Neurodiversity champion Paula Knall, founder of Sew Assured, chats to us about her journey after being commended in the RAF honours list
School days are often cited as the best of your life, but those who grew up with undiagnosed special educational needs will often tell you the opposite. This is certainly the case for Paula Knall. “I was always very practical,” she tells us, “but I really struggled at school, with undiagnosed ADHD, ASD and dyslexia. I left school with very few qualifications. But I always worked and have been with my current employers for 15 years.”
In fact, such is Paula’s dedication to helping her colleagues that she has just been honoured for promoting neurodiversity in the RAF, a nod to her hard work supporting disabled people to obtain reasonable adjustments and supporting line managers with how to support their staff. Paula, who lives in Princes Risborough with her “long-suffering” husband, standard poodle and three cats, is also reaping the rewards of her newest venture, servicing and repairing sewing machines. She set up Sew Assured last year after finding a gap in the market. “I love to craft,” she explains. “I started sewing in about 2017, when I was given a 1965 Singer sewing machine. I also had a Toyota that I’d made curtains on, when I bought my first home in 1990. I found a gentleman to service them both and he told me that most engineers were of a ‘certain age’ as they were trained by Singer, when they used to have a shop in every town.
“Then, when my machine broke I struggled to find someone to repair it, despite many phone calls, so I decided to learn how to do it myself. Last year, I started to think seriously about how I’d be able to supplement my income and future pension. Knowing my creativity would only ever be a hobby (most crafters will tell you that you can never charge the true cost of what you make, in relation to time, materials and any actual profit) I started to explore becoming an engineer myself. I’ve always been extremely practical and relatively adept at fixing things.”
Paula passed her training and exams – with 100% – and started Sew Assured, at the end of October. “Within a couple of weeks, I’d fixed a few and had several enquiries. I can’t carry out electrical repairs (only mechanical), but I’ve had at least two machines a week in for repair or service and I’ve had great feedback. People are surprised it’s me behind the logo and not a man, but I have an aptitude for technical things and love it. One day I’ll have a machine in that’s 50 years old, the next, something under five. Manufacturers want people to buy new machines but, in most cases, with care and attention, a sewing machine will outlast the user.”
You can find Sew Assured on Facebook or call Paula on 07786 860438.
Emma J Williams, who won last year’s Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize, tells us about her work ahead of the Longwick Art Show this month
Art and wellbeing are definitely woven together for Emma J Williams. As well as making and exhibiting her beautiful artwork, drawings, collages and oil paintings inspired by the local landscape, she teaches art and wellbeing as part of the Bucks Adult Learning team.
The artist and tutor moved to Princes Risborough 12 years ago to raise her children. “I’ve always loved making art,” she tells us. “After leaving secondary school in Rugby, where I grew up, I went to art college and then on to do a degree at Norwich Art School and an MA in London. I create drawings, collages and oil paintings with the local landscape providing me with lots of inspiration. My work usually incorporates maps somewhere as well either using the map to draw on or to collage with.
“I love how close we are to the Chilterns – I can see Whiteleaf Cross from where I live and one of my favourite walks is up on the Ridgeway path to Brush Hill Nature Reserve with the lovely with over Risborough to Bledlow Ridge and beyond to Oxfordshire. I also love walking in the woods behind Whiteleaf Cross and around Pulpit Hill. This is where I get a lot of my inspiration for my ongoing tree drawings.”
Emma won last year’s Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize. The Ridgeway National Trail between Overton Hill at Avebury World Heritage Site and Ivinghoe Beacon in the Chilterns is a historic monument, artistic inspiration, a natural environment and more. To find out about entering this year visit Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize
You can admire work by Emma & others at Longwick Art Show 21st-23rd February at Longwick C of E School in Walnut Tree Lane, HP27 9SJ; visit longwickartshow.co.uk
Emma will also exhibit at the Pop-Up Art Exhibition at the Chilterns Neuro Centre in Wendover in March. “Both are great exhibitions to take part in and to visit,” adds Emma, “with lots of fantastic local art to see and buy and helps raise money. I also regularly exhibit with The Bucks Art Society – I’ve been a member since 2020 and I also open up my studio to the public during Bucks Art Weeks in June.
