Win Binoclarity book & unique artwork

Karen Neville

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Earlier this year we featured Thomas Newport’s book Binoclarity charting his journey along the River Thames, the characters and stories bringing it to life and now Thomas is offering the chance to win a copy and limited edition artwork

Author Thomas Newport writes:  You may well recall the double page feature called ‘Riveting Riverside Life‘ about Binoclarity book that ran in August’s issue of R&A Magazine.

The feature recounted how this fascinating Thames-Valley focused true-life book covers everything worth knowing about the River Thames, from the many world-changing innovations, eccentrics, large plane crashes, little-known histories, caped crusaders, dimwitted robbers, highwaymen, local business barons, eccentrics, marauding escaped exotic animals, through to a shocking recent rural serial murder epidemic and much much more! Binoclarity is available on Amazon as ebook or paperback.

To enter for a chance of winning a free signed copy or a Limited Edition signed artwork by the author, then please answer this question – which of the following Thames Valley places (clue-there is only one) do not feature extensively in the book? Thames Head, Cricklade, Lechlade, Swindon, Snowdonia, Oxford, Abingdon, Sonning, Marlow, Wargrave, Henley-on-Thames, Cookham, Maidenhead, Bray, Windsor, Wraysbury, Staines-upon-Thames, London.

The top prizes are two signed and numbered ‘Chip Butty Bread’ artworks by the author Thomas Newport. These breads made from genuine solid travertine stone, feature two wooden chips per piece and are the first limited edition works of art associated with this book! The Chippy Butty Breads offered here are from a strictly limited edition of only 10 pieces in total. Each bread is mounted on an attractive solid wooden base. There are two runners up prizes of signed copies of Binoclarity book. All prizes will be sent by post to the winners.

The closing date for the competition is December 31st.

Please email your answer to the author at [email protected]

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Taste nostalgia at Six by Nico

Karen Neville

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Running for six weeks, December 16th to January 26th, this latest cast of courses brings a delicious return to the past

Get ready to taste your way down memory lane. Six By Nico, Oxford, is serving up deja food with its latest six-course tasting menu, Nostalgia.

Perfectly timed for the festive season, this menu captures the nostalgic magic of Christmas and New Year. Diners will have the chance to relive the joy of their childhood through flavours that feel like home, while younger guests can ride the wave of a golden era and experience delicious retro moments for the first time. 

It’s a menu that brings the taste of yesteryear to life, with each dish crafted to capture those classic flavours and playful twists from the past – think the comforting bite of a fish finger sarnie, the warm, smoky flavours of a campfire feast and the unmistakable nostalgia of a VHS-era movie snack.

Known for reinventing its menu every six weeks, Six by Nico transports diners to new worlds with each visit. With Nostalgia, its inviting guests to enjoy a taste of the past, where familiar favourites get a fresh, modern twist. Each plate offers a delicious reminder of childhood memories, reimagined with inventive flair, one playful bite at a time.

Chef Nico Simeone, the creative mind behind Six by Nico, reflects on the inspiration for the menu: “Our final menu of 2024 and the first of 2025 pays homage to nostalgia, inviting guests on a journey through flavours that evoke personal memories. Inspired by reflections on my childhood, it draws on moments spent watching films, playing games, or enjoying time outdoors with friends.

“While New Year often focuses on resolutions, this menu celebrates traditions and revisits the timeless magic of Christmas through familiar and comforting tastes.”

Priced at £50 per person, bookings are now open for a taste of Nostalgia at Six by Nico, Oxford. Guests can also enjoy their meal with either optional wine or cocktail pairings. Each course is crafted to bring back fond memories of childhood favourites, reimagined with a modern twist, while letting the festivities linger just a little longer.

Here’s a throwback to the childhood favourites diners can look forward to:

Snack – ‘Space Raiders’

Crushed Baby Potato, Pickled Onion, Garlic Emulsion & Fermented Melon Hot Sauce

Course 1 – ‘Blockbuster’

Aged Comté, Hazelnut & Serrano Ham in a “Taco”

Course 2 – ‘Super Mario’

Roasted Maitake, Smoked Celeriac, Cep Gnocchi, Lovage, Truffle & Sherry Cappuccino

Course 3 – ‘Let’s Go Camping!’

Smoked Pork Sausage, Aged Belly, Red Pepper Romesco, Nasturtium & Almond

Course 4 – ‘Fish Fingers’

Barbecue Coley, Miso Carrot, Lobster Emulsion

Served with a Crispy Fish Finger, Shellfish Bisque & Salted Kumquat

Course 5 – ‘Guess Who’

A classic game inspires our dish, but can you Guess Who?

