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.”
As estimated three quarters of Britons are affected by scams. Actor, presenter and fraud defence expert Nick Stapleton offers his tips
I have worked in the world of scams and fraud for the last decade, initially doing undercover jobs for television inside dodgy businesses trying to defraud the British population, and later directing my own investigative films. When I had the chance to start working on camera and present Scam Interceptors, I jumped at it.
I’ve always enjoyed helping people and I place huge importance on getting emotional value from what I do. That’s a major part of why I love helping victims and telling their stories. We have a huge problem with fraud in this country (it’s our most common crime by far) and as a journalist who sees the emotional and psychological impact it has, I don’t think there’s a more important story to tell out there.
In my line of work, it’s essential to stay on top of the current scam business: what’s working, what changes are being made and crucially how it all works. Through my own investigations and my work on the BBC’s Scam Interceptors, thankfully I’ve got a web of contacts across law enforcement, the criminal world and those who occupy the greyer areas in between the two, who help me keep my finger on the scam pulse. These are my big three scams to keep an eye at the moment.
Bank impersonation scams
This is without doubt one of the most common scam calls hitting Britain every day. It often begins with a ‘robocall’, a robotic voice, explaining something alarming. For example, that fraudulent transactions have been found on your account and that you should press 1 to speak to your bank’s fraud department. If you do press 1, you’ll be put through to a scammer.
While they know almost nothing about you, they will try their utmost to pose, convincingly, as a concerned member of your bank’s fraud department. Here’s the key thing to remember: if they’re asking you for any banking information (sort codes, account numbers, even a balance from your latest statement), they’re not calling from your bank.
Firstly, your bank would never use a robocall to notify you of fraud. Secondly, they wouldn’t ask you for detailed personal information, but would go through security questions (or similar) to verify who you are. You can safely assume that any out-of-the-blue call from someone claiming to be your bank is a scam – if you work from that assumption you will be on safe ground. Never be afraid to tell them that you’re going to hang up and call your bank back on the number that is either written on your statement or the back of your bank card. It’s vital NOT to call back on any number given out over the phone.
It’s also worth being absolutely sure that, if you suspect you’ve been dealing with a bank impersonation scammer, you definitely hung up the call before you try to reach your own bank. It’s not unknown for the scammer to try to stay on the line and continue the scam by posing as your bank again when you believe you’ve started a new call.
Job opportunity scams
As many of us try to make a bit of extra money, these scams are increasingly popular. Scammers don’t just watch the news for ideas – they watch the calendar too.
If you receive an out-of-the-blue message by text or email asking you whether you’re interested in earning upwards of £100 a day to work for an “online marketing company” or similar, you can safely assume it’s a scam too. They will likely offer to hire you immediately if you respond in the positive, without even checking you have the right to work, signing any paperwork or setting up a contract. No respectable employer would ever do this.
These scammers may even initially actually pay you wages, but if you go through with the online work they’re asking of you, you will end up owing them money. Remember: it’s extremely important to be vigilant about any seemingly well-paid part-time work like this. Any serious employer will want a contract in place and to have your National Insurance number and identification from you before you begin any work.
Pig-butchering scams
This is probably the most profitable scam on the planet right now, and draws its somewhat unpleasant name for origins in China. The gangs who started this scam liked to describe it as ‘pig butchering’ because the scam ‘fattens up’ their victims before taking them for everything they have, much like the standard practice in butchering a pig.
It’s a very modern scam too, in that it can take place almost exclusively over text messages being exchanged. These scams all begin on either dating websites or social media, where seemingly innocent interaction with a new online romantic friend will lead into a lasting relationship. You might exchange messages for weeks without any mention of money at all.
Eventually, once your trust has been bought, the scammer will bring up how they make money. They will mention that they invest it online and encourage you to do the same, laying it on thick over weeks as they suggest you put in more and more money and you see what you believe are huge returns. You will even be able to see your money growing on the website they have led you to invest in.
But it’s all smoke and mirrors, and eventually you won’t see your money or hear from your friend again. That’s what can be so damaging about this scam, not just the loss of money, but the loss of someone you thought was a serious romantic interest.
The key rule here is never to invest in anything which isn’t regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – they have a register at Financial Conduct Authority where you can check for vetted firms.
Nick’s new book How To Beat Scammers is available now, published by Michael O’Mara. Order from Amazon and Waterstones. Also visit Nick Stapleton.
London Elektricity, BCee & Ruth Royall Unite for Diamonds in the Rain, a single kicking off the 20th anniversary of the iconic Spearhead Records label
Spearhead Records has been a cornerstone of the drum & bass scene for two decades. Today, they kick off their 20th-anniversary celebrations in spectacular fashion with the release of “Diamonds in the Rain,” featuring drum & bass icon London Elektricity, label founder BCee, and critically acclaimed vocalist Ruth Royall.
The track serves as the first of 24 singles slated for release throughout 2025, spotlighting the label’s ongoing commitment to showcasing the best in drum & bass from mainstays in the genre as well as exciting breakthrough talent.
As the founder of Spearhead Records, it was only fitting that BCee kicked off the celebrations with something special. He says: “This sort of collaboration doesn’t come along too often so when it does it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate. I’ve been a big London Elektricity fan since day one, the younger me would have lost his mind to know we would one day be in the studio together.”