“There’s so much to enjoy locally. La Crepe Escape on the High Street is a real treat for a coffee and a pancake or a milkshake and Cymbeline Art and Cards is worth a visit for lovely cards and gifts.”
For more info about Emma’s work, please visit Axis | Emma J Williams and follow @emmajwilliamsart on Instagram.
Beaconsfield author John Strafford’s new book Battle for Monte Natale was inspired by the story of his father Ernest after finding his cross at the Field of Remembrance
One evening in November 2011, John was walking through the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey when he saw a section containing the crosses of his father’s infantry regiment, the York & Lancaster Regiment.
There were, of course, lots of crosses and it was dark so he couldn’t read any names. However he had his camera with him and used the flashlight and zoom. The very first cross he saw was that of his father, Ernest Strafford.
“I was so shocked that tears streamed down my face.” says John, who set himself the challenge of finding out what happened to his father who was killed in action in January 1944. John was only 16 months old at the time and his mother had remarried in 1949. “Fortunately my stepfather treated me as though I was his own son, so I was very happy. I never really felt any desire to talk about my father.”
John was born in Sheffield, but has lived in Bucks for 50 years with his wife Caroline, raising three sons who all went to Thorpe House School and then Dr Challoner’s. John attended Hunters Bar primary and then the Duke of York’s Royal Military School in Dover, which was founded in 1803 for the sons of soldiers. He worked as an accountant for several major companies before starting his own manufacturing business which he sold in 2013.
John and Caroline have played an active part in the local community, including as members of the Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre. John served for Beaconsfield Constituency Conservative Association, of which he is still a member, and he awarded the Cleisthenes Award in 2023 for promoting democracy within the Conservative Party.
The Battle for Monte Natale was part of the bloodiest battle of the Italian Campaign. As part of his decade-long research, John made several visits to the battlefield as well as the National Army Museum, Imperial War Museum and National Archives in Kew to research military records and reports. In 2022 he took part in a television interview shown at the Roman Amphitheatre in Minturno.
“War is terrible and my greatest wish is that conflicts cease and the people of the world learn to live in peace,” adds John. As well as starring at literary festivals this year, John hopes to visit Germany to meet a man who gave him helpful information for the book.
John’s hardback book, containing more than 100 photos and maps, is out now, published by Pen & Sword. His other books include Our Fight for Democracy – A History of Democracy in the United Kingdom.
Hayley Trezise tells us about her new, permanent art installation set within the ancient beech tree woodland of Ipsden Estate where she also lives
This installation is a long-term project that’s very close to my heart,” Hayley tells us. “Every detail has been crafted to create a sacred space where visitors can connect with nature, themselves, and everything around them.
“It’s a healing space, offering people the opportunity to belong, reflect, confess and heal in a setting that encourages profound personal insights. The experience, even in the silence of sitting face-to-face with one of the sculptures, offers visitors a sense of peace and wisdom.”
Hayley is an intuitive multidisciplinary artist. She is also a fashion designer and shamanic practitioner. A true rule breaker and self-taught fashion rebel, her journey began with crafting clothes and rapidly evolved into the establishment of her own fashion brand. Today, she intertwines the diverse threads of her life into a colourful tapestry that encompasses these various realms. Rejecting artificial divisions, she firmly believes in the inherent connection between art and all aspects of existence, even wearable creations.
This installation is part of national project, Time to Connect, led by renowned photographer Alistair Morrison (Alistair Morrison).
At the core of Hayley’s process lies the exploration of liminal realms, a journey that comes to fruition through her mixed media creations. Infused with elements of healing, shamanic journeying, and intuitive expression, Hayley’s art serves to bridge dimensions.
Her artworks exude a sacred essence, stemming from their ritualistic origins. Every piece has an innate healing quality, extending an invitation to viewers to embark on their own journey — “a voyage into uncharted territories” and an embrace of boundless possibilities.
