Twelve wild days of Christmas

Karen Neville

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Buckinghamshire

Fox © Jon Hawkins

Karen Neville

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12 Days Wild is the festive challenge by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife (BBOWT), from 25th December to 5th January.

Are you up for the challenge of doing one wild thing every day or night…?

Sign up at 12 Days Wild (2024) | Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust and you’ll receive daily inspirational emails packed with fun ideas to help you embrace winter walks in nature or the magic of night-time star gazing – to lift your mood and much more!

Illustration © Corinne Welch

You could:

• Track animals by looking for footprints in the mud or snow
• Go star gazing on a clear night
• Go winter wildlife watching on a walk at a nature reserve
• Or even volunteer at a nature reserve – nature will appreciate it
• Make a New Year’s resolution to help nature. What will you do in 2025?

BBC TV presenter and Wildlife Trust Vice President Iolo Williams, says: “From dawn to dusk, winter wildlife is busy all around us. Otters are always up early and if you see a trail of bubbles in the water, you’ll know they’ve spotted you first. Night-hunting barn owls venture out on cold winter days to find extra food and will woosh past you in the winter sun. Then, at dusk, starlings gather in the sky forming ever-shifting shapes and patterns known as murmurations. There are so many wildlife adventures to be had during 12 Days Wild – I hope you enjoy them.”

Liz Shearer, Community Engagement Director at BBOWT says: “To mark 12 Day Wild this year I’ll be pledging to connect with nature for at least 10 minutes every day. Whether it be a walk amongst the winter trees, watching birds in a tree across a cold and frosty park, or noticing the clouds on a bright day, I often find that stepping outside and taking a moment to connect with wildlife is a powerful way to recharge my batteries. 12 Days Wild is a great opportunity to create some space for yourself, which at this time of year can feel like a real gift.

“Committing to something manageable will make it even more enjoyable. Observe how weather changes the landscapes and check in with yourself – how do you feel within them? Noticing our own relationship with the natural world is the first step to taking action to safeguard it. So, I encourage you to stop for a moment, listen, and see what wild means to you.”

Spending time in nature – night or day – is proven to help people feel happier and healthier. A Wildlife Trusts’ survey found that participants of the 30 Days Wild summer challenge felt 56% more connected to nature after taking part, and that it boosted the health of participants by an average of 30%.*

There’s more information on the challenge at: 12 Days Wild | The Wildlife Trusts

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Sleeping Beauty panto in Gerrards Cross

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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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.

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Film in memory of loved ones

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Film-makers David & Debra Rixon invite you to watch Footloose in Iceland in aid of hospice charities on Thursday, 12th December, in memory of much-missed daughter Zoe & David’s first wife Alison

Zoe Rixon followed in her father’s footsteps, enjoying a career with the BBC. So, while local film-makers David & Debra have been coming to terms with losing her, a film fundraiser for her, & also her late mother, seemed especially fitting.

Debra and Dave have made more than 30 travel films for Amazon Prime. Both widowed with two daughters and a son between them, they married in their 40s and formed Grindelwald Productions to make their own productions after David’s retirement.

This year they made the film Footloose in Iceland in the aftermath of the loss of daughter Zoe at the age of 44, from bowel cancer. Debra says: “We decided to show the new film in Zoe’s memory as she died one year ago. But also it will mark the 30th anniversary of the passing of David’s first wife Alison at the age of 40, from breast cancer.

“The Risborough Brushwood Suite feels like the perfect place to premiere the film to friends, neighbours and locals; Dave was born and bred in the town. “Zoe, along with her sister Emma, went to Brownies and roller skating in the community centre in Princes Risborough. Later she followed her father into the BBC to carve out her own career in broadcasting.”

Footloose in Iceland is dedicated to the memory of Zoe and Alison. The screening at 7pm on Thursday, 12th December, will raise funds for the Rennie Grove cancer nurses who looked after Alison at home and supported the family, and the Meadow House Hospice team at Ealing Hospital, who cared for Zoe so personally. Debra adds: “Dave and the family lost Alison in 1994, and the Rennie Grove nurses were a tremendous support. We support both charities throughout the year, but thought we could use our latest film as a fundraiser – it will also help promote this new(ish) venue in our home town, Princes Risborough!”

