Carol Wiltshire tells us what led her to launch her own range of eco-friendly thongs and what she loves about life in Farnham, including shopping!
Life is so fast… But entrepreneur Carol is a campaigner for the #slowfashion movement. Earlier this year she launched String Nix, a luxury ladies’ underwear brand with sustainable heart.
“We’re all about organic and sustainable fabrics and slow fashion,” she tells us, “because looking good and feeling good about what you wear should go hand in hand.”
Carol lived in Long Sutton before moving to Farnham three years ago. “Farnham was always our go-to for socialising and shopping living here, so when the right house came along, we jumped at the chance to settle in this charming market town” she says.
“While we don’t have any pets, Farnham Park is my personal paradise! This nature reserve and medieval deer park is a magical place where I can unwind with a walk—and who knows, maybe I’ll spot a deer or two!”
Carol is a big fan of shopping locally. “Farnham has a couple of lovely little clothing boutiques that always manage to surprise me with hidden gems,” she says. “And this year, we’ve been blessed with The White Company and Jo Malone and there’s also Space NK – what’s not to love about pampering yourself while supporting local businesses?
“Lion & Lamb Yard is my absolute favourite – it’s a cosy pedestrianised street filled with coffee shops, restaurants, and a fabulous little wine bar called The Wine Yard. And for a more indulgent experience, the Four Seasons Hotel is my go-to for a celebratory glass of fizz, especially around the festive season.
“I love everything about Farnham but if I were to pin down my favourite aspect it would be the view from my back garden… rolling green fields, a flock of black sheep and the occasional deer wandering past, It’s like living in a postcard!”
If you’re looking for pressies (or to treat yourself), String Nix promises the most comfortable thong you will ever wear… without causing harm to the world. “We believe beauty should never come at the cost of our planet, which is why we meticulously select the finest fabrics. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, uusing GOTS [Global Organic Textile Standard] certified organic cotton and GRS [Global Recycled Standard] certified recycled materials so you can be assured your purchase is making a positive impact on the world.
“Choosing String Nix isn’t just about buying undies; it’s about making a statement. it’s about saying yes to fashion that not only looks good but also does good. With our beautifully crafted pieces, you can embrace your curves with confidence, knowing you’re supporting a brand that cares about you, the planet and the future.”
Your presence can mean just as much as a present for an older person this Christmas
“All I want for Christmas is you,” goes the song and for many older people, the only gift they crave is one of companionship.
The chance to get together with our loved ones is very special but for some, Christmas gatherings are about more than deciding where to spend Christmas Day or whose turn it is to do the cooking! If a loved one is receiving care, a harmonious festive period with the family altogether may not be without its challenges. Maintaining care routines over Christmas can be complicated and disrupting.
If you are the carer, juggling between your usual care responsibilities and get-together may seem impossible and having sole responsibility for caring for your relative may mean you are bound to your home making visiting other family and friends tough.
You may need some extra support at this hectic time of year. There are plenty of care companies and agencies who can provide a helping hand. Perhaps you just need someone to pay your relative a visit, as little or as often can be arranged? A live-in carer will help in the home, offering round-the-clock care for them and peace of mind for you. Respite care offers short-term support. Christmas has many demands on everyone’s time and if you’re going away this may be an option.
Choosing a care home for respite for your relative over Christmas can offer some much-needed respite time for you too to enjoy a break from the demands of caring. It can provide the perfect break to allow you to continue caring refreshed and ready to go again afterwards.
With the help of a respite carer, you can feel like you have everything under control, even during this hectic time. The person receiving care will certainly benefit from this as well. Thanks to their respite carer, they’ll be able to stick to their routine, and can enjoy your company more than if you were juggling caring responsibilities and stressful last-minute Christmas tasks.
You’ll be able to make home a peaceful, safe and quiet place to be, and your relative will be able to spend Christmas in the place they know best, well looked after and close to the people they love.
Melanie Harding, who has 25 years’ experience in the healing arts, tells us about her craft, intuition and how the world is more accepting of spirituality
Q. Hello Melanie. How/when did you first become aware of your spirituality? “I’ve always had a heightened intuition for the unseen. I sensed otherworldly presences and experienced phenomena such as astral travel as a child. My interest in astrology and the Tarot began early, but it was a chance encounter at 18, after losing my parents, that led me to a spiritual teacher who guided me on a path of deep healing and spiritual learning. Since then, my spiritual journey has been one of continuous growth, healing, and intense learning.”
