Shopping in real-life stores will become a pastime of the rich and famous.

Soon we’ll be campaigning to save the supermarkets too and crying when the Robo-tills end up on the scrapheap. I won’t though. I’ll just crack open a bottle of rosé, raise a glass and shout ‘alcohol’ into the ether.

w w w. n o r t h m i l l st o v e s . c o . u k

Stoves Limited

Call now for a free home survey...

Tel: 01844 342400

E: info@northmillstoves.co.uk

North Mill Road, Bledlow, Bucks HP27 9QP 20

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Win £200 to spend at Enter this fabulous competition and you could soon have £200 to spend in Aylesbury’s stunning new furniture emporium...

S

ince we featured Stately Interiors in our Feb/ Mar edition quite a few of you have been along to their Aylesbury showrooms to see for yourselves what a spectacular selection of furniture and furnishings the company has on offer - there’s a real wowfactor to many of their pieces!

Now, as a thank you for the support you’ve shown, Stately Interiors are offering Vale Life readers the opportunity to win a voucher for £200 to be spent in their Aylesbury store.

Stately Interiors offers an exciting, new take on furniture and is creating quite a stir in the Vale. Its premises are the recently refurbished office complex opposite Tesco, Broadfields and with their inspirational and unusual furniture now in situ, you’ll barely recognise it now!

Since our last visit in February, it’s amazing to see how much has changed. Stately are not about large volumes of mass produced furniture, their unusual items and individual pieces constantly change the look and feel of the store.

Products are brought together to create themed ranges inspired by buyer and general manager Alec’s travels around the globe.

Currently Stately are running a Regency Theme, an Emperor Theme, a Nautical Theme, a Gentleman’s Club Theme and a Traveller Theme. - you never quite know what to expect when you visit - suit of armour anyone?

How fabulous to have £200 to spend though. It might not be quite enough to cover some of

the larger items, but it’s a cracking way to start! Just imagine what you could buy...

Sofas, Accent Chairs, Dining Chairs, Benches, Stools, Vintage Luggage, Stateroom Furniture, Trunks, Storage Boxes, Chests of Drawers, Bookcases, Bureaus, Drawer Cabinets, Dressers, Sideboards, Desks, Dining Tables, Lamp Tables, Wine Tables, Hall Tables, Coffee Tables, Outdoor Seating, Outdoor Tables, Outdoor Accessories, Books, Vases, Ornaments, Plant Stands, Planters, Umbrella Stands, Urns, Clocks, Picture Frames, Cushions, Globes, Candles, Candleholders, Lanterns, Coat Stands, Busts, Statues, Decorative Items, Grandfather Clocks, Wall Clocks, Floor Standing Mirrors, Wall Mirrors, Oil Paintings, Picture Frames, Chandeliers, Table Lamps and much more...

You could give your home a real lift for the summer.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which of these sentences best describes Stately Interiors? a) Inspirational, Unusual and Surprisingly Affordable b) Just another furniture store The winning entrant will be drawn at random on May 31st.

Good Luck! l Stately Interiors, Broadfields, Bicester Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8AY Telephone: 01296 388010 Website: www.stately.co.uk

Vale Life : May / June 2011

21

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Shotgun enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that gunsmith Doug Burton has returned from his travels and is once again operating his workshop catering for gun repairs and restorations...

D

ouglas Burton comes from a farming background. He grew up in Enfield but moved, with his parents, to Westbrook Farm at Henton, near Chinnor, when he was 19.

“I was used to using shotguns on the farm, says Doug. “When I left school I went to engineering college but I liked being outside and didn’t really want to be a toolmaker.

“Being a gunsmith appealed more and I managed to get an apprenticeship at Boss & Co in London.

“I trained there for five years. All the shotguns were handmade - every part of the gun.

There are different skills involved. You have the stocker, the actioner and the barrelmaker which is my speciality.

“You can buy factory made guns - the Spanish make a lot - but English guns are all handmade and you can recognise the quality.”

Doug is still a barrel specialist but now does a lot of servicing, maintenance and repairs too.

“While working in London I had quite a bad motorcycle accident,” says Doug, “I got a lump sum from my insurance company and used the money to set myself up in business with Graham Morgan, a friend from work.

I was 21 at the time. We had a workshop in the Old Bakery at Chinnor. It went well for a while but we decided to go our separate ways and I moved my workshop to Thame. That was in 1986 and then in 1992 I moved up to Waddesdon and had a workshop at my home..

“I was just doing it part-time for a while,” says Doug, “I worked as a firefighter in Thame for a bit and got an HGV licence so I did a bit of lorry driving too. I was diagnosed diabetic though so lost my licence and decided

22

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Above: Douglas Burton aged 21 at his first gunsmiths in Chinnor Left: Doug in his workshop today Doug using an endoscope to check a gun barrel for pits

to move abroad to Spain and renovate an old property. It hasn’t been the best of times for the property market over there though!” he laughs, “So I’ve come back to what I do best.”

Doug is now again based near Waddesdon and the list of duties he performs in his workshop reads like a foreign language to those unfamiliar with the world of shotguns.

His day may include: ‘repairing barrels boring out pits, preparing for proof, relaying the ribs, blacking or browning the barrels, altering the chokes, tightening the action and submitting to the proof house’.

It’s not as complicated as it sounds but requires a skilled craftsman and some specialist tools to do a professional job.

“When a gun is made, or remade” explains Doug, “it has to be tested or proofed. It is fired with a heavy load, say three tons per square inch and is checked for flaws to make sure it is safe. It is date stamped with the size of the barrels - measured to 1/1000 inch.

There is a certain amount of wear allowed in the barrels but once it exceeds 9/1000 inch it has to be repaired and resubmitted for proofing again, it’s a bit like an MOT test!”

English barrels are often lighter so need careful looking after, there’s less metal to play with. Pitting can occur as a result of corrosion if the gun is not cleaned properly after use and the barrel then needs lapping out, a kind of internal filing down to make the bore smooth again.

“I’ve a Delapena honing machine which is great for boring out the barrels,” says Doug, “a lot more adjustable and controllable than lead lapping which can tear the pits. Mostly though it’s all traditional handwork.

“I specialise in barrel repairs but I also do general servicing, repairs and maintenance.

I’ve experienced all sorts here from triple barrel shotguns to black powder muzzle-loaders!

“I’ve been back a year now. I’m at the workshop full-time and available by appointment.

It would be great to catch up with some of my old customers and don’t be put off when I say I’m aiming for a few new ones too! You’re all very welcome!” l Douglas Burton Gunsmith.

Tel: 01296 655477.

Mobile: 07576 021678.

Email: douglas.burton@ymail.com

Travelling Light

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Travel is meant to broaden the mind not give you a headache! It’s not the being there though, but the getting there that’s the problem - all these low cost airlines with add-on charges and baggage hassle - but now a new local company may be able to lighten your load...

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oing abroad for a short break, a business trip or a holiday can be a lot more hassle than it should.

Low cost airlines have made air travel more affordable and introduced the possibility of flying to all sorts of new destinations but travellers are enjoying the experience less and less.

Dealing with heightened security procedures, crowded airports and extended airport check-in times has become a part of life - travelling is just not as easy as it used to be.

There’s a lot of added stress and

that’s without the indignity of being charged for every bag you check in and maybe having to repack or pay more at the desk if your luggage is too heavy or the wrong size!

Father and son Tony and Oliver Babington from Chearsley have

w w w . s ta te l y . c o . u k

Grand, Unusual and Surprisingly Affordable Furniture and Furnishings

launched a new business offering a solution to all these problems.

Their company is called Baggage Master and it’s designed to make our travelling lives easier and more enjoyable.

It’s simple really - Baggage Master takes your luggage for you! The firm can arrange for your luggage to be collected anywhere in the world and delivered to your chosen destination. It’s an international door to door baggage collection and delivery service which leaves you free to go to the airport, check in and board your flight carrying only hand luggage.

Just imagine! In some cases you’ll be able to go direct to the boarding gate or express check in.

Baggage Master will arrange for your cases, sports equipment (golfclubs, skis, etc.) children’s prams and pushchairs, to be collected from your home or office and delivered to your nominated destination without any hassle or stress for you.

Baggage Master is working with one of the world’s premier courier companies, Federal Express (FedEx) and is able to offer state of the art services as regards transport, security and accurate tracking

information on the delivery status of your luggage, whether delivering to your holiday destination, or back home again.

The problem of luggage being sent to the wrong airline or destination can be a thing of the past - and you will avoid the extra baggage handling charges imposed by some airlines.

No more hanging around the baggage carousel. No more worries about security: Baggage Master will ensure that your baggage is delivered, to your travel destination on the date you requested and their customer service team will keep you up to date with your baggage’s progress!

It should vastly improve your travelling experience and reduce airport stress. l Baggage Master Customer Services: Telephone: 01844 201480 Email: enquiries@baggagemaster.co.uk Website: www.baggagemaster.co.uk

Baggage Master

Speedwell

Complementary Health Centre

Super Size Dining Tables • Character Sideboards & Cabinets Statement Pieces • Partner Desks • Chaise Longues • Four Poster Beds Unusual Objet d’art • Vintage Trunks & Chests • Framed Oil Paintings Suits of Armour • Traditional Rugs • Throne Chairs...and much more.

Broadfields, Aylesbury 01296 438200 Retail Trade Contract

Castle Park Road, Wendover www.Speedwell-CHC.co.uk Massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, health screening, hypnotherapy, kinesiology, reiki, aqua detox, hopi ear candling, Bach flower therapies

Tel: 01296 622611

w w w . s ta te l y . c o . u k Always different and always in stock ...

Vale Life : May / June 2011

23

l Column: Naomi MacKay - Feelgood gardening

Vale Life : March / April 2011

A

s the countdown has already started to London 2012, Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres is bringing exercise to the gardening nation at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The gold-winning garden giant has had its people coming up with interesting ways to tone up outside.

The Flex on a Deck Garden features timber exercise equipment that cleverly doubles up as seating, while a backdrop of yellow planting aims at stimulating the senses, and a trail of stepping stones, low-level hurdles and balancing bars appears

in the Tone Up Trail on the Hillier Chelsea exhibit.

If stretching and toning is more your thing, how about creating your own perfect space for yoga or pilates with a sculptural stone space for your yoga mat? Surrounded by soft blue planting the Core Values garden is designed to instil a sense of calm, tranquillity and harmony.

My feelgood factor comes from

seeing my veg coming to life and looking forward to the homegrown fruits of my harvest. But another thing that makes me feel good is creating something beautiful from nothing. I’m particularly happy when my hanging baskets come good (it doesn’t happen every year).

One of the secrets is using the biggest basket you can – the smaller sizes never seem to work so well.

A new product that has caught my eye is the Enviromat sedum matting (www.enviromat.co.uk), which can be used to line a hanging basket (see picture left). You may well have seen this living carpet of sedum plants used to create ‘living’ roofs, but the company sells offcuts, which make an interesting – and very green – basket liner, so your basket will look good from day one, even before your hanging basket plants have got going.

But laughter, they say, is the best medicine, so if you can have a laugh in your garden, you’ll feel even better – how about taking a leaf out of the RHS’s book at Hampton Court Flower Show, when it created the Bra-sket, left - picture by Jon Enoch, out of donated underwear!

‘Recycling at its bust’ I’d say!

Naomi MacKay’s gardening blog is at http://diggingthedirt.wordpress. com. A journalist for more than 20 years, Naomi also helps businesses to create or improve their websites.

Naomi is offering a 10% discount to Vale Life readers who quote the code VLAPR. Call 07802 426594, email naomimackay@gmail.com or log on to www.naomimackay.co.uk

Stanbridge Road, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8HN Tel: 01844 290395 www.haddenhamgardencentre.co.uk

Our planteria has doubled in size!

Now open, offering you a much wider range of plants

Make the most of the summer, with our new range of Weber BBQ’s, & garden furniture

New ranges of giftware

Grow your own fruit & veg.

We’ve everything you’ll need to get growing 24

Vale Life : May / June 2011

the Gardener’s Retreat Coffee Shop

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egulars at Thame market will have spotted Cherry's plant stall. It's a popular stop as Cherry not only supplies a potted selection of healthy young flora, but is a mine of information when it comes to what's best for where and how her greenery will age and develop.

Cherry Nurse, as she is appropriately named, actually runs a small nursery from her home in Towersey and is something of a Florence Nightingale for the local gardening community, offering help and advice on how to revive sickly specimens or where best to cultivate the most robust runner beans.

Surprisingly Cherry grew up in Paddington, Central London with no garden to speak of and it wasn’t until many years later, when she was married with children, that she discovered her green fingers.

She has lived in the area for 20 years, first in Long Crendon and now in Towersey.

“We moved to Towersey for the garden," says Cherry. "It was a bit overgrown, but I just fell in love with it. The house was near derelict with one cold tap and two pin plugs everywhere!”

Cherry got seriously into gardening, researching plants and reading up on techniques and soon became known in the village for her expertise. She started helping villagers with their gardens and was approached to take over the running of a local nursery.

“It was something I’d always wanted to do,” she says. “It was great. I did it for three years but I wanted to do things my way. I like to grow plants that work well in the local

environment. I'm not into exotic plants and palm trees! I like to stock plants that people will still have in 20 years time, a lovely tree or a beautiful shrub, herbaceous plants that people can split up and move around.”

Luckily for Cherry she has the space to run a nursery from her home and the know-how to give valuable help and information to customers who need advice.

"I want people to get involved and get excited about gardening,” says Cherry. “I love it when people come here and chat about their gardens and share their enthusiasm.

“I run a nursery but it's more about gardening, how things grow and how they will work for people, not just selling plants.

“I’ve tried to keep things as simple as possible. I can’t grow everything here so I buy in shrubs, trees and fruit canes, but I try and do it as local as possible, everything’s English.

“I use traditional methods, for instance trees and shrubs will be grown in the ground and then lifted in the autumn when the sap is down and I’ll re-pot them to sell on. That way you know the plant is used to our outdoor climate and will be better able to adjust to being planted out in a local garden than one that’s been grown abroad in perfect conditions.

“I love herbaceous perennials and I grow a lot of vegetables: onion sets, seed potatoes, broad beans, also fruit canes, ornamental and fruit trees., hedging, herbs, roses, alpines, bulbs... I nurse baby plants and bring them on to the point where people can plant them out.

