FREE

TM

LOCAL LIFESTYLETM

INANDAROUND MARLOW and BOURNE ENDAUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012

2 ALONG THE THAMES

EDITORSerena Edwards

SUB EDITORAlex IszattAlex@AlongTheThames.co.uk

ADVERTISINGSerena EdwardsBella CampbellBella@AlongTheThames.co.uk

PUBLISHED BYAlong the Thames Magazine1 Bell Street, Maidenhead Berks SL6 1BUt: 01628 771419 m: 07711 887107e: offi ce@AlongTheThames.co.ukw: www.AlongTheThames.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORSHarriet Subramanian, Phil WalkerAlexander Parsons, Christine Chalkin, Kasia Cole, Jill Coleby, David Rhys Price, Claire Fryer, Sally Todd, Alex Iszatt, Emma Filtness, Vanessa Woolley, Niki Schäfer, Jacky & Mark Bloomfi eld, Sophie Ward

FRONT COVER: Marlow http://www.aerial-photograph.co.uk

Along the Thames Magazine ISSN 2047-3370

Along the Thames Magazine Marlow is the sister title to Along the Thames Maidenhead - prints and distributes 16,400 copies bi-monthly and hand delivers copies into ABC homes inandaround Marlow, Bourne End, Maidenhead, Cookham and Bray, as well as in bedrooms and reception rooms of hotels, golf clubs, coffee shops, hairdressers, libraries and local information centres.

8. The Perfect Afternoon Tea10. Clever Lifestyles for Mums14. Emmett & Stone Country Sports16. Garden18. Country Wise21. Bush Life24. Travel - Short Breaks25. Interiors - Period Living

28. Interiors - Create the perfect home office32. Beauty 34. Fashion38. Alexander’s Hair Surgery40. Favourite Walks41. Horoscopes43. Readers Corner44. Encourage your kids to pick up a book

45. Sally’s Smalltalk46. Learning a foreign language48. How to choose the right Secondary school54. The Success of British Film 55. Business59. Pets60. Motoring62. Out & About64. Useful Numbers65. Services

The views expressed in Along the Thames magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor/publisher. While all reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy of our content, the publisher cannot accept liability for errors/omissions relating to the editorial/advertising in this publication or for loss rising as a result. No part of the contents of this publication can be reproduced without the express permission of the authors and is protected by copyright.

Contents

Proud Sponsor of Along the

Thames Creative Writing Prize at

8 34 44

Copyright © 2012 Along the Thames

to the August/September issue. Gosh! it only seems like yesterday that I was doing the previous magazine. I cannot believe how fast the year is going! By the time you get your copy the Para-Olympics will be in full swing.Hopefully, many of you had the chance to enjoy some of the Olympic events. We were fortunate in the ballot to get the Rowing at Dorney and what a spectacular event it was. We had a fabulous day, not only was it amazing to see Team GB win two gold and one silver in the rowing, I also felt very proud how well the event was staged. However, because of all the excitement and shouting for Team GB I had a sore throat for days afterwards, but i was definitely worth it!Our local astrologer has a fabulous offer which can be found on page 41 and we have a feature packed issue with all the regular articles such as fashion, garden, health and beauty and much more. In addition to our regular items there is a small feature on education along with an article by the winner of the Along The Thames Creative Writing Prize from Brunel University. This is the first year in which we have sponsored this prize at the University and were delighted with the entries submitted. Not only have we featured the winning article but you can also find the entries from the runners up on the website. Please remember to support all our advertisers as they are at the heart of our community, along with all our local retailers who support the community themselvesUntil next time, Happy Reading..........

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Al fresco dining at The Oakley CourtNow that summer is here

there’s nowhere better for al fresco dining than the riverside terrace at The Oakley Court Hotel. Dining at The Oakley Court is a memorable affair with gourmet cuisine using the best locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Chef Michael Mealey’s modern British style of cooking has found its perfect match at this 152 year old hotel. Whether it’s morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, afternoon tea or an intimate dinner, you’ll enjoy gourmet cuisine and impeccable service.

Set in 37 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with manicured lawns leading straight down to the River Thames, the hotel is steeped in history. Sumptuous carved and moulded features including ornate ceilings and stone carved gothic window panes create a memorable setting, partnered with stunning river views.

