Becky Fanstone & her Wallingford team at Warren James Hairdressing are celebrating after winning three accolades at the UK Salon awards
Hair is everything! A good hair day and a bad hair day can lead to drastically different outcomes. So it’s no wonder that Becky Anderson finds her job taking care of hair so rewarding.
“The salon has gone from strength to strength over the last nine years and we are so honoured to receive these awards,” says Becky, who owns Warren James Hairdressing in Old Reading Road, OX10 8BW. “These latest wins are testament to the hard work and passion of our amazing team and the support of our incredible clients. The past year has been a period of growth and transformation for the salon.
“The team have expanded, bringing in fresh, amazing talent. The salon itself has undergone an exciting extension, creating even more space for new clients.”
Becky was born and raised in the area, growing up in Crowmarsh, and training in Wallingford. After years of honing her craft and working in various places, including Sydney, Brisbane, Oxford and Henley; Crowmarsh, Wallingford, seemed the obvious choice for her salon. The team at Warren James Hairdressing share this strong local bond – every member is from Wallingford or nearby areas.
Becky was crowned Oxfordshire stylist of the year, Katie won Oxfordshire New Talent of the year, and as a team they won Oxfordshire Colour Salon of the year in the highly regarded Salon Awards which are a testament to their commitment to excellence. Whether it’s innovation, customer service, or expertise in all things hair, each accolade reflects the salon’s dedication to exceeding client expectations.
“We’re thrilled to welcome new faces into the salon and the extension allows us to offer even more services and continue delivering the exceptional care and creativity our clients deserve,” adds Becky. “I would like to thank my team for their continued hard work, passion and eagerness to keep learning.”
Maria White tells us about fostering in Oxfordshire and how you could make a difference to a child’s life
Here in Oxfordshire, we have an incredible network of local foster carers, but we need more so that we can keep Oxfordshire children local. It’s common sense that they’ll do better if they’re close to schools, friends and family, even if they’re no longer in the same town.
Being a foster carer is rewarding but we will be honest it’s not always easy. Our children have often been through a lot and can need plenty of support. But every day we see the impact that support has, seeing them grow in confidence – nothing beats that.
Fun trips to the shops, cuddles after a bad dream, helping with homework, being there during those tricky teen years – foster caring is about providing stability, positivity and reassurance when a child needs it most. And you won’t be alone, we will be supporting you all the way.
What do our carers say? Lucy told us: “Fostering is a collaborative effort – you are not parenting on your own, but as part of a team. You spend a lot of time talking with social workers, school staff, GPs, mental health workers and a whole array of other professionals.
“My one piece of advice would be don’t pretend you’re ok when you’re not. You’re not alone, and there’s always help available – you just have to ask for it.”
We fit around you. You may be single, work full time or have kids, foster carers come in all shapes and sizes and that’s why we keep things personal. Even if it’s early days and you just want a chat to find out more, we work at your pace, so that when you’re ready, we’re ready, whenever that may be.
To help you with the transition to foster are we pay a £1,500 welcome payment. We pay an enhanced fostering fee alongside an allowance for the child to help make fostering more affordable. You receive support from your social worker and other foster carers who are all part of a local fostering community. Our carers love seeing the difference they make to a child’s life… you could do that too!
If fostering is not something you are able to do, no worries, but please help us by spreading the word and encouraging others to find out more about fostering with Oxfordshire County Council.
Photographer & lecturer Nicholas Brewer has spent a year capturing as changing way of life in his home village
Nicholas Brewer’s photography career began in the 1990s, freelancing for Cosmopolitan, Telegraph Magazine and Smash Hits. His first job after leaving college was photographing Take That.
Now 55 and a photography lecturer, he moved to Bourne End with his wife at the end of last year. They fell in love with the perfectly formed community here and he decided to turn his lens on the shops he regularly frequents last January. “During this time shops have changed, and so have the seasons,” says Nicholas. “This project reflects our shifting needs and way of life.”
He photographed E. Collias, the old butcher’s shop that closed during the pandemic. Opening in 1896, the shop in Wooburn Green sold meat to regulars including Edgar Poe and Kenneth Connor. Of another famous local neighbour, Nicholas says: “Hopefully Enid Blyton would be pleased by the Co-op and its goal of cheaper food and community spirit.