“I just love gardening really. If people come down here I’ll try and help with their garden-

ing problems. Hopefully I’ll be able to inspire a little too. I can advise where plants will do well and how they might work together.

“May is the ideal time to assess your garden - it’s coming to life now. Where are the gaps?

What direction do you want to go? Do you want something easy to look after, or would you like a nice herbaceous border - it’s an ideal time to put in delphiniums, foxgloves and all the summer flowers that will give you that old fashioned English garden look. Lavender and roses with herbaceous borders and maybe some herbs!

“Most vegetable growers have probably already got going, but there’s still time to put tomatoes out, runner beans, or french beans, perhaps try some aubergines and artichokes?

“Are you able to cope with your garden? Is it time to scale back on the workload especially if you are having to pay for help?

“I’ve built up a good network of knowledgeable friends and contacts, so even if I don’t have the answers straight away, I can get back within a few days - it really interests me to find these things out.

“It’s about sharing knowledge. If people have a problem area, or need something to fill a particular spot I am happy to advise on what might be best suited.”

Catch Cherry at Thame market on Tuesdays, or pop in and see her at Towersey. She has a great selection of very reasonably priced plants, but her advice could be priceless! l Cherry’s Nursery, Oak Cottage, Lower Green, Towersey, Oxon, OX9 3QW. Tel: 01844 261089.

Mobile: 07842 427276.

Email: cherryoakcottage@hotmail.com

Left, Cherry’s stall at Thame market.

Below and right, her Towersey nursery.

Vale Life: May / June 2011

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

Brown’s has been around for 180 years. The business has evolved from blacksmith to supplier of groundcare and agricultural machinery and now also sports a useful selection of hardware and garden equipment - not to mention everything the modern angler might wish for...

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n 1830 when 19-year-old George Brown arrived in Leighton Buzzard, to work as a blacksmith, William IV was King.

Things must have gone well, as in 1841 George bought the tenancy of his forge along with the one next door and was joined by his son William in manufacturing the edge tools and ploughs for which they are famous.

By the second half of the 19th century they had installed steam driven equipment and were selling farm machinery across a 20 mile radius and weekly from Aylesbury market.

William’s eldest son Ernest joined up in the early 1900s. He invented a number of new agricultural implements and introduced automation into the production system.

After the First World War the company started selling some early tractors and in the years following the Second World War the fourth generation of Browns, Ernest’s sons Alan, Bernard and Bob joined the ranks.

Branches opened in Aylesbury, Buckingham and Chesham and combined with a newly won Massey Ferguson tractor dealership.

The latest generation of Browns is now led

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

by three cousins, managing director Christopher, director Andrew and Richard, who runs a farm near Winslow.

The company is still going strong and to this day trades under the name of the man who started it all with his blacksmith’s anvil - George Brown’s Implements Ltd. “It started with ploughs for local farmers,” says director Andrew Brown. “When farming became automated they came up with ideas for harvesting and collecting and it all moved on. At the moment we’re very busy making farming equipment things like yard scrapers and saw benches, mostly aimed at the agricultural market.

“We have a purposebuilt site in Leighton Buzzard with a retail unit and a manufacturing unit. On the dealership side our main dealerships are Kubota and Hayter and Valtra tractors and we have showrooms full of domestic machinery, gardening equipment, tools and hardware.

“We have developed from a one-stop shop for farmers who might want spare parts, nuts and bolts and some tools, as well as dog food and new boots!

“All our branches have workshops. We sell a lot of lawn mowers, which need setting up demonstrating and servicing. Equipment like chainsaws need to be put together properly and tested safely. It’s the same with the bigger

mowers.

“Our people know more than the average store assistant. All workshop staff go on manufacturing courses and the spares people are well trained - they have to know quite a lot as we deal with a diverse range of demands.

“In Leighton Buzzard we also have a hire division - mostly big machinery that goes out to places like golf courses.

“Recently we have diversified into fishing tackle. A couple of our employees came up with the idea. We have some keen fishermen on board and it has really taken off.

“We’ve put a lot of stock in and cover Carp, Coarse, Match and Flyfishing. We’re aiming to be a one-stop supershop with everything from maggots to expensive rods and cater for everyone from youngsters to serious anglers.”

The firm’s fishing tackle superstore in Leighton Buzzard has gone so well Brown’s have opened a huge tackle superstore at their Haddenham branch.

It’s an impressive set up with a stunning selection of tackle and bait, plus enough equipment for an assault on the North Pole let alone a night on the riverbank!

One of the company’s keen fishermen, Derren Burr, has switched from selling machinery in Leighton Buzzard to run the Haddenham section. He is assisted by Dan,

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Celebrity angler Kevin Nash and Nash accounts manager Matt Downing at the Haddenham tackle shop opening

Andrew Brown

Trina and Shamus

Derren Burr

who does a lot of match fishing.

“I’ve been fishing since I was 5 or 6 years of age and my dad used to take me,” says Derren.

“I was selling tractors at Leighton Buzzard but now being surrounded by the latest tackle and talking fishing every day is a dream job for me!

“We’ve got reels from £10 up to about £400 and the same with rods - there’s something for everyone. There’s Greys, Daiwa, JRC everyday coarse fishing rods, match fishing rods from float fishing to feeder fishing. It’s all on display so you can come and look and touch and get some advice.

“We’ve a big selection of bait from maggots and worms to carp and barbel pellets, boileys, dips, oils, additives...

“There’s bivvies from £100 up to £600, it depends how serious you want to get, nets, chairs, clothing. It’s a good selection.”

Brown’s Haddenham superstore is on the site of an old mill. It’s like a cross between a hardware and a garden centre, stocking tools, mowers and other useful items for home and garden such as compost, wheelbarrows, outdoor clothing, petfood and hardware.

Of the current generation of Brown’s, Andrew looks after the shops, including the domestic grass machinery side of things, while Christopher deals with the bigger Kubotas and the agricultural tractors and Richard runs the farm.

Andrew grew up in Slapton, near Leighton Buzzard and worked at an electrical distributer before joining Brown’s in the 1980s while Christopher went to university and worked for Massey-Ferguson. It is still very much a

family firm although they now have branches Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 8am-5pm Fridays open until 6pm in Buckingham, Chelmsford and Daventry as well as Leighton Buzzard, Haddenham and Chesham.

Andrew has twins a boy and a girl and an older daughter who is at university. His son, Jack is a very keen angler and is aiming to make fishing his career. He has already won the first apprenticeship with fishing tackle suppliers Nash and has featured in a DVD showing how to use Nash Tackle. He works three days a week in Brown’s too.

“It’s been good having new customers in for fishing equipment,” says Andrew. “People who hadn’t been to see us before are saying they’ve had a look round and found it really interesting. They didn’t realise the range we have.

“We have a website and we aim to develop that now. We’re launching a new fishing tackle site and we aim to sell other products, but we need to get the balance right, there is equipment that just isn’t suitable to sell in that way.”

It seems Brown’s will do well in their new role. Innovation and an ability to tap into new markets has been part of the Brown’s character since George hammered his first plough. The tackle store at Haddenham is already proving popular with the local angling fraternity who appreciate the range on offer. As one young angler said to me: “They’ve certainly gone for it - hook, line and sinker!” l George Brown’s, Thame Road, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire. HP17 8BY. Tel: 01844 292000 Fax: 01844 290932 Email: browns.haddenham@btconnect.com, Web: www.georgebrowns.co.uk,

Vale Life : May / June 2011

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

You need more than a socket set to be a modern mechanic.

Luckily there’s a local garage that knows all about MOtor TEChnology and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg...

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John and Beckie Nixey

Technician Steve Folley Technician Tony Daniel

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

’ve always been into mechanics,” says John Nixey, owner of Motec in Chinnor. “It was lawnmowers when I was a boy: ride-on lawnmowers, go-karts, motorbikes, I’d buy an old one, take it to bits and try and do something with it. There’s plenty to muck about with on a farm!”

John grew up on his father’s farm at the top of Chinnor Hill. He went to Lord Williams’s school in Thame and then on to Aylesbury Agricultural College at Hampden Hall in Stoke Mandeville.

After a few years repairing farm machinery for a couple of local companies he decided to set up his own workshop back on the family farm.

“I was an agricultural engineer for nearly 20 years,” says John. “It meant repairing and servicing all sorts of machinery from tractors to combines and balers. Steve, who works here now, was the same. We grew up together.“ John did agricultural repairs and then took on some cars: “One thing lead to another,” he says. “I got asked to repair the occasional car for friends and gradually the car side took over.”

John took on his current premises about six years ago. He’s behind Claremont Automatics on Oakley Road in Chinnor just along from the Co-op.

“It was a huge step,” says John “I was taking on a lease and borrowing funds to invest in equipment and technology. You never know what is going to happen - I had a wife and children to think about.”

It proved a good move though. The workshop is smart, spacious and very busy. There’s a small office and waiting room and plenty of parking. It looks modern and efficient and here, under the trading name Motec, John and three technicians deal with servicing and MOTs for cars and vans while his wife Beckie helps out in the office.

“We don’t do any welding,” says John, “but we do anything mechanical as well as diagnostics and electrics - absolutely everything really - and for all makes”.

The unit has plenty of ceiling height, which is handy if you want to get a 3.5 ton truck or campervan up on a lift. Motec can lift a 16ft wheelbase and caters for quite a few commercial vehicles, acknowledging their need to get back on the road as soon as possible.

The garage also boasts the latest computerised equipment which can be utilised for anything from reading fault codes to checking the wheel balance, braking performance and amount of play in joints.

The workshop is certified by the Bosch Car Service Scheme for which all the mechanics have to do a course, at least once a year, to keep up with changes in technology.

“There’s now a course out for battery powered cars,” says John, “electric cars and hybrid cars. Within the next eight years, 3-4% of cars will be that type. Bosch do all the training, they are a massive firm. Most fuel injectors and a lot of the electronic components on modern cars are made by them.”

John’s technicians have a useful variety of experience in different fields: “I’ve got Tony, who’s worked for Vauxhall, Steve, who worked for John Deere, and Graham, who’s worked for Seat and VW,” says John. “So there’s a broad spectrum of experience. Here they get to work on all makes and models.”

They seem to have rather a nice selection to work on too, as far as Vale Life can see. During our time at the garage we saw a Bentley, a Mercedes, a Saab and an Audi being serviced, while a long wheelbase van (apparently they are one of the few garages in the area with a ramp big enough) and a couple of runabouts were also having work done.

MOT tests are now registered online as they take place and Motec has gone a step further by having an automatic test lane installed - it was the first in the country.

“The lift is electronic and hydraulic,” says John, “and we’ve got shaker plates on it, which can wobble the steering to check the bottom ball joints. It means we don’t have to have a sitter in the car, one person can do it all.

“We have to log on to the VOSA (Vehicle

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Trina and Shamus

and Operator Services Agency) MOT test site when we start an MOT. We do the test and then at the end we log off again having entered our findings. A pass or a fail is then printed and VOSA have a record of everything that’s gone on.

“We do an average of ten MOTs a day but we have two lanes so we could cater for more.

“Because of our strict MOT rules this country has one of the best safety records in Europe,” says John, “but the government is looking at changing the test to every other year with the first one being when a car’s four years old! That sounds like a backward step to me, I hope it doesn’t happen!

“We’ve invested quite heavily in diagnostics.

We have four machines to cover the various makes of cars. There isn’t one machine that reads everything. We have to continually upgrade the software which costs about a thousand pounds a year for each machine.

“We are very busy at the moment and I’ll probably be looking to employ another technician in the next year or so. Our customers come from a surprisingly wide area - Aylesbury to Wallingford.

“I hope they come here because we’re nice

people to deal with, because we do a good job and because we are reasonably priced.

“We’ve got rent, rates, wages, tools and technology to pay for but whereas the main dealers will charge in excess of £100 an hour for labour we’re £55.

“We know that’s still a lot of money but we endeavour to give a good service. We talk to our customers and are on first-name terms with most. Once they’ve found us, most return. We see approximately a hundred cars a week come through here.

“We’re not right on the main road but it hasn’t hampered us. We’ve got good parking and a nice outlook and we are happy to supply customers with a courtesy car while their vehicle is with us, or collect and deliver if local.”

Talking to John and wife Beckie you can see why Motec is so popular. It could be John’s farming background but you sense you are dealing with genuine trustworthy people. A hard-working local lad who will do his best for you and charges a fair price too. l Motec, 40 Oakley Road, Chinnor OX39 4ES Telephone: 01844 353388 Website: www.motecchinnor.co.uk

Vale Life : May / June 2011

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

Once a training ground for World War II bomber pilots RAF Oakley is now Wornal Park, an impressive, private business estate helping to regenerate our rural economy...

D

uring World War II the RAF built a three runway airfield near Thame, between Oakley and Worminghall. RAF Oakley was used primarily for Wellington bomber training and as a satellite airfield for RAF Westcott. It closed to flying in August 1945 but the main runway and the large ‘T2’ hangars remained for many years.

The airfield is now the site of Wornal Park Industrial Estate, a smart and stylish, privately owned business park run by Godfrey Caldwell, pictured right.

“We still get the occasional pilot dropping by,” laughs Godfrey. “Usually they are Australians or New Zealanders who did their training here during the war. It happened more often when we first came here in the 70s. They’d turn up to see the place with their wives and children - they were great guys, real characters with fascinating tales.”

Godfrey is a northerner from farming stock. He grew up in Widnes, was educated in Berkshire and then joined the family grass drying business, which he’d been helping with since the age of six, when he and his older sister were roped in to bag up the grass.

He thought the old aircraft hangars would make great drying factories and bought the ten acre airfield site in 1976.

“Farmers would let us grow grass on their land as part of the crop rotation and it would be brought in to dry before being used as animal feed,” says Godfrey. “There were large coal fired driers in the hangars to assist the process.

‘It became very successful. I even started an engineering company because no-one made big solid heavy-duty rotary mowers that didn’t break down and we were harvesting 150 acres a day. We were making the biggest mowers in the world at one time!

“You need a lot of energy and to be absolutely on the ball for grass growing. The business is 24 hours a day and hinges on splitsecond decisions. We might be cutting grass 25 miles away and the moment you cut it, it’s deteriorating. You had to cut the exact amount you could get in the driers over 24 hours.