Q. What career path did you follow to where you are & what you do today? “I’ve always felt outside of the mainstream. My career began in nursing, and later, I explored my creative side by studying and teaching photography. However, the pivotal moment in my life – and career – came when I became a single mother and learned my son had a life-limiting medical condition. This experience completely transformed my perspective on life. In seeking ways to navigate the physical, emotional, and mental challenges we faced, I turned to alternative therapies, energy healing, and spiritual practices. Astrology and Tarot provided invaluable guidance, illuminating my strengths and offering insights into the challenges I faced. The wisdom I gained from these practices, particularly astrology, profoundly influenced me and played a key role in shaping my career path.”
Q. Speaking of signs… Many of us are aware of star signs & our birthdays… But is it our birth that steers us? Or are there other elements (ascending etc) that have real influence? “We each embody the entire zodiac, with our chart revealing different aspects of our personality. Our Sun sign reflects our core essence and aspirations, changing monthly, while the Rising sign (Ascendant) shifts every two hours, showing how we present ourselves to the world. The Moon sign, which changes around every two and a half days, reveals our deepest feelings and sources of comfort. The elements – Fire, Earth, Air, and Water – further define our nature. Planetary positions also provide insight: Mars indicates our drive, Venus shows where we find harmony, and Mercury affects our communication and how we organise. Outer planets – Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto – move slowly and mostly influence generational traits. All of this, while seeming intricate and complex, unfolds within a greater, divine plan – guided by God – that shapes each of our lives.”
Q. What is your own sign / astrological make-up? And how does this make you receptive to energies? “My astrological make-up is quite mixed: my fire Sun sign brings enthusiasm and creativity, while a water Ascendant enhances my intuition, helping me to connect with others. An earthy Moon sign provides grounding, aiding in processing and stabilising the information I pick up. Together, these aspects help me to stay attuned to the energies around me.”
Q. Can you tell us anything about any famous or celebrity clients? “I’ve had the opportunity to work with some well-known artists and a respected best-selling writer and environmentalist. Of course, I can’t give names for confidentiality reasons!”
Q. Could you give an example of a client whose life your services have significantly helped & how they used this for the better? “Clients often seek astrology or Tarot when they’re at a crossroads and searching for clarity. Recently, I worked with a client who was transitioning from a job in finance to a career in healing – a dramatic shift. With in-depth guidance from astrology and insights from the Tarot, they successfully navigated this transition. Today, they are thriving as a practitioner of alternative therapies, positively impacting the lives of others.”
Q. Do you ever find people are sceptical or even scared of the spiritual world? “A few years ago, I would have said yes, people were often sceptical or even scared of the spiritual world. But now, spirituality has become much more mainstream, and people are generally more open and curious. Many are actively interested in their own spiritual growth.”
Q. Do you think the modern world right now means we could do with tuning into our spiritual side a bit more? “Definitely. Many of my clients are finding that learning about their spiritual side helps them navigate today’s fast-paced and uncertain world. They’re often searching for deeper meaning and connection, asking questions such as ‘why am I here?’ and ‘how can I make a positive impact?’ Exploring one’s inner self offers valuable insights and guidance.”
Q. What are the most surprising and misunderstood aspects of astrology & Tarot? “One of the biggest misconceptions about the Tarot is the idea that certain cards, like Death, The Devil, or The Tower, are inherently ‘bad’ or bring negative outcomes. In reality, there are no ‘bad’ cards in the Tarot. Each card highlights specific energies or blueprints behind a situation, guiding us to understand the deeper dynamics at play. For instance, the Death card often symbolises transformation and new beginnings, rather than literal death. It’s all about perspective and understanding the broader message these cards convey.
As for astrology, many people believe it’s just about their Sun sign but astrology is so much more complex and nuanced. It’s a science, with roots stretching back thousands of years, it was widely respected as such until relatively recently. An astrological chart is like a cosmic fingerprint, unique to the individual, and as well as the zodiac signs it includes all the planets, their aspects, and the houses they influence. Reducing astrology to just the basics oversimplifies a rich, intricate system that has been used for centuries to understand the human experience.”
Q. You grew up in Somerset? But could you tell us any favourite spots in Wiltshire & Oxfordshire which nourish the soul or feel especially magical? “Avebury is a magical place with very powerful energy. I’ve always been drawn to the magical landscapes of Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. In Wiltshire, Avebury is one of my favourite spots – the stone circle there, along with Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow, is deeply connected to ancient ley lines and has a uniquely spiritual energy. In Oxfordshire, the Rollright Stones hold a similar magic. These ancient stones are part of a network of ley lines that link to other significant sites, like Wayland’s Smithy and Uffington Castle, and connect to the ley lines in Wiltshire, and Somerset There’s a tangible sense of powerful connection across the landscape. More than anything else, I love walking in the woods, possibly foraging for natural ingredients. You can often find me in the kitchen making rosehip syrup, elderberry tincture, and various other concoctions. My three-legged Bengal cat, Sid, keeps me company while I prepare them. I’m also an avid reader and enjoy listening to audiobooks.”