“We loved Bourne End, especially, the fruit market! I love the smell and the atmosphere. There is always a delicate hum of conversation, and the flowers make me happy. My wife loves the raspberries. We have two favourite restaurants, The Wimpy and El Cedric. I love the jazz on a Sunday and being by the river.”
Nicholas is planning an exhibition in the spring. “The work is ongoing, and I am excited to see how it progresses before the exhibition.”
There will hopefully be a book to go along with the show and you can not only buy a copy but have your name in it. “I intend to make it a good quality hardback book, with a limited edition of 100. The work will also serve as a historical document for others. There was an exhibition of old pictures in the community centre early in the year.”
If you’d like to see more, or have your name or business in the book (or to ask about dog walking!) – search for The Parade Bourne End on Facebook or visit Gallery – Nicholas Brewer’s
Thanks to an amazing local charity, children with Down’s Syndrome can enjoy therapy sessions here in Woodley
Chattertots is the wonderful Berkshire-based charity whose team support children with Down’s Syndrome.
The charity has recently relocated its weekly pre-school speech and language therapy sessions in Woodley, making these essential services more accessible to local families.
Chattertots, which supports about 30 families across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, provides specialist speech and language therapy through weekly sessions delivered by experts from Symbol UK, recognised leaders in supporting children with Down’s Syndrome.
“We’re excited to bring our services to Woodley,” says Clare McIntosh, chairman of Chattertots. “This move allows us to reach more families in the area while continuing to provide the high-quality, specialist support that’s so crucial for early development in children with Down’s Syndrome.”
The weekly sessions, which take place during term time, focus on developing essential communication skills through speech sounds, Makaton signing, vocabulary building, and oral motor skills. For many families, these sessions provide vital early intervention that isn’t readily available through standard NHS services.
One parent, whose child has been attending Chattertots sessions since September 2022, said: “Our son has made incredible progress, learning over 50 Makaton signs and mastering 31 speech sounds. These sessions have been transformative for our whole family.”
Chattertots, established in 2015 and registered as a charity in 2022 (charity number 1198362), has seen significant growth in demand for its services. The move to Woodley represents an important step in the charity’s development, allowing it to better serve families in the local community.
The charity also provides educational consultancy, school starter boxes, summer camps, and social activities, all designed to support children with Down’s Syndrome in reaching their full potential.
Families interested in Chattertots’ services or local groups who might want to help with fundraising can contact Clare by emailing [email protected]. You can also visit Chattertots for more info.
Book your seat at Haslemere Library for an afternoon with local author Matt Graydon as he talks about his book Leaving Fatherland
Matt Graydon is “a writer of striking historical fiction” as you’ll discover when he talks about his debut novel Leaving Fatherland at Haslemere Library this month.
Inspired by a true story, Leaving Fatherland provides a different take on what it was like to be in the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. With scenes inspired by real events, it follows book-loving protagonist Oskar from his childhood in Nazi Germany to New York City and beyond, as he struggles to come to terms with his father’s abuse.
Oskar Bachmann always imagined that giving his first lecture would be the defining moment of his life. It was, but not in the way he expected…
Growing up a misfit in Nazi Germany, a victim of his father’s beatings, Oskar’s love of books is a constant comfort in a world turned upside-down by violence.
As a New York university student, as a pilot in the brutal Luftwaffe during the Second World War, in an unhappy marriage to an English bride, he finds himself returning over and over to the circumstances of his childhood. What was the source and cause of his father’s abuse? Could there have been more to it than he had once believed?
Little did Oskar know that his first lecture at the University of Tübingen would ultimately lead to the end of a lifetime of searching… and finally reveal the figure who had been controlling his life from a distance.
Author Matt is half-Irish and grew up in a loving but strictly religious home. When not spending his time writing he enjoys standing in remote fields at night gazing and photographing stars and galaxies through his telescope. His passion for writing began at the age of 21 while on a three-month action-packed hike across America.