You couldn’t cut it all at once as it would start

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

Godfrey Caldwell sweating and deteriorating while waiting for a drier. The grass went into huge rotary drying drums, 25ft long and 12ft in diameter on four rollers. They went round at 16rpm and used 45 tonnes of coal every 24 hours. When dry it was pressed into pellets for animal feed. The first load would arrive at 8am, the last at 8pm.

“We had a great team - a cracking crew of people and we did really well.

“We were producing 12,000 tons of grass pellets, which - if you take away the moisture content of the stuff coming in, meant we were bringing in something like 65,000 tons of wet grasses a year!

“There were other products too: potato peelings from Walkers Crisps, potato washings from McCains chips, they could all be dried and made into pellets for animal feed.”

Times were changing though and the grass drying industry was running into problems with increasing energy bills and climate change legislation.

“Energy costs were going up,” says Godfrey. “Pollution and environment were the issues of the day and Blair was reforming agricultural policy which meant subsidies were disappearing. It was time for a change.

“There’s only about half a dozen firms in the country doing drying today. It’s more about silage now but that hadn’t been invented when grass-drying started.

In 2001 Godfrey decided a change of

direction was required and went to discuss his ideas with the Planning Department at Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC).

“The planners at Aylesbury had been very helpful during my grass-drying days,” says Godfrey. “I’d built four buildings in that time and found them supportive, practical and accommodating, as were people in the village. I felt we’d built a good rapport, so I ran the idea of opening a business park past the chief of planning, to see if they’d be able to support an application to develop the site. He looked into it and after about six months wrote back to say they would consider an application to vary the uses of the existing buildings.

“It took a year to get through the processes but AVDC granted permission to pull down the old hanger and build the equivalent area, 30,000ft2, in new units.

“I sold all the grass-drying equipment, stripped the buildings down to the frames and converted them into business units. It all came together very quickly. That was in 2002.

We built extra units in phases and I went round other industrial estates to see what they had and decided what I would offer. I employed two local commercial agents and got some good tenants in.

“I think the reason it’s been successful is personal involvement. I’m always around, I keep an eye on the place and keep it neat and tidy. I see my tenants about once a month - on

Vale Life : May / June 2011

In the Beanbag warehouse

A Bugatti at Gentry Restorations

Vintage cars at Gentry Restorations some estates a tenant won’t see his landlord from one year to the next!

“I aim to provide beautiful - if industrial premises can be beautiful - clean, well-presented, comfortable facilities in which to work and hopefully make money.

“We’ve now got units from 1,800ft2 to 5,000ft2 and Pete, who has worked with me for 35 years, looks after the grounds.

“We’ve lots of parking and road links are good.

The government is very much behind encouraging the development of business in rural areas at the moment but with AVDC we’ve been doing A unit is prepared it here for almost ten for occupation years already.

“There’s obviously a strong demand in the area as each phase filled up really quickly.

We’ve a real diversity of activities and nearly all are run by or employ local people.

“There’s a meat supplier, a local cheese company, a fruit juice firm and a coffee business - sadly we’ve no wine distributor as yet but I’m working on it!

“It’s quite amazing the diversity: from cryogenics to Bugatti restoration, hand-painted tiles and jumps for horses, to name a few!

“We’re full up now though and there’s still a demand for space so I’m going to talk to

Hand painting tiles at Decorum AVDC about the possibility of building another unit. It may be an unusual request at the moment - someone wishing to build during the economic downturn!”

At Wornal Park Godfrey Caldwell has created a quite unique facility. It’s a clean, tidy and spacious development with a gorgeous rural aspect, much appreciated by those working there. The units are top quality and as landlord and manager of the park he’s available and accessible and takes a personal pride in the upkeep of the estate, which is a large part of what makes it such a popular place to be.

“I’m proud of what we have here,” says Godfrey. “It’s like working with family and friends. Nearly all the companies are local and it’s great they have the opportunity to work somewhere nice in the middle of the countryside. The people are a top quality bunch and genuinely happy to be here. Everyone should have the option of working in such a pleasant rural environment!”

Despite his northern roots the Vale is very much home to Godfrey now. He has lived in Halton, Long Crendon, Worminghall, Horton-Cum-Studley and Thame over the past 35 years and has four grown up children.

“I’m looking forward to working with AVDC on a final phase,” says Godfrey. “I’ve run three successful businesses here over the past 30 years and I’m very attached to the place.

We’ve nearly gone full circle now as air travel is back on the agenda - only in a small way though when an occasional client arrives by helicopter!”

Godfrey is certainly doing something right as his tenants seem to be his biggest fans. We called in on a couple to see what it was that brought them to Wornal Park:

ley: “We like the place because it’s tidy, it’s prestigious,” says Malcolm. “ We need goodlooking premises as our clients expect it. Those that fly in by helicopter can land on the airfield.

It’s a modern, strong, tidy, secure building... there’s no riff-raff on the site - Godfrey won’t have that...there’s no problems with neighbours or high-risk people about. Ground security is good, there’s electronic gates and Godfrey makes sure it’s all kept neat and tidy.”

Nicki Crawford: Office Manager Decorum Tiles.

“It’s always nicely kept, the grass is cut or leaves swept up regularly and it’s quite a quiet estate being slightly remote...There’s also plenty of space for our lorries to turn round.’

Jo Evans: sales manager/office manager Beanbag Coffee Company “We’ve been at the site for six years. We like the location, it’s good for the motorway and the way it’s run is absolutely brilliant. The groundsman is always about sweeping up, there’s no mess allowed outside. It’s kept very tidy.”

Adam White: (below) Managing Director Whitakers Equestrian Services, Manufacturer of Poly Jumps “We’ve been here three years, we needed somewhere bigger to expand the business and it’s worked very well for us. It’s tidy here and very well run, there’s good access and plenty of room for vehicles.” l Wornal Park Estate Office, Agridry Ltd, Menmarsh Road, Worminghall, Bucks, HP18 9JX. Tel: 01844 339678 Fax: 01844 338139.

Adam White Managing Director of Whitakers Equestrian Services

Malcolm Gentry: Managing Director Gentry Restorations Malcolm and his company restore old Bugatti racing cars, see pics above. He has been at Wornal for seven years and lives nearby in Oak-

Vale Life : May / June 2011

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

l Column: Ruby McLee

Aylesbury’s own America foodie

Our farm diary from Richard and Rosemary Hilsdon who run Boycott Farm, near Stowe, with its popular farm shop and restaurant.

A

s the days get longer our thoughts turn to Open Farm Sunday. This is a national event when farms of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to open their doors, or gates, and welcome in the public so they can take a look around and see a bit more of life on a farm. It is always a popular event at Boycott. The hi-light of the day is when Richard takes everyone on a tour of his beloved acres in a trailer towed by his tractor. The ride is bumpy and the seats are made from bales of hay, but it’s always fun and people come away knowing more about Boycott Farm and the surrounding countryside.

On our Open Farm Sunday last year our bull, Mr Beefy, was allowed out in the field with his “ladies”. The product of a weekend wooing his women is no less than 23 calves, born over the last couple of weeks. What a man! All the cattle and their young are now happily out in the fields enjoying the fresh new grass. Along with those being born on the farm, we’ve also had to buy in some new Gloucester Old Spot piglets to add to our stock as the demand in our butchery has increased and we are struggling to keep up. Our customers do like their sausages!

A few weeks ago, we Mr Beefy had some visitors all the way from Africa. They were on a tour of farms at different stages of diversification. We were the “last but not least” farm they visited at the end of the day. We were billed as a farm which had successfully diversified into other areas, i.e. the shop, butchery and restaurant, in order to keep the farm running as a viable business. They were extremely impressed with our set up and hopefully went back to Africa with lots of new ideas.

Open Farm Sunday is on 12th June from 10am until 6pm. Admission is free but we do welcome donations for our charity, Chiltern Air Ambulance. We look forward to seeing you there. l Boycott Farm, Welsh Lane, Stowe, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5DJ. Telephone: 01280 821286. Email: shop@ boycottfarm.co.uk Website: www.boycottfarm.co.uk 32

Vale Life : May / June 2011

I

’ve just returned home from visiting a friend who once played Thelma to my Louise. (Or was it the other way around?) In our mid-twenties we drove from Seattle to New Orleans, via Vegas, Grand Canyon and Mexico. As you do. Some of my favourite memories from our trip are the amazing breakfasts we downed each morning before hitting the road.

In Mexico, it was always Huevos Rancheros (Rancher’s Eggs). So, in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo (celebrating Mexico’s victory over the French on 5th May, 1862) and in anticipation of National Vegetarian Week (23rd to 29th May), I’m inviting you to take a drive on the wild side. It makes a nice change from the Full English!

Huevos Rancheros (Serves 4)

What You Need: 1 onion, diced 1 tbsp olive oil 1-2 bell peppers, diced 1 tbsp finely chopped jalapeno pepper 1 clove garlic, minced 1 can chopped tomatoes Dash of chilli powder Dash of cumin

Salt/pepper to taste 2 cans refried beans 4 eggs ¼ cup dry white cheese (queso blanco if you can find it, otherwise paneer, mild feta or mozzarella) to garnish Corn tortillas to serve

What You Do: 1. Preheat oven to 200 C. 2. To make the salsa, heat oil in large skillet and fry onions over medium heat until golden.

3. Add peppers and fry until softened, then add garlic, tomatoes and spices.

Cook for five minutes, then set aside.

4. Spoon the beans into the bottom of an ovenproof dish (or four individual ones as pictured) and make eight hollows. Break the eggs into each of four indentations and then spoon salsa into the remaining four.

5. Season the eggs and bake for 20 minutes.

6. Remove from oven, sprinkle with cheese and serve with corn tortillas.

Notes: 1. My recipe rather glaringly omits coriander. This is because I can’t stand the stuff. If you like it, chop up a handful and add it to the salsa with the tomatoes. Save some for garnish too.

2. Refried beans, jalapenos and corn tortillas are available in the ethnic food section of most supermarkets. If you’re pressed for time, you could also buy ready-made salsa and skip steps 2 and 3 above.

3. Black beans are lovely with this (instead of the refried). I couldn’t find them locally but if you do, please drop me an email to tell me where!

Ruby McLee is a local writer, photographer and author of popular food blog Tomayto Tomaaahto, which you can read online at www.tomaytotomaaahto.com

l Column: Matt Brown - One Hungry Man

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p until three days ago I knew exactly what today’s column was going to be about. A friend recently loaned me a copy of a cookbook from Malawi and, knowing how much I love weird stuff, drew my attention to the chapter marked ‘insects’. I had planned to share a couple of recipes and maybe even try some out on good old fashioned British insects. However, that treat will have to wait because as I write this I am staring at more meat than I have seen in my life and all of it is currently on my kitchen table (see photo right).

Those of you who have read this column before may well know that for the last six months my family has been looking after a lamb. Well, springtime for year old lambs means chops for the rest of us and dear old Minty was, a few days ago, dispatched to that great barbecue in the sky.

The remains of the animal are now waiting to go in my freezer hence the heroic amount of meat on my table. For the record I am currently gazing over two

Matt Brown

ONE Hungry Man

l Listen to Matt Brown on Heart Breakfast With Matt and Michelle (weekdays 6-9am 102.6FM).

Tweet Matt at twitter.com/frazzleddaddy

legs, two shoulders, three bags of mince (breast and neck), one liver, two kidneys and about a million chops ranging from cutlets to rump end.

The point of having Minty was for the whole family to understand a little more about where the meat we enjoy comes from.

It has not always been an easy road to travel. Many meat-eating friends and family members have wondered how we could care for

an animal one minute and send him to slaughter the next? Well, to my mind, if you think like that you probably should be a vegetarian. Every piece of cling film wrapped chicken bought in a supermarket or the beef in a flame-grilled burger has been something that once lived (and died). Minty the sheep lived a good life free to roam where he pleased with his flock and fed his favourite food. I’m pretty sure that the same cannot be said of most of the meat that ends up on British plates.

I intend to make sure that every piece of Minty is treated with the love and respect that it deserves. So, I thought I’d share with you a couple of recipes that I will make over the coming days in memory of one hell of a sheep.

Alex, my mate, is the greatest lamb chop cook in the world and this is how he does it (this recipe is for inch thick chops).

First, use a barbeque. Don’t even

Vale Life : May / June 2011

think of cooking lamb chops in a pan indoors as it will be like showering in lamb fat. Simply make sure the barbie is really hot and then grill the chops for four minutes per side - finish by pressing the fat side down on the grill for a bit. Easy.

The next one is brilliant for the family; your kids will love my lamb meatballs.

Combine a bag of minced lamb, a handful of parmesan, a tablespoon of fresh, chopped RIP Minty rosemary, two eggs, a handful of breadcrumbs that have been soaked in milk and some salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix well with your hands and form into meatballs about the size of a walnut. Fry in some hot oil, add to a simple tomato sauce and serve with spaghetti.

The mixture will also make great burgers for a springtime barbie.

Happy eating and please let me know your lamb recipes.

I’d love to share them. Email: matt@vale-life.co.uk

Rapeseed oiling the wheels of industry

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n our last issue we reported on Tring farmer Simon Mead, left, and his creative diversification programme at Wilstone Great Farm. With the farm’s traditional crops becoming uneconomic to produce, Simon has turned his efforts to a number of alternative projects.

The farm produces logs, kindling and Chiltern Lump Wood Charcoal, see left, and Simon has installed a cold press and now presses, bottles and sells his own award-winning extra virgin rapeseed oil (Chiltern Coldpressed).

Home produced beef and lamb is sold alongside these products at his P. E. Mead & Sons Farm Shop across the road from the farm by the reservoir at Wilstone near Tring.

The shop displays a stunning array of produce and incorporates a popular tea room/café and gift shop.

It’s a good sized farm shop in a converted barn and stocks many

locally produced items: l Freshly baked bread from Prudens Bakery in Markyate l Locally baked biscuits from Just Biscuits in Stoke Mandeville l Free range eggs from Bradmoor Farm in Haddenham l Flour from Heygates mill in Tring. l Beechdean’s Farmhouse Dairy Ice Cream from Speen. l Handmade cakes from Bury Farm Bakery in Royston, North Hertfordshire l Tyrrells potato chips made from potatoes grown on Tyrrells court farm in Herefordshire l Rodda’s clotted cream, creme fraiche and English butter produced near Redruth, Cornwall. l Simon also stocks a large selection of quality fresh fruit and vegetables collected fresh from market on Tuesday and Friday mornings. When the season is right he stocks as much as possible from local sources such as Grove Farm Pick Your Own in

Ivinghoe. There is also a range of frozen fruit and vegetables from Field-Fare. l Dry cured bacon, sausages, ham, gammons and pork from Wicks Manor farm near Maldon, Essex l Handmade pasties, pies and tarts from Raven’s Den Fine Foods at Astwood Buckinghamshire and Lime Tree Pantry in Nottinghamshire l Preserves, dressings and sauces from the Bay Tree Food Company, Shepton Mallet l There’s also a selection of pet food and plants and garden related items like compost and bark chippings. l PE Mead & Sons Farm Shop, Wilstone Green, Wilstone, Tring , Herts. HP23 4PA. Tel: 01442 828478.