From fabric to machinery, paint and pencil to clay and concrete, Hayley creates intricate art forms, each with the potential for narrative interpretation. The stories encapsulated within these pieces remain open, as Hayley’s intention is to allow personal meanings to unfurl naturally, to awaken curiosity, raise an eyebrow in wonder, spark inquiries, and rekindle memories… As she says on her Instagram (@hayleytresizeart) “Let’s embrace every moment, notice every breath, cherish every interaction, and recognize every opportunity.”
You’re welcome to visit the installation in Ipsden Woods (what3words: resonates.awesome.trickles). For more info about Hayley & her work visit Hayley Trezise
Dad, writer, marketer, podcaster and “accidental mentor” to local young people Saj Tameez tells us about his love for life in Bucks, especially in the winter!
Saj Tameez is proof that the internet can be a force for good, his funny reels on TikTok and Facebook often poking fun at his home town, High Wycombe.
“I adore Wycombe and the greenery around it!” says the 42-year-old dad of three. “I know I make a lot of jokes online about the blunders our local councils and other organisations make, but it all comes from a place of love!
“I’ve spent my life in High Wycombe, and I’m still here! I’ve had the odd fantasy about escaping to some exotic beachside paradise, but honestly, the idea of moving even a few miles out of the Wycombe bubble makes me break into a cold sweat. I’m part of an unquantifiable number of Facebook groups, and somehow. I’ve become an accidental mentor for some of the youth in the community. In another life, I was the go-to for helping young people prepare for their exams, craft CVs, and practise for interviews. I also lend a hand with business ideas, guiding them through business plans and marketing strategies.”
Saj also runs two businesses, Bright Choice Marketing and Design Climb, offering content creation, branding, and web/app design and development. He’s also a business and marketing consultant and a published author. “Right now, I’m working on the third book in my DS Nick Bailey and DC Zoe Hall crime thriller series. The first two books are Perfect Little Lies and For Better, For Worse – Till Death Do Us Part. The third book, Gone in the Night, should be available for pre-order soon.
“I’m also working on a podcast called A Life Worth Living, where we focus on helping young people make smarter decisions to navigate the complexities and challenges life throws their way. I’ll be interviewing local reformed individuals who can share insights on avoiding a life of crime, along with professionals offering valuable perspective across various industries. I feel I’ve gained so much from High Wycombe, and now I want to give back by reinvesting what I’ve learned to help the next generation.
“Walking is one of my favourite activities – you’ll find me wandering everywhere, from Princes Risborough to the stunning Chilterns, happily trekking through any woods I can find. I love the thrill of getting lost and then playing the game of ‘how do I get back?’ I absolutely love the winter season! Yes, strangely enough, I find joy in dark grey skies, rain, thunder, and lightning. I know… please don’t judge me; just pray for me instead!”
Liz Nicholls chats to interior designer, dad & grandad Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, 59, who has helped design Rangeford Villages’ new luxury retirement villages, with his daughter Hermione
Watch the full interview here:
Q. Hello Laurence! How do you like to be addressed?! “Whoa, gosh that’s such a question. ‘Laurence’ is very cool, I’ve always liked being a Laurence… I was nearly a Lancelot; that was a good swerve to be honest. My father, who hankered thoughts that I’d play rugby for Wales, wanted me to be a Gareth.”
Q. Do people constantly misspell your name? “Yes, but I’m very relaxed about it. Y’know, ‘Laurence’ is nothing like as complicated as ‘Llewelyn’ so thank the Lord for small mercies! I regret the fact that Dr Johnson brought in spelling. It would all be much better if we just made it all up.”
Q. Can you tell us how you came to lend your peacock flourishes to Rangeford’s new retirement villages in Surrey & the Cotswolds? “It’s a very organic relationship, happenstance! Rangeford were building in Siddington, on the edge of my village. I work with Hermione and, as an almost 60-year-old myself, I feel the way forward for my generation is to entice people into a relationship with retirement living that’s based much more closely on boutique hotels rather than caravan parks. Just because you’re a specific number, just because you’ve had a specific amount of birthdays, and you have quite so many rings that you can see when you’re cut in half like a tree, that doesn’t mean that the design volume knob should be turned down. Older people are not frightened by design.