Make the most of the stunning riverside location and hire one of the hotel’s self drive boats for an hour. Pick up a delicious picnic hamper from the hotel and

enjoy a leisurely lunchtime cruise exploring this picturesque stretch of the River Thames. Come back for a relaxing afternoon tea on the terrace or a game of croquet - it all adds up to a memorable day out.

Stay overnight in one of our luxuriously furnished rooms overlooking the gardens or the river and you can really relax. Enjoy our extensive leisure facilities – indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and gym, all weather tennis courts, and a 9 hole par 3 golf course. You may never want to leave!

Tel: 01753 609 988The Oakley Court

Windsor RoadWater Oakley,

WindsorSL4 5UR

Windsor

Food

& D

rink

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Come to The Oakley Court this summer and you can be sure of a warm welcome. Enjoy Al fresco drinks, lunch or afternoon tea on our stunning riverside terrace. Or hire one of our self drive boats for up to 10 people, sail away and explore the Thames. Let us pack you a delicious picnic hamper for a leisurely cruise and have a truly exceptional day to remember.

Stunning riverside Al fresco dining

At A Glance

The Oakley Court, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor SL4 5UR. 01753 609988

www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt

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David is a Maidenhead based cookery writer, and Internet Chef, who is passionate about all aspects of cooking, and through his’ spiced up’ recipes aims to bring the enjoyment and benefits of spicy food, to a wider readership.David Rhys Price ...The ‘Spicy Chef’

Grape, Apple, & Walnut Salad With Blue cheese

This is a really satisfying salad, which is simple to make, and has a really fresh crisp quality to it.

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:1 Bag mixed salad leaves 200g Grapes halved and stoned 3 Dessert apples of choice, cored and chopped 4 Celery sticks , strung and chopped 100g Walnut pieces 1 Tablespoon pumpkin seeds 150 g Blue Cheese, (e.g. Gorgonzola, Stilton, Danish blue) diced into small chunks

METHOD: 1. Place grapes, apples, celery, walnuts, pumpkin

seeds and cheese in a mixing bowl, and pour over the dressing stirring well in the process.

2. In a salad bowl place the mixed salad leaves, and then add the grape and apple mix.

3. Garnish with sprig of mint.

DRESSING INGREDIENTS:1. 4 Tablespoons of olive oil 2. 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3. 1 Tablespoon honey 4. Dash of light soy sauce 5. Pinch of black pepper.

METHOD Place above ingredients in a screw top jar, and shake well.

Pour dressing over the salad mix.

Strawberry With Lemon cream

This delightfully simple to make recipe is an absolute joy, and in essence is similar to the more famous Eton Mess but without the meringue.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS: 1kg Strawberries halve or quartered 3 Tablespoons icing sugar to taste Juice of half a lemon 2 Sprigs of mint leaves only 150ml Whipping cream 2 Tablespoons of lemon curd Slices of shortbread bought or homemade to serve with

METHOD: 1. Puree half the strawberries in a processor,

with the icing sugar, lemon juice and mint. Add more sugar if required.

2. Fold in the remaining strawberries and set aside and chill .

3. Whip the cream to a soft peak and add the lemon curd.

Serve the strawberries with the lemon curd and a slice of shortbread.

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Longhurst’sMARLOW’s only local

Family ButcherQuality & Customer Care

always come fi rstAdvice on which cuts to choose and how best

to bring out the flavour in your cooking

01628 488 373OPEN:

Mon: 8.30 - 5.30pm (only butchery closed), Tues - Fri: 8.30 - 5.30pm, Sat: 8 - 1pm, Sun: 9 - 12pm

plenty of free parking outside4a Brucewood Parade, Marlow Bottom, Bucks SL7 3PE

Free Local Delivery

Call for more information

BBQ SPECIALISTSausages Kebabs

Steaks BurgersChicken

Beef Cuts Do you know your cut?

The Beef carcass is divided into 4 quarters - two forequarters and two hindquarters.

The Forequarter - Runs from the neck to the loin• These cuts tend to be less tender, as

these muscles work the hardest, but this has no impact on taste or flavour.

