As we step in 2025 – perhaps with new year’s resolutions fresh in our minds – it’s the perfect time to make a pledge for nature. You can do just that with World Land Trust (WLT), a conservation charity working to protect threatened wildlife and habitats around the world. Bex from WLT tells us more about this vital work and how you can help in the year ahead…
At WLT, we believe land is at the very heart of conservation. Our mission to help people across the world protect and restore their land, to safeguard biodiversity and the climate for generations to come.
For more than 35 years, we’ve been working with our growing network of international conservation partners, funding the creation of nature reserves and putting the ownership and management of land into the hands of local communities who know it best.
We’ve already helped fund the protection of over 2.5 million hectares – an area significantly larger than the size of Wales.
By conserving land, we can keep whole ecosystems healthy, including all the incredible species and habitats they contain. As described by our patron, Sir David Attenborough: “If you want to save Jaguars and hummingbirds the only way to do so is to save the places where they live.”
In this time of climate crisis when the treats facing the natural world are so severe, it can be difficult to feel like you can make a difference as an individual, and it’s easy to ask: “what good can I really do?” But with WLT, every single donation truly make a tangible impact.
Through our programmes, our supporters are planting trees, protecting acres, safeguarding species, and empowering local people to preserve their ancestral homes.
Image: Gandy Grefa
Each supporter is a key part of the WLT community. Our Director of Brand and Communications, Dan Bradbury, says: “We often speak about the importance of community at WLT. That’s because our impact comes from bringing people from all over the planet and all walks of life together in the pursuit of a common goal.”
Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we funded over 80 projects in 2024 alone, from the Amazonian rainforests of Ecuador to the South African Savannah and the arid steppes of Armenia.
Now, in a new year, we can achieve even more together. And you can be part of the journey…
Image: Jo Dale
Here’s how you can make a difference in the year ahead:
Become a WLT Friend – If you want to make a regular commitment in 2025 you can sign up to become a WLT Friend. The monthly donations of our Friends are incredibly important to our work, and can be as small or large as you choose. Plant a tree – A tree today, a forest tomorrow! Just £5 will fund a new tree from seed to sapling to success. Reforestation is one of the main ways of restoring ecosystems, and with Plant a Tree, you can help to bring vital forest habitats back to life one tree at a time. Buy an acre, save a home – Habitat loss is the greatest threat facing wildlife worldwide, but protecting land gives species the chance to thrive. When you donate £100 to Buy an Acre, one of our partners can purchase one acre of habitat and protect it in perpetuity. Support Action Fund – Action Fund provides urgent conservation resources whenever they are most needed. Every donation, no matter its size, helps our partners rapidly respond to the unforeseen, from tackling forest fires and ever-worsening climate disasters to quickly purchasing land to extend a reserve. It’s time to fight for the future of our natural world. With every tree planted and acre protected, the actions of WLT supporters lead to incredible chain reactions across the globe.
Nikki Butler, an auDHD advocate, is encouraging women to embrace being different through her new book, Permission To be Different, exploring her autism and ADHD diagnosis in her mid-forties.
Nikki Butler is on a mission to empower the next generation who have gone through their lives so far feeling as if they do not fit in. Having spent years pretending to be the same as everyone else, Nikki knows only too well how stressful this can be.
Writing from her personal experience of neurodivergent corporate burn-out and being undiagnosed until her forties, this book shows readers how to advocate for themselves, find a sense of calm, and achieve success on their own terms. It doesn’t matter if they are autistic, have ADHD or are just a bit different – the focus is on helping them understand themselves, and create a fulfilling, authentic life.
“It’s so important to me that neurodivergent women embrace their true selves and create a life full of happiness, balance and achievement,” she tells us. “Permission to be Different is my way of guiding and inspiring them on this journey, no matter what stage they are at. They need to know they can let go of the need to fit into societal expectations and fly just as they are, by giving themselves permission to be different.”
Nikki felt lonely and miserable trying to fit in and experienced corporate burn-out from the stress of doing so at the age of 36. Now, aged 48, she is running her own business as The Autistic Joyologist showing other women what is possible for them too. Her book provides a roadmap out of the cycle of overwhelm and burn-out into a life where balance and achievement exist. Permission to be Different is the book that Nikki wishes she had been able to read while she was on her journey.