The two-hour film will be shown at 7pm on Thursday, 12th December, in the Brushwood Suite of the Community Centre at Wades Park, HP27 9AX, with an intermission to visit the bar. Tickets £5pp, cash only, from the Crew Cafe at the community centre, and on the door on the night, with all proceeds to charity.

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Vicar Sam Brewster’s journey to faith

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Sam Brewster, Trinity Henley’s new vicar, shares his thoughts about his journey as he prepares to take over the friendly flock from Duncan Carter

Two things have filled my Decembers the last few years: Jesus and 5ks. The 5ks have been a more recent addition since my brother-in-law introduced me to the concept: run 5k every day in December. Including Christmas Day. Even when you’re a vicar. Which brings me to the first thing that fills my Decembers: Jesus. I’ve recently been appointed as the vicar of Holy Trinity Church Henley. It’s a dream job: filling my hours with a single task – helping people get to know Jesus better. As you can imagine, there are also quite a few nuts and bolts that need attending to, and it’s strikingly easy for vicars like me to lose track of the big thing we’re meant to be all about. But the heart of the job is clear and glorious.

My journey to Christian faith was a somewhat meandering one. Mum and Dad are Christians and did a wonderful job encouraging us all to church, which I and my two siblings generally loved. But like so many things in life, it’s easy to underappreciate what you have always grown up with. It wasn’t till I attended a summer holiday camp run by Christians that I engaged more personally with Jesus. It dawned on me then that Jesus was real, and was calling me personally to follow him. It also stuck me that Jesus was much better than I had previously realised. He wasn’t an unattainable moral example which I should strive, but always fail, to match. He wasn’t a kindly, but slightly disapproving headteacher figure up above. I encountered a Jesus who pulsated with life, and was constantly giving himself out to others in love. I still remember when the penny dropped about his death on the cross. It wasn’t just an inspiring gesture of self-sacrifice. It was an actual sacrifice for me. Jesus died for me. Such was his love that he effectively said: you’re in a mess you can’t get yourself out of; you’ve rejected God and deserve his rejection. But God loves you, and I’m here to lift you out of the mess, and back into a relationship with God. The only way that can happen is if I die for you. So be it.’

Following Jesus is like seeing the world in colour for the first time. Everything makes sense. But it’s no easy path. Jesus called it ‘the narrow way’. There have been plenty of times I’ve nearly fallen off that narrow way. Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t just set us off along it with a ‘good luck – hope to see you at the end!’ Rather, he walks with us every step of the way: Leading us through times of tragedy and sadness, guiding us back on track when we wander away, and gently reminding us of his love through it all.

For me that pathway led me through some years leading youth work at a church in Leicestershire, a call to get ordained in the Church of England, a happy three years at Wycliffe Hall, a vicar college in Oxford, meeting my wife Lucy who was training to be a teacher at the same time. After five happy years working as a curate at St Mary’s Church Maidenhead, we moved to Henley in 2018, with two small children (three and 18 months at the time), and a vision to launch a new Sunday congregation to reach out to the many families in Henley with the good news of Jesus.

Six years on, and it’s been an amazing journey to look back on. We’ve now got four kids (Amelie – nine, Jojo – seven, Barney – four and Esther two!). Our new congregation, Trinity at Four (meeting each Sunday at 4pm) has grown. We now regularly have 70 adults and 50 children Sunday by Sunday. We have fallen in love with Henley – not just the place, but the people. It’s been a wonderful privilege to help lots of people from lots of different starting points get to know Jesus better. It’s been wonderful to see so many children and young people. It’s been amazing to serve the wider community with mid-week baby and toddler groups and after-school clubs.

And now, a new chapter, as Trinity Church’s much loved and long-standing vicar, Duncan retires, and I step into the role. As well as continues to lead our 4pm congregation, I’m now also lead our 10am service and take responsibility for ministry in the parish as a whole. I’m excited to keep doing what I’ve always been most passionate about: helping people get to know Jesus better. I hope that Trinity Church Henley will be a place full of the life and love of Jesus, and where many more people in and around Henley, young and old, can get to know Jesus better themselves. Why not come join us one of these days? We’d love to see you! And now I’d better get on with today’s 5k.