• Often require slower methods of cooking, such as stewing, casseroling, braising and pot roasting

The Hindquarter - Back end of the animal • cuts are more tender• Suitable for roasting and

quicker cooking methodsThe best Cuts for BBQ’s, panfrying and grilling

Rib eye - Cut from the fore rib, slightly rounded and large with a little more fat than other steaks

Sirloin - Boneless, cut to about 2cm thick with layer of fat along top edge of steak

Rump - larger, firmer texture and considered tohave more flavour

Fillet - leanest of the steaks, cut to 4cm allowing it to cook quickly with no waste

Frying/Minute Steaks - inexpensive cut taken from the hindquarters. Take care when cooking to get the best flavour

Stir-fry strips - use rump cut inot strips - great for salads and stir fries. Be careful not to overcook

BBQ Tips• Cook burgers until the juices

run clear and they are hot• Defrost frozen beef & lamb

overnight in the fridge• Light the BBQ well in advance to

ensure it is hot before cooking• BBQ’s are not all about flames smoke

- keep the temperature low• Don’t keep turning the meat as it

can make it dry and tough.It is important to choose the right cut of meat

for your recipe as it can make a difference in the end result in terms of time to cook and flavour.

If you aren’t sure which cut to use ask your butcher. Advise them of your budget, number of people and recipe for the occasion.Don’t be afraid to ask!

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Indulge in afternoon tea on the riverside terrace at The Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor and you’ll fall in love with this quintessentially British tradition. Beautifully manicured lawns sweeping down to a secluded stretch of the River Thames set the scene for the perfect afternoon tea.

The AA 2 rosette award winning Head Chef’s modern British style of cooking has found its perfect match at this 153 year old hotel. With all the fresh, local produce that Berkshire has to offer, Michael Mealey provides guests with a new gastronomic experience that is highly memorable and distinctive.

Create Michael Mealey’s simple Fruit Scone recipe at home

Head Chef - Michael Mealey

Indulge in the Oakley Court Afternoon Tea comprising of:Freshly made finger sandwiches including:

• Glazed ham and mustard,• Smoked salmon and lemon,• Egg mayonnaise and cress,• Cream cheese and

cucumberWarm homemade scones, clotted cream and afternoon fancies

Available:Monday - Saturday 12 - 5pm and Sunday 12 - 6pm

To book please call 01753 609988”

The Perfect Afternoon Tea

INGREDIENTS:50g /1/2 stick butter 225g /2 cups plain / all-purpose flour 3 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 30g /1 oz caster / fine sugar 50g /1/4 cup sultanas or chopped dates 150 ml /1/4 pint milk 1 egg beaten with a little milk

METHOD:1. Heat the oven to 400F/205C/Gas 6 2. Generously grease a baking sheet

with butter then sprinkle with flour. 3. Sieve the flour into a roomy baking bowl,

add the cubed butter, the baking powder and salt. Quickly rub the butter into

the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

4. Add the sugar and the dried fruits, mix well.

5. Make a well in the center and using a dinner knife, stir in enough milk to make a soft, pliable dough. If the dough is too sticky sprinkle with a little flour.

6. Turn the mixture on to a floured board and knead very lightly until just smooth then lightly roll out to 2cm / 3/4” thick.

7. Cut rounds with a 7.5cm /2” cutter or cut into triangles with a sharp knife.

8. Place on the baking tray and brush with the beaten egg and milk mixture. Bake near the top of the hot oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and well risen.

Cool on a wire rack before eating.

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An alternative wineAugust is a big month for wine making, it is

a time to forage the countryside and pick the juiciest plums, rowan berries and blackberries to make an alternative – but tasty wine.

Why not try it yourself, here are some wine recipes:

Plum Wine4lb plumsWater to 1 gallon2 1/2 lb sugar1 cup of strong tea1 teaspoon yeast nutrient1 teaspoon pectinase1/2 teaspoon citric acid (if the plums are very ripe)All purpose, white or red wine yeast.

Put the plums into a straining bag, and that into the sterile bucket. Get the rest of the ingredients, save the yeast and pectinase, boiling, and pour it onto the plums. Cover, let it

cool, add the yeast and pectinase. Give it about a week in primary, and rack off as normal.

Plum and GingerMake as above for plum wine, but add

about an inch of grated ginger with the plums. Makes a light, spicy ginger wine.