In the chapters readers are guided through the important steps of accepting where they are, discovering their values and purpose and encouraged to embrace a positive mix of joy, calm and balance.
Permission to be Different is out now, published by Authors & Co. For more about Nikki’s work and to join her tribe, please visit The Autistic Joyologist and follow @autisticjoyologist on Instagram.
Dry January? No thank you! We’re raising a glass to the Bucks booze heroes who are mixing things up with an array of local tipples
Starting any new venture takes a lot of bottle. But when there’s a market thirsty for an idea, this can give any entrepreneur a shot of Dutch courage.
This is what happened – over lockdown – to sesh-loving brother and sister duo Tash & Antosh Samek, the co-founders of Rythmik Cocktails. “The bar Antosh owned, Clayton’s in Marlow, was closed and customers asked him to deliver his cocktails,” explains Tash. “As a brand strategist working in the drinks industry, I joined forces with him to turn it into a brand: Rythmik. And the rest, as they say, is history!”
The cocktails were such a hit that Antosh closed the bar over a year ago. The siblings, who grew up locally, going to Chesham High & Challoner’s, now focus on the business, based in Amersham. Rythmik uses top-quality ingredients to create range of pre-mixed cocktails and Tash & Antosh choose suppliers that share their values. This includes local companies such as Marlow Gin, whose spirit provides the base of their renowned Marlow Negroni and Griffiths Brothers vodka in their Espresso Martini. They sell their bottles online at Rythmik Cocktails and they are also stocked in more than 30 local shops and bars.
Antosh adds: “The singular purpose of Rythmik Cocktails is to put everything that people loved about the bar – top quality and creative drinks, music and vibe – into a bottle. It’s why out pre-mixed bottles cocktails are bar-strength and bar quality as they encompass years of experience at the helm of an award-winning bar. Each cocktail comes with its own playlist, a set of tracks we’ve made to match the vibe of the drink. So you can Sip To The Sounds!”
The Griffiths Brothers – AKA Alex & Drew – are another pair of siblings united by a challenge they’d set themselves, namely: “Could we create a gin from from scratch that would impress family and friends? It soon became an obsession. We wanted to produce the best hand-crafted gin around.” So Drew and Alex started scouting around for a proper home for their still. Luckily, a family friend who owned a 1930s aircraft factory, converted into industrial units tucked away in Penn Street, had some disused storage space up for grabs.
“We are Bucks’ first multi-award-winning craft distillery,” says Alex, who grew up in Beaconsfield and lives in Marlow. “We use a special distillation method that gives our spirits a soft, clean finish, brighter more natural flavour notes. Cold distillation is more complex, but the results speak for themselves.”
The Griffiths’ beloved still is home to two rotary evaporators, “Roberta” and “Aretha” who still each botanical in glass, with the highest quality 100% organic wheat spirit. The spirit vapour is then condensed at -8C and each botanical distillation is stored for the flavour to mellow before being combined – by hand – to produce the finished gin. Finally, each batch is tasted and every bottle is signed.