Christmas Services 2024

Sunday, 15th December, 4pm – Community Carols 

Sunday, 22nd December, 10am – All Age Carol Service. 7pm – Candlelit Carols 

Tuesday, 24th December, 4pm – Christingle, 7pm – Candlelit Carols, 11.30pm – Midnight Communion 

Wednesday, 25th December, 10am – Christmas All Age Celebration 

All services will be held at Holy Trinity Church, RG9 1SE. No booking required. 

Follow the Star 2024 

Take a magical journey through the first Christmas story. An interactive, immersive experience for the whole family, 13th-14th December. Book your free place today at Christmas 2024 | Trinity at Four. 

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Ukrainian gem, jeweller Iren Nikard

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Ukrainian jeweller Iren Nikard, who moved in with a local host family with her boys, tells us her Christmas wish as she continues to hand-make luxurious pieces from Swarovski crystals to support her family at home

Since war broke out in her Ukrainian homeland, Iren Nikard has found refuge here in Bucks with her sons, thanks to a local host family. “This country received me very well and sincerely,” she says.

Back home Iren had been hand-making stylish, luxurious, jewellery from Swarovski crystals, natural pearls and 925 sterling silver for over six years. She collaborated with wedding shops, boutiques, designers, make-up artists and photographers and set up her own online store.

After being forced to flee, leaving behind her husband who continues to defend Ukraine, she has dedicated her considerable talent and energy to helping her wartorn homeland from afar. “Here in Great Britain I realised I can work not only with my hands, but I discovered my talent for communicating with people and organising peace initiatives.” Iren has already held her first big event, at the Versace Damac Tower in Battersea, presenting her exclusive jewellery alongside the luxurious clothing range by her compatriot, the designer Alnest.

Recently Iren visited Blenheim Palace and – struck by the grandeur and luxury – was inspired to create a sparkling new collection. “Christmas for me is a fabulous family holiday,” she says. “From this day, a new year begins for me, new dreams, new hopes, new desires and accomplishments. Like a child, I believe in miracles and fairy tales. I have only one wish: peace in Ukraine and victory. And that people around the world never know what war is, live in joy and happiness. Every woman wants to feel beautiful, luxurious and satisfied every day. Our life consists of small, pleasant things. A small gift from a loved one or from a friend or for yourself brings joy and beauty to life.

“My jewellery is made with love and meaning, using quality materials and the energy of love. I hope that those who wear my jewellery will always be the centre of attention and radiate the light of love.”

Visit Iren Nikard and also shop at Gifts Instead of Flowers

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Eco Elves Teddy Trade in Wycombe

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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From Saturday, 30th November, until Christmas, children can transform their old teddies into new ones at Eden Shopping Centre

Mrs Claus and her eco elves are back at Eden, ready to welcome little ones into a world of enchantment.

Children can transform their old teddies into new ones and experience the magic of giving in a festive and eco-friendly way.

In the spirit of giving, all pre-loved teddies will be donated to Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, where they’ll help bring Christmas cheer to rescue dogs waiting for a loving home. And to make this season of goodwill even brighter, 100% of ticket sales will go to local charities, with support from Heart of Bucks.

Rebecca Gomme, marketing manager at Eden Shopping Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back our Eco Elves. Building on the success of last year’s Eco Elves Tree-Cycle, where children transformed magic beans into miniature Christmas trees; this year the focus is on upcycling teddies. Mrs Claus can’t wait to welcome all the children and giving them a fun and engaging way to learn about sustainability and showing that even small actions – like repurposing toys – can make a big difference.”

For those without a teddy to trade, a selection of spares will be available, ensuring every child leaves with a special friend dressed in a cosy Christmas jumper.

Tickets for Eden’s Eco Elves Teddy Trade are £3.50 & booking fee and must be pre-booked and are available via the Eden Shopping Centre website. 100% of sales will go to charities, with support from Heart of Bucks.

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Balancing Family Life & Live-In Care

Round & About

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Buckinghamshire

Round & About

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As the holiday season approaches, many families are faced with the challenge of balancing caregiving with their daily lives. For families supporting elderly or disabled loved ones, live-in care can be a wonderful solution to ensure they receive around-the-clock assistance while keeping family life intact. 