Leaving Fatherland has been described as a “haunting, thought-provoking narrative” and as “a heart-told story which kept me bound to it right to the last page and well beyond”. Louise Fein, author of Daughter of The Reich calls it a “novel that explores, with compassion and without judgement, complex issues around psychology, identity, loyalty, and how knowing where we come from shapes who we are”.
The session on Friday, 10th January, 2.230-3.30pm, will end with audience questions and a book signing. Suggested donation: £4 per person.
Leaving Fatherland is available at Waterstones, Foyles, Amazon and more.
Considering a heat pump? It could protect the planet for future generations
Two years ago, Ann and John, who live in west Marlow, decided to replace their ageing condensing gas boiler to reduce their carbon footprint.
During the two years of researching and investigating the purchase of a Heat Pump to warm their house and heat their water, they contacted 12 companies and had 12 visits and subsequent quotations varying from about £12,000 to more than £19,000. However, the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants of £7,500 to reduce the overall cost. Eventually, they decided to spend £5,700 to buy a Vaillant Arotherm plus 5KW heat pump.
A company from west London installed their heat pump and ensured that their four thermal panels (water) and their 16 photo-voltaic (PV, Electricity) panels were incorporated into the system. The installation took four days, as some pipework had to be replaced, three of their eight radiators were replaced, the thermal panel had to be linked up to a new hot water cylinder and their PV panels were connected to provide some of the power the Heat Pump requires. Their house is now warm all through the day and night and the hot water for their shower is hot.
Although a new gas boiler will cost between £2,000 and £4,000, they contribute significantly to adverse climate change. In addition, an air source heat pump will save them money, now and in years to come, as electricity becomes cheaper and gas prices rise. Fortunately, some small inheritances allowed them to finance this project, but installation costs could be spread over a period of years.
John says: “If you have to replace an ageing gas boiler, or if you have some spare cash, a new heat pump is likely to save you money and reduce your carbon emissions and hopefully protect your children and grandchildren’s futures.”
Marlow Energy Group (MEG) is a non-profit Community Benefit Society formed with the purpose of reducing Marlow’s carbon footprint through the use of carbon-saving energy technology. To find out more visit MEG – Helping Marlow becoming a net-zero town
Millie Deere reviews Bill Bailey’s latest thought-provoking and very funny show at London’s Royal Haymarket Theatre until 15th February
A sleek, black set lined with musical instruments of assorted ilk. Bill Bailey in all black bar two roses embroidered onto his shirt. Upstage, a projection of rolling meadows littered with pipes snaking across the landscape in an eerie yet colourful engulfment of the natural world. Thoughtifier immediately strikes an unsettling chord of a tarnished humanity, which Bailey’s very human whimsies aim to flip on its head.
So, what is Thoughtifier about? In Bailey’s words, “[r]ather than panic about AI and worry about how much it’s going to take over, I just think we ought to […] revel in human achievement and creativity”, “consciousness”‘”, and “the way that we’re able to create music”.
Extolling the wonder of human harmonisation in his coaxing of a rather bashful audience to join him in a recorder-led melody (indeed a vivid reminder of our “‘school nemesis”) was perhaps not the most compelling starting evidence, though maybe I can only blame my tone-deaf peers sat my immediate vicinity. An interactive song with some Bluetooth balls was certainly more stimulating and aroused some inelegant British giggles.
In any case, Bailey’s own music was predictably outstanding. To everyone’s delight, a range of stringed instruments were lined up proudly on stage right eagerly awaiting their moment to be strummed by the national treasure.
Fans will be gleefully satiated with numbers ranging from a woeful warble of crab regret to a serenade at the check-out till, and a Turkish translation of Coldplay’s Yellow on a bouzouki. Other highlights included Happy Birthday (aka the “milestone of decay”) in MM7 key (a cocktail of the “needy” minor and “evocative” major key) and a triumphant finale on a laser techno harp. Indeed, it is Bailey’s eccentrically experimental musical numbers that mark the comedic culmination of his performance.
Curiously, Bailey attempts to grapple with some of the heavier themes of bee extinction, AI takeover, and faltering British politics with a disco ball ominously strung above his head (it’s a shame he didn’t hark back to his Strictly days and break out into a quickstep). This contradiction is symbolic of the occasional seesawing between varying meditations on existence without landing firmly on one trajectory of discussion.
