Tackling taboo topics in positive podcast

Liz Nicholls

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In her new podcast Choose YOU Choose BLISS, which starts on 1st November, Prestwood emotional health coach Vanessa Louise Moore takes on taboo topics such as abuse & relationship breakdowns

Vanessa believes there are three evils plaguing the world. These are ill health, addiction and violence. In her new podcast, which started last month, each episode will discuss one of these evils and how the power of love is always the answer.

Vanessa, who offers coaching, workshops, meditation and affirmation messages, says: “Now is the time to take back our power, reconnect with our true selves and each other, including the world around us, and live with confidence, purpose and joy. People spend their days seeking bliss, but often don’t realise it’s inside us all. Bliss to me means Boldly Living In Sweet Surrender.”

Choose YOU Choose BLISS  will talk about the taboos and difficult topics few are willing to discuss. From healing after relationship breakdowns, to overcoming cancer, addiction and breaking free from abuse, Vanessa will invite a new guest onto the show for each unique episode. The biweekly podcast kicks off on 1st November, when Vanessa will introduce the listener to the purpose of the podcast and her own experiences of learning to love herself.  

The following episode will see Vanessa speak with her ex-husband, Brian, whose addiction to alcohol led to the breakdown of their marriage. Over the years Brian has begun to heal and takes one day at a time in his journey to recovery. The pair have reconnected and developed a powerful and encouraging friendship, allowing them to have honest and open conversations about the past.  

Episodes three and four will involve conversations with Vanessa’s sister, Abbie, who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in December 2020. She has learnt to navigate her illness through to healing and now believes it has shaped her for the better.  

Vanessa says: “I want this podcast to be like the stabilisers on a bike. I want to help people come to terms with their issues and learn to love themselves. Choose YOU Choose BLISS will be like a warm hug of reassurance that it will get better, no matter what stage of your journey you are at. You are not alone.” 

Choose YOU Choose BLISS is available on major platforms, including Apple, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon with new episodes released every fortnight. 

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Autumn glories at Ramster

Karen Neville

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Enjoy a kaleidoscope of colour as you shop for locally made gifts at the huge variety of stalls at Ramster Christmas Market

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the season as you step into the festive wonderland of Ramster Christmas Market.

The historic Jacobean halls and courtyard will come alive with the spirit of the season on November 23rd and 24th, 10am-4pm. This year, a diverse array of stalls will be offering a unique collection of locally made gifts, including food and drink, beauty products, art and homewares.

A selection of premium Christmas trees and beautiful handmade festive wreaths will also be available to purchase. Ramster Tea House will be serving up the perfect accompaniments to your visit, with their delicious homemade mince pies and mulled wine. The free to enter event has free parking and disability access.

Additionally throughout December, Christmas Trees will be on display outside the Tea House alongside a wonderful collection of handcrafted festive wreaths for sale.

Enjoy the glory of the gardens in the earlier part of the month (until 11th) with the vibrant colours of autumn all around. Stroll through the stunning woodland paths to experience the rich red, orange and gold hues with the sound of rustling leaves underfoot. Discover sculptures and natural carvings, including the Red Dragon, a bench carved from a fallen Californian Redwood.

Wander down leaf-covered woodland paths that meander past established shrubs, mature plants, and peaceful views. At every twist and turn, you will discover enchanting features, including unique sculptures, ornate bridges, and beautiful lakes. Ramster Garden is a serene oasis, perfect for a tranquil escape for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The ancient avenue of acers is a stunning sight and one of the most photographed spots in the garden. This picturesque pathway is lined with majestic acer trees, each boasting a rich history of over one hundred years. Their gnarled, twisted trunks and branches create a captivating tapestry of shapes, and their leaves ignite a fiery palette of reds and oranges.

The Liquidambar provides stunning autumn colour with its shifting shades as the season progresses while the Handkerchief tree resembles the fluttering wings of doves looking like handkerchiefs caught in the breeze.

Nuts and berries are a sure sign autumn is upon us and the woodland floor will be awash with fallen gems and orbs of all colours and varieties which should put you in the mood for a stop at Ramster Tea House for a warming beverage and delicious bite to eat.

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Park Lane Primary School’s playground bid

Karen Neville

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Tilehurst primary school wants your plastic to help it win a new playground

Park Lane Primary School needs your help in its quest to win a playground with a frame made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

The Tilehurst school is taking part in the contest to win the resource made from recycled plastic food storage containers and lids, as well as reusable plastic water bottles and caps.