Course 6 –  ‘SNOWBALL FIIIIGHT’

Coconut Parfait, Lime Gel, 55% chocolate & Yoghurt “Snow”

Book at Nostalgia – Oxford – Six By Nico

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Make your home sparkle this Christmas

Karen Neville

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Infuse your interiors with Christmas home styling tips for a festive makeover by award-winning South Oxfordshire interior designer Holly Scott

Christmas is the perfect time to create a warm, inviting home for gathering with loved ones. Holly shares her design tips whether you’re hosting festive get-togethers or simply adding seasonal charm, these ideas will bring warmth and sophistication to every corner of your home.

1. Choose a theme for a cohesive look

Select a colour palette or style that flows throughout your decor. A traditional red and green theme creates nostalgic warmth, while a silver and white palette lends a modern, sleek feel. Consistency from the tree to smaller accents like candles and wreaths will give your home a harmonious, polished look.

2. Garlands for instant festive style

Garlands add natural elegance and warmth and can be placed in various spots, layer or double up for a full, luxurious look.

• Windows and banisters: Frame windows or wrap stair banisters with garlands to spread cheer throughout.
• Table centrepieces: Use garlands down the centre of the table, enhanced with sprigs of greenery and fairy lights for a magical touch.
• Mantels: Draping garlands across the fireplace gives a cosy, welcoming feel.

3. Wreaths beyond the front door

Hang wreaths on interior doors, walls, or mirrors to spread festive spirit. Try a wreath as a centrepiece with candles nestled in the middle for a unique touch that connects seamlessly with your decor.

4. Make your Christmas tree shine

Your Christmas tree is the focal point of holiday décor. Start with plenty of lights to create a warm, welcoming glow. For balance, place larger baubles at the base and smaller ones towards the top. Mix textures and shapes for added depth, and consider using florist wire instead of string for a neat, secure finish.

5. Style a festive dining table

The dining table is the heart of festive gatherings. Place a runner or garland down the centre, layered with fairy lights, greenery, and candles of varying heights. Keep the food on a side table to let your decor shine, add crackers or mini gifts at each place setting for a charming touch.

6. Add whimsical festive details

Little touches can elevate your home, adopt a “more is more” approach: Drape fairy lights around door frames, inside lanterns, or across shelves for a cosy glow; fill bowls or vases with extra baubles for easy, eye-catching accents; hang small ornaments from candelabras to add festive whimsy.

Holly Scott is an award-winning interior designer, specialising in creating bespoke, elegant interiors. With 20 years of experience, including styling for Harrods and Ralph Lauren, Holly brings a refined, sophisticated approach to every project. Her design style focuses on blending comfort with luxury, ensuring every space feels lived-in yet timeless.

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Young entrepreneurs wanted for Sobell Accumulator

Karen Neville

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Sobell House Hospice Charity have launched a new challenge for young people in Oxfordshire to develop and showcase their entrepreneurial skills

The Sobell Accumulator is an enterprise project for secondary schools, colleges, guiding and scouting groups running from Thursday, 16th January until Thursday, 22nd May.

Participating organisations will be given a seed fund of £50 that their young people will re-invest to raise money for Sobell House Hospice, until they reach their chosen fundraising target. The deadline to register is Monday, 2nd December 2024.

Activate Learning were one of the first to sign up. Aino Halla said: “Participating in the Sobell Accumulator is a fantastic opportunity for Activate Learning students to make a meaningful impact while developing their skills. This philanthropic project aims to raise funds for a local hospice that supports individuals with life-limiting illnesses. By participating, students will gain invaluable experience and face an ambitious challenge that complements their studies. Led by our Student Leadership Team, this initiative promises to be immensely rewarding, offering all students the chance to contribute to a noble cause and enhance their personal and professional growth.”

There’s lots of benefits for students and organisations to take part, including developing skills such as managing money, fundraising, leadership, creativity, project management and teamwork. They will also get the opportunity to work with a business mentor, benefit from networking opportunities with other participants and business mentors and selected students from the winning organisations will get to go on air with Get Radio!

There are only 30 places available with Abingdon School, Abingdon & Witney College, Activate Learning, The Cherwell School, Cheney School and The Iffley Academy already signing up. It’s a brilliant opportunity for any group of students who want to dive further into the world of business, fundraising or project management.

To sign up by December  2nd go to The Sobell Accumulator – Sobell House

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Amersham Rotarians, united for Ukraine 

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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Village Spirit Collective community

Karen Neville

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Village spirit is alive and well in Hambledon where under the guidance of Ian Cox, the Village Spirit Collective offers two locally inspired gins – Vann Lane Gin and Haslemere Gin

There’s nothing like an artisan gin. They all have their own unique flavour, often with strong connections to where they are distilled and that’s certainly the case for those from the Village Spirit Collective. 