While perhaps slightly bemused about his exact point, the audience leaves in stitches after two hours of ceaseless giggling. Bailey is a wonder to watch; at once highly au fait with the contemporary socio-political milieu yet living in a mind of his own (in the best way possible). His wit, multifaceted musical talents, and rib-tickling ruminations make Thoughtifier just a lot of pure fun.
Four stars ****, Millie Deere.
Bill Bailey’s new book My Animals and Other Animals is out now; visit BILL BAILEY
Tom Dawson, headmaster of Sunningdale School near Ascot, considers the implications for schools of the coming VAT on fees
After months… no, years of speculation and expectation, the government has introduced VAT on to private school fees, from January 2025.
This is going to have a significant and lasting effect on the whole sector and it presents a huge challenge for those of us managing these institutions. Business rates relief for independent schools with charitable status will also be removed.
The government believes these measures will raise £1.8 billion per year which they will invest in the state sector, saying they want to recruit 6,500 extra state school teachers. They don’t say where these teachers are going to come from, however, and anyone who has advertised for a teacher recently knows how difficult that can be.
They estimate 37,000 pupils will leave or never enter the private school sector as a result of the VAT policy and that 3,100 additional pupils will leave or never enter the private school sector in England as a result of the business rate policy. The reality is likely to be much more significant than this.
Another significant concern is the timing of this policy. Introducing these measures in the middle of the academic year demonstrates a lack of understanding of the pressures faced by schools, parents and children.
A double whammy
The government says it has carried out consultation and responded to feedback but it has not changed its policies as a result of this consultation. In fact, it has gone further than this by increasing employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and by lowering the threshold at which these contributions are paid. A great deal of what might have been saved by reclaiming VAT will be spent on these contributions. Staff costs are, on average, 69% of turnover for schools. Increasing the burden of NICs is a significant addition to a school’s budget.
So what is the answer for schools? There are various options; apply VAT to the current fee, reduce the fee so that after reclaiming VAT you can just break even, or reduce the free by a greater percentage, accepting the fact you will make a loss. Despite introducing VAT of 20% on school fees, the government says it expects private school fees to go up by around 10%. It also says some schools have said they will cap the increase at 5% or that they will absorb the whole cost themselves. This is simply not realistic. Many schools will apply VAT on their current fee, meaning a 20% increase, and the vast majority of independent schools have announced their fees will go up by at least 15%.
A good number of schools announced their position in advance of the budget; in some cases, many months before. Many are now regretting this decision as the measures announced on October 30th have gone so much further than expected and they now face a significant shortfall in the budget. Since the budget was delivered, several schools have already announced they will close as a result.
‘Independent schools must work harder…’
Whatever their position, schools are going to have to adapt to this new reality. We face a future in which school fees are significantly more expensive and schools are going to have to work harder for their slice of a diminishing pie.
At Sunningdale we have been very clear with parents about our position and we have been very clear with staff about our responsibilities. We have to make sure that what we offer is truly exceptional. We have always tried to do this but we must now make sure that parents can see the value of spending a very significant amount of money on their child’s education. So what does that look like and what should parents expect?
To be truly world class, an independent school education must offer outstanding, individualised teaching which leads to visible progress. They must also offer the sort of holistic education that leads to a bright future for their pupils. The co-curricular offerings at most independent schools are incredible. But interestingly, their purpose is not often to create sports stars or world class musicians – although this may happen – it is to set pupils up for happy, healthy and successful lives.
Good schools build confidence; they foster resilience; they encourage teamwork and collaboration; they teach good values; they develop pupils into good, responsible global citizens who want to make a difference and they help children to believe that anything is possible.
So as much as every school will look at their costs and do what they can to make savings without diminishing what they offer, I believe that the real key to a successful future lies in making sure that you are the best that you can possibly be.
Yoga teacher Rebecca Dobson is on a mission to help navigate stress with Well Woman Yoga Therapy & Goddess Gatherings in Henley
Women are renowned for juggling numerous responsibilities, leaving little time for self care. Rebecca understands this, and in the midst of all these demands, Well Woman Yoga emerges as a sanctuary for nurturing women’s health and wellbeing. Rebecca Dobson, an experienced yoga teacher and therapist and founder of GetCalmer, stands at the forefront of this holistic practice, offering a transformative experience grounded in her extensive expertise.