This is such an extraordinary odd and Western European attitude! Anywhere else in the world, being senior is seen as a ‘flowering’, as a moment of great accomplishment, a moment when everything you’ve created throughout your life can be celebrated. You celebrate that through colour and commitment, excitement, opulence! Unbeknown to us, that’s absolutely where Rangeford see themselves, too. I found it incredibly refreshing to find a company that understood this. My generation of Boomers who saw the Sex Pistols live don’t want to be shuffled into some ghastly oatmeal trailer park. Actually what we want is somewhere that keeps us active, diverted and alive! So many studies show that the more social contact we have the older we get, the longer we live. So as far as I was concerned it was the creation of a design landscape that drew all its inspiration from contemporary hospitality. I also wanted to reflect a lot of the things I love, especially since this first one was Cotswold-based, and to have a bit of an Arts & Crafts hat on. At the moment people are very interested in this. They see a Brit design legacy that’s not only worth celebrating but ridiculously rare.
We don’t have many things we can put our ‘Britain is Cool’ hat on for, other than William Morris and [Thomas] Chippendale. What William Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement did was incredibly influential throughout the world. It all comes from [Morris’s] love of nature. I think that’s one of the main inspirations from the Rangeford projects: they’re all about the exuberance of nature at its most engorged, its healthiest, its most vibrant, when you get as much chlorophyll as you possibly can. I wanted to create an environment that’s… chlorophyllaceous, if that’s a word! The interesting thing behind all of this, and what’s a big moment for me as an elderly ‘designosaur’ (and also for my business) is the point when Hermione is taking over as that arbiter, that figurehead.
This – we found out recently – is what happened with Williams and May Morris. When May Morris took over the business at the beginning of the 20th century suddenly it became a different and very successful proposition. What Hermione’s been enjoying with the installation in Surrey is that people come over and go “oooh gosh!”. There is that slight assumption that a Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen interior is going to be too tricky to live with, too many notes, too much colour, too stimulating! But this is good in the context of Rangeford. To everyone who’s said ‘ooh I actually love this’ she can say ‘yes that’s because it’s Hermione Llewelyn-Bowen, not Laurence! Hermione believes in a more holistic way. She feels that what she’s doing with my pattern legacy is to create spaces that have energy and vibrancy but aren’t necessarily full of… ‘poisonous looking weedy things’ as she calls them.”
Q. I’ve read that you live with your children & grandchildren, which sounds idyllic! Can you tell us about this multigenerational living arrangement? “In many ways it’s mirroring what I’m doing with Rangeford. They have this brilliant concept which is to encourage their buyers to see what they’re doing not as ‘downsizing’ but ‘rightsizing’. They want their buyers to think about creating a way of living that’s right for the physical resources they have. And, much more importantly, that hardwires the physical resources they’ll have in ten years or 20 years. What’s important for my generation is that you cannot be in denial about growing older. You cannot keep wearing the sportswear you were wearing when you were 20. You can’t keep the Oasis mullet that you sported when you were 20. You have to go with the flow slightly. Noël Coward had the most brilliant expression: he said you have to invite old age in and give it a cocktail. In other words you make it a very gentle transition rather than a point of crisis, a moment when your life is turned upside down.
And that’s very much what we are doing at home in terms of the way Jackie and I live; we’re occupying a fraction of what was a very large space for us on our own, but we’re tailoring it to suit everything that we enjoy. The other side of the house is lived in by Hermione and her husband and their two children and then Cecily and her husband and their two children live in a garage block on the other side of the courtyard. So we are the rock and roll Waltons! We do have that moment of ‘good night john boy’ and all of that stuff. Our grandchildren are an incredibly important part of our daily lives. Our children are intertwined with everything that we do – we work together and Cecily’s husband Dan is our commercial director, and I’m about to do a big publishing project with Cecile. We are literally living above the shop. That feels like it’s such a strange and anachronistic thing in this day and age but I actually think it’s a natural state of grace. This is exactly how families operated in the world, before the 20th century’s obsession with urbanity forced everyone to abandon the nest and leave it to the old crows, only returning occasionally. We are there supporting each other and it means Cecile and Hermione can spread their wings and be who they want to be. They’ve got the incredible safety net and support of Jackie who’s very much there for the children and for them. Meanwhile, of course for us, a stated scientific fact, people live longer and happier when they have as much access to younger people as possible, rather than being confined to somewhere that’s all about you and your generation. My grandchildren are growing up in an incredibly lively, vigorous space when they have cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, all very much a part of the daily tribe.”