“We are here for decerning drinkers,” says Alex. “I love pubs, although I don’t get enough time to spend in them. I like old-school pubs. The George Ale House in Great Missenden is a classic example.” Visit Griffiths Brothers Distillery
Wine fans can also find veritable treasures here. Marcus Rees’ new book Oxfordshire Uncorked includes a few gems on this side of the county. He recommends Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery, whose team run regular tours and tastings throughout January. “Winter is a good time to visit so you can also enjoy discounts on their luxury B&B accommodation. They even offer a cookery school as well as weddings and parties in their lovely, converted bar. Chiltern Valley was established in 1980 and produces a wide range of still and sparkling wines, all available to take home or to enjoy on-site by the bottle or glass. In addition, the team offer bottle-conditioned ales brewed on-site, and a food van open every day serving coffee as well as hot and cold food. Try the lovely sparkling wines which have an extremely fine fizz on the palate, or their oaked white wines with tropical fruit flavours – not always expected in English wines.” For more info visit Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery
At Radnage Daws Hill vineyard and winery was planted in 2004 and is run by Holly Morgan, producing sparkling wines only, made traditionally, like Champagne. Holly relies on a team volunteers to help her in the vineyard. October saw another successful sushi and wine evening the Sakana (Sakana Oxford) an online Japanese food service based in Chinnor. Other popular events include food foraging (next one in March), wine blending workshop and regular cheese pairings. Marcus continues: “Daws Hill produces lovely sparkling wines from the Auxerrois grape – common in Cremant d’Alsace wines – and from the big three Champagne grapes – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. They even produce an unusual, elegant cider made in the same way as the wines with a second fermentation in the bottle – lovely with a cheese or pork pie!” Daws Hill Vineyard
Marcus adds: “Just outside Marlow, Harrow & Hope makes high-end sparkling wines from the three classic Champagne varieties – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Henry & Fate Laithwaite planted the vineyard in 2010 and aim to let the grapes and their wines express the ‘terroir’ of the vineyard, which is now certified organic.” Bottles start at £33 and are available from Laithwaite’s as well as independent delis and merchants such as Grape Expectations in Marlow. Visit Harrow & Hope & Oxfordshire Uncorked
We’re sharing a taste of Healthy Air Fry Feasts: Fast, Easy, High-Protein Recipes in 30 Mins or Less by Christina Kynigos, AKA @VeryHungryGreek
Garlic butter Bolognese crispy tacos
My most viral recipe, levelled up! Tacos filled with Bolognese sauce and lashings of cheese, then brushed with garlic butter and air-fried until crispy. A firm family favourite. You can freeze the Bolognese, but the tacos are best eaten fresh.
Serves four Prep: Five minutes Cooking time: 23-25 minutes
Ingredients: • Non-stick cooking spray • One onion, finely diced • Six chestnut mushrooms, finely diced • 500g lean beef mince • Two beef stock cubes, dissolved in 250ml boiling water • 500g passata • One heaped tsp dried mixed herbs • A pinch of garlic granules • 1tsp ground black pepper • Pinch of sweetener (or sugar) • Eight mini tortilla wraps • 200g grated light mozzarella
For the garlic butter • 30g light butter, melted • A pinch of dried parsley • ½ tsp garlic granules
Method 1. Mix the garlic butter ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. 2. Spray a pan with some oil spray, place over a low to medium heat, add the onion and mushrooms and fry for a few minutes to soften, then add the beef mince and fry for a further three or four minutes, stirring to brown it all over and break up any clumps. 3. Add the rest of the ingredients apart from the tortilla wraps and mozzarella, mix well and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. 4. Let the Bolognese cool slightly before using it to fill the tortillas. Add the mozzarella, fold over, then brush with the garlic butter and air-fry at 200°C for 3-4 minutes. Flip them over and air-fry for a further three or four minutes, until golden and crispy.
Cinnamon Buns
You just can’t beat fluffy cinnamon buns with a cream cheese icing, so I’ve made a high-protein version using my trusty two-ingredient dough to add protein but still keep the amazing texture.
Serves one Prep: Five minutes Cooking time: eight minutes
Ingredients: • 40g 0% fat Greek yogurt • 40g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting • 2tsp light butter, melted • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp granulated sweetener (or sugar) For the cream cheese icing • 25g light cream cheese • 1 tsp icing sugar
Method: 1. In a bowl, mix the yogurt and flour together to form a dough. Flour the work surface and a rolling pin and roll it out into a rectangle, around the thickness of a pound coin. 2. Brush over the melted butter, then evenly sprinkle over the cinnamon and sweetener. Roll up the dough into a log, then slice in half. 3. With the sliced side facing up, use your hand to gently press down and flatten each piece slightly. Using the brush you used earlier for the butter, brush any remaining butter around a small baking dish, then place the cinnamon buns inside. 4. Air-fry at 170°C for 8 minutes until golden and cooked, then let them cool for a few minutes. 5. Mix the icing ingredients together in a small bowl. Spread the cream cheese icing over the buns and devour.
Extract credit: Healthy Air Fry Feasts: Fast, Easy, High-Protein Recipes in 30 Mins or Less by Christina Kynigos (HQ, HarperCollins Publishers). Image credit Ellis Parrinder.