Website: http://pemeadandsons.co.uk Chiltern Coldpressed Website: http://chilterncoldpressed rapeseedoil.co.uk Vale Life : May / June 2011

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Food & Drink Your guide to the best local venues

To feature your pub or restaurant call the editor on 01844 261579 email: editor@vale-life.co.uk Listings from £15 per issue The Akeman, Akeman Street, Tring Herts HP23 6AA. 01442 826027 www.theakeman.co.uk The Angel, 47 Bicester Road, Long Crendon, Bucks HP17 9EE. 01844 208268. www.angelrestaurant.co.uk The Bell, The Green, Chearsley Bucks HP18 0DJ. 01844 208077 www.thebellchearsley.co.uk The Chequers, 35 Church Lane, Weston Turville, Bucks HP22 5SJ. 01296 613298 www.thechequers-westonturville.co.uk The Crown, Aylesbury Rd, Cuddington Bucks HP18 0BB. 01844 292222 www.thecrowncuddington.co.uk The Crown, Sydenham, Oxon OX39 4NB 01844 351634 www.crownsydenham.co.uk The Farmers Bar, Kings Head Passage Market Square, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2RW. 01296 718812 www.farmersbar.co.uk Five Elms, Stockaway, Weedon Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4NL 01296 641439. www.fiveelmsweedon.com

The George and Dragon The Green, Quainton Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4AR 01296 655436 www.georgeanddragonquainton.co.uk The Dinton Hermit, Water Lane, Ford Aylesbury, Bucks HP17 8XH 01296 747473. www.dintonhermit.co.uk The Hop Pole, 83 Bicester Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 9AZ 01296 482129. www.hop-pole.co.uk Le Bistro, 4 Pound Street, Wendover Bucks HP22 6EJ. 01296 622092 www.lebistrowendover.co.uk Lions of Bledlow, Church End, Bledlow Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 9PE 01844 343345. www.lionsofbledlow.co.uk

Olive Limes, 60 High Street, Tring, Herts HP23 5AG . 01442 828444 www.olivelimes.co.uk

Shoulder of Mutton, 20 Pound St, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6 EJ. 01296 623223

The Peacock Country Inn, Henton, Oxon OX39 4AH. 01844 353519 www.peacockcountryinn.co.uk

Spice Cottage, 57 Tring Road, Wendover Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 6NU. 01296 625202 www.spicecottagerestaurant.co.uk

The Pheasant Inn, 39 Windmill Street Brill, Bucks HP18 9TG. 01844 239370 www.thepheasant.co.uk

The Thatch, 29-30 Lower High Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 2AA. 01844 214346 www.thethatchthame.co.uk

The Red Lion Hotel, 9 High Street, Wendover, Bucks HP22 6DU. 01296 622266 www.redlionhotelwendover.co.uk

The Six Bells, 43-44 High Street, Thame , Oxon, OX9 2AD. 01844 212088 www.fullers.co.uk

The Rockwood, 32 Kingsbury, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2JE. 01296 423849 www.rockwoodpub.co.uk

Mia Capri, 87 High Street, Thame Oxon OX9 3EH. 01844 213016 www.miacapri.co.uk

Rose and Crown, 2 Oxford Road, Stone, Bucks HP17 8PB 01296 748388 www.roseandcrownstone.co.uk

The Millwrights, 83 Walton Street Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 7SN 01296 393711

Rose and Thistle, 6 Station Road, Haddenham, Bucks HP17 8AJ. 01844 291451

Mole and Chicken, Easington, Bucks HP18 9EY. 01844 208387 www.themoleandchicken.co.uk

Seven Stars, Stars Lane, Dinton, Bucks HP17 8UL. 01296 749000 www.7starsdinton.co.uk

Country Pub l Eating l Conversation.

The Valient Trooper, Trooper Rd, Aldbury, Tring, Herts, HP23 5RW. 01442 851203 The Village Gate, 225 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Bucks HP22 6BA. 01296 623884 www.villagegatewendover.com The White Swan, 18 High Street, Wendover, Bucks HP22 6EA. 01296 622271 The Woolpack, Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks HP22 5UP 01296 615970 www.woolpackstokemandeville.co.uk

Win a meal for two at The Woolpack

‘A friendly pub serving top quality, unpretentious food’ The TIMES, Saturday, 5th February, 2011 We’re open from 12 noon every day, serving our main menu from 12-3ish and 6-10ish (sandwiches, sharing plates and pizzas available all day).

Sunday Roasts 2 courses for £15 Enjoy one of our 3 beautiful outside and decking areas overlooking the Wendover Hills.

Families and dogs welcome! www.villagegatewendover.co.uk 01296 623884

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

Known locally as ‘The Woolly’ The Woolpack at Stoke Mandeville is one of the area’s top pub/restaurants.

It has a stylish bar with an open fire, shabby chic mismatched furniture in confident colours and spacious dining rooms full of chunky tables and comfy chairs.

The menu combines modern Mediterranean influences with British classics such as steaks and fish and chips.

There is a comprehensive wine list and an array of continental beers, as well as cask ales - literally something for everyone! it is the perfect setting for a long lazy lunch, a dinner rendez-vous, a drink with friends or a family meal - in fact any occasion which calls for

good food and wine in stylish surroundings.

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a meal for two at The Woolpack with a complimentary bottle of Ben & Rudi Chenin Blanc, or Ben & Rudi Cabernet Shiraz, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which famous TV soap features a pub called The Woolpack?

Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email on May 31st. l The Woolpack, Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5UP. Tel: 01296 615 970. Website: www. woolpackstokemandeville.co.uk

l Food & Drink

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Wendover is one of our prettiest villages. It has fabulous shops and is in the heart of some great walking country. There’s another reason to visit though - a cracking good pub...

W

endover’s Shoulder of Mutton is a fine, traditional British pub. Situated at the top end of the village, beneath the Chiltern Scarp, it is full of ancient character - the pub was first shown on a map in 1620 and is packed with huge oak beams and open fireplaces.

In the past the hostelry was also known as The Railway Hotel being fairly close to Wendover station. The first recording of the current name being in 1903.

It is owned by Chef and Brewer and run as a pub restaurant with good value, freshly prepared, pub food and high quality drink served by welcoming and friendly staff.

Manager Adam Szczypior has been at ‘The Shoulder’ for a year now and organises the spacious tavern with charm and efficiency.

“We are here as a business,” he says, “but we are here for the community as well. We like to get involved. Villagers have held meetings here for the HS2 campaign and to save Wendover library. We sponsor the local cricket team and do fundraising events for the Iain Rennie Hospice among other causes.”

Adam is from Częstochowa in Southern Poland. He already had catering experience when he came to England in 1999 and has gained quite a bit more since. He has been working with Chef and Brewer for three years and previously ran The Boot and Slipper in Amersham-on-the-Hill.

“We have over 20 members of staff here,” says Adam, “some part-time, some full-time.

It’s a really good team. Chris Thompson is my Team Leader and Emma Allen is deputy manager. On a Sunday we may have four or five staff in the kitchen and eight out front.

“We can seat around 120 indoors and another 150 in the garden. Some days we serve a lot of meals!”

It is not surprising The Shoulder of Mutton is so popular. It offers great value and an excellent food selection. there really is something for everyone.

You could have Breast of Guinea Fowl

Adam Szczypior

with bacon, wilted spring cabbage, buttered thyme mash, Bordeaux sauce and mulled plum chutney; slow-cooked Rib of Beef in red wine sauce with bubble and squeak, green beans and field mushrooms; Fillet of Sea Bream with buttered samphire and garlic and olive oil mash, roasted shallots and basil pesto; or ‘Teriyaki Surf and Turf ’ for around the £12 mark, however select from the ‘meal deal’ menus and you can be eating three courses for under £11!

“Each month we have a new set of specials which utilise seasonal produce,” says Adam, “We also have a curry night on Thursdays, a fish night on Fridays and of course a traditional roast on Sundays, which is served from 12pm to 9.30pm.

“We get a lot of walkers stopping here to walk in the Chiltern hills. They often park in our carpark, pre-order their food and then come back for lunch after their walk.

“I think we cater for every occasion and every taste here. Families with children are welcome and we offer a special children’s menu. We can also cater for special events.

“At the bar we have at least four real ales on plus a selection of lagers and cider. The wine list ranges from Italian red or white at £9.95 to our best Champagne at £46.95. But most bottles of wines are well under £20.

“Through May until June 14th we have a wine festival with special deals on a selection of wines to give our guests a chance to try something new.

“I enjoy it here very much,” says Adam, “We have had some lovely events: New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and now the weather is better we have a huge garden which is good for families with children, or for soaking up some sun with a meze platter and a jug of Pimms - Please join me!” l The Shoulder of Mutton, 20 Pound Street, Wendover, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EJ. Telephone: 01296 623223 Website: www.chefandbrewer.com

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’, they say and Princes Risborough’s Old Library on Church Street is the perfect example. It’s like a TARDIS inside - and ideal for a spot of cullinary time travel...

I

n Bangladeshi food culture the word ‘Radhuni’ conveys a special respect for the skills of the ‘home cook’, usually the wife or mother, whose knowledge of the best natural ingredients draws on a long culinary tradition. The premise that ‘mother’s home cooked food is best’, is probably one accepted the world over though!

At the Radhuni Indian Restaurant in Princes Risborough manager Akhtar Hussain and his team are drawing on traditional recipes and methods, avoiding artificial additives and using quality ingredients, to give diners a more authentic Indian experience.

Akhtar’s Uncle Miah opened his first Radhuni in Flackwell Heath in 2004. The formula has gone down extremely well there and the restaurant boasts an enviable reputation for excellent cuisine, meticulously crafted by head chef Abul Kalam Azad, using authentic recipes handed down to him from generations of Mughul court cooking.

Their Princes Risborough branch opened in the Old Library on Church Street in 2009.

The building which is Grade II listed, is a stunning 16th century wealden house, with black and white timbering to the left of a modern entrance. The library checked out to its current site at the other end of town in 1986 and the premises were used as a Chinese restaurant before Radhuni moved in.

Once in the pleasant reception area with it’s funky modern bar, the first time visitor will be amazed to see what looks like an Elizabethan banqueting hall stretching away to the left.

“We loved the character of the building,” says Akhtar, “and it’s such a surprise when you come inside.”

In the restaurant the high ceiling and old oak beams have been complemented with some impressive brass chandeliers and metal pendant shades, which add an exotic edge to the stylish decor.

“We’re trying to do something a little bit different at Radhuni,” says Akhtar. “We still do a typical Indian menu, but we’re adding new dishes gathered from all over South East Asia. People enjoy the traditional dishes

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but 80 per cent of our customers choose the house specialities which you won’t find elsewhere. The dishes are based on recipes handed down from generation to generation.

“Our head chef Zahid Hassan is very good, very experienced. He has worked in many restaurants including four or five years at Radhuni in Flackwell Heath. He has developed some superb dishes although my personal favourite is still Jhalfrezi!”

Akhtar grew up in Bangladesh. He’s always been interested in food and cooking and when he came to England in his 20s, some 11 years ago, he joined his relatives in the restaurant trade: “I worked for several restaurants and then joined Radhuni at Flackwell Heath,” says Akhtar, “I am now overseeing the day to day running of Radhuni in Princes Risborough.

“We have seven staff serving and six in the kitchens on a busy night and we can seat up to 90 diners at any one time. We do takeaways too, so it can get quite busy.”

“All the food is prepared and cooked fresh,” he says. “We do preparation in the afternoon and cook before serving in the evening. We have tandoori dishes and marinades to prepare, breads to be made. We have a special tandoori oven which cooks very hot.

“We have Kingfisher on draft and bottled Cobra and a reasonable selection of wines including some Indian ones which are slightly spicier and go well with our dishes.

“Some people like their food hot, while others like their’s mild. We have the strength of dish graded on our menu, but just say if you would like it more or less spicy.

“We try to offer good food and good service in nice surroundings. If people come here once they usually come back and often bring friends too.

“Things are going well in the restaurant business at the moment. We occasional put some entertainment on like an Elvis night or belly dancing which is very popular.

“We try to keep our prices reasonable. We’d rather people can afford to come here every week than just once a month!

“We have customers coming from quite a

wide area, from Thame, Chinnor, Walther’s Ash, Naphill, all round.

“We like Princes Risborough very much.

It is a pretty town and the people are very friendly. We enjoy taking part in community events like the Risborough Festival - we will have a stall outside again this year and we are always happy to give vouchers for school raffles and fundraising events or to help out if we can.”

There’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere; at Radhuni. It’s a spacious place with a separate bar area where you can wait for takeouts, have a quiet chat, or watch some Bollywood.

The menu boasts some fabulous dishes: Catalana Chicken or lamb is described as fullflavoured and spicy with star anise, coconut, cinnamon, jovantry, fenugreek seeds and special Goan red chillis; Peri Peri Chicken is cooked with onion, green peppers and tomatoes with the house prei-peri sauce, while Sho-coo-tee is an exotic complex, medium hot Goan curry.

Radhuni is open seven days a week, including bank holidays. The restaurant delivers free within five miles on orders over £15. They also do gift vouchers and have discounts and benefits for Radhuni Spice Club members.

“We are just updating our website,” says Akhtar, “so people can order a takeaway online. We can also do outside catering for parties or events. We did food for 200 at Lacey Green School ball which went very well and we cater for lots of smaller events too. I am always happy to discuss any event or party catering requests people may have.”