Q. I did laugh when I saw your post on Instagram, saying you and Jackie were in Venice, spending the kids’ inheritance! Are you a romantic couple? And will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day this month? “We are incredibly romantic. And no, Valentines Day isn’t a big deal. I always feel that if you wait a year to do something romantic and thoughtful you’ve got something wrong there. We’re so lucky, we met each other at 19. So many people we know, in their sixties, they’ve only just met ‘the one’, but they haven’t got much of their life to spend together. We’ve done everything together: we’ve grown up together, we’ve built businesses together, we’ve taken risks, not doing programmes, doing other programmes, putting out product ranges, relaunching wallpaper in 1999, in the absolute teeth of the wallpaper depression when no one was buying wallpaper… I’ve always felt empowered, stabilised to do these things because I had my life, my real life, my home life. I was going home to an incredibly safe and secure environment so I felt safe. It encouraged me to be more ‘me’. This is something my daughters have said: they are now making some exciting decisions about who they are, what they a re and what they do. They’ve got this stable, rock-like foundation to be whoever they want to be. A lot of their friends, people their age, they’re querulous and very uncommitted to trying new things, because they’re still looking for that great relationship. Get on with that! Find the right one who allows you to be who you are!”
Q. You won our hearts on television. Do you watch much telly? “It makes me laugh with my sons-in-law because they have these enormous televisions, as their generation is wont, which we’re always trying to find concealments for when we’re doing interiors. And yet all these enormous televisions play is Peppa Pig and Bluey: they’re not there to watch international sport or nature documentaries at all. They’re being wasted on computer-generated animation. I rather like Bluey. I find it hard not to watch Bluey without having a little tear. I’m often being crawled on by grandchildren and we all find it very emotional – it’s a powerful watch! Of course, at the moment, we’re all over Jilly Cooper’s Rivals which is about where we live.”
Q. Yes! Rutshire, haha! Do you know Jilly? “Yes! I was sitting next to her a couple of nights ago, trying to convince her that she was almost certainly related to Daisy May Cooper, which would be two polar opposites here in the Cotswolds. Jilly and I have always got on very very well. I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never read any of her books. Rivals is not only set where we live and reeks horribly true on many social levels but it’s also giving me the most phenomenal PTSD from the 1980s. That was very much an era when Jackie and I were at these parties and doing that naughty thing, and it’s brought it all back, rather…”
Q. Speaking of the 1980s, I wonder whether you think there is such a thing as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ taste? “Basically, there is no such thing as good or bad taste. This is peculiarly British obsession, one that was created – if you want to be very boring about it – by the Earl of Burlington in 1720. That aside, it’s a class obsession because there was a general indoctrination that supposed that the ‘posher’ you were, the better your taste was, which is absolute rubbish! Particularly if you live in the Cotswolds; the poshest people have the most terrible taste most of time. Taste should always be subjective, in fact taste is a word I’ve never used. Taste suggests, etymologically, that it’s decided by committee. Style is a much more interesting word: it comes from the Latin ‘stylus’ which means pen. It implies that style is something you write, you change to suit yourself, and I think finding your own style is a much more important obsession than trying to achieve good taste. Half the time, particularly in Britain there’s an obsession with taste and avoiding bad taste so that you end up with no taste at all, and that’s absolutely what happened in the ’90s!”