Pear Windfall Liquid Gold 5 lb pears (windfalls or thinnings work fine) 4 1/2 lb sugar 1 teaspoon yeast nutrient Champagne yeast 1 teaspoon pectinase

Dice up the pears, put them in a straining bag, and proceed as for plum wine above. Be patient with it, it takes a long, long time to clear, even a year or so. But this is one of the finest sweet wines you will ever encounter. Enjoy

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A recent study published in The Lancet highlighted that a lack of exercise is as deadly as smoking, with the UK worse than the world average, and in this day and age it is no secret that many mums are kept extremely busy juggling work and family commitments, and exercise becomes a foreign concept.

For many it is easy to put exercise on the back burner and focus on looking after everyone else. However, finding time to exercise is important if not life-saving.

Many local mums also want to change and incorporate exercise into their daily routine so that they can focus on themselves as well as encouraging a positive attitude to exercise in their children.

To help you get started we have put together 5 clever ways to make small lifestyle changes to get the body and fitness you want and deserve. Finding the best time to exercise is challenging especially when looking after under-fives, but before you convince yourself you have no time, think again.... Ditch the car

Even completing one school run a week on your feet (or buy a scooter like the kids) will help your body burn off those calories.HiiT It work outs

Our daily recommendation is 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, but that doesn’t mean skipping a workout because you only have 10 minutes to spare. Rather than pressure yourself to complete a 30-minute workout, exercise in shorter bursts several times per day. Doing short (10- to

15-minute) high-intensity exercise sessions will build muscle and burn more calories for longer.Buggy run

Having a toddler at home and a child in school means even less free time, but you can easily strap your baby into a jogging pram or snuggle your infant in a baby sling. The extra weight can help you burn more calories. Why not join up with other mums in the same boat and walk, jog or run from the school gates once you have dropped off the children.Play time

Don’t let children become obstacles to exercise, rather incorporate play into all family members’ lives. Take young children out on their bikes while you run or walk and encourage older children to run with you. Or choose a park you can loop around while older children play football.Plan, Prepare, Practice

Plan what your family are going to eat during the week so you can prepare meals and healthy snacks in advance. Spending 30 minutes on a Sunday night and perhaps even completing an online shop will save valuable time in the week to come. Remember it does take time to incorporate new habits so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to exercise. Instead, have fun doing it without allowing it to become a chore. A change in routine is far more likely to be kept to, if it is enjoyed and doesn’t impact other areas of family life too greatly.

Practice making healthy choices every day and the habit will soon take

by leading weight loss expert Julie Brealy

Clever lifestyles for school run Mums

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Hea

lth

Olympic Host CitiesThere have been 30 Summer

Olympic Games and 21 Winter Olympic Games since they began in 1896.

London is the only city to have had the Summer Olympic Games three times.

Due to both World Wars the Olympic Games were not held in 1916, 1940 and 1944.

The 1992 and 1944 Winter Games are two years apart due to the transition of the Winter Games to alternating even numbered years.

The next Winter Games will be in Sochi, Russia,2014 with the 2016 Summer Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Host Cities since 19881988 - Seoul, South Korea1988 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada1992 - Barcelona, Spain1992 - Albertville, France1994 - Lillehammer, Norway1996 - Atlanta, United States1998 - Nagano, Japan2000 - Sydney, Australia2004 - Athens, Greece2002 - Salt Lake City, United States2006 - Torino (Turin), Italy2008 - Beijing, China 2010 - Vancouver, Canada

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Temple was founded in 1909, designed by Willie Park Junior of Musselburgh and “quietly” opened for play a year later in May 1910. Conveniently located in the heart of the Thames Valley, the golf course is beautifully situated in unspoilt landscape and enjoys extensive panoramic views of the River Thames and Chiltern Hills beyond. The view from the 1st tee is simply breathtaking.

The course layout is challenging and interesting; difficult enough to test the low handicap player but friendly enough to encourage those with higher handicaps. Whatever the season, the course always has something very special to offer: Spring has its many shades of green as the leaves burst into life. Summer brings a stunning myriad of colour with the wild flowers including several rare species of

wild orchids. Autumn is utterly beautiful with the varying russet shades of the countless specimen trees on the course creating a stunning backdrop and due to the fact that it is built on chalk, the course is an excellent winter golfing venue.

The original clubhouse is still in use today and provides a truly magnificent setting for a quiet drink, a snack or a meal. The clubhouse is charming, attractive and comfortable and the Club prides itself on providing a friendly and efficient service in a relaxed atmosphere and convivial surroundings.