Kate Mosse talks to Liz Nicholls ahead of the Labyrinth Live: Unlocking The Secrets of the Labyrinth tour, at a theatre near you between February & April, to mark the 20th anniversary of her bestselling book
Q. Hello Kate! We’re excited about your live one-women stage show. How are you feeling about it? Do you get nervous? “It’s exhilarating and, though I will be a little nervous to start with, I can’t wait to get back on stage! I’m a great believer in having a go and trying something new, so when I was offered the chance of a new career as a performer at the age of 62, I took it. Standing in the wings waiting to go on stage, hearing the audience chatting, listening to the music at the top of the show as the lights go down, it’s a buzz like nothing else. I love the anticipation, the excitement and the fact that you’re out there on your own, so you’ve just got to get it right.”
Q. Your amazing book Labyrinth is 20 years old! How do you feel about it now? Did you have an inkling what a success it would be & how it would capture people’s hearts? “Not at all and, honestly, I still pinch myself at my good fortune. All these years later, I’m still so grateful to all the millions of readers who took Labyrinth to their hearts. It’s one of the reasons I’m going on tour, to say thank you to everyone who made the book a success. Even now, people still come up and tell me ‘their’ Labyrinth story – where they first read it and what it means to them – and that is very humbling. It’s a great opportunity for me to revisit the novel, too, and remind myself of how the characters first came to life.”
Q. Can you tell us about some of the secrets you’ll be unlocking, including the modern-day Grail legends I’ve heard about? “I don’t want to give too much away obviously, but the show will be a fully immersive, atmospheric, theatrical performance. I’ll be using film, video, music, lights, props, special effects to bring medieval Carcassonne to life and help the audience feel that they are there in the heart of the story. We’re putting it together now and it’s going to be an incredible experience from the second audiences set food in the theatre until the moment when the lights go up at the end of the show. I’ll be sharing the inside story about the writing of the novel itself – my inspirations, how the characters came to life, the landscape of Languedoc – but also revealing the real history that lies behind Labyrinth: so, Nazi Grail hunters, hieroglyphs and Ancient Egypt, Grail legends past and present, the mythology of labyrinths, the medieval crusades against the Cathars, the history of Carcassonne to name just a few of the elements of the show. I want people to come out buzzing with a sense of time-travel and that they have spent the last few hours walking in the footsteps of the people of the past. It’s going to be a special night out!”
Q. Could you tell us a bit about your writing process please? Especially where your sparks of ideas come from? “For me, everything I write – fiction, non-fiction, theatre – all starts with a sense of place. So, with Labyrinth, it was arriving in Carcassonne for the first time in 1989 on a misty, November’s night and falling head-over-heels in love. From the medieval citadel to the river that runs through the town, from the history and mystery of the region to the terrible stories of religious persecution and the courage of those who stood against the crusade, from the mountains and beautiful valleys to the blue Midi sky in summer, Languedoc is the landscape of my imagination. That’s when the ‘whispering’ begins, the idea that here in this particular place there is a story and characters just waiting for me to come and along and start writing.”
Q. Did you enjoy school? “I loved it. I was a bit of a loner, a bit of a fish-out-of-water, but through music, history, drama, English, RE, all the arts subjects really, I found my tribe. I loved arriving early and staying late in the library after school (partly to avoid the cool girls who hung around at the bus station with their boyfriends), which meant I got a lot of homework done.”
Q. Were there any teachers or books that you studied that made a mark? “I was lucky enough to have a brilliant Latin teacher – she taught us about the politics of Ancient Rome, as much as the language and poetry – and fabulous history, music and English teachers. They all were inspirational and taught me to look beyond the obvious to find the hidden story beneath the headlines.”
Q. If you were in charge of schools, what changes do you think would be a good idea? “I think all young people should study history – the roots of what is happening in the world today can be found in the past, especially when you look at the lives of women and girls. Unless we know where we have come from, and how we have got here, then we don’t have the tools we need to make sense of the present and make things fairer and more equal. I’m an idealist – I still think that, together, we can create a happier and more gentle world.”