In this post, we’ll explore how integrating live-in care into family life can be both seamless and rewarding, how it impacts family dynamics and how it can create time for family celebrations during the holidays.

How can live-in care be integrated into family life?

Live-in care brings a professional carer into the home to provide 24/7 support, allowing your loved one to remain in familiar surroundings. While this offers many benefits, integrating live-in care into family life does require some thoughtful planning. Here are a few steps families can take to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Open Communication: Before a live-in carer moves in, it’s important for family members to discuss what this change will mean. Consider holding a family meeting to set expectations and address any concerns about privacy, space and responsibilities.

• Clear Roles and Boundaries: Each family member may have specific tasks or routines they prefer to handle themselves, such as cooking meals or running errands. Defining roles and setting boundaries early on helps everyone understand how they’ll collaborate with the carer, reducing potential friction.

• Build Trust Gradually: Introducing a new person into your home can be a big adjustment. A gradual approach to building trust can help everyone feel more comfortable. Consider introducing family members slowly whenever possible to allow your family to form a natural bond with them.

• Involve the Carer in Family Activities: Inviting the live-in carer to occasional family dinners or gatherings helps them feel integrated into the family unit, fostering a sense of harmonious living. This also helps your loved one feel that the carer is a part of their daily life rather than just a professional presence.

By focusing on these steps, families can make the process of integrating live-in care into family life smoother, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Challenges of Balancing Family and Live-In Care

While live-in care offers many advantages, families may face certain challenges when balancing family life with a live-in carer in the home. Addressing these challenges proactively can make a significant difference.

Here are some of the common challenges and how families can overcome them:

1. Privacy Concerns: One of the most common challenges is privacy. Having an additional adult in the household can make family members feel like they have less personal space. Setting up a designated living area for the carer, separate from family common areas, can help maintain a balance between privacy and support.

• Adapting Family Routines: Live-in carers often follow schedules to meet the needs of the person they’re caring for, which may impact family routines. Families may need to adjust their routines slightly to accommodate these caregiving schedules, especially around meal times or social gatherings.

• Managing Family Dynamics: Introducing a new person into the family environment may temporarily shift family dynamics. Open conversations can help family members adjust to this change, especially when young children or teenagers are involved.

By recognising these challenges, families can create a plan to address them and establish a stable, collaborative environment that respects both the family’s needs and the carer’s role.

How Live-In Carers Impact Family Dynamics

Live-in carers inevitably impact family dynamics. Their role within the home affects relationships, routines and responsibilities – often in positive ways but sometimes it can be a challenge and require adjustment. This is absolutely normal, and for most families, it gets easier over time. 

The benefits often outweigh any potential early concerns. When a live-in carer assumes the daily responsibilities of caregiving, it can significantly alleviate the emotional and physical strain on family members. This shift allows families to focus on nurturing their relationships with their loved one instead of constantly being preoccupied with caregiving tasks. By reducing the burden, family members can experience greater peace of mind, which enhances their ability to be fully present and emotionally available.

Live-in carers bring a level of professional support that goes beyond what most family members can provide. As trained professionals, they are skilled in assessing and responding to various health needs, offering a reassuring layer of security for families. This expertise often elevates the standard of care, benefiting everyone involved and fostering a sense of overall well-being.

With the day-to-day caregiving tasks managed by a professional, family members have the freedom to enjoy quality time together. Freed from the constant demands of caregiving, families can focus on meaningful connections and shared moments with their loved one, making their time together more enjoyable and memorable.

Additionally, the presence of a live-in carer can create a more positive atmosphere within the household. Family members, no longer feeling solely responsible for caregiving, may experience increased happiness and relaxation. This uplifting environment benefits everyone in the home, including the loved one receiving care, as the supportive, relaxed atmosphere promotes a sense of warmth and comfort.

Live-in carers often bring emotional benefits as well. By joining the family in celebrating special occasions and bonding with the family member they care for, carers often bring a sense of warmth, stability and familiarity that adds value to the family dynamics.

Celebrating the Festival Season with the Help of Live-In Care

With the holiday season around the corner, live-in care offers families an incredible opportunity to enjoy the festivities without the usual caregiving stress. 