Rebecca brings more than 18 years of yoga teaching experience and 23 years of proficiency in Reiki and massage therapy. Her comprehensive understanding of women’s health, coupled with her therapeutic skills, provide a unique and deeply restorative approach through her weekly Well Woman Yoga classes and monthly Goddess Gatherings in Henley. Well Woman Yoga is designed specifically for women, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. This practice combines gentle asanas, breathwork, and relaxation to support women’s well-being throughout different life stages – from menstruation to menopause and beyond.
“Unlike traditional yoga practices, Well Woman Yoga integrates therapeutic techniques that consider the unique needs of women’s bodies and minds,” Rebecca tells us. “Physically, these classes help to alleviate many common issues such as hormonal imbalances, pelvic floor issues and menopausal symptoms. The postures are tailored to enhance flexibility, strength, and balance, promoting overall vitality and comfort. Regular practice can lead to improved circulation, better posture, and reduced tension, contributing to a healthier, more resilient body through all major life cycles. The practice also offers significant emotional and mental benefits.”
Her classes create a calming space where women can reconnect with themselves, fostering deep relaxation and emotional balance, which helps manage stress. Rebecca’s personal journey through various life stages has been supported by yoga and Reiki, shaping her approach to teaching. Her classes are more than just physical exercises; they are a celebration of women’s health, offering a holistic experience that addresses the entire spectrum of wellbeing.
With her extensive background in therapeutic practices, Rebecca’s guidance provides a compassionate and informed approach to addressing women’s health challenges.
For more information about Well Women Yoga in Henley, private one-to-one sessions and Reiki courses, treatments, email [email protected] or visit GetCalmer.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Rebecca offers yoga retreats both in the UK and abroad, designed to promote women’s health and wellbeing on a deeper level.
The Castle Hotel Windsor, which dates back to 1528, welcomes tourists from all over the world, including the Leaf restaurant’s afternoon teas
Once upon a time (in 1528 to be exact), The Castle Hotel opened its doors, albeit as The Mermaid Inn – humbly brewing beer and cider for the people of Windsor which, at the time, was a small town of just 1,000 people.
During the 1700s, innkeeper Richard Martin was awarded the first of the hotel’s eight Royal Warrants – to provide horses and carriages for the royal household. By the 19th century, The Castle Hotel had solidified its reputation as the connoisseur’s choice of accommodation.
And today the four-star hotel, occupying one of Windsor’s most opulent buildings, still offers the same fairytale feel, with an array of fabulous rooms, many overlooking the walls and turrets of Windsor Castle, which is a honeypot for tourists from all over the world. Even if you’re more of a republican at heart it’s hard not to feel childlike glee when the changing of the guard soldiers march right past the hotel’s windows, accompanied by rousing drums, overlooking the Prince Harry pub.
With eight Royal Warrants, The Castle Hotel, which has 108 rooms, is a dream destination. The historic hotel offers quiet luxury and all mod cons including tea & coffee making facilities, hair dryers, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, 100 Acres toiletries and more. What’s more, it’s studded with details that bring its royal links to life, including busts of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert that hark back to the tale of a birthday gift from the Queen to her consort. All of this makes for a right royal treat for visitors… and their consorts!
The vibey downstairs Leaf restaurant and bar offer superb breakfast all week as well as brunch, afternoon tea and all-day dining, 12-9pm. The menus showcase the finest locally sourced produce from trusted suppliers, promising visitors a tantalising tour of the globe. A popular choice is the Royal Afternoon Tea, served in the quintessentially English lounge, and rightly considered one of the best afternoon teas in Windsor (£40pp adults, children’s afternoon tea £22pp).
The Castle team, whose smiling service is second to none, also pride themselves on the Sunday roast (until 5pm) when diners can choose from beef topside, half roast chicken, seared Scottish salmon and vegetarian wellington on offer; two courses for £27pp, and three courses at £32pp.