Q. How do you unwind? Do you watch television? If so any favourites? Or films? “Talking! I unwind with family and friends, sitting round the kitchen table gossiping and putting the world to rights. From time to time, I’ll get hooked on a box set – I’ve just (finally) watched all of Downtown Abbey – but reading is my main relaxation. I’m a big fan of Golden Age detective stories – Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Josephine Tey, Dorothy L Sayers – and like nothing more than being in bed at 8.30pm with a cup of tea and a novel! Not very rock and roll, but then…”
Q. What’s your favourite piece of music? “So many to choose from, depending on my mood. But the elegiac, beautiful second movement of Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G would be high on the agenda, as would Dancing Queen by ABBA.”
Q. How do you take good care of your health, including your mental health? “I’m a keen walker, though not particularly speedy. So, whenever I’m feeling out-of-sorts, or tired, I’ll put on my trainers and head out into the wonderful Sussex countryside where I love, or into the mountains and hills of Carcassonne when we’re on holiday. There’s very little that can’t be solved by a dollop of fresh air and just listening to the natural world around you.”
Q. Is there anything you eat/ don’t eat? “Since the age of nine or 10, I’ve been vegetarian – no meat, no fish – and I’m a big carbs girl. I could live on baked potato and Marmite toast, though of course I make sure to have my five fruit-and-veg a day (if my doctor is reading this!)”
Q. Do you feel optimistic about 2025? Anything you’re looking forward to later this year? “Despite everything, I remain an optimist, yes. I think we have to look forward and travel hopefully. So, as well as the Labyrinth Live Theatre Tour, I’m looking forward to publishing my first YA book. It’s called Feminist History for Everyday of the Year and it’s a book for girls (and boys!) aged 14-18 celebrating a different amazing woman each day who changed history. That will be out in September. Then we’ll be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the second anniversary of the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction. After that, in between being granny to my wonderful grandson, I’ll start dreaming, planning and writing my new series of books. It’s going to be busy, but that’s how I like it.”
Labyrinth Live: Unlocking The Secrets of the Labyrinth will visit the Theatre Royal Winchester on 8th March, The Theatre Chipping Norton on 13th March, The Waterside, Aylesbury on 22nd March & more. To book your tickets or find out more please visit Kate Mosse
Tom Kerridge & Sarah Hayward have brought some of their best-loved dishes back to menus to celebrate 10 happy years at The Coach
Behind every great team is (at least one) great woman, to mangle the phrase! And Sarah Hayward, who has worked alongside Tom Kerridge for 10 years, is at the heart of The Coach’s success.
“The Coach has been my home for so many years and celebrating its 10th anniversary is incredibly special,” says Sarah.
A selection of the pub’s most loved dishes from the past decade will be incorporated into the main menu throughout the birthday year and will change periodically to bring back a variety of cherished favourites from The Coach’s history. Each dish is embossed with a bespoke 10th anniversary logo. Dishes include potted Cornish crab with smoked paprika butter and cucumber chutney (£16.50), The Coach Chicken Kiev with Cauliflower Cheese (£29) and The Coach profiteroles with soured vanilla cream and dark chocolate sauce (£12.50).
“This menu is a tribute to our loyal guests and the amazing team who make The Coach what it is,” adds Sarah. “I’m excited to revisit some of our best dishes and share them with everyone.”
Tom Kerridge has also teamed up with the team at local brewery Rebellion Beer to create an IPA for the occasion called Decade. A local institution since 1993, Rebellion is renowned for its high-quality ales crafted using the Chiltern Hills’ natural resources and have collaborated with The Coach since the opening 10 years ago. A portion of proceeds will be donated to local charity, Meals from Marlow.
In 2015, Sarah joined The Hand & Flowers, Tom Kerridge’s two-Michelin starred pub and after just three months was promoted to chef de partie. Just two years later in 2017, Sarah joined The Coach as junior sous chef, before promotion to her first head chef role at The Bull & Bear in Manchester’s The Stock Exchange Hotel in 2019. In 2021 Sarah returned to The Coach as head chef where she knows the kitchen inside out. She has led the team, and herself, to achieve prestigious accolades, including being named Michelin Young Chef of the Year 2023, retaining a Michelin Star since 2018, Number 21 in Top 50 Gastro Pubs 2024, and 3 AA Rosettes 2024.