Ecotherapist, Shinrin-Yoku guide & dad Rob Faure Walker tells us how he can help you unwind in a frazzled world thanks to the ancient art of forest bathing in the Savernake Forest
It now seems inevitable that I’d end up working in the woods as an ecotherapist, but it wasn’t always so obvious. My former academic work explored how counter-terrorism policy promotes rather than prevents violence and led me to Westminster to advise universities on policymaking. So, how does one go from heated arguments in Parliament committee rooms to quietly guiding people to connect with nature?!
Parliament and universities both force people into disagreements, disagreements that leave everyone stressed. Don’t get me wrong, the thrashing out of ideas is vital (it’s how knowledge and society progress). But looking around the world today, that’s up for debate.
A few years ago, in response to these stressful disagreements, I started a new project. This led to my next book, Love and the Market: How to Recover from the Enlightenment and Survive the Current Crisis. Drawing on eastern philosophy, I suggest that we need to seek connections and to recognise more of the world. Through doing so, we develop our capacity to care and love, and rise above the oppositional arguments that seem to be tearing us and our environment apart. This connection, recognition, care, and love starts with nature, and we’re lucky to still have some precious chalk downland and ancient woodlands in north Wiltshire. Having trained with leading ecotherapist Stefan Batorijs, I now practise as an ecotherapist or Shinrin-Yoku guide to help others to connect with these threatened, beautiful landscapes.
Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing”, was developed in Japan in 1982 to help people to cope with the stresses of a rapidly urbanising society. Specifically, the Japanese Health Ministry started prescribing guided time in nature in response to the very Japanese problem of “Sudden Office Death Syndrome”. While this may seem like a problem particular to the overstretched workers of Tokyo, work-related mental health crises are all-too familiar here. With 40 years of clinical trials showing Shinrin-Yoku to be more effective than antidepressants, the NHS has recently caught up and started prescribing time in nature too.
This fills me with hope for the future as I’ve seen firsthand how guided nature connection has helped my clients to heal.
You can find out more about Rob at integratedmind scapes.co.uk. Love and the Market: How to Recover from the Enlightenment and Survive the Current Crisis is available from Bristol University Press (you can claim a 50% discount with code CNF24 until 15th October); visit bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/love-and-the-marketto buy your copy.
Enjoy a fashion & beauty night out in Marlow on 26th September with a talk from Lucia Santa-Maria, a screening of The Devil Wears Prada, hair & make-up tips & more
September is the perfect month for new starts, so don’t miss this opportunity for some shopping style!
Krista Madden has organised an evening kicking off with a talk, 5-6pm at Court Garden House, from Lucia Santa-Maria who has been working on Marlow Murder Club this summer. She’ll talk about Building Confidence with Fashion, picking key high street pieces.
Find out about health and fitness tech at Sweaty Betty, including the next-generation Power Plate and a lymphatic drainage compression, with experts on hand, and health & make-up showcased in Jigsaw.
Nutritionist Brigette Hancock will launch her first book, Live Like a Lobster, at The Marlow Bookshop. The shops will stay open until 8pm with free drinks, special offers and lots of activities along the high street for you to enjoy. The evening will showcase local fashion, beauty and creative talent in Marlow.
Tickets to Lucia’s talk are £10pp including a drink & free for Marlow Living Loyalty App subscribers. For more details visit In Your Element Festival. Book your tickets for The Devil Wears Prada at Everyman Cinema. Follow In Your Element on Instagram for more updates!
Mark Heath invites us to enjoy the noble art of Qigoing (FYI it’s pronounced “chee-gong”), mindful flowing movements for wellbeing, with free hour-long classes in Higginson Park
In these modern times with so much pressure and stress, it is more important than ever to help ensure we maintain and protect both our physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Fortunately there is an incredible tool available to us, which has been used exactly for this across millennia. This gentle form is the practice of Qigong.
Qigong is the ancient Chinese art of mindful moving meditation, to reduce stress, increase energy, balance emotions, and benefit body, mind and spirit, significantly increasing and maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
A series of slow flowing movements build harmony and balance, and can get us back in touch with ourselves, nature and the world around us fully, in a healthy practical way.