The school is asking people in the community to help in their efforts to win the playground, by bringing their used plastic food storage containers and lids, reusable plastic water bottles and caps to the school’s collection box. The school collection bin, next to the library at the Infant Site on School Road, is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The school which collects the largest amount by December 18th will win.

To participate in The Sistema® Recycled Playground Contest, primary signed up to the Sistema® Food Storage Container and Reusable Bottle Free Recycling Programme. This free programme is for all containers, lids, plastic bottles and caps, which cannot be recycled through conventional kerbside recycling collections and would otherwise end in landfill.

The recycled playground will include two slides, an approach ramp with rope and a large joining platform amongst other features. The winning and runner-up school will win a Sistema lunchbox and water bottle for each pupil.

Head teacher Mrs Browne said: “This really is a great initiative that will not only help our school but also our environment, whilst educating our pupils and the local community on the importance of recycling.”

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Eat your way to Emerald City

Karen Neville

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Running for six weeks, November 4th to December 15th, the latest menu at Six by Nico is inspired by the Land of Oz

Six by Nico, the dynamic dining experience known for its six-week tasting menu rotation, has introduced its latest six-course instalment to Oxford. Customers will be taken on an adventure full of magical flavours where each bite sends your taste buds into technicolour.

Inspired by the iconic story, customers will begin their journey on the yellow brick road, travelling through a bewitching menu where each bite leads you closer to the Emerald City on a magical culinary experience where you’ll be transported to the Land of Oz.

The menu includes:

Course 1 – ‘Nugget of the Yellow Brick’
Sweetcorn Beignet, Yellow Courgette, Saffron & Güero Chilli  

Course 2 – ‘Scarecrow’
Hay Smoked Middle White Pork, Fennel, Apple & Pickled Mustard

Course 3 – ‘Tin Woodman & Cowardly Lion’
Goats Curd ‘Heart’, Sweet & Sour Umeboshi Plum, Liquid Courage

Course 4 – ‘Deadly Poppy Field’
Blackened Miso Coal Fish, Coal Emulsion, Red Pepper Ketchup & Kohlrabi & Tarragon

Course 5 – ‘Witch of the West’
Chicken Breast, Pressed Leg & Black Onion
Sweet Roasted Garlic & Parsley Risotto

Course 6 – ‘Emerald City’
Apple Cremeux, Honey Mousseline, Yoghurt Sorbet & Lemon Gel

Veggie

Course 1 – ‘Nugget of the Yellow Brick’   
Sweetcorn Beignet, Yellow Courgette, Saffron & Güero Chilli   

Course 2 – ‘Scarecrow’  
Hay Smoked Celeriac, Fennel, Apple & Pickled Mustard   

Course 3 – ‘Tin Woodman & Cowardly Lion’  
Goats Curd ‘Heart’, Sweet & Sour Umeboshi Plum, Liquid Courage   

Course 4 – ‘Deadly Poppy Field’   
Baby Aubergine, Coal Emulsion, Red Pepper Ketchup, Kohlrabi & Tarragon   

Course 5 – ‘Witch of the West’  
Barbecue Leek, Burnt Onion & Black Garlic Ketchup 
Parsley Risotto, Confit Garlic & Pickled Shallot   

Course 6 – ‘Emerald City’ 
Apple Cremeux, Honey Mousseline, Yoghurt Sorbet & Lemon Gel  

For £50, guests will be able to experience the magical flavours from the Land of Oz, with a matching wine pairing from £38.

Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of the Six Company, said: “The Land of Oz is a really exciting menu for us. We have been looking at this world and concept for a while, and first explored this through somewhere in Glasgow. After further research and feedback from our valued guests, we feel our creativity of the dishes is really led by the story. We’re excited for guests, we feel our creativity of the dishes is really led by the story. We’re excited for guests to experience what is a totally new and unique experience for Six by Nico.”

Land of Oz menu bookings can be made via the website Land Of Oz – Oxford – Six By Nico

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Heartfelt Santa Fun Run & grotto

Liz Nicholls

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The ADS Santa Fun Run is back for its 10th outing on 24th November, supporting local families affected by dementia. And Santa’s grotto will give you a warm welcome at Dorney Lake!