Tom Kerridge adds: “The Coach has always been about serving high-quality food in a relaxed and welcoming environment, and Sarah embodies that vision perfectly. I’m so proud of what the team has achieved and can’t wait to see how we continue to evolve in the years ahead.”
For more info, the menu or to book please visit The Coach Marlow
Pia Gill, who is a local mum, graphic designer & founder of burnt peach design, tells us what she loves about Bucks life
Graphic artist, mum and self-proclaimed type addict Pia Gill cites her boys as inspiration for her creative portraits & gifts collection.
After decades in the design and advertising world, Pia couldn’t find affordable wall art that suited her style…“That’s when I had my ‘aha’ moment and created burnt peach design,” she says. “My daily inspiration and exhaustion comes from my boys. They sparked the Little Peach Portraits collection. What began as a few portraits transformed into thousands of unique pieces sold worldwide. As the business expanded from my kitchen table, my customers grew from friends to celebrities. Soon, the portraits were featured in magazines and on popular gift guides.
“As time went on, I decided to revisit my typography obsession (which started back in university!), and expanded my wall art offerings. Enter My Type Of…, a massive collection of designs that includes bold statement prints, graphic tees, cosy sweatshirts, cards, and so soon to me much more. My friends and family always joke that if you say a good quote in my presence, there’s a chance I’ll jot it down and turn it into something!”
Pia, who lives in Haddenham with her boys aged nine and 10 and their cockapoo Lola, grew up in Chearsley. A freelance designer creating branding and logo design for businesses, Pia loves Bucks life, setting up burnt peach design after leaving London 12 years ago. “Our little Lola thinks she’s human!” she adds. “She always gets the best seat on the sofa! Our favourite walk is Haddenham to Dinton, ending in the Seven Stars Pub. We love lots of walks in the Chilterns, normally ending in a pub!
“I’m a charity shop fanatic, so I love Thame, Haddenham, Princess Risborough and Marlow; all have fantastic charity shops where you can find amazing treasures. I love nothing more than a good rummage! My home is an eclectic mix of modern and vintage, as as my wardrobe.
“As for food & drink, Cabin in Haddenham is run by my husband who’s an award-winning chef. We also love Arbequina in Oxford as well as the Magdalen Arms in Oxford.
“I’m studying interior design and have slowly done up our bungalow over the years to make it a cosy home. I love sitting in our courtyard with a glass of wine! What I love most about this area is it’s so nostalgic from growing up here. I love being surrounded by the countryside.
“The clothing has been selling really well at burnt peach so that’s something that I’m expanding. Still the focus is the artwork, customisable portraits and prints to create meaningful statement pieces for the home. I’m always coming up with new print ideas!”
Pia has supported several children’s charities, including The Honey Pot Children’s Charity and Solving Kids’ Cancer and Pia sponsors a room at Centrepoint, providing shelter and hope for vulnerable youths facing homelessness.
Tess Corcoran followed her dream to train in beauty and, after a spell at Champneys, is loving welcoming clients at White Sage in her home village of Princes Risborough
Home is where the heart is for Tess Corcoran who, at the tender age of 22, has a laser-like vision for the TLC her customers deserve.
Tess, an alumna of Longwick School and Lord Bills, took on a hotel apprenticeship in London, then followed her passion in health and beauty, retraining with Champneys, before working at The Oxfordshire and Susannah Nicholas as a therapist, finally buying the salon from Sue. “It’s always been a dream to have my own salon and now I am living that dream!” says Tess. “It’s lovely to welcome clients for pampering in a calming atmosphere. We’re surrounded by the beautiful countryside. My lovely springer spaniel called Misty is 11 and full of life. We love going for walks through the Chiltern hills. My favourite local pet food brand is Tribal, based in Bledlow Ridge.
“Another favourite local business is Godwins Bakery in Princes Risborough; fresh food served daily and wonderful staff! I also love Fullers Flowers for wonderful bouquets and displays. My favourite restaurant is Radhuni: the best Indian restaurant in Princes Risborough! They serve fantastic, high-quality food and have a great atmosphere with welcoming and friendly staff.”