Qigong is the parent of, and precursor to, both Tai Chi and Kung Fu and forms of Qigong have been practised for over 4,000 years.
Anyone of any age can learn Qigong and with instruction can commence a personal practise, performed standing or sitting as required.
We practise together every Wednesday and Saturday morning (rain or shine) at 10am, near the Cricket Pavilion, in Higginson Park, Marlow. All classes are free and last an hour. Many of us meet at the Court Gardens Cafe after to chat and have a cuppa, on the veranda. This free local project is all about building connection through community, with each other, ourselves and with nature.
Over the coming months we will be holding additional free classes also, for specific aliments such as lower back, improving balance, and other conditions, shorter sessions designed specifically for children, and over the winter will also be engaging in some free Qigong workshops indoors too at local venues.
We have practised together now for just over a month, and the group is growing beautifully, with all feedback incredible, everyone noticing the benefits instantly. If you would like to join us please feel free just to drop in. Children are most welcome equally (accompanied by an adult).
For more information please visit Wild Swan – Flowing River and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions through website.
We look forward to seeing you there. Peace, Love and Qigong! Mark
If James Bond can have a freaky era, so can you, says Robbie James
Daniel Craig’s recent ad campaign for Loewe’s autumn/winter collection proves that if a 56-year-old, kettlebell loving, former 007 agent can embrace his masculinity with such nonchalance, then so can a man in finance, 6’5’’, blue eyes…
We’ve all had an era. My 2005 Ashes era encompassed a need for spiky hair and a perm to emulate Shane Warne and Kevin Pietersen. My McFly era followed, in which a compromise was met with my mum – I couldn’t get my ear pierced like Tom Fletcher, but I could have a magnetic stud from Claire’s Accessories (why doesn’t everyone just do that instead of having a hole punched through their flesh?).
In the last couple of years I’ve developed a fascination for clothes. An appreciation and curiosity for the way men dress is something that I find poking my brain most days. I find myself noticing what outfits I like and, (very slowly) begin to get to grips with why I like them.
Occasionally I’ll pluck up the courage to stop a fellow manly man in the street to tell them I love their pleated trousers and ask where they found them. Often I get a response incorporating the same level of confusion and blankness as when you’re trying to explain literally anything to a dog, but not always.
During the pandemic I couldn’t be arsed to attempt a self haircut and likely leave myself with one and a half ears, so I just decided to allow my short, back, and sides (SBS) to become a long, back, and sides (LBS). I found it fun, so I kept it, and it opened my eyes to experimenting with appearance. Once we were finally free I took myself to The Hambledon in Winchester (an excellent excellent excellent independent department store – no I’ve not been paid to say that). I declared to Rob who runs the menswear department ‘’I don’t know how to dress myself’’, and he took my metaphorical hand and helped me build a few staple outfits.
There’s something appealing about the experience of visiting a menswear store; the independent ones are often small and intimate. Other than hearing Craig Charles’ segue between Fontaines DC and Idles on Radio 6 Music (the coolest of all the radio stations), there’s a comforting peacefulness within them. The judgement that men are often confronted with when it comes to style and clothing doesn’t exist in these basements or units. Naturally, the business model of independent stores results in items from the upper price limits. You don’t need to buy your socks from these places, but pushing the boat out on something fun once in a while can be rewarding.
Like most things that you don’t understand, the thought of learning that thing can feel overwhelming. I still don’t understand fashion, but I have learnt (reassuringly) it can be made simple. You don’t have to ‘Lewis Hamilton it’ and be wearing a new colour, shape, and texture Monday to Sunday. In fact, definitely don’t do that. You’ll need about 12 credit cards. Having clothes that actually fit make an ordinary outfit look just a bit more ‘’oh, they look good’’. I’m bored of seeing men wearing t-shirts that are too tight. Or actually, anything that is too tight. It’s like every inch of your skin has a need to be touched all day long (sounded better in my head).
We need to stop making fun of what other men are wearing if they turn up to the pub in anything that isn’t a white t-shirt and black jeans (both of which do have their place). It’s a cheap shot intended to make the perpetrator more comfortable.
I presented football coverage last season in a cream cardigan and, when I tell you I’ve never seen so many people telling someone they’ve stolen their Granny’s clothes…I’ve never seen so many people telling someone they’ve stolen their Granny’s clothes. Some of the most boring tweets I’ve ever received, and a reminder as to why so many men don’t feel like they can throw on a nice knit or some wide leg trousers.