It’s well worth giving Radhuni a try. The restaurant looks great while Akhtar and his staff are very welcoming. There’s a host of mouthwatering options on the menu and the chance to try some authentic Indian home cooking - for once not actually done by a woman! l Radhuni, The Old Library, Church Street, Princes Risborough, BUCKS, HP27 9AA Tel: 01844 273 741 / 273 412 Email: pr-info@radhunirestaurant.co.uk Web: www.radhunirestaurant.co.uk

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Akhtar with chef Zahid

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Louise and Gary Hall

Gary and Louise Hall live in a beautiful 17th century manor house near Henley. The couple cater for weddings and parties in their stunning tithe barn and are now offering the use of their delightful home too. Vale Life takes a trip to Bix...

G

ary Hall grew up in his parents’ Buckinghamshire hotel and soon discovered he possessed the family flair for hospitality.

A successful career in catering ensued and when Gary bought Bix Manor in 1986, he thought the 17th century manor, with its great tithe barn and six acre garden, the perfect place to bring up his family. There was also enough extra space from which to administer his catering business.

“We started doing weddings at the manor by accident,” says Gary. “I’d lived here a couple of years and a friend asked if he could use the barn for a wedding. It worked really well. One of his guests wanted us to do another and gradually, just by word of mouth, our reputation spread and we were asked to do more and more. We must have catered for over 600 weddings now!”

Gary trained at the world famous École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland and has many years experience both in hotels and as a contract caterer, providing in-house dining for numerous companies and catering for events.

“We only do 25 weddings a year,” says Louise. We offer a more personal service than you’ll get at most hotels. We’ll only do one event over a weekend and we offer exclusivity

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of use from Friday to Sunday lunchtime.

“We’ll meet the couple and their parents, discuss their plans, host tastings and then Gary will personally run the event on the day.”

The Grade II listed manor was originally a farmhouse but has had bits added over the years. The gorgeous 30ft dining room with it’s thick oak beams and huge Inglenook is the oldest part, while next door the stylish kitchen-breakfast room boasts a cosy range and constant supply of fresh eggs from the manor hens.

It is clearly a home that had staff - there are old bell pushes in some of the rooms for summoning the maid - and the atmosphere retains a gentile, Edwardian sophistication while remaining homely and welcoming.

The main house accommodates up to 12 guests in six large double or twin bedrooms with five modern bathrooms.

“My daughter got married and my son is living abroad,” says Gary, “So there is more space than Louise and I need. We decided to have a complete refurb and let it out with the weddings, or for short stays.

“We’ve redecorated the whole house, says Louise “I’m a bit fanatical about interiors and I’ve had a real ball choosing fabrics and designing the interiors.”

Louise has retained Bix Manor’s period features while showing her passion and flair for home interiors, to create a stylish mix of old and new.

Facilities are modern and luxurious but the house hasn’t lost the atmosphere of a period country house and exudes the calm elegance of a bygone age.

“We’ve tried to keep the feel of a home but added the care and attention to detail that you would get in a five star hotel,” she says, “with modern bathrooms, nice bed linens and quality towels and bathrobes.”

“For house guests we provide a fully stocked larder and our chef can do main meals if required,” says Louise.

“On wedding weekends we lay the table for breakfast, which I cook, but guests can also cater for themselves in between times. It’s a mixture of catering and self-catering depending on what is required.

“It’s ideal for special occasions, big birthdays, wedding anniversaries and family get togethers. People can stay in the house and have a private dinner party or they can use the barn for a party.”

The large cosy kitchen offers all you would need to rustle up a light lunch for the family or a posh nosh supper for 12 guests. The

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Bix Manor kitchen area is spacious with a large four oven-Aga, plenty of seating, work surfaces and all the modern kitchen appliances needed to prepare gastronomic delights surrounded by friends and family.

If however you would rather have someone cook for you, Bix Manor can provide preprepared meals ordered in advance of your stay or caterers and a chef can be hired.

“We have a booking coming up,” says Gary, “which is a 60th birthday celebration. The hosts are staying in the house for three nights and they’re having a tea party for 100 in the barn.”

The Great Tithe Barn provides a fantastic backdrop for any celebration and can be decorated as required. It seats up to 130 guests and attached is The Library which is used for reception drinks and for a quieter space after the meal. The barn can also be hired for conferences, meetings and courses.

“A couple who got married here a few years ago are coming back for a christening party soon,” says Louise, “which is lovely. And last year we held a 20th wedding anniversary party for a couple who originally got married here twenty years ago. They had the Pasadena Roof Orchestra perform at their wedding and managed to get them back again for the

anniversary!”

Bix Manor has its own catering team but unusually does not supply alcohol. Hosts are free to bring their own wine and Champagne though and there is no corkage charge!

“Our head chef Christine Lloyd is sensational,” says Gary, “she’s been with us a long time and runs the food side faultlessly.

“I organise the front of house and I’ve lots of enthusiastic staff who demonstrate that when it comes to service, nothing is too much trouble - it really isn’t here. People are usually celebrating a big occasion with us and put a lot of thought and energy into it. The least they can expect is for us to do the same.

That’s not always the case in some venues where you are just another function. We strive to make every event really special at Bix. “We’ve a lovely courtyard and patio area for outside drinks,” says Louise, “and some pretty spots for photographs. There’s about seven acres in all including a paddock with alpacas.”

The grounds include the pretty Fountain Courtyard with olive trees and lavender, a rose patio and lawns flanked by a herbaceous walk, arched yew topiary and the Italian water garden. There is also parking for 60 cars.

Bix Manor overlooks open farmland and is in a designated ‘area of outstanding natural

The Tithe Barn beauty’ with bluebell walks, the Chiltern Hills, magnificent beech woods and public footpaths through beautiful private estates all around.

“We can arrange all sorts of activities,” says Gary, “from deer stalking to boat charters and the area is packed with golf courses and Michelin starred restaurants, so it’s a fabulous base for a break, even if you aren’t here to hold a party. Whether it’s Aga cookery demonstrations, flower arranging or learning to play bridge, we can keep you entertained!”

Gary and Louise have transformed this once busy family home into a beautiful holiday destination and Bix Manor is now a stunning ‘home from home’ in which to relax and completely unwind or party the weekend away with friends or family. .

“The lovely thing,” says Gary, “is we’ve had some fantastic times here. It has been very much a family home and now watching people enjoy the house and helping them to do so is a huge privilege and one we enjoy very much.” l Bix Manor, Bix, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4RS Tel: 01491 579929 Email: enquiries@bixmanor.co.uk Website: www.bixmanor.co.uk

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

We’d all like to feel good and look great but although we know regular exercise can help us on our way, the first step is often the hardest to take! Read on for an offer you can’t refuse - the chance to try some exciting new activities that will put you back on the right track...

I

t’s summertime and the perfect opportunity to exercise outdoors.

Experts say that training outside during the summer rejuvenates people and helps enhance the exercise experience, both physically and psychologically.

Certainly for Formula One racing driver, Mark Webber, it has helped maintain his world class performance.

So whether you’re looking for some high octane fun or preferring something more chilled, why not try something with Reactivate Bucks, the campaign which will connect you to hundreds of sports and physical activities near you?

Between 16th and 22nd May you can enjoy some of these activities for free or at a special rate as part of Reactivate’s Give it a Go Week.

When you’re living life in the fast lane it’s more important than ever to find ways to unwind and for Formula One Racing Driver, Mark Webber, outdoor sports are the perfect escape.

One of Mark’s favourite outdoor sports is cycling and last year Mark opened the Chilterns Cycleway, a 170-mile signposted circular route following quiet roads through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It links attractions, market towns and places of interest and is a great way to explore the Chilterns for free.

In addition there are day rides from places such as Princes Risborough, Wendover and Tring. These are offered as an adjunct to the cycleway for those wanting to explore the Chiltern’s fantastic network of bridleways and byways.

Living in Aston Clinton, near the Chilterns, Mark says: “I have lots of friends from overseas who love riding in the local area and say it’s as lovely as anywhere in

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Mark Webber opening the Chilterns Cycleway last year the world. We certainly have a beautiful backyard here – get out there and enjoy it!”

Mark also enjoys taking his dogs for long walks in the area. There’s no shortage

of places to visit and there are also many organised walks available for you to enjoy for free.

So feeling great this summer can be as simple as being active outdoors.

Below is just a selection of activities near you during

Give it a Go Week – 16th to 22nd May: l FREE Nordic Walking taster session in Aylesbury on 17 May: 1pm-1.45pm at Vale Park and: 6.30pm-7.30pm at Fairford Leys Football Pitches. l FREE Introduction to Bowls on Saturday 21 May: 11am – 12.30pm at Vale Park, Aylesbury. l FREE Jogging taster session on 17 May: 9.30am at Wing Recreation Ground l Adult Rounders on Wed 18 May: 7.30pm – 8.30pm at Bucks CC Sport & Social Club. l FREE guided bike rides on the Chilterns Cycleway on 20th & 22nd May

with a chance to visit beautiful places and enjoy a cream tea. Pre-booking essential. l “Warm up” cycle rides to get you ready for the forthcoming Mix 96 Tour de Vale Cycle Ride. These FREE sessions start at the Coffee Bean Café, Jansel Square in Aylesbury, at 9.30am every Saturday in May. For more information on all of the above, plus ‘confidence booster’ cycling training for those who would like to get back onto two wheels, see www.reactivatebucks.org, or call 01296 585215.

Follow Bucks Sport – the organisation co-ord Website: www.rea

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Trina and Shamus

You use more muscles, and burn more calories, as you work to overcome gravity and other environmental factors.

Getting used to outdoor exercise also means you can stick to your routine anywhere, even when you’re away on holiday or on business.

We need sunshine to maintain healthy levels of Vitamin D, known for keeping bones strong and protecting us from various diseases. And just looking at a pleasant view, with trees or flowers, does your heart good!

So put on a hat, dab on the sunscreen and enjoy getting active outdoors with Reactivate Bucks.

Feeling and looking great is as simple as being active outdoors

Reader Offer Vale Life readers have the chance to win one of three great prizes when they register for free with Reactivate Bucks (www.reactivatebucks.org) during May and June 2011.

Getting back into the swing…

There’s lots on offer after Give it a Go Week, including Return to Sport courses.

Run over several weeks these courses (which are free or guaranteed to give great value for money) will give you the confidence to return to a sport you once loved or always wanted to try. l For David Skinner from Aylesbury, doing a Return to Tennis course helped him wind down after a busy working day.

He reflects: “I hadn’t played for 20 years and thought it might be good to start again and being outside is great after working in an office all day.” l For Heather Batty, a busy working mum from Aylesbury, going on a Return to Netball course gave her a real boost. “If

you look forward to something it’s so much easier. It’s only one night a week but I feel so much better about myself.”

Why not join Heather and go on a Return to Netball Course most Mondays from 7pm to 8pm at Mandeville School in Aylesbury? Or get into the Wimbledon spirit by taking part in some of the forthcoming tennis activities including a Return to Tennis Course at Haddenham starting in June or the forthcoming Return to Tennis Gold (50+) sessions at Cuddington Tennis Club (call Kirsty Ingham for details on 01296 585249). Whatever you choose to do, let Reactivate Bucks help you get more active before, during and after the London 2012 Games.

dinating Reactivate – on Facebook and Twitter activatebucks.org

l A signed copy of Mark Webber’s new book Up Front which provides a brilliant insight into the excitement of Formula One. l A Chilterns Cycleway Guidebook plus a voucher worth £195 to redeem against any Walkfree Breakfree holiday (www.walkfreebreakfree.co.uk) l Fitness training support from Dr Richard Godfrey, who has trained many of our Olympians including Sir Steve Redgrave.

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

A great photograph captures more than a moment. It may show a little soul, project personality, tell a story, provoke a smile or a tear and provide a lasting memory of a special time. It’s a lot to ask but luckily we’ve a multi-award winning photographer right on our doorstep...

P

aul Wilkinson first discovered an interest in photography at the age of seven, when his grandfather lent him a camera.

“I’m not sure exactly what type it was,” says Paul, “it wasn’t a ‘Brownie’ but it was a Kodak and you peered into the top. I just loved it and I’ve still got some of the pictures!”

Paul’s interest in photography continued but he didn’t become a full-time professional until years later. Born in Birmingham, Paul grew up in North Wales. He studied industrial design at university in London where he met his wife and business partner Sarah. A PhD followed and then a career as an IT consultant.

Paul was happy working in the city despite the long hours and it was not until one of Sarah’s friends, who ran a marketing company, saw pictures he had taken of their baby daughter Harriet, that Paul was persuaded he might have a special talent.

“That was twelve and a half years ago,” says Paul. “The marketing company commissioned a couple of shoots and I realised I could make a living at something I really loved. Now I think it’s the best job in the world!”

Sarah and Paul have been together for 20 years. They came to the area in the late 90s living in Shabbington for a couple of years, before moving to Haddenham about 11 years ago, where they and their children, Harriet and Jake, now have a home and a base for their photography business.

“I’ve been very lucky,” says Paul, “because I love to take portraits of people and that’s what I was spotted doing. I now specialise in family portraiture and it’s great fun.

“We treat the shoot like a family outing.

If it’s an enjoyable and relaxing experience it shows in the pictures. We go out for a morning or afternoon and if everybody has had a good time, not only will the pictures be better, but everyone will have nice memories of the photo shoot and will like the pictures even more!”

Paul particularly likes to work outdoors and utilises many of our stunning local locations.

“Wendover Woods is a favourite spot,” says Paul, “as there’s great light - varied light and

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Paul is currently the UK Press/PR/Stock Photographer of the Year and the Regional Under Fives Photographer of the Year.

He won UK Parent & Child Photographer of the Year in 2008/9 with the image opposite (top right), the Award of Excellence in Classical Portraiture 2008/09 and the Award of Excellence in Commercial Photography 2009/10.

Paul is an associate of the Master Photographers Association which represents full-time professional photographers and is aiming for his fellowship this year.

Paul is also a talented wedding and commercial photographer and is one of a select few photographers recommended by Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons’ and The Crazy Bear Group. He has recently been chosen as the main photographer for the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in Saunderton, where he is capturing appealing and emotive images of the hearing dogs in training, to help increase Paul Wilkinson national awareness of the charity.

