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.”
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