Back for its 10th year, continuing a festive tradition cherished by many local families Santas will step up for a great cause, 10.30am-2pm, on Sunday, 24th November at Eton Dorney Lake.

Dressed head-to-toe in Santa suits, hundreds of participants will walk, jog, push or run 5km around the lake, all while raising vital funds for local people affected by dementia and their carers in the Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead, Slough and Langley areas.

The ADS Santa Fun Run is more than just a race; it’s a community favourite and the perfect way to kickstart the holiday season: get some exercise in, meet new friends locally, and make a real difference. Your participation helps keep crucial local services going, providing vital support to those who need it most.

What’s in store? Get your free Santa suit with registration (or feel free to rock your own Christmas costume!) – this event is open to all ages and abilities. Even your furry friends are welcome to join in the fun in their seasonal costumes. And don’t miss out on the chance to win in categories like Best Dressed Team, Best Dressed Dog, Best Dressed Family, and Best Dressed Wheels. Plus, fundraise over £50 and you’ll be entered into a prize draw.

The day isn’t just about the 5k – it’s packed with festive activities for the whole family. Enjoy Santa’s Grotto, snap a S-elfie with a giant inflatable Santa, and enjoy games like Hook-a-Duck, and special appearances by Princess Elsa, Spiderman, and a surprise superhero. Warm up with a hot drink from the upstairs café while listening to live Christmassy music and watching the Santas run past around the lake. It’s a festive feast for the senses!

ADS Director of Operations, Nysa Harris, says: “This is our signature annual fundraising event, and we’d love to see as many Santas as possible! It’s all about fun, raising awareness, and getting our local community involved.”

Visit ‘ADS’ for more info.

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Elizabeth Ascot blending tea & history

Karen Neville

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Elizabeth Ascot is a new blend of fiction and fine tea – enjoy a cup as you lose yourself in historical fiction

Local author Agnes Fernandes has launched a historical fiction series that brings together the charm of storytelling with the pleasure of fine tea.

After more than a decade of writing romantic comedies and historical drama for the screen, Agnes turned to creating her first novel during the 2020 lockdown. The inspiration came to her on moving into a small cottage in South Ascot where she developed a story spanning over 158 years.

In 1862, a young Victorian governess arrives in Ascot during the aftermath of Prince Albert’s tragic death and lives in a small cottage on the estate of a country manor, while in 2020, a fashion designer named Lisa moves into the same cottage following a career setback. As Lisa settles into her new home, a series of dramatic events unveils her remarkable past as the creative director of Santierre, one of the world’s most renowned fashion brands. Lisa discovers the governess’s timeworn journals. Through their pages, she is drawn into a world of Victorian tea parties, hidden ambitions, and the pursuit of women’s liberation. Lisa becomes immersed in the life of the governess from over 158 years ago and unexpectedly finds connections between their experiences. As the past and present intertwine, themes of resilience, love, and the enduring bond of women across time come to life in this richly woven tale.

The modern storyline, focused on the fashion designer, was partly inspired by the author’s friendship with the legendary French designer Hubert de Givenchy. Working closely with him on his 50-year retrospective exhibition, Agnes gained a rare insight into the world of haute couture, alongside Givenchy and his devoted team, all driven by their commitment to his artistic vision.

The novel is being released in five instalments, each accompanied by a bespoke tea blend. The debut book, available now on the Elizabeth Ascot website, comes packaged in a beautiful gift box with ‘Victorian Black’ a single estate, loose leaf orange pekoe tea grown exclusively for Elizabeth Ascot on a third-generation Scottish family estate in Malawi. This exceptional black tea boasts a complex character, with notes of dark forest honey, earthy malt, and a hint of dry wood, balanced by gentle blackberry flavour.

A perfect gift for fans of historical fiction and fine tea, Elizabeth Ascot is an invitation to embrace British heritage, one page and one cup of tea at a time.

Visit Elizabeth Ascot for more.

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Carlton Kirby’s Tour de France tales

Liz Nicholls

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On 24th November at Borough Hall in Godalming, let the larger-than-life broadcaster and Eurosport commentator entertain you with the highs and lows of Tour de France

Carlton Kirby, AKA The Voice of Cycling, looks forward to sharing backstage tales at the Borough Hall.