“We have a small studio in Haddenham where we’ve invested in top quality equipment lots of space. There’s plenty of room for kids and we get great results. It’s different working to roam, climb trees and throw leaves and in the studio, it’s more deliberate, more about there’s a nice coffee shop too! technical perfection, it’s like making a studio “With family portraiture I’m aiming for a recording as opposed to performing live!” picture that is very natural. An image that a Paul and wife Sarah make a great team. He parent will look at and see their child as they might have photographed them. My influence takes the pictures while she runs the business and ‘keeps him organised’! will be there but not in an obvious way. It “The business has grown every year but we should look technically beautiful, like a picture like to keep stretching ourselves and setting from a stylish magazine but also familiar.” new targets,” says Paul. “We’ve taken on extra “For our customer’s we are capturing memories of their family that they will treasure staff and introduced photographic training. for a lifetime and that responsibility is reflected We’re offering bespoke classes and one-on-one master classes which I’m really enjoying.” in everything we do. From the suppliers we “You can learn how to use a camera, but for chose to work with, to the venues we have me a great photograph is something you feel,” relationships with.” says Paul, “it’s instinctive. It’s when the hairs As anyone who has seen his images, in stand up on the back of your neck!” magazines, or on the walls of Little Italy Espresso bar in Haddenham will know, Paul has a rare talent. Some of his most impressive lPaul Wilkinson Photography, work is in black and white, which he feels can 22 High Street, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8ER give a ‘timeless quality’ to photographs. He Telephone: 01844 290054 shot a fabulous colour cover for Vale Life’s Email: studio@paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk Website: www.paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk February edition though!

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Vale Life Snappy Snaps Fab Photo Competition Sponsored by Snappy Snaps, Aylesbury

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any thanks once again to those who entered our Snappy Snaps Fab Photo Contest.

Nature seems to have taken pole position in this issue’s contest with some excellent photographs of flora and fauna winging their way in.

The winner this time is Sarah Coleman from Stone. Her picture of ‘A stroppy horse at the Oxfordshire County Show’ catches the power and beauty of this lovely animal perfectly. Well done Sarah - a good opportunist snap! Sarah wins a large A3 canvas print of one of her images from Snappy Snaps in Aylesbury.

To Enter our May/June competition, email your picture plus a brief description of the image and your name, address and contact details to: editor@vale-life.co.uk.

Entries for this issue’s competition should be emailed by May 31st.

We are looking for pictures with a local connection - people, places, animals, things...

Left: photograph taken

by Frederick Reed of a Red Kite flying over his garden in Upton.

Right: Bee on a sunflower, also taken by this edition’s winner Sarah Coleman from Stone.

Snappy Snaps, 7 High Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1SH. Tel: 01296 330003. www.snappysnaps-aylesbury.co.uk

Photographic Exhibition

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hotographer Nick White grew up in Wheatley and has lived in Thame for the past 17 years. He is fascinated by astronomy and meteorology and will be exhibiting a selection of his sky photographs at Thame Museum from May 21st to the middle of June.

“After a 22 year career in Medical Photography, based at the John Radcliffe, Radcliffe Infirmary, Churchill Hospitals,” says Nick, “I left my employment to go freelance in 2006 and now run my own Oxford-based business, specialising in photography, design and colour litho print.

“I am captivated by the beauty of the sky, whether day or night and I relish the challenge of trying to capture the transience of some of the optical effects.

“Some of the phenomena presented in this exhibition 44

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Art & Craft Market Saturday 21st May Wendover Memorial Hall

10am - 4pm Admission £1 (funds to Chiltern MS Centre) Visit: www.sallyevansevents.co.uk are commonly observed, others are once in a lifetime events - with astrophotography, you need a bit of luck with the weather!

Or call Sally on 01296 696747, or email: sllyevan@aol.com

Vale Life : May / June 2011

There’s a lot of reasons to like Thame, but if you’re a guitarist the recent arrival of Vintage and Modern Guitars will have rocketed straight to number one!

I Phil Carwardine

get really excited when an old guitar comes in,” says Phil Carwardine, owner of Thame’s Vintage and Modern Guitars. “I’ve got a huge interest, I know will never go. We’ve got a ‘51 Gibson L5 CES in at the moment which is a world class guitar, it’s beautiful to play, just beautiful and some stunning old Strats and Teles, three Guild Starfires and a ‘65 Gibson SG Junior, it’s constantly changing, but I try and post newcomers on our Facebook page.”

In the past Thame would have been far too small to support this relatively specialist enterprise but today with internet sales to back up local trade anything is possible.

Phil is from Bledlow. He showed musical promise as a youngster and attended a specialist school in Somerset where he studied classical violin.

“It was a bit like a boot camp,” says Phil, “We were up at five in the morning practising the violin but then I discovered Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, the guitar was in my blood, I couldn’t resist!”

Phil started playing guitar in bands around Aylesbury while working for his father’s company doing hotel refurbishments in London. The job took over and he drifted out of music for a while but started getting back into guitars around eight years ago.

“Any spare money I had I’d spend on old guitars,” says Phil. “I could see the investment potential, prices were rising. But work was so full-on I’d no time to play them!”

“I started dealing guitars, mostly older high end models, on the internet as ‘Phil’s Vintage Guitars’ and it went really well. As the recession took hold the building trade fell away, so we thought we’d concentrate on guitars. The kids have grown up a bit and my wife, Maria, was keen to get back to work. We wanted to sell vintage guitars but knew we’d need a wider range to survive, with amps and accessories.

“Although we trade on the internet we need shop premises - some of the guitars we sell are ten grand upwards and buyers need to be confident that you are accountable.

“I’ve always liked Thame and one day, looking at shops online I saw this one was vacant. I thought it must be fate as I’d known it as a music shop 25 years ago, it was perfect.”

Vintage and Modern guitars opened in December and is full of the most fabulous guitars, amps and accessories. Phil has a mixture of new guitars, many with a ‘vintage flavour’ and some most fabulous originals. He has dealerships for Fender and for Squire, in Mexico and the USA plus the Fender managed Gretsch company: “I think Gretsch

are making some fabulous guitars at the moment,” says Phil. “We do Guild acoustics and we’re the only UK importers of Reverend guitars from the States, which are a bit different with reverse headstocks and unusual pick up configurations.

“We’ve some old Eastwood Airline guitars, some quirkier Gibson copies - non reverse Firebirds and Map guitars like Jack White of White Stripes plays, Burny guitars... We haven’t got a Gibson dealership, but we get a lot of second hand Gibsons coming through. The Indie guitars are very good.

They’re nicely crafted and really sound like a Les Paul should. The originally designer lived in Wallingford but it’s run by his partner in Canada now.

“Our customers range from beginners to pros and session musicians. We’ve had people coming from as far as Brighton and Essex - collectors will travel miles to see the right instrument and we buy and sell internationally.

“Some music shops can be intimidating but we’re friendly here. I’m quite happy for people to come in and browse around. Some of our guitars you won’t see anywhere else in the country. Come and play them while you can!

“We’ve got amps and effects, strings, straps and accessories, plus some interesting T-shirts and for the non-guitarists: banjos, ukuleles, mandolins and the occasional lap steel!”

You can tell it’s the vintage stock that fires Phil up. Recent favourites include a Gibson Birdland, a ‘63 Strat worth £18,000 and a 1961 Strat that sold for a mere £5,000 as it had been re-fitted. It still sounded superb.

“It’s down to the wood,” says Phil. “It’s so aged. Up to about 1966 Gibson were using timber stock that had been cut down 200 years before. That’s well-seasoned! It’s all gone now and today’s guitars are made from much newer wood, you can’ get the same tone.

“There’s some great guitars on the market today though many of which are incredibly good value, we’ve starter models from £99.

“We do set-ups, repairs and trade-ins. Older guitars have a 14 day approval period. We also carry a range of amplification: Fender, Hiwatt, Cornell and Orange and undertake valve amplifier repairs.”

If you have the slightest interest in guitars, a trip to Thame is on the cards, but be careful - Phil’s enthusiasm is infectious and you might find yourself buying a little piece of history! l Vintage and Modern Guitars, 1a Cornmarket, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3DX. Tel: 01844 261447 Website: www.vintageandmodernguitars.co.uk www.facebook.com/vintageandmodernguitarshop

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Saturday, 2nd July

The spectacular annual Roald Dahl Festival returns to Aylesbury Town Centre in July! It’s a feast of colour and fantasy in celebration of the local, children’s author. Marvellous medicine for all...

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he annual Roald Dahl Festival takes place on Saturday, 2nd July.

A scrumdiddlyumptious day of fantastical family activities and entertainment to celebrate the works of the internationally renowned author.

Have you read about Oompa-Loompas, Wangdoodles and Snozberries or do you harbour dreams of meeting a BFG!?

This is one of Buckinghamshire’s largest events and this year’s festival is themed on the magical, mischievous world of George’s Marvellous Medicine. It will be the biggest and best celebration yet!

So watch out for Cranky’s mysterious potion - you don’t want to end up with jacky-jumpers in your tummy, squigglers in your belly, or worse still, a banger in your bottom!

The day will be full to the brim with exciting hands-on art and craft activities, storytelling, theatre performances, live music, dance and much, much more - including the renowned and fabulous, colourful, carnival parade which kicks off at 11am.

The procession will feature all of your favourite characters and themes from George’s Marvellous Medicine including larger than life puppets and original artwork created by over 500 children and young people from across the Vale.

There will also be music and street theatre in the parade featuring some of the top Samba Bands from the region.

After the Parade there is plenty to see and do! Find a magical activity at: l St. Mary’s Church, l Aylesbury Library, l Kingsbury and Market Square, l Buckinghamshire County Museum and l Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, l Hale Leys Shopping Centre and l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

Don’t forget to take part in the Splendiferous Tale Trail, which takes you to key locations around the town in order to win some fantastic prizes!

We are sure that you will have a MARVELLOUS day!

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WIN family train tickets to London and tickets to London attractions l Aylesbury Vale District Council in partnership with Mix96 and Chiltern Railways is offering the chance to win a family Chiltern Railways ticket and a family ticket to a top London attraction by entering the Roald Dahl Festival’s ‘Magical Marvellous Medicines’ competition online.

All you need do to be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize is create a name for your very own concoction and its ‘cure’.

The competition will be open throughout June. For more details go to: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/dahl

What’s On:

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Bucks County Museum: Exhibitions and workshops Your Paintings Revealed

Your Paintings Revealed Twilight Events

9 April – 9 July 2011 Art treasures brought to light by the Public Catalogue Foundation – the splendid paintings held in the public collections of Bucks and Milton Keynes and not usually on show. See glorious oil paintings from the collections of Bletchley Park Trust, Buckinghamshire County Council, County Museum, The Chequers Trust, Cowper & Newton Museum, Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Wycombe Museum.

Three exclusive talks and tours to accompany the exhibition Your Paintings Revealed. All talks include a private view of the exhibition and a glass of wine from 5.30pm with talks starting at 6.30pm. Cost £10. Booking required.

1. Revealing Your Art Treasures: the Public Catalogue Foundation

Thursday 12 May Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher with Dr Fred Hohler, Chairman of the Public Catalogue Foundation.

2. Buckinghamshire Artists and Our Public Collections

Thursday 19 May Sarah Gray, Buckinghamshire County Museum, with Zara Luxford, Wycombe Museum.

3. Chequers: the House and its Treasures

Creative Writing Workshops

Saturday 14 May 10.30am – 4pm Repeated Saturday 11 June 10.30am – 4pm Explore and interpret paintings in Your Paintings Revealed exhibition and then use them as a source of inspiration for your own creative writing - for everyone including beginners. Cost £40 including coffee/ tea. Lunch not included. Booking required.

Thursday 16 June Rodney Melville, Secretary to The Chequers Trust.

The Muir Trust Artist in Residence 2011

6 June – 1 July Book artist Mandy Bonnell will use the Museum’s collection of lichens as inspiration for her detailed drawings and create a unique artist’s book during the project. See Mandy at work in the Museum from

Towersey Oxfordshire’s 47th

25-29 August 2011

Your Local Festival

W h er e F e s t i v a l m e a n s s o m u c h m o r e

*

*

* * *

*

Billy Bragg leads a mighty line-up

www.towerseyfestival.com 01629 827016

2pm - 4pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the residency. Just drop in.

Artist’s Book Workshop

Saturday 18 June 10.30am – 4pm Work with Mandy to create a handmade book using easily acquired materials. Explore folding and cutting techniques and combinations of drawing, painting and collage. Cost £30 including coffee/tea. Lunch not included. Booking required.

Residency Talk

Wednesday 29 June 10.30am – 12 noon Mandy Bonnell rounds off the 8th Muir Trust residency with an illustrated talk about her work and her month at the Museum. Cost £5 including coffee/tea. Booking required. l For further information and to book any of the events call 01296 331441.

Buckinghamshire County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP www.buckscc.gov.uk/museum

It’s a short run to Brum

S

eeing the really big acts doesn’t necessarily mean having to struggle into London. Some revered international artists have been lined up for the Summer performing a convenient drive up the M40 at The NIA or LG Arenas, Birmingham.

Below is a selection of ten to tempt you: Duran Duran (21 May LG Arena) The Monkees (21 May NIA) Rush (22 May LG Arena)

Sade (29 May LG Arena)

Journey (5 June LG Arena) Roger Waters (27 June NIA)

Neil Diamond (28 June LG Arena) Paul Simon (30 June NIA) James Taylor (9 July LG Arena) Iron Maiden (31 July NIA) For tickets and further information visit: www.theticketfactory.com or Tel: 0844 338 8000

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

Haddenham artist Robin Eckardt has moved her studio to Wycombe. She’s part of the Bucks Open Studios event again though and can’t wait to show visitors around her new space

B

orn in Puerto Rico and raised on a diet of Disney, Robin Eckardt’s favourite movie was The Great Muppet Caper. In the film Kermit and pals land up in an idyllic English village with duck pond and church and Robin’s mother, who is English, would tell her that this was how England looked.

At the age of ten her family moved back to the UK and bought a house in Haddenham. Was this always meant to be? For just down the road from their new home Robin discovered the very church and pond in the movie! England was indeed just how she had always imagined it.

She still lives in the village and until recently had a studio at the forge behind Little Italy.

“I hope people can find me in Wycombe,” says Robin. “My new studio has so much to offer. I share the building with Stewart Linford a bespoke furniture making company. You’ll see their name outside.

“I’ve two rooms - I’m working in one and using the other as a display area at the moment.”

Robin has been painting since she was about five years old.

“My parents always encouraged me,” she says. “In all my old birthday photographs I’m always holding new crayons or a sketchpad I’ve just been given!

“I think my love of art was inspired by the colour and brightness of Puerto Rico and my happy childhood there. “ I had a natural flair for art. At school I was shy but got away with being quiet as I was known for being very ‘arty’!”