The beautiful setting, great attention to detail, wonderful hospitality, excellent value for money and friendly service guarantee an enjoyable and truly memorable visit.

As I am writing this words, I can catch a glimpse of the breathtaking view over the lush Corsican maquis with the shimmering med in the background. Taking the family abroad felt like an escape, a lucky one! Never before have we had to endure such damp, cold, dark, or as a patient put it a “rotten summer.” The impact has certainly been felt by most of us as a strain to the immune system with most definite repercussions on general state of health and wellbeing. This is especially true for children who went through a very busy summer term.

Parents are looking for alternatives to conventional drugs as in the last few years several over-the-counter medications have become off limits for children with research recently suggesting a link between antibiotic use and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in children, or between paracetamol and asthma. Whilst on the other hand, there is a surge of high quality scientific evidence that homeopathic medicines are effective over and above that of placebo.

Common ailments such as upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, ear infections, sinusitis and flu are greatly relieved with the simple use of no toxic remedies. With the help of a qualified and registered homeopath, any parents can put together a “Nursery first aid Kit”. It can be either catered to your family needs or a standard version can be bought through Helios Homeopathy of

Ainsworths, the old and well respected London pharmacy traditionally used by the royal family. This is such a simple and cost effective way to tend to minor ailments that if I had my way, every household in Berkshire would support sporadic bursts of temperature with some Belladona, runny dirty nose with a good dose of Pulsatilla and a dry cough that keeps everyone awake at night with some Bryonia.

In the field of alternative health, preventing rather than curing is plain common sense. Entering September on top form is going to be crucial and my thought especially goes to those children who have to sit through a summer of revision to then face the daunting 11+. Bearing in mind that being back to school is always a stressful time of the year, there are ways to slowly build up your child immune system to a stronger, more resistant level, the simple combo Omega 3 fish oil + Little people supplement from the range Cytoplan is one of my favourites in my practice.

More practically, make sure to maximise that time on your lounger and replenish on plenty of vitamin D ahead of the winter.

Sophie WardThe views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or

constitute medical advice. If you are in any doubts or you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, always seek the advice of your medical practitioner.

Finding the right balance

Temple Golf Club

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Sara Mayne Lic Ac MBAcC

Tai Chi ~ Tao Yoga ~ Qi Gong ~ Yoga ~ Acupuncture A gentle and powerful approach to fi tness and wellbeing. Regular half day courses running in

Bourne End every 2nd Friday and Saturday of each month from September 2012

For further informa on and to book Phone: 01628 527007 Mobile: 07732 705644 Email: saramayne.naturalway@gmail.com Website: www.saramayne.com

Acupuncture Clinic every Thursday from 9am to 7pm

If you are a discerning golfer who enjoys playing golf in tranquil and un-crowded surroundings then Temple is the golf club for you. Whether you are looking for golf or social membership, either on an individual or group/corporate basis, a year round

golfing venue, or a casual round of golf; we have a range of options that will fulfil most requirements and, if not, we will do our best to find one. Please call to take advantage of

our excellent “twilight” green fees available daily from 4pm or our ”Monday Special”. For more details about membership, group packages or to book a round of golf, please contact us.

Membership options include:

• Full • Associate (preferred green fees with membership benefits) • Corporate

• Intermediate (Ages 25 - 29) • Colt (19 - 24) • Junior (14 - 18) • Junior (10 - 14) • Starter Membership • Forces

T: 01628 824795 E: enquiries@templegolfclub.co.uk W: www.templegolfclub.co.uk

Henley Road, Hurley, Berkshire, SL6 5LHTemple Gol f ClubTemple Gol f Club

Sir Steve Redgrave will again be running and starting the great annual Santa’s Fun Run, organised by the Rotary Club of Marlow and Marlow Thames. The race starts and finishes at Higginson Park, Marlow, on Sunday, 4th December, at 10am.

Last year over 1500 people took part in the 5km run around the streets of Marlow, raising over

£20,000, which was divided between more than ten charities, including ‘The Marlow Sports Club’. In the eight years since the first Rotary Santa’s Fun Run, the total raised has exceeded £95,000 for deserving causes, many of them local.