Carlton wonders if he might be the last in the line of a certain style of commentator. Cricket’s Henry Blofeld, F1’s Murray Walker, Darts’ Sid Waddell… there was a time when sport was voiced by real characters bringing an extra sense of colour and context to the bare sporting action on screen. Now, Kirby – Eurosport’s Voice of Cycling – feels like an outlier.

“There has been a big shift towards TV employing former athletes – and often they can be quite straight in their approach,” he reflects. “But even in sports where non-athletes are still allowed in the commentary box, there’s a definite shift towards endless statistics and often quite dry technical analysis. I’m not sure that’s what the audience wants. Often, that sense of the wider occasion, all the emotion and fun and randomness involved – all the reasons people love sport – can get lost. But I want to make sure the audience at home get the full picture – I am compelled to mention, say, a very good local sausage shop, even if I have to get it into a manic sprint finish!”

Kirby is coming to the Borough Hall in Godalming for a show on 24th November, where he will share backstage stories from his years commentating on the Tour de France. His career has coincided with the golden age of British cycling, so, naturally, there will be talk of his dealings with the likes of Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish. But the tone of the evening is likely to be set by Kirby’s off-piste experiences, driving round Europe for months on end in the company of terse co-commentator Sean Kelly and getting into scrapes in low-budget hotels.

“I think, even for a lot of cycling fans, covering the Tour de France and other big races seems like some kind of extended holiday. Of course, it IS a magical thing – to be part of the biggest annual sports event on Earth, part of this travelling circus that means so much to everyone at home. But then we are also driving thousands of miles over the three weeks of the race, often late at night, staying in often quite random hotels. It is definitely a job not a holiday. Maybe not a proper job, but a job nonetheless!”

Kirby’s CV also includes an unusually broad range of broadcast gigs, from the Le Mans 24 Hour Race to speed skating and, in the early days of Eurosport, both the Eskimo Olympics and the Rock/Paper, Scissors World Championships. Along with stints on breakfast TV, as a nightclub promoter and on the ‘…and finally’ quirky-news slot on local TV in East Anglia – not to mention a failed audition to present Blue Peter -, it has been a unique path to his current position.

“I do love it. I feel privileged to have called home Mark Cavendish on so many of his record-breaking 35 stage wins at the Tour; to have been involved when British riders have dominated both the Tour and the Olympics.  

“At the show at Godalming, we will celebrate the magic of the Tour and of those British riders but also all the strangeness that comes with it. Wherever we go with the live show, it feels like a gathering of the clans – all the serious bike riders come out but also people who just enjoy looking at the French landscape while snacking on their sofa. All these hundreds of people who have fallen in love with the Tour for different reasons getting together. I can’t wait!” 

Tickets from Radio Days Events.

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Halloween feasts at White Hart Fyfield

Liz Nicholls

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Enjoy treats galore – and find inventive ways to use seasonal squash well – The White Hart in Fyfield

‘Tis the season to do creative things with a pumpkin… But, step away from the carving tools, and put yourself in the capable hands of The White Hart at Fyfield.

Foodies are rightly spellbound by this stunning restaurant and pub, which occupies a beautifully converted 15th century chantry house, with its own kitchen garden in one of the country’s prettiest spots.

If you haven’t been (it’s amazing how many lifelong locals haven’t), you’re in for a treat, and if you’re quick (today!) you can enjoy the frighteningly good Halloween menu. This has been crafted by Grahame Wickham, who joined as head chef earlier this year at the small family-run business owned by chef Mark Chandler and his wife Kay.  

Popular favourites which show the kitchen’s skills and might well blow your mind include popular nibbles such as Korean chicken, pickled red onion, chilli and sesame. From the off, you know you’re in excellent hands but make sure to arrive hungry to make room for the epic feasts which feel fitting in the gorgeous baronial dining room: think doors heavy enough for any Hammer horror film, antlers galore and gloriously comfortable thrones and banquettes to settle into for a whole afternoon.  

You’re pretty much guaranteed the royal treatment, which is the same as accorded to the best in seasonal produce (you can often find the chefs foraging locally) including the monkfish bourguignon, smoked pancetta, wild mushrooms, Grelot onions, spinach puree, red wine jus (£32), or pan-roasted duck breast, confit Roscoff onion, wilted greens, toasted pumpkin seeds, sweet potato fondant, preserved plums, balsamic and plum ketchup, duck and plum sauce (£31). 