Robin went to Haddenham School and then to Henry Floyd in Aylesbury.

“After school I did a foundation course at Bucks University in High Wycombe -

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which was very intense and I loved it. It opened up my mind to what was possible.

“I then went on to take a degree in Fine Art at Bath University. I’ve actually got some work on display in the foyer at The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath at the moment which is amazing. It’s such a grand old Georgian building and these contemporary paintings look fantastic hanging there.”

It was hard for Robin at university as she paints so prolifically she gets through a huge amount of paints and materials “I had about four jobs,” she says. “Mostly cleaning. I was up at six cleaning to nine and then some evenings too. I was doing some paintings of famous figures at the time: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Marilyn Monroe and a local gallery started selling them for me. They went like hot cakes, I was earning enough to give up cleaning and I realised I might actually be able to make a living out of being an artist!”

Robin hasn’t looked back. Her final year show was a great success - she sold several works and had lots of enquiries from galleries wishing to exhibit her art.

She has since built a successful career painting with mixed media and has become well known for her large cityscapes and exhilarating use of movement and light.

You can meet Robin and see her at work during Bucks Open Studios from June 18 to July 3. Weekdays 11am-6pm, Saturdays 11am-7pm, Sundays 1pm-5pm. Saturday 18th open til 8pm. l Robin Eckardt Studio, Stewart Linford furniture maker, Kitchener Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 2SJ Email: info@robin-eckardt.co.uk Tel: 07759 480568 Website: www.robin-eckardt.co.uk

Robin Eckardt

Digital Cartography by Maccarta maccarta.info@virgin.net

What’s On:

Vale Life : May / June 2011

N O R T HAMPTONSHIRE

Olney

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A509

Towcester Hanslope

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M I LT O N KEYNES

M1

Great Linford A413

A422

Stony Stratford

BEDFORD A422

Newport Pagnell

Keith Wilkins

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274 It’s a record-breaking year! 64 new artists and makers have joined the hundreds of regular MILTON 267-268 Brackley KEYNES 265 contributors to make Bucks Open Studios 2011271the county’s largest visual arts event ever...

Turweston

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Westbury

Stowe Leckhampstead School

A5

Loughton

A422

Shenley

A422

M1

Wavendon

Lodge Buckingham miles Thornborough 263-264 ucks Open Studios takes place from the bottom 270 of Aston Hill, in Bletchley 269 266 from June 18Tingewick to July 3 this year the barn behind Ivy House in Chivery near

13

Woburn Sands

This year B E DM1 F several O R Dgroups S H IofR artists E have teamed up to put exhibitions on in local and is the largest visual arts event Padbury Wendover. churches. Many of these beautiful old build260-262 256-259 A5 in the county. A record number ing are struggling 12 to survive in the face of Preston of A413 Stockgrove Mursley A4146 participants and venues - more thanBissett 480 artdwindling congregations and the rising costs Country Park 252-255 Swanbourne ists and makers in over 182 different venues Leighton of repairs and maintenance.

Twyford Winslow Stewkley across Buckinghamshire - will open their St Dunstan’s church in Monks Risborough Buzzard 247-249 Botolph studios and run exhibitions and events for the is apparently the oldest recorded parish in Claydon BUCKINGHAM SHIRE 245-246 public to visit. It’s an opportunity to meet England! Here you can 11 see textiles, paintNorth 250-251 Wing Bicester Marston the artists, see live demonstrations and ings, sculptures, woodwork, metalwork Cublington A418 Dunstable LUTON even take part and learn the beginnings and printmaking, all under one roof.

Whitchurch A41 A4146 Blackthorn of a new skill.

Haddenham Methodist Church 9 10 Rowsham A413 241 Here we are highlighting some Vale will be displaying original paintings Waddesdon 238-240 Cheddington Westcott 237 participants but for a full list of what from abstracts to woodlands in all A41 Bierton Pitstone 242-244 9 is happening pick up a guide from sizes. Commissions welcomed.

LimBrill Wilstone AYLESBURY 230-236 Aston your local library, tourist informaited edition prints available.

227 Stone Weston Clinton tion, or Arts Centre or see the Gawcott Church, near BuckingTring A4146 193-195 228 Stoke Turville M40 218-226 A4 1 Mandeville Bucks Open Studios website at: ham has ten local artists showing 229 A418 Long 196-205 H E Ra diverse T F O exhibition R D S HofI RcontempoE Crendon Haddenham Ford www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk 174 Berkhamsted A4010 Chivery 214 Cholesbury Alison Court is a new entrant rary and traditional works, includ175-192 8 216-217 Little Kimble 215 Wendover A41 Thame who is following her passion for ing mixed media, pastels, watercolA4129 173 7 206-213 HEMEL Ashley 144-145 sewing and reclaimed fabrics, to our, oils, acrylics and silk painting.

Princes Green 8a A413 HEMPSTEAD Risborough make unique and recycled bags for Gawcott Church is Grade II listed A416 165-172 Great 7 M25 Chesham that special occasion. She will be and originally built in 1827.

Missenden Bledlow 161-164 134-143 And don’t forget 20 Haddenham artshowing her work at Haddenham 146-160 A4010 Prestwood 65-66 A40 Chesham BoisEckardt, see opposite page, Baptist Church school room. ist Robin Bledlow Speen 67 M40 19 128-133 A413 62-64 Ridge Saunderton A4128 Anne Ratnarajh, below, demhas moved her studio to Wycombe Little Amersham 118 6 O X F Obasketry R DSHIRE 49 50 Chalfont 68-70 onstrates contemporary art but will be openWATFORD to visitors all through 53-61 71-73 119-127 Naphill Stokenchurch Radnage 18 in various materials and makes willow the Open Studios period.

5 Hazlemere 51-52 Chorleywood 117 A40 HIGH A355 l Bucks Open Studios: West sculptures and living willow structures.

74-77 A413 Rickmansworth 17 Wycombe WYCOMBE Cadmore End Seerwww.bucksopenstudios.org Penn She is showing with Jessica Ecott at Manor 78-106 M40 Green 112-116 M25 43-48 Lane End Farm, Haddenham - to the right of Hadden4 Loudwater Beaconsfield Chalfont St Peter Adrian Payne 33-42 ham Church and pond.

107-109 110-111 Little 3 A40 32 2 Wallingford A40 Marlow Adrian Payne, right, is an artist, blackFlackwell Marlow Bottom 22 Heath Gerrards Cross M40 smith, iron worker and sculptor. He makes 23-26 Marlow Wooburn 28-31 A404 hand forged iron work and garden sculpture 16 21 Common A355 1 1b A4155 at The Smithy, Hampden Bottom.

Danny Higgins is a freelance event and Cookham 19-20 Farnham 27 Claudia Phipps is an architectural glassportrait photographer 1 Royal Hurley and will be exhibiting Taplow 9b HenleyBurnham A412 11 maker working with sculptural installations photographs from his personal work includon-Thames MAIDENHEAD 7a 2-10 M25 and stained glass. Sue creates sculpture from ing landscape and architectural He 9a images.

12-18 SLOUGH 7 6 clay and mixed media. You can visit her two is also offering a FREE portrait sitting for 15 8/9 4b visitors with a 7in x 5in print to take away! A 5 M4 M4 the Bierton,Windsor great opportunity if you’re near Anne Ratnarajh Aylesbury area.

It’s a great chance to be inspired, go behind the scenes, talk to artists first-hand, and see work in progress. Some venues also offer demonstrations or workshops. Others feature group exhibitions, showcasing a wide range of arts and crafts.

A421 Gawcott

A421

Vale Life : May / June 2011

49

’ notley abbey, nr. thame

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Vale Life : May / June 2011

It costs more than £500,000 to run the Chilterns MS Centre each year and the organisation is fundraising for a new building too. Enjoying yourself at the summer fete is a chance to help out...

T

he Chilterns MS Centre was established in 1985 as a therapy Centre for people with Multiple Sclerosis and to provide a range of drug-free symptom management therapies, as well as advice and support, for all those with the illness and their families.

It is their policy never to turn away anyone wishing to have their condition assessed, or someone who feels they will benefit from treatment.

The Centre was originally based at the Paddocks Hospital in Princes Risborough before relocating to the current site at Halton in 1990, where it rapidly expanded to offer the following range of services: Physiotherapy, High Density Oxygen Treatment, Lymphoedema Massage, Reflexology and Acupuncture, Posture Seating Clinic and Wheelchair Training, Benefits Advice, MS Nurse, Gait Analysis, Yoga and Pilates.

The Centre’s mission is ‘to engender a sociable atmosphere and offer an opportunity for people with Multiple Sclerosis to get help and to help themselves’. ® Each week around 260 people visit the Centre for symptomatic treatment ® Each year nearly 10,000 treatment sessions are delivered to over 500 people with MS by 15 specialist therapy staff ® The Centre sees patients from Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Hertfordshire as well as some parts of Berkshire and Bedfordshire It costs in excess of £500,000 to run the Centre each year and the organisation is currently in the process of fundraising for a new building, enabling it to provide even more services for members, their families and friends. With costs set to rise significantly the Chilterns MS Centre will, more than ever, need the support and generosity of its supporters.

If you would like to get involved with fundraising or help out at events such as the summer fete, below, or if you would like to set up your own event to help the Centre, then please contact Mark Dewey, Head of Community Fundraising on 01296 624 000 or email: Markdewey@chilterns mscentre.org l Chiltern MS Centre, Scarlett Avenue, Halton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5PG. Telephone: 01296 696133. Fax: 01296 696133 Email: info@chilternsmscentre.org Website: www.chilternsmscentre.org

Summer Fete

In conjunction with the de Havilland Moth Club

Saturday & Sunday 11th & 12th June 10am–5pm, Halton Airfield

Featuring:

® Free Entry & Free Parking (gates open 9.30am) ® Gift Marquee

® Passenger flights in vintage aeroplanes ® Traditional side stalls

® Bouncy castle, inflatables & children’s rides ® Flying display

® Hot food, ice creams & home-made cakes

® Queen’s birthday flypast (Saturday only at 1.07pm)

For more information please contact the Chilterns MS Centre on 01296 624000 or fundraising@chilternsmscentre.org Charity No. 800853 Vale Life : May / June 2011

51

What’s On:

Vale Life : May / June 2011

The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses at Speen is always worth a visit - it’s a great spot for a picnic and through the summer there will be numerous fun and educational events on as well...

52

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Farrier Demonstration

a recent visit to Gambia.

In a horse body painting demonstration, the body of a horse is painted on one side to show where major organs, muscles and bones are located.

People are then asked to remember the location of these anatomical structures and paint them onto the other side of the horse’s body.

“This is a great interactive activity for people of all ages to learn more about a horse’s anatomy,” says

a picnic using the charity’s new picnic tables. You can support the work of the charity by purchasing refreshments at the visitor centre.

Ice creams from Beechdean Dairies will be on sale, as well as a variety of hot and cold drinks.

Entrance to the sanctuary is free, but the charity encourages a donation of £5 per car or family to enable it to meet its running costs.

With each horse costing around £10 per day to care for, your donation will make a big contribution to their lifelong retirement. There will be a nominal charge for horse body painting and some other activities arranged during the summer holidays.

To find out more about the charity’s opening hours and visitor events, telephone 01494 488464 or visit: www.horsetrust.org.uk

Liane. “We’re very excited to be offering this new activity during the summer holidays and hope lots of people will visit us to take part. It’s also a nice activity for the horses as they enjoy the physical contact and like being bathed afterwards.”

As well as horse body painting, the charity will be running various other activities over the summer holidays including demonstrations, ‘have-a-go-atgrooming’ sessions and competitions for children.

Staff will be demonstrating various aspects of horse care, such as bathing and clipping. Demonstrations from local farrier Jonathan Smith are also planned.

Contact The Horse Trust office on 01494 488464 for more information on daily activities. Visitors to the sanctuary can also enjoy

Come and meet the horses at The Horse Trust's Home of Rest for Horses

Free admission by way of donation A To T 4129 HAM E

for a great family afternoon out!

PRINCES RISBOROUGH

of our 95 abandoned, neglected and retired working horses, ponies and donkeys and learn more about the work we do as the oldest horse charity in the UK.

Daily demonstrations:

• Hands-on grooming • Watch our horses being bathed • Special farrier demonstration - please call for details • Visit our Education Centre to learn about our history • Refreshments available

A413 GREAT MISSENDEN

THE HORSE TRUST

A4010

Bring a picnic for a fantastic time at our 200 acre horse sanctuary in the rolling Chiltern Hills and meet many

To A40 AYL 10 ESB UR Y

T

he Horse Trust is the oldest horse charity in the world and is a retirement sanctuary for aged and retired working horses, ponies and donkeys. Located near Speen, just a few miles from Princes Risborough and High Wycombe, The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses also provides vital, emergency care to rescued and abandoned horses, nursing these victims of neglect back to good health and a happy future.

Horses that have served their country and their community are retired to the sanctuary, such as Dickens, the longest serving police horse who protected the people of Greater Manchester for an impressive 15 years and Topsy who spent 19 years providing riding sessions to disabled children and adults.

Visiting the sanctuary is a great opportunity to meet some of the 95 residents at the stables. During school holidays a number of special activities take place, such as farrier demonstrations and ‘have a go at grooming’ sessions.

The Horse Trust is running a variety of activities during the summer holidays, including educational ‘horse body painting demonstrations’ and competitions.

From May until October 30th, The Home of Rest for Horses will be open to visitors from Thursday to Monday, between 2pm and 4pm.

During the summer holidays (23rd July - 7th September), the charity will be running horse body painting sessions, an interactive activity for people to learn more about a horse’s anatomy.

Horse body painting is a training technique used by animal welfare charity the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust. Liane Crowther, Training Manager at The Horse Trust, learnt about the technique on

(SLAD LANE, SPEEN)

AMERSHAM PRESTWOOD A4128

A404

HIGH WYCOMBE

STOKENCHURCH A40

A40

TO OXFORD

M40

TO LONDON

The Horse Trust, Slad Lane, Speen, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 0PP Telephone: 01494 488 464

www.horsetrust.org.uk

Summer Show Sunday 05 June 2011, 11am-4pm Join us for a fun-packed day out for all the family!

Meet puppies in training and hearing dogs, see demonstrations, enjoy children’s entertainment, Scruffts Dog Show, lots of exciting different displays, art and craft stalls, and lots of food and beer tent hosted by the Golden Cross.