A vibrant blend of liquid drum & bass and soulful melodies, Diamonds in the Rain pulses with an infectious energy that is as uplifting as it is emotive. Ruth Royall’s stunning vocals soar over dynamic rhythms and shimmering instrumentation. London Elektricity’s & BCee’s decades of innovation in the genre shine through, seamlessly bridging classic drum & bass sounds with Spearhead’s forward-looking vision for its 20th-anniversary celebrations.
This track brings together three iconic names shaping the genre’s global trajectory. London Elektricity, the founder of the legendary Hospital Records, has been instrumental in introducing drum & bass to audiences far beyond the UK. Through Spearhead, BCee has introduced many game-changing talents to the world, including Netsky, LSB, and Alix Perez—artists who have also cultivated massive fanbases in the USA. And Ruth Royall, with millions of streams and regular airplay on BBC Radio 1 and Kiss FM, is a star who’s bridging drum & bass with soulful vocals that connect with listeners everywhere.
Stay tuned for more music and exciting collaborations from Spearhead Records as they continue to celebrate 20 years of innovation and impact within the drum & bass community.
Well done to the team at Bucks & Oxfordshire takeaway favourites Howe & Co who have been named one of UK’s 50 best fish & chip takeaways for the sixth time in eight years
If you’ve stopped to enjoy fish & chips from Howe & Co’s familiar blue & cream vans, you’ll know how delicious they are.
So well done to Charlotte and Jamie Bachman who have owned and operated Howe and Co Van 22 & 55 since 2017.
Since then, the business has successfully expanded from one van to two vans in 2022, serving customers across Bucks (including Thames, Lane End and Stokenchurch) and south Oxfordshire (including Wheatley, Eynsham & Forest Hill).
This growth would not be possible without their dedicated team, which includes Kyle, Emma, Leanne, and Tina, along with many others working behind the scenes, such as Kirsty, Michael, Jan, Louise and Tony. In recognition of their excellence, Howe and Co has been named one of the UK’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways for 2025.
It follows two rounds of mystery dining visits by leading trade publication Fry Magazine in which judges meticulously inspected aspects including food quality, cleanliness, staff expertise, value for money, ease of ordering, and social media presence.
With the pass mark set high at 96%, Howe and Co scored an impressive 97% with the mystery diner commenting: “The van was very clean, both inside and outside. The staff were very polite, smiling, warm and friendly. The fish had been well drained and it hadn’t even soaked into the outer paper that it was wrapped in. The batter was crisp, golden and even. It was not soggy or greasy at all. I had a very good-sized portion of chips which were a golden colour and not too pale.”
Commenting on their success, competition organiser Reece Head, , says: “Another year has passed and, once again, these shops have shown resilience, adapting to today’s challenges with remarkable dedication. At a time when inflationary pressures are being felt, these businesses continue to stay positive and prioritise their customers, maintain exceptional standards, and find innovative ways to keep fish and chips affordable.
“Starting the year as award winners is a fantastic way for fish and chip shops to kick off 2025, setting the tone for a successful year ahead.”
Fry Magazine’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways is in its 13th year and sponsors include Frymax, Seafood from Norway, Pukka, KFE, The NFFF, 555 Amanda Roe, Central Foods, BD Signs & BDigital, Friars Pride, VA Whitley, Henry Colbeck, Superior Frying Fat, Kerry Foodservice and Drywhite.
Van 55is also available for event hire. To find out more & enjoy your next takeaway see www.Facebook.com/mobilechippy
Fellow moon fans! Artist & designer Hayley Jones is on a mission to help you embrace the different lunar phases, in beautiful style
Were you, like me, mesmerised by the first full moon of the year on Tuesday evening? The first full moon of 2025 (Wolf Moon) loomed large in the night sky, made even more powerful by the red planet Mars glowing alongside it.
Hayley Jones founded Moon Phase Studios in 2020 to encourage others to ‘attune to the moon’ with the help of art, ritual and books. Her bestselling 13 Moon Journal 2025has been winning rave reviews all over the world, following the lunar cycles throughout the year to promote each reader’s personal growth through quarterly goal-setting and tracking, boosted by her motivational artwork and prompts. It’s not too late to order one and set your intentions for this powerful year; as the experts will tell you [Star signing: January Astrology & tarot] 2025 is a big year of planetary and lunar shifts so we need all the help we can get!
A nature-lover and a frequent moon gazer, Hayley loved painting watercolours and created her signature Moon Calendars in previous years, selling sold a modest amount via her Etsy page. When the events of 2020 grounded the giant tipi business she and her husband had started, everything shifted. With Covid restrictions in place, no income, and a two-year-old and baby in tow, Hayley took solace in nature. Soothed by the beauty of the natural world and the universe beyond, Hayley was inspired to launch her 2021 Moon Calendar.
Pushing imposer syndrome to one side, a quiet voice within her told her to trust this new path ad print 2,500 calendars rather than the usual 500. Praying to the moon, manifesting a positive outcome (and a fair amount of hard work!) – the mission has proved fruitful!
The family business, seeded thanks to a small start-up loan, has won a loyal following of moon followers and art-lovers. The creative, independent company is ethical and kind to the planet, actively reducing plastic consumption wherever possible in every aspect of the business.
Check out the full range of journals, calendars, prints, card & more at Moon Phase Studios