Q. What’s the favourite interior you’ve ever visited, Laurence? “Oh, big question. I mean, I’ve just come back from Venice, as you say, which has a lot to see. I get very excited by interiors that tell stories, unlike the mass-produced ones with delusions of blandeur! When you see the same kind of colour scheme and the same kind of irritating inability to engage, they’re very unstimulating spaces. Inevitably historical rooms tell you a lot. Venice is a very interesting place because style was always unhindered. You never had to worry about being attacked Barbarians or Goths here because you were in an island in the middle of a lagoon. So you were allowed to show off as much as you bloody well wanted! There was no upper limit to showing off. Meanwhile, you were fantastically wealthy, you had access to incredible craftsmen, incredible artists, incredible materials. So a Venetian room is an act of a self-aggrandisement. And I find it very difficult not to fall in love with that kind of expressive aesthetic.”
Q. If you had a magic wand, what would you wish for? “For everyone to have a magic wand.”
Q. Do you have a favourite piece of music? “I like a lot of contemporary film music and gaming music, weirdly, including classical and opera. I continue to be very fond of artists like Goldfrapp. I tend not to like too much pop but my playlist is bonkers and eccentric; it’s like a dressing up box of extraordinary stuff from here there and everywhere.”
Q. Final question! You dress beautifully, including today. Are you always dapper or do you sometimes just chuck a pair of joggers on!? “No. I will put on pyjamas and a dressing gown which I think is very appropriate. But the current obsession with ‘comfort’, I don’t really understand. Wear clothes that suit you, fit you, and you can keep them on. The idea that you’re just going home to watch Gogglebox is appalling… that was the taste police talking, wasn’t it!”
We’re sharing two recipes from The White Hart in Fyfield, which was recently named one of the UK’s top 50 gastropubs
Nestled in the picturesque village of Fyfield, just six miles south of Oxford, this culinary gem offers an exceptional dining experience. Renowned for its first-class Sunday roasts, including juicy local roast beef with homemade creamed horseradish and its signature dish of a 12-hour slow-cooked belly of Kelmscott pork, topped with glorious foot-long crackling, both accompanied by goose fat roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and freshest seasonal vegetables from the pub’s kitchen garden.
The White Hart offers a daily-changing à la carte menu, highlighting the finest seasonal ingredients. A value-driven set lunch menu is served Tuesday to Friday, with two courses for £25 and three for £28. The pub also caters to dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
The White Hart is owned by husband and wife duo, Mark and Kay Chandler. Since taking over the 15th century former Chantry house in 2005, they have lovingly restored the building to its former glory and built its reputation as a gourmet destination known for its accomplished menus and charming service. Sustainability is at the heart of their ethos and their environmental impact is at the forefront of every business decision and supplier choice they make. Visit The White Hart Fyfield, Oxfordshire
Sticky toffee pudding, poached date puree, toffee sauce (serves six)
Ingredients: Pudding: • 50g unsalted butter, softened • 100g caster sugar • 50g soft dark brown sugar • One egg, beaten • 200g self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 150g chopped pitted dates • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • 280ml boiling water
Date purée: • 150g chopped pitted dates • 2 tbsp caster sugar • 1 Earl Grey tea bag • One vanilla pod • Water
Garnish: • Vanilla ice cream
Method: 1. Line a baking tray (about 30cm x 20cm x 12cm) with greaseproof paper. Places the dates in a bowl. Add the bicarbonate of soda and cover with the boiling water. Let it stand to allow the dates to soften. 2. Cream the butter and both sugars until pale. Mix in the egg. Gradually add the flour and the baking powder until combined. Add the date/water mixture gradually and combine thoroughly. 3. Pour the mixture into the lined baking tray and bake at 160C for 30-25 minutes, until cooked (inset a knife into the centre and when it comes out clean it is ready). Let the pudding cool and cut into squares.
Toffee sauce: Bring the brown sugar and cream to the boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter.
Date purée: Place the dates, caster sugar, Early Grey tea bag and vanilla pod into a pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for approximately 20 minutes, until the dates are soft. Remove the tea bag and vanilla pod and blend until smooth.