Cost: £14 for adults, £10 for 12 to 17 year olds, £6 for children. Every runner gets a Santa Suit or a child’s Santa T-shirt and is awarded a medal and a ‘goody bag’ at the finishing line.This year, the leading beneficiary will be Guide Dogs for the Blind. For further information visit our website www.santasfunrun.org or phone 01628 476610

Be one of 1500 Santa’s to take to the streets of Marlow

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For all your Country Sports needs visit Emmett & Stone Country Sportssales@escountrysports. co.uk or call 01628 474187.

Visit us at www.escountrysports.co.uk Wilton Farm, Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 3RR

the shop has easy access from the M4 and M40 with plenty of parking

Although no longer a typical English activity, at one time Shooting Season was the height of fashion. The elite would leave the London season in August and head to the great estates, where the men would partake in shooting and the women would gossip and plan endless rounds of house parties and balls.

The royals were always active hunters; heading to the Scottish highlands to hunt and shoot. The romanticism of the sport is clear throughout Victorian and Edwardian novels, especially those by the likes of Jane Austen and D H Lawrence.

When the Game Act 1831 – which states which animals can be hunted and when – was relaxed it meant that anyone could obtain a permit to take rabbits, hares and gamebirds, and the sport rose in popularity around the country.

Times may have changed, and people’s busy lifestyles mean that no one has a ‘season’ but many do choose to partake in the sport on weekends and evenings.

For those who are interested in taking it up, it isn’t just about pointing and shooting; there is still a skill to hunting. Shotguns have been massively improved since the Victorian era but there is still the angle and planning to consider; a bird will usually be eaten and who wants a spray of pellets through their breast meat?

The best way to experience a shoot – without hurting yourself or animals; is to go clay pigeon shooting. A great day out for the family, it gives amateurs the opportunity to practice their skills. Be warned, it can be addictive and many who start clay pigeon shooting have been known to go back time and time again – in fact, there are numerous events and competitions around the country to get involved in.

If you are serious about game shooting then you will need a licence, for information and advice go to a professional website or visit one of the many country sports stores – where staff will provide you will all the help you need to get you going.

England, Scotland and Wales

Grouse: Aug 12 - Dec 10

Ptarmigan: Aug 12 - Dec 10

Blackgrouse: Aug 20 - Dec 10

Snipe: Aug 12 - Jan 31

Partridge: Sept 1 - Feb 1

Duck & Goose (inland): Sept 1 - Jan 31

Duck & Goose (below high water mark): Sept 1 - Feb 20

Coot/Moorhen: Sept 1 - Jan 31

Golden Plover: Sept 1 - Jan 31

Woodcock: Oct 1 - Jan 31

Pheasant: Oct 1 - Feb 1

The shooting season begins

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MENS & LADIES COUNTRY CLOTHINGMENS & LADIES WALKING BOOTS

MENS & LADIES FOOTWEARWALKING POLES & STICKS

FINE LEATHER GOODSRIFLES & AIR RIFLES

AMMUNITIONSHOTGUNS

KNIVESGIFTS

WILTON farm . marlow road . little marlow . buckinghamshire sl73rr

01628 474 187 www.escountrysports.co.uk

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Bartlett Tree ExpertsA Complete and Comprehensive

Tree Care Service since 1907 Tree & Shrub Pruning | Planting | Tree Removal

Tree Stock Surveys | Woodland ManagementHealth & Safety Reports | Disease & Insect Control

For a free consultation please contact your local arborist

01494 677 889beaconsfield@bartlettuk.com

www.bartlett.com

Over the past few weeks the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory has been contacted over an ever increasing frequency of slugs and snails climbing into trees? Although snails and slugs have been the bane of gardeners for generations the concept of these pests in trees is quite uncommon and begs the question “why would slugs and snails start climbing into trees”.

The main answer is for food. Because slugs prefer succulent foliage or flowers, they primarily are pests of seedlings and herbaceous plants that are close to the ground (hostas, cabbage, strawberries, tomatoes). However, they also will feed on foliage and fruit of some trees. Look for the silvery mucous trails to confirm slugs or snail damage (Photographs 1-2).

Another potential reason includes the fact that slugs are very sensitive to weather extremes. It has been speculated that the increase in slug and snail “tree climbers” is linked to the torrential rain and subsequent flooding that has occurred through-out the UK.