Lots of men aren’t conditioned to allow themselves to feel sexy or take care with how they present, and complimenting each other is something that takes us a while to get to grips with. It’s easy to forget that looking after your appearance is part of looking after you. So now you’ve read this, throw on a face mask (but don’t leave it on for three times the length of time recommended on the pot resulting in what can only be described as a face made out of rock, no idea who’d do that), and find a local menswear store to plod around in.
Padel is a fun and exciting sport that’s rapidly gaining popularity around the world, with stars such as Antonio Banderas, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams all fans. Want to join them?
Padel’s an innovative form of tennis that’s fun, easy to learn and extremely sociable. Played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, groups of mixed ages and abilities can play together.
Padel is a sport for anyone and everyone – it’s easy to pick up and once you get started, you’ll find it difficult to stop!
There are more than 450 padel courts in Britain ready and waiting for you, with even more on the way. There are also padel clubs across the country that you can join as a member. You don’t have to have played tennis – or any other sport before – just grab a bat, a doubles partner, and away you go!
One of the newest kids on the block is PadelStars, Bracknell which is due to open very soon!
Faringdon-based Farcycles are getting ready to stage their 11th Le Tour de Farcycles on Saturday, 13th July
Take part in a sublime blend of BREW-tiful Cotswold countryside and three deliciously smooth MOCHA-me-happy rides depending on how far you want to push yourself.
We’re famous for the delicious homemade fare at the well-stocked feed stations, and the hot lunch at the finish!
All funds raised by the Sportive go towards local cycling projects including supporting the Cycle Park, teaching and commissioning infrastructure projects such as cycle repair stations, and road safety signs.
Primo-30 (the FLAT WHITE): 30 miles of rolling Cotswold countryside that is just enough to stretch someone looking for a first event. It is also the choice for regular cyclists to have a social meander through some of the region’s prettiest villages. The route is also perfect for families who would like to cycle together.
Medio-50 (the FRAPPUCHINO): 50 miles taking in some of our favourite country lanes. This is the perfect ride for cyclists who want to try a longer distance for the first time or who want a longer ride while still having enough energy for lunch afterwards.
Massimo-80 (the MACHO-ATTO): 80 miles taking in some hillier terrain that will stretch regular cyclists with a big hill or two, while still enjoying the archetypal Cotswold scenery. Back in time for lunch to relive your epic ride with your cycling buddies.
In a bid to enhance girls’ participation in cricket, three clubs in the Thames Valley have joined forces to establish a new girls’ cricket team, Thames Fusion. Ally Holloway shares the news
The collaboration with Wargrave, Sonning and Reading Cricket Clubs aims to provide girls of all ages with meaningful opportunities to engage in competitive hardball cricket, and so far the results have brought a wave of energy to girls’ cricket at all three clubs.
While each club will maintain its individual girls’ cricket teams, this joint effort has led to the formation of a new team called Thames Fusion, with an emphasis on playing hardball cricket.
Wargrave CC was a driving force behind the initiative. Chairman Andy Meader said: “Whilst we have offered girls cricket for many years, there have not always been sufficient numbers to play as many fixtures as we’d ideally like. We were aware that other clubs have been similarly challenged so we were delighted that Sonning CC and Reading CC saw the benefit in pooling resources. The launch of Thames Fusion is an exciting development, and the combination of players, coaches, and facilities from all three clubs promises an outstanding summer of cricket for the girls (and anyone interested in joining us)!”
Nalin Rupasinha of Reading CC added: “Thames Fusion is now able to offer girls at Reading CC the right level of competition and development. This collaborative effort is paving the way for a sustainable and thriving future for girls’ cricket in the region. Long may it continue!”
Throughout June and July, girls aged U11 to U15 will have the opportunity to participate in over 25 cricket games and festivals. This significant increase from previous seasons ensures girls gain valuable experience to further enhance their cricket skills and will have the chance to play just as much cricket as boys their age.
Tim Murphy, Chair of Sonning Cricket Club’s Junior section, said: “The club is delighted to be part of this partnership. The girls have thoroughly enjoyed playing at U11, U13, and U15 levels, with many expressing happiness in playing all-girls cricket due to our combined strength in depth. The positive feedback from the girls underscores the success of this initiative.”
Two Berkshire-based companies have generously offered their support by providing playing kit for the new team. Ally Holloway, the women and girls’ representative at Wargrave CC thanked Goodall-Smith Wealth Management and Wise Owls Childcare. “This sponsorship has enabled the purchase of branded kit for the girls without any additional cost to them. It was a key priority for us when setting this team up, that Thames Fusion was bonus without requiring players to make any further financial commitment beyond their club membership.”
For further information about Thames Fusion, please email [email protected]