The Grange Wycombe Road, Saunderton Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 9NS T: 01844 348113 F: 01844 348101 E: events@hearingdogs.org.uk www.hearingdogs.org.uk

Registered Charity Nos. 293359 (England and Wales). SCO40486 (Scotland)

Vale Life : May / June 2011

53

What’s On:

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Music in the Park

VisionaryThinking

CHARIT Y GIG

t MAY 2011 E SAT URD AY 21s ERS IDE THE ATR AYL ESB URY WAT

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

WHY

WHAT

The Walking With The Wounded Charity Team include four severely injured soldiers, two of whom are amputees. The Team are trekking unaided over 300 nautical miles of Arctic Ocean ice to the geographical North Pole, hoping to raise £2m for the education and re-training of wounded servicemen and women trying to return to civilian life and work.

Two local bands, VECTOR and First Avenue, will be hosting an event at the new Aylesbury Waterside Theatre who have generously donated the venue for the evening. The members of both bands are all employed by local Aylesbury company, Esri UK, who have provided geographical information to Walking With The Wounded so that the Trekking Team can be tracked throughout their journey to the North Pole.

More details about this deserving charity can be found at: www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk

The evening will feature high energy sets from both bands and a charity silent auction in which event goers will have the chance to bid for a range of exciting prizes including a VIP music package, various entertainment, health and well being, sports and gastronomical packages and much more.

Tickets are on sale at £10 each from www.wegottickets.com/event/113810 * *£1 booking fee

Date: Saturday 21st May Venue: Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Doors open: 7.30pm Bar until: 1am Please come along to support the event and help us raise funds for this worthwhile cause. All proceeds raised from ticket sales and during the event will be donated to the Walking With The Wounded Charity.

If you aren’t able to attend but you still wish to donate to the cause please visit the Just Giving website at: www.justgiving.com/WWTWGig

For more details see our Facebook page Walking With The Wounded Charity Gig

Walking With The Wounded Charity No.1133558 Designed and produced by MGA, London

T

he line-up for Thame’s Music in the Park festival at Elms Park on Sunday, May 8th from 12noon, has been confirmed. “It was not an easy decision,” says Michele Pethers of Crash Records, a member of the organising committee. “We had so many bands and artists register to perform, we’ve been able to add a third stage for music.

“It’s going to be a really good mix of music from musicians of all ages.”

Main stages: Ska Souls (Madness) Ultimate Elton, The Peppermints (Motown), The Muttz Knuttz (party rock covers), Bootlegger (classic rock), Michael Lee Band (funky covers/originals), The Ellie Ruddock Band (acoustic/electric), The Unchosen (original rock), We’re Not Mexican (pop/punk), Milk (rock), Rowan Carter (classical), Evette Judge (acoustic/rock) all three acts winners of Thame’s Got Talent, The Nerve (tribute to Pink Floyd/Genesis), Empty Vessels (blues), The Thame Community Choir, John Hampden children singing with the band Transit, and Hell’s Gazelles (rock).

The third stage will be housed within the 50ft real ale tent, run by the Cross Keys Pub. A wide variety of acts will feature throughout the day, including Huge Carrott, Gemma Aguilar, The Bravados, Sam Hoare,

Michael Lee Band

Cassette Clinic, Lydia Faith, Hogan & The Vaultdwellers, Lewis Branch and 14Ten. There will also be a healing and wellbeing area featuring The Yoga Space and acupuncture by Rhiannon Griffiths, a variety of trade stands, workshops on topics ranging from Knitting and Crochet to Life Coaching skills and roaming magicians.

The children’s area will offer face-painting and giant inflatables, including a giant slide, bouncy castle and assault course.

The gates open at 12 noon and the festival will be opened by Thame Town Mayor Adam Buckland.

The organisers tell us that there is still an opportunity for people to get involved by having a trade stand or by helping sponsor the event. l www.musicinelmspark.co.uk

Bucks Goat Centre

Animal Farm Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville

Morning, Evening & Weekend classes in Aylesbury, Bierton, Halton, Ivinghoe, Pitstone, Tring, Wendover, Wilstone & Winslow All fitness levels welcome, please come along for your FREE, no obligation class 07900 987230 www.jazzclass.co.uk jazzercise1@hotmail.co.uk 54

Vale Life : May / June 2011

We are a children’s farm and adventure centre with llamas, birds, pigs, donkeys, goats, ferrets, chicks, lambs...

A petting pen is available for children to make friends with our rabbits and guinea pigs. You can feed the animals, watch ferret racing and clamber on our climbing frames!

• Outdoor play area • The Farm Kitchen with large picnic area • Birthday parties catered for • Ferret racing, tractor rides and animal handling (weather permitting) • Ample car parking available Telephone: 01296 612 983 Layby Farm, Old Risborough Road, HP22 5XJ Website: www.bucksgoatcentre.co.uk Admission Charges: Adults: £4.50 Children: £3.50 Concessions: £4, Under 2’s: Free Open: 10am - 5pm Bring a picnic or enjoy food and drink from our Farm Kitchen café.

3 weeks of comedy featuring the biggest acts going to the Edinburgh Festival.

Russell Kane, Richard Herring, Andrew Maxwell, Arthur Smith, Josie Long, Sean Walsh, Dominic Holland Shappi Khorsandi, Paul Foot, Andy Zaltsman and many more.

Buy online at: www.tringefestival.co.uk Or visit ‘Fancy That’ on Tring High Street.

Vale Life : May / June 2011

55

Luxury Coach Holidays

DayTrips,Theatres & Shows

el.com .mottstrav w w w : e n nli Book o

Day trips by Luxury coach May Historic Nidd Hall Hotel

There can be no better place from which to savour this fascinating area than Nidd Hall Hotel. Set in 45 acres of verdant parkland, this magnificent Grade 11 listed mansion was built for a wealthy Bradford wool merchant on the site of an Elizabethan manor house.

2 Restaurants & Terrace Tea Room *Heated Indoor Pool* Spa Pool, Sauna & Steam room Live Entertainment, 2 Bars, Coffee Shop. Excursions included to – Harrogate & Fountains Abbey (NT and entry not inc.)

Yorkshire Dales Tour.

Breakfast & dinner inc.

June 20th 5 Days £359

Motts Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD

26 & 27 Chelsea Flower Show £68 Sat 28 Thorpe Park £39 Sun 29 Southend Air Show £19 Sun 29 Margate £19 Mon 30 Bournemouth £19 Mon 30 Weston Super Mare £19

June

Wed 1 Thur 2 Thur 2 Sat 4 Sat 4 Sun 5 Sun 5 Sun 5 Wed 8 Wed 8 Wed 8

Fri 10

Sat 11

Georgian Deal & Medieval Sandwich £19 London Museums £15 Brighton £19 Chocoholics Delight, Brugge with tour £39 Dickens Festival, Rochester £19 Swanage £19 Portsmouth or Southsea £19 Beaulieu Steam Revival £26 Clacton On Sea £19 London Matinée Theatre - Wicked £39 Secret Gardens of Sandwich with Afternoon Cream Tea £31 Kennet & Avon Canal Cruise plus Afternoon Tea £35 Isle of Wight Tour, Shanklin Allum Bay and Newport £29

Motts Holidays Booking Hotline: 01296 336666 Castles and Gardens of glorious Kent:

Motts Holidays

Discover the captivating essence of the Garden of England, wending along lanes past lavender fields, 4 Buckingham Street, 2LD orchards, vineyards and oast houses.

Stay in the fabulous HytheAylesbury, Imperial Hotel,HP20 set in 50 acres overlooking the sea and enjoy included visits to Sissinghurst Castle, Great Dixter Castle & BOOKING HOTLINE: 01296 336666 Garden and Leeds Castle. Includes breakfast and dinner plus leisure facilities. June 27th 5 Days £319

Leeds Castle

Vale Life : May / June 2011

‘Show me the Monet’ say Oxfordshire artists

F

rom 7th to the 30th May 2011, Oxfordshire artists and craftspeople will open their studios for the county’s most important arts festival - see: www.artweeks.org for details.

Three Oxfordshire Artweeks artists have been filmed for a new BBC series ‘Show Me The Monet’, a TV talent show for artists that begins during Artweeks (BBC2 5.15pm 9th May).

Sushila Burgess from Campbell Road, Cowley; Stephen Bishop who will be exhibiting in both Oxford and Henley during Artweeks (venues 74 & 413), and Andrew Martin, a photographer from Botley, were all shortlisted from 1200 applicants to present a piece of art to a panel of three renowned art experts known as the “Hanging Committee” (Charlotte Mullins, David Lee & Roy Bolton).

Members of the art establishment, together with members of the public, will view, critique and buy

Sushila Burgess the work that is selected for the final exhibition at the Royal College of Art. Stephen Bishop’s painting titled ‘Dissolving’ which has a powerful emotional quality and the theme of looking back through time to childhood, moved David Lee to quote lines of poetry from John Betjeman. Stephen said, “I enjoyed the whole experience, the response of the panel was predictably mixed, with two of the three critics liking the work more than the third. To see what happens people will have

to watch the programme.”

Sushila Burgess will be appearing in the first episode of the series, on 9th May: BBC2, 5.15pm-6pm.

Her Artweeks exhibition (venue 399) includes a magical range of bright and bold paintings of birds with human heads, see picture left, mermaids, fairies, elephants and jewelled peacocks.

Andrew Martin’s vibrant abstract close-up and travel photography can be seen in Great Rollright near Chipping Norton (venue 208) and at the North Oxford Community Centre in Summertown (venue 325) during Artweeks. l Nearby Artweeks activities include an Artweeks microcosm at Oxford castle where you can: Visit the O3 gallery and other exhibition sites across the castle – showcasing ten artists; watch a life-size rhino being decorated and see a selection of art-inspired films.

There is also a number of artists exhibiting in Wheatley including Barbara Bushnell, whose ceramics and pottery include some bright friendly dragons, gargoyles & small creatures - see below.

47a High Street, Wheatley OX33 1XX. 7-15 May, 11-6pm

Barbara Bushnell dragon

Kindly supported by Wycombe District Council and Mr Craig Rennie

In Aid Of Helen & Douglas House...

No HS2

A Green & Pleasant Land?

An Art Exhibition- 5th May – 5th June 2011

GO WEST

&

An art exhibition to highlight the effects of the proposed High Speed rail link (HS2) on the countryside & what will be lost.

Beverley Craven

As early as 2015, if the Government plans go ahead, work will start on a High-Speed Rail link from London to Birmingham at a cost to the tax-payer of £33 billion. The route will pass only a 200 metres from the gallery. Aside from the threat to our gallery, the beautiful Chilterns countryside around us will be scarred forever, and the wildlife and people's homes and businesses will be destroyed or harmed.

PLEASE help us protest to put a stop to this.

Plus Special Guests: Shed@ThePark Theatre Company

Please join us for the exhibition opening on Sunday 8 May from 2pm to 5pm

Wycombe Swan Theatre

You can also help by signing the online petition at http://stophs2.org/

Sunday 29th May 2011

During the exhibition the gallery will be open daily from 10am to 5pm, Noon to 4pm on Sundays & Bank Holidays.

Tickets: £20 Gold Tickets: £40 *

A418

Aylesbury A41

Obsidian Art Layby Farm (The Bucks Goat Centre), Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks, HP22 5XJ

* Includes Premium Seat, VIP Drinks Reception & Goody Bag.

Box Office: 01494 512 000 Gold Tickets: 01865 799 150 www.helenanddouglas.org.uk www.wycombeswan.co.uk www.beverleycraven.com www.gowest.org.uk

A413

A41

Registered Charity Number: 1085951

Interest Free Credit Available * Typical 0% APR. Obsidian Art is a licensed broker of Own Art Loans.

Registered address: Layby Farm, Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks. HP22 5XJ.

01296 612150 info@obsidianart.co.uk

A418

Aston Clinton

A413

Stoke Mandeville

Weston Turville A4010

Wendover A4010

A413

Princes Risborough

A4010

www.obsidianart.co.uk

Great Missenden Prestwood

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Tickets: £20

57

Laminate Flooring

Real Wood Flooring

Tiles

Carpets

Restoration

Decking

Beautiful flooring supplied and installed by experts We’re passionate about superior flooring that enhances your environment.

From cool, modern laminates to exquisite wool carpets, Kinv is flooring with style!

The new Kinv showroom is now open!

Please call: 01844 274876 or 07976 611797 to arrange a visit.

With over 30 years’ combined experience and a background in cabinet making, producing high quality bespoke furniture, the attention to detail in Kinv workmanship is of the highest level.

We offer high quality flooring including solid wood, laminate, tiles and carpet. We can assist with advice on suitable flooring for particular areas within your home, including wet rooms and exterior decking and also in commercial premises, including safety flooring.

Unit 5, The Barn, Manor Farm, Risborough Road, Kingsey, Bucks, HP17 8LU Visa debit and all major credit cards accepted

www.kinv.co.uk

Tel: 01844 202418 www.crendonfurniture.co.uk

Hypnos ex-showroom stock at clearance prices. Sets from £499

www.crendonfurniture.co.uk 58

Vale Life : May / June 2011

Harrison Brothers contemporary & traditional bedroom furniture

Tel: 01844 202418

GOLD GOLD GOLD

Top Prices Paid In Cash For Your Scrap Precious Metals Including Unwanted Jewellery, Coins & Watches.

Part Exchange Available

A B C AYLESBURY BULLION COMPANY The Family of Jewellers

11a, St Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP201SH 1SH 11aHigh High Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20

01296 423198 Tel: 01296Tel: 423198 Web: www.aylesburybullion.co.uk

The Future of Dentistry is Changing.

“Dentistry Without Compromise” Dental Support Let us provide the Dental Support you need for life.

Together we can provide you with the Treatment and Support necessary to control Dental Disease and restore your mouth to full fitness.

Book a “ New Patient “ Book a “New Patient” Examination at £51 and receive a £50 credit Examination at £51.00 to your account to use against any All undertaken in our and receive a future Hygiene or Dental Service state of the art practice. £50.00 credit to your account to Waddesdon Dental use against any future Hygiene 5 High Street, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JB Why accept Email: smile@waddesdondental.co.uk www.waddesdondental.co.uk or Dental Service anything Telephone: 01296 655577 Tel: 01296 65 55 77

less?