The collective gathers local ’ginfluencers®’ to assist in the development by contributing to the flavour profiles giving the spirit a true ‘community spirit’. 

The expanding range includes Vann Lane Gin, a contemporary London Dry with citrus and spice botanicals, Haslemere Gin, a lighter elderflower and lemon gin, limited edition seasonal specials such as Summer Spirit and Winter Spirit and gin liqueurs (such as Raspberry Gin Liqueur and Toffee Apple Gin Liqueur. 

Based near the village of Hambledon in the Old Coal Yard, Vann Lane Gin reflects the character of the village earning its name from the road that runs through the village. When coming up with the name, the ginfluencers wanted to convey that it was a “quintessentially idyllic English village, complete with cricket green, country pub and summer fete, yet at the same time was quirky and unexpected”. Classic juniper gives way to warm coriander and sweet orange, fresh kaffir lime and unexpected notes of cardamom and cubeb pepper. Traditional but contemporary, just like the village. 

Haslemere ginfluencers explored 20 botanicals and combinations to create the flavour of Haslemere Gin Community Spirit which blends classic juniper with coriander, lemon, elderflower, ginger, cubeb pepper, liquorice and cassia. 

The Village Spirit Collective is owned and run by Ian Cox, who left a city job to enjoy a better life-work balance. Ian produces everything himself by hand in his micro-batch distillery – from crushing the botanicals and distilling to labelling and distribution. 

“We use a vapour infusion process in our micro-distillery which features a bespoke state of the art copper column still,” says Ian. “This method of gin production is certainly not the fastest but we believe it results in more subtle and nuanced flavours.” 

With Christmas looming why not try the Vann Lane Winter Spirit with the seasonal flavours of ginger, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg – Christmas in a glass! 

All gins come beautifully packaged with gift sets available and monthly gin subscription plans (a great gift idea for the gin lover in your family). Or how about a distillery experience? Learn about distillation and create your very own gin! Try 20 different botanicals, rate them and combine your favourites to blend your perfect gin and tonic. You can even purchase a bottle to take home. Look out for them at Petworth Christmas Cracker on December 7th too. 

Find out more and shop for gifts (and yourself) at Village Spirit Collective | Gin | Experiences | Bar

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Thriving community for women with cancer

Karen Neville

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Breast cancer thriver and cancer carer Charmian D’Aubosson has launched The Thrive Tribe, a new supportive community gathering for women aged 18-50, impacted by cancer

The inaugural meeting of The Thrive Tribe was held at Cassidy’s Bar in Alton in October, we asked Charmian to tell us more about The Thrive Tribe, what the thinking is behind it, who it’s for and how women can benefit from it. 

“I set up The Thrive Tribe with the sole purpose of providing a safe, caring community for other women impacted by cancer, something I didn’t have access to when I was going through cancer. The aim is to be a different kind of cancer peer support group by creating a welcoming, safe space run by women, for women where we can come together to laugh, enjoy fun activities and focus on the brighter moments (even finding humour in the darker ones). I believe that when we can be our authentic selves, with people who truly understand, it’s like a huge weight has been lifted.  

“Rather than sitting quietly discussing our diagnoses there’ll be fun stuff such as quizzes, craft workshops, mocktail tastings, wellness events and more. There’ll also be the opportunity to chat, get support and be around others going through similar experiences. 

“Wherever a person is on their cancer journey, they’ll be welcomed into the group and invited to be part of a caring, non-judgemental and fun community.  

“Cassidy’s Bar is kindly hosting our monthly meetings where attendance is free, just buy a drink and/or a snack. Workshop events might incur a charge from the workshop host which will be communicated in advance. Attendance at monthly meetings or events is without obligation. We look forward to welcoming new members to our community so please do share with anyone you know who’d benefit.” 

Charmian holds an Accredited Diploma as a Transformative Life Coach and is an Associate of the International Coaching Federation. She has a passion for supporting individuals going through cancer so that they feel supported, heard and empowered each step of the way. Charmian also partners with organisations to support them to work better with cancer, improving the wellbeing of those impacted by cancer in the workplace. 

In addition to coaching, Charmian works as a yoga teacher in the local community and offers private yoga for cancer classes. In her spare time, she loves being out in nature either walking or cycling and her happy place is anywhere in the mountains. Charmian lives in Alton with her husband and two dogs. 

If you’d like to know more, if you have any questions about The Thrive Tribe, or you’d like to sign up to join one of the monthly meetings, please visit: Charmian D’Aubosson | Transformative Life Coaching

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Visit under land with String Nix

Karen Neville

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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.” 

Visit String Nix – Luxury, Organic Ladies Underwear – STRING NIX and follow @stringnix on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok. 

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Proud of Bucks winners at highlight 

Liz Nicholls

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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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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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