To serve: Serve the pudding warm (microwave for 1 minute). Pour over the toffee sauce and top with a quenelle of puree. Garnish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Winter cooler cocktail
Ingredients: • 40ml salted caramel vodka • 50ml apple juice • 25ml lime juice • Sprinkle of cinnamon • Ginger beer • Ice
Equipment needed: • Boston shaker • Single strainer • Spirit measure • Rocks glass
1. Firstly, add ice to a rocks glass to chill. Then add all of your ingredients to the small side of a Boston shaker. 40ml salted caramel vodka, 50ml apple juice, 25ml lime juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
2. Half fill the tin with ice and shake for 8-10 seconds to slightly dilute and chill the mixture. Pour any melted ice out of the glass and top up with fresh ice if required.
3. Single strain the mixture over the ice and top up with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh lime (we use a dehydrated lime wheel but fresh works well too).
Deborah Henderson, founder of The Chiltern Sound Spa, tells us what she loves most about life in Amersham & nearby
Q. Hello Deborah. Please tell us a bit about yourself! “I work is social innovation, creating new services and social enterprises that address both social and environmental issues. I also run The Chiltern Sound Spa, a space where people can reconnect with themselves through holistic wellbeing experiences, such as sound meditation, forest bathing, shamanic drumming, and women’s circles around the Amersham area. Each of these practices offers unique benefits; sound meditation, for example, uses vibrations to reduce stress, while forest bathing is scientifically shown to lower cortisol and boost immune function. If you’re looking to relax and take some time for yourself, I’d highly recommend trying one of our events.”
Q. Where do you live & how long have you lived there for? “I moved to Amersham from London 12 years ago, and I’ve never looked back. I love that feeling of arriving at Amersham Tube station after a busy day in the city, taking a deep breath, and feeling at home.”
Q. What pets do you have? “We recently welcomed Jimi, our Old English Sheepdog puppy, into the family. He’s absolutely adorable and growing so quickly – he’s going to be big! He loves our Tuesday trips to Amersham Market, especially for the treats from Chiltern Pet Products.”
Q. What are your favourite local shops or businesses? “Amersham has so many hidden gems. After a game of tennis, I often stop by A Little Street Kitchen [in Sycamore Road] for a cuppa and a pastry with friends. Koyo [which has branches in Amersham and Beaconsfield] is also a local gem – perfect for a quick lunch or an evening out, especially if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine. It has a quirky vibe.”
Q. Are you a member of any local groups? “Yes, I’ve been learning to play tennis for the past six years and am a member of Chesham Bois Lawn Tennis Club. I’ve made great friends through it, and playing outside is such a bonus. A Danish study found that playing tennis could extend your life by nearly 10 years!”
Q. What do you love most about living here? “I feel incredibly fortunate to live surrounded by such natural beauty. Whether it’s the trees, the gentle hills, or the wildlife, the Amersham area has a calming effect on the soul. Research supports the idea that time in nature lowers stress and improves overall health. In the summer, I’m really lucky to be able to host my sound spas in private gardens, including Chesham Bois House, which is a hidden treasure. I was recently invited by the team at Wendover Woods to lead forest bathing sessions, which is really special too.”
Nhan Nguyen, co-owner & head chef of award-winning Suum Vietnamese Kitchen, shares his thoughts on food, family & Vietnamese New Year
Q. Hello! What does the new year, “Tet”, mean to you? “Tet it the biggest celebration of the year. It centres around family, community and paying respects to ancestors and roots. Everyone returns home, if they can, celebrating for a week with prayers for health, safety, and prosperity. Traditions include giving lucky money to elders and children for blessings and offering food to ancestors with a 10-course meal (e.g. red sticky rice, stir-fried seasonal greens squid, chicken vermicelli mushroom soup, crispy spring rolls, lotus salad). For us, Tet is a time of gratitude, reflection, and resetting life’s purpose. It’s vital for me to pass on this beautiful tradition to my boys, teaching them its meaning and encouraging them to carry it forward.”
Q. Where do you live? “My family and I have lived in Marlow Bottom for three years. As father to two boys (aged seven and 10) life is always busy, but I love the fast pace and the constant activity. It’s a fantastic place to raise kids, with a great sense of community. I love to play sports when I can and I’m part of Danesfield Dads Football Club. I love the strong sense of community here – it’s supportive, safe, and family-orientated, surrounded by beautiful scenery and thriving!”