Here’s how having a live-in carer during Christmas, New Year and any other religious or cultural festivals can make the season more enjoyable:

1. Freeing Up Time for Celebration: Live-in carers manage daily care responsibilities, allowing family members to focus on holiday planning, shopping and decorating without added pressure. This extra time lets everyone fully embrace the holiday spirit without feeling stretched thin.

• Support During Family Gatherings: During family gatherings, the carer can assist with mobility support, dietary needs, or personal care, ensuring that the loved one receiving care can be comfortably involved in the celebration. Their assistance helps family members to relax, knowing their loved one’s needs are professionally met.

• Helping with Holiday Preparations: Carers can be a huge help during the holidays by aiding with food preparation, gift wrapping and other tasks that require an extra hand. This allows families to focus on spending time together rather than being pulled away by holiday chores.

• Ensuring Safety and Comfort: If your loved one has specific needs, such as medication schedules or health monitoring, the live-in carer’s presence can provide invaluable peace of mind during the excitement of the holidays. Families can rest assured that their loved one’s needs will be met while they participate in the holiday cheer.

With the support of a live-in carer, families can experience a more relaxed, meaningful holiday season; focusing on togetherness and joy rather than juggling care duties with festive obligations.

Final Thoughts

Integrating live-in care into family life can provide numerous benefits, from reducing the burden on family members to enhancing the quality of life for loved ones who require assistance. While challenges may arise, a proactive approach to communication, boundaries and family dynamics can create a balanced and positive home environment.

As the holiday season approaches, the gift of live-in care can be particularly meaningful. By easing the caregiving load, it enables families to focus on what truly matters: spending time together, making memories and celebrating the season without the usual stress of caregiving duties. With a live-in carer by your side, you and your family can enjoy a season filled with warmth, joy, and harmony.

For more information about how Eximius Live-In Care can support you and your loved ones needing additional support please call us on: 0203 794 9933

Or email: [email protected]

www.eximiussupport.uk

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Amersham Rotarians, united for Ukraine 

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Peter McLoughlin tells us how Amersham Rotarians recently learned how Ukrainian heritage & culture is being protected thanks to community support 

The Rotary Club of Amersham was delighted to welcome Inna Hryhorovych MBE, the Headteacher of St Mary’s Ukrainian Schools and the CEO of Ukrainian St Mary’s Trust in London and Tanya Orlova, her colleague who is a clinical psychologist, chair of school PTA, psychologist and a founder of 2BWell. 

Inna offered a brief history of St Mary’s Ukrainian school, based in Holland Park, London, which was founded in 1955.While it initially had only one location, the school has grown to 14 locations across the London area and Glasgow since 2022. 

To meet the needs of the many displaced Ukrainian children now living in the Amersham area, St Mary’s has set up a local location. Every Sunday morning between 9.30am and 12.30pm, a group of 92 Ukrainian children meet at The Amersham School. They learn about Ukrainian history and culture as well as maintaining their language skills. 

These are children whose parents – in most cases only their mothers – have fled the Putin attack on Ukraine. Although safely settled in the Chilterns and the majority in mainstream schools these children clearly need to safeguard their Ukrainian culture and heritage because at some future date they wish to return. 

St Mary’s, in addition to providing cultural support, is also able to provide psychological support for children who may have suffered direct or indirect trauma as a result of the assault on their homeland. 

Rotary in Amersham has already supported Ukrainian children in local schools by providing Ipads with a programme to help with their understanding of English. 

Last year one Amersham Rotarian organised a screening of Paddington Bear in Ukrainian at the National Film School in Beaconsfield. Over 100 parents and children attended. The surprise was that the voiceover was done by a Ukrainian actor who is now the President of Ukraine!  

After the presentation the Rotary Club made a donation of £500 to St Mary’s. 

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Proud of Bucks winners at highlight 

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

, ,

Local heroes will be honoured at this year’s Old Amersham Christmas Festival, 4-8pm on Friday, 6th December

Old Amersham will once again offer a warm welcome for the new-look Christmas Festival. 