Author Simon Pollock tells us about the bits of Bucks & beyond that inspired his book, I Love Suburbia: The Joys of Life on London’s Outskirts
Suburbia used to have a bad name (especially if you were a teenager looking for fun). But Simon Pollock’s book I Love Suburbia, celebrating iconic landmarks on the fringes of the Tube map has proved one of the year’s runaway hits. Daisy May Cooper calls it: “Brilliant. A glorious celebration that will leave a big smile on your face.”
From stations that wouldn’t be out of place in Miami Beach to cinemas converted to mega churches, I Love Suburbia brings to life the joys outside Zone 1. Simon, creator of Instagram’s @LondonSuburbia, has revisited simpler days in the suburbs to discover the pioneering interwar architects who brought modernism to Britain, and delight in the elegance of Art Deco buildings given a new lease of life. Filled with stories of the people who live, work and play in the outskirts of London, this full-colour book over 200 original photos is an exploration of the capital’s overlooked everyday treasures.
“Without any Green Belt in place, London’s suburbs were expanding almost unchecked in the 1930s,” says Simon. “New railways and trunk roads were being built all around the city and, along the newly placed commuter routes, huge estates of semi-detached cottages sprang up. Nowhere was more famous for this rapid growth than Metroland, a vast area of rural villages and towns of northwest of London, heading from places like Wembley and Harrow and spreading outwards towards Buckinghamshire. Although the Metropolitan railway reached as far as Aylesbury back then, the sprawling suburbs never really made it much beyond Uxbridge before the war slowed everything down and gave the powers that be the chance to draw up the plans for the Green Belt, stopping the march of the semi just before the borders of Buckinghamshire.
“That’s not to say that Bucks is without its own interwar architectural gems. Indeed one of the buildings that inspired some of the coolest art deco houses in London’s suburbs sits high on a hill in Amersham. Built way back in 1931, the High And Over is considered one of the most important modernist homes in Britain with its white walls, flat roofs, sun decks and sweeping spiral staircases. Just down the road are the Sun Houses, a group of smaller modernist homes that are no less beautiful to look at.
“But to me, if you want the ultimate 1930s experience then you can’t beat an afternoon out at Bekonscot model village in Beaconsfield. Started in the 1920s in Roland Callingham’s back garden it grew to become one of the quaintest tourist attractions in the South East. Frozen in time and reflecting life in Britain just before the war you can find everything there, from tiny figures playing village cricket surrounded by thatched houses to pastiches of ultra modern buildings of the day, such as the Hoover Factory, Charles Holden’s tube stations and even a tiny art deco Odeon.
“Of course the Metropolitan Line is still there, even though it now only gets as far as Amersham, but it’s well worth taking a trip deep into Metroland.”
Take the family to GXCA (AKA the Memorial Centre), SL9 7AD, to enjoy Sleeping Beauty on Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd of December, in aid of a great cause!
Giggles the Jester & friends invite you to enjoy this magical tale retold by The Panto Company in an amazing touring production.
King Humphrey and Queen Bea are so delighted at the birth of their daughter Aurora that they throw the biggest party the kingdom has ever seen! However, when they forget to invite the land’s most powerful sorceress, Vestra, their happiness soon turns sour.
Vestra casts a spell on the baby, proclaiming that, upon her 18th birthday, she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die. The spell is so strong that the comical Fairy Nuff’s only salvation is her spell to reduce its power by declaring that Aurora will fall asleep for 100 years. But how will she be woken?
“We are so excited to be performing again at the amazing GXCA in Gerrards Cross this year with our version of Sleeping Beauty,” says director Darren Mills. “Panto is a great time for all the family to get together and enjoy a great laugh, a superb sing-along and get wrapped into the love and adventure of the tale that is Sleeping Beauty!
“The show is suitable for everyone from the age of three to 93, and everyone can take part in booing at the evil Vestra and cheer the Prince into finding our sleeping Aurora.”
Shows are at 11am & 3pm. Tickets are £16pp, children £12pp, with under-twos free and family tickets £50, and all proceeds to the GXCA charity. Book at Community Events l Venue Hire l GXCA or you can call 01753 883759.
