Sajjad Tameez: the wonders of Wycombe

Liz Nicholls

wycombe

Dad, writer, marketer, podcaster and “accidental mentor” to local young people Saj Tameez tells us about his love for life in Bucks, especially in the winter!

Saj Tameez is proof that the internet can be a force for good, his funny reels on TikTok and Facebook often poking fun at his home town, High Wycombe.

“I adore Wycombe and the greenery around it!” says the 42-year-old dad of three. “I know I make a lot of jokes online about the blunders our local councils and other organisations make, but it all comes from a place of love!

“I’ve spent my life in High Wycombe, and I’m still here! I’ve had the odd fantasy about escaping to some exotic beachside paradise, but honestly, the idea of moving even a few miles out of the Wycombe bubble makes me break into a cold sweat. I’m part of an unquantifiable number of Facebook groups, and somehow. I’ve become an accidental mentor for some of the youth in the community. In another life, I was the go-to for helping young people prepare for their exams, craft CVs, and practise for interviews. I also lend a hand with business ideas, guiding them through business plans and marketing strategies.”

Saj also runs two businesses, Bright Choice Marketing and Design Climb, offering content creation, branding, and web/app design and development. He’s also a business and marketing consultant and a published author. “Right now, I’m working on the third book in my DS Nick Bailey and DC Zoe Hall crime thriller series. The first two books are Perfect Little Lies and For Better, For Worse – Till Death Do Us Part. The third book, Gone in the Night, should be available for pre-order soon.

“I’m also working on a podcast called A Life Worth Living, where we focus on helping young people make smarter decisions to navigate the complexities and challenges life throws their way. I’ll be interviewing local reformed individuals who can share insights on avoiding a life of crime, along with professionals offering valuable perspective across various industries. I feel I’ve gained so much from High Wycombe, and now I want to give back by reinvesting what I’ve learned to help the next generation.

“Walking is one of my favourite activities – you’ll find me wandering everywhere, from Princes Risborough to the stunning Chilterns, happily trekking through any woods I can find. I love the thrill of getting lost and then playing the game of ‘how do I get back?’ I absolutely love the winter season! Yes, strangely enough, I find joy in dark grey skies, rain, thunder, and lightning. I know… please don’t judge me; just pray for me instead!”

Please visit https://satameez.com


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Eco Elves Teddy Trade in Wycombe

Liz Nicholls

wycombe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Sushi class sensation in High Wycombe

Round & About

wycombe

Tomono Davies will lead a sushi-making workshop at the Mad Squirrel in Wycombe, 6-8pm on 12th June & at 1pm at The Front Room on 15th June & 13th July

Tomono Davies continues to share the joy of her homeland with her fun and educational sushi workshops, with monthly workshops at The Front Room & also at the Mad Squirrel.

Her friendly classes invite you to learn the art of sushi, from rolling different styles of maki to forming little gunkan boats and hand-shaping temari. Her trademark wit and skills have earned her a galaxy of five-star reviews as Japanese food-lovers leave with smiles on their faces, as well as a box of treats to take home.

“My aim is to bring out the best from both cultures – Japanese food with British local, fresh ingredients – to create better dishes in a fun and easy way, making sushi cooking at home accessible to all,” says Tomono who hails from Kochi, between Shikoku Mountain and the Pacific Ocean. “I believe Shokuiku (food and nutritional education) is a key factor in healthy and happy living, so this is the best way to share my culture.”

Since moving to the UK 26 years ago, Tomono has missed Japanese food hugely, especially sushi. Back then, Japanese ingredients had not widely crossed the oceans, so she began making it with local ingredients and without special equipment.

“Sushi is not typically made at home in Japan,” says Tomono. “It is something we used to have as take-away for celebrations or enjoy out at restaurants. But when you miss something and know there’s no access to what you miss, people will always invent something new! After many failed attempts, I found keeping it simple and authentic is the best way.”

With Tomono Sushi Party she takes hands-on masterclasses, demonstrations and parties to workplaces and homes across south Bucks and north London.

She adds: “My mother used to wake up at 5am to cook us a fresh breakfast – obento – and if she had 30 minutes to spare in her lunch break, she would drive home to start preparing for dinner,” adds Tomono. “I never appreciated my mother’s passion for food but now I am a mother myself, this is a tradition I would definitely like to pass on to the next generation.

“Some people might find sushi intimidating but it’s not; it’s 90% rice, after all. What’s been lovely is helping all the generations enjoy food and new flavours together and it’s great fun. I bring all the kit and also my kimonos which people love to try on for photos.”

For those who aren’t fish-lovers, Tomono can offer delicious alternatives such as teriyaki beef and she caters for all dietary requirements such as vegan, kosher and even gluten-free.

Visit Tomono Sushi Party & for info and book your tickets on Eventbrite.