Q. What are you favourite shops? “My wife’s favourites include Marlow Green (for fresh produce), the Meat Hook (for meat!), and Twenty Three Living for gifts. She loves food shopping days and cooking for the family.”
Q. How about local restaurants? “I’m a big fan of Indian cuisine; Atul Kochhar’s Vaasu in Marlow is a favourite. Atul has changed the way people perceive and experience Indian food in the UK, which is exactly what I’m aiming to achieve with Vietnamese cuisine. My kids love the burgers at The Butcher’s Tap (as do we!). I enjoy the vibe and food at The Oarsman and Sunday roasts at The Coach.”
Q. Your restaurant is so loved! What was it like opening Suum? “Opening Suum came with countless challenges, sleepless nights, and tough times. Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey; it’s been a huge period of personal growth and development. I’ve met so many people, each leaving me with lessons and impacts I carry forward. What drives me most is seeing customers enjoy our food, especially those trying Vietnamese cuisine for the first time. Their enjoyment and feedback motivates me to keep improving and give my best.”
Q. What’s your favourite dish on the menu? “I’m a snacker, so the Saigon Sizzling Pancakes! I love the crunchy outer layer, the freshness of bean sprouts, the savoury combination of pork and prawns, and the bold flavours from the herbs and chilli fish sauce. It’s so light and delicious, I could munch on it all day.”
Q. What highlights are you looking forward to? “This year is a transformational one for me and for Suum. As an introvert, I’ve mainly run Suum through word-of-mouth, but I’m stepping out more. I’m excited to connect with local businesses and the wider community, showcasing our cuisine to Marlow and beyond.”
Samantha Perry of Orega Marlow tells us what she loves about local life
Q. Hi Samantha! Tell us a bit about yourself! “I’m 53 years old and married. I have an adult son and five granddaughters who keep me on my toes! I work as a customer service representative for Orega Marlow.”
Q. Do you have pets? “Poppy, a beautiful Cavachon. I recommend her groomer, Sally Henwood from the Grooming Studio in Holyport. Poppy’s favourite walk is along the river, stopping off for a pub lunch and doggy treats at The Bounty in Cookham.
Q. Where do you live? “In sunny Maidenhead. I’ve lived here for 15 years. I moved away for 16 years but I missed Berkshire, so I returned to what I call home. I love it around here. It’s a quiet and friendly neighbourhood. Everyone is really supportive and caring.”
Q. Did you go to school in these parts? “I went to Altwood School in Maidenhead and one teacher who always sticks in my mind is Mr Baig. He was a really kind soul.”
Q. What are your favourite local shops or local businesses? “I do like a mooch around the Thames Hospice charity shop in Maidenhead. It’s always well laid-out, fresh and spacious. There are lots of hidden gems in there. You can’t beat Marlow for its boutiques, places to eat and lots of unique shops like R.M Williams which recently opened its first store outside London. Also, a special mention for the Everyman Cinema which is a great spot to unwind with a film and a bite to eat.”
Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants? “My family enjoy a Sunday roast at The Shire Horse in Maidenhead. We go every weekend without fail! The food is delicious, plus it’s family-friendly for the grandchildren. The conservatory area is ideal for large groups. I also have Lavvin in Marlow on my list to visit as I hear that their Sunday roast is the best in town.”
Q. What highlights are you looking forward to later this year? “I’m looking forward to spring with the longer days, more sunlight and milder temperatures. At Orega Marlow we offer state-of-the-art serviced offices, co-working spaces, fully equipped meeting rooms and virtual offices. We’re located in Marlow International, a 35-minute commute to London and with excellent links to the M40 for the surrounding towns. We’ve recently introduced free business breakfasts for the local business community, and the first event was a great success. We’re excited to host more throughout 2025 – keep an eye on our socials and Eventbrite for upcoming dates and details!”
Q. Are you a member of any local groups? “I’ve got friends and colleagues who all shout about the brilliant networking events in and around Marlow. Marlow Chamber has been so welcoming as well.”
Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be? “My only wish for the world is no crime or cruelty.”