But, impossible as this sounds, make sure you have room to try the puddings which are a whole other level! From the incredible nutty and nice concoction of chocolate delice with peanut butter and the pumpkin cheesecake, your heart will be won by a brain-melting array of flavours, as well as the homemade ice creams, from pear through to coffee and caramel. 

Admirably, the team working their magic at this gourmet destination are as passionate about food as they are sustainability. This week, the whole menu has done more to demonstrate the power of the pumpkin than a whole showroom of jack-o-lanterns. They are also giving out delicious pumpkin recipes to help you use your pumpkin leftovers and carve, cook and squash food waste together!

So, book in to find out how The White Hart has scooped a whole array of awards as well as two AA Rosettes held for 17 years and earned the die-hard love of diners and drinkers.

More to follow, but for now: upcoming highlights include Game Night on 14th November and a festive gift fair on 5th December. 

Call 01865390585, visit The White Hart Fyfield, Oxfordshire | Restaurants in Oxfordshire or pop in!  

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Seeds of change in Missenden gardens

Liz Nicholls

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Your garden might look bare right now but Missenden Seeds can help you plant a brighter future thanks to sustainable seeds & tubers, including dahlias

Missenden Seeds is a small, independent company run by enthusiastic local grower Carolyn. Summer might feel forever away but this month Carolyn is sowing sweet peas… “I love sweet peas,” she tells us. “I find they make stronger plants and flower earlier if I start them off in autumn. I’m also sowing lots of hardy annuals, biennials and perennials, things like calendula, poppies, astrantia, foxgloves, hollyhocks. As soon as we get the first frost I’ll dig up and store all the dahlia tubers, which is a lot of work but with our heavy clay soil I can’t leave them in over winter.

Carolyn is passionate about perennials, biennials and annuals which make beautiful cut flowers and good for pollinators. “We believe growing flowers should be simple and sustainable. All the seeds and tubers we stock are grown by us, we don’t import or repackage seeds or dahlia tubers. We also only stock open-pollinated varieties from which you can save seed year after year – no F1 varieties here!”

On a small site in the village, Missenden Seeds uses no chemicals and is peat free. “As the seeds are open-pollinated there is always the chance that the odd seedling may not appear exactly the same as its parent, but may be something even lovelier. Some can produce beautiful variations – particularly in the case of dahlia seeds where every plant you grow will be different to its parent and totally unique.

“I’ve lived in Great Missenden for many years and my children all go to school locally. I feel very lucky to live somewhere with such beautiful countryside on the doorstep and such a great range of local shops and places to eat.

“It’s hard to choose my favourite flower but if I had to pick just one thing to grow it would be dahlias. There’s a dahlia for every situation, they flower for months until the first frost and come in such a range of colours, forms and sizes. My favourite this year has been Labyrinth, a striking large decorative variety in pink and peach.”

Claim a 10% discount with Carolyn’s code, BLOOM at Missenden Seeds. Also follow @missendenseeds on Instagram for news.

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Join North West Surrey RSPB

Karen Neville

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Ken Sutton from North West Surrey RSPB shares his love of birds and invites you to join them

Surrey is an excellent county for birds. Our magnificent heathlands hold uncommon species like Nightjar and Dartford Warbler. Parklands, rivers, woods, and gardens all hold a great variety of birds.

Many Surrey residents are members of the RSPB, wit its total membership exceeding a million. One of the ways the RSPB sends its message is through its 134 local groups around the country. Ours is the North West Surrey local group and we cover Weybridge, Woking, Staines, Egham, Chertsey, and surroundings areas. We are this year celebrating our 50th birthday and continue to thrive.

We have a programme of outdoor meetings both weekdays and weekends at bird watching sites both locally and further afield. Our members cover a range of birdwatching skills, the only requirement being enthusiasm for nature. These walks are fun and relaxed and we always see a good range of birds and other species. We also have a programme of indoor meetings where quality indoor speakers give an illustrated talk on a variety of nature related topics. Another string to our bow is a series of talks that we give to local groups such as U3A and Wls. Some cover our Surrey birds, others outside the county or indeed overseas.

If you would love to connect with nature and spend time with like minded people contact a committee member, try an outdoor walk or indoor meeting. You will be most welcome – no payment or donation is requested on your first meeting. Details at Home – North West Surrey Local Group and (6) RSPB North West Surrey Local Group | Facebook

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