Last year’s highlight was a huge success, attracting more than 5,000 visitors. This year is set to shine even bigger and brighter, offering festive family fun and live music from the Amersham Band and the Barbershop Choir while you shop for gifts. Most stores will offer exclusive offers for one-night-only. Browse the carefully curated collection of local traders in Cooper’s Market, and enjoy mulled wine and foodie treats from the local restaurants, cafes and pubs. 

Twinkling Christmas lights are set to illuminate the town with the Christmas tree light switch-on at 6pm from a surprise local celebrity guest. Little ones can meet Father Christmas and his “real life” reindeers.  A vintage fair with traditional ferris wheel, swing boats, go-carts and roaming stilt walkers add to the enchanting atmosphere, along with face painting, craft, selfies with Rudolf and pig-petting. 

Diana Halley, co-owner of Fabric Boutique which will be open late, says: “This fabulous Christmas Festival provides a platform for local artisans and businesses, and it’s also a gathering for the community to support and celebrate their town. A torch light procession with St Mary’s Primary School pupils will parade from the church to the tree for more festive cheer and carol singing.” 

Once again ScannAppeal will run the Golden Tombola and offer hot chocolate upstairs in Market Hall. 

Organised by the Amersham & Villages Community Board and sponsored by the Clare Foundation, the Proud of Bucks awards celebrate what makes a community thrive and honours volunteers and groups who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on their community.  

Present at the ceremony will be the Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Cllr Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, Mimi Harker OBE, Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council and Arif Hussain, Cabinet Member for Communities at Buckinghamshire Council.  

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Pride of place: celebrating Cookham’s charms!

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Helen Steel, director of Streamlion Consulting, tells us what she loves most about local life

Q. Hi Helen, tell us about yourself!
“I’m 57 and company director of Streamlion Consulting. We help start-ups and scale-ups find funding. We are grant application and start-up loan specialists and business consultants so have our clients’ strategies and goals in focus at all times. I have one son, who’s 16, two stepdaughters, and a partner!”

Q. Where do you live?
“Cookham. I’ve been here for 23 years and before that, Maidenhead.”

Q. What pets do you have?
“A tortoise called Graham, a corn snake called Seth, and Baxter & Greta, two smooth-haired fox terriers, both 10, who love the local walks in Cookham. We have everything here; the river, woods, fields and beautiful wildflowers. The Quarry Woods are nice and cool on a hot day. Big shout-out to young Cookham entrepreneur Josh Mustard who makes dog biscuits: Baxter and Greta are fans!”

Q. What do you most love about where you live?
“The location. I love being so close to London but still in the middle of the countryside. I love the beautiful view over Winter Hill and watching the magical sunset over the river.”

Q. What would you change?
“The continuous need to develop housing estates on lovely green farmland. And the river water quality – it’s now so polluted we can’t swim in it safely.”

Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?
“Neps Bistro in Cookham which is under new management. I also really enjoy The Old Swan Uppers, The White Oak & Bel and the Dragon in Cookham. There is also a wonderful Japanese restaurant in Maidenhead called Miyazaki which is amazing plus the Vietnamese called Suum in Marlow.”

Q. What about shops?
“I love to mooch round the florist Pink & Perfect in Maidenhead and the café Daisy Love in Cookham. I regularly pop into Michele’s in Flat Harry’s cycle shop in Cookham. Plus Flowerland garden centre in Bourne End is a treasure trove of and the Apple Orchard in Wycombe is also worth a mention!”

Q. What are your favourite local hidden secrets?
“Cookham Moor was the inspiration for Wind in the Willows and, of course, we have the Stanley Spencer Gallery and beautiful Victorian cottages along Cookham High Street and Cookham Dean. Victoria Cottages were built in 1850 for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and Cromwell cottage – as the name suggests, where Cromwell stayed over.”

Q. What highlights are you looking forward to next year?
“The Gravity Grand Prix is always great fun, held in Crookham Dean in September. I’m also looking forward to the late summer/autumn fairs and harvest celebrations. The local winter markets are also great.”

Q. Are you a member of any local groups?
“I’m an avid networker and attend several local groups. I’m also a member of rowing groups.”

Q. If you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?
“My one wish for the world would be to remember that everyone is intrinsically good – approach life with a positive outlook. Look for the best in people and you will reap greater life and business rewards.”

Visit Home – Streamlion Consulting

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