Some slugs such as the great, grey or leopard slug has a very unusual and distinctive mating method, where the pair of slugs use a thick thread of mucus to hang suspended in the air from a tree branch or other structure.

Slug and snail populations can be effectively managed by either hand picking on a regular basis or use of bait products. Two types of bait product exist. Baits containing metaldehyde are most common. Iron phosphate baits - available under many trade names including Sluggo are recognized as more environmentally friendly.

SLUGS AND SNAILS

Gar

den

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creative design solutions : project management : horticultural specialists : consultancy

passionate about gardens

call Jill 01628 482820 or Vanessa 01628 477685

www.colebyandfaulkner.co.uk

Col

eby

& F

aulk

ner

gard

en d

esig

n

During this dismal summer, there has been little opportunity to enjoy sitting outdoors in the garden, but front gardens are important thoroughfares in all seasons and all weathers.

Every time you arrive back home there is opportunity to appreciate a well thought out space and beautiful plants whatever the weather!

Front Gardens Important in all weathers!

For contemporary housesboth the choice of materialsand the style of planting needto complement the architecture.

A planting scheme for a front garden should include both good all year round structure as well as seasonal flowering plants; often with a touch of formality toprovide a real sense of arrival!

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The last few months of summer are upon us and our wildlife starts to prepare for the hard times that winter will bring. Every newborn creature needs to put on enough weight to build up reserves to see it through the hard times ahead. This feeding frenzy gives us a great opportunity to see animals that we might otherwise be hidden. This is especially true of one of our biggest mammals the Fallow Deer.

Fallow are not a native breed. The Romans have been credited with the first introduction to our shores. But when the Romans withdrew the deer population it is believed, died out. So it wasn’t for another 600 or so years, until the Norman invasion that Fallow deer became permanently established.

Originally imported by our French noble ancestors to provide good hunting the fallow being a deer of open woodlands, they were released into purpose made hunting parks. Today perhaps two famous ones that survive are the New Forest and Richmond Park.

The open beech woodlands of the Chilterns provide Fallow with the perfect living space. Beech provides tender leaves to graze, a place to hide and you can see your hunter coming. As in Norman times we plant cereal and root crops on the edge of our

woodland, within easy reach of a hungry deer they provide rich pickings. We also provide a diet, of sweet tasty morsels as many a keen Gardner has found. Deer just love a nice rose or maybe a little something from the border.

This time of year is your best chance of seeing Fallow deer. The females known as a Doe having given birth in late June are more visible as they introduce new fawns to the world. At the start or end of the day, look out for small groups of Does and fawns at the edges of fields which border woodland.

Identifying Fallow deer can be confusing, the most common colour is tan/fawn with white spots. In winter, this changes to greyish brown. Menil colour is paler, lacking the black bordered rump and keeps its white spots all year. The last variation is charcoal black, (melanistic). One way to identify a Fallow Doe is to look at its rump. If it has a white rump and black tail, said to resemble a lady’s looking glass it’s a Fallow deer.

In Late September/October, the males known as Bucks start to join the Does, in preparation for the rut. You often hear Bucks before you see them as they groan and bellow rounding up the Does. Bucks are easy to identify as they wear the antlers.

For the first two or three years antlers will be simple spikes, as they get older the antlers grow the characteristic palmated antlers that identify this species.

Normally starting at the beginning of October and sometimes lasting way into November, the rut is unpredictable. Things like weather, the number of Does in an area, birth rates, all affect the rut. Fawns conceived during the rut will be born next April, May time.

Fallow are not hard to find. Once found use your car as a hide to sit and watch them. If you are on foot, they have a keen sense of smell so you need to be down wind to stand a chance of approaching. Move very slowly and keep in the shadows. If they see sudden movement or a human outline, they will run away. Please keep any dogs with you under control and on a lead.

Hopefully we have inspired you to go and look for your local Fallow deer population. There can be nothing better than watching a herd of Does and youngsters feeding in the hot afternoon sun, or watching bucks preparing for the rut. Get out and enjoy our wonderful countryside and wildlife.

Mark and Jacky BloomfieldWildlife Photographers

Country Wise

Fallow Deer

ALONG THE THAMES 19

Love your lawn this Autumn

For the best lawn care program in the UK, call us on 01844 278284 or e-mail: info@lawnsolutions.co.uk

www.lawnsolutions.co.uk

Large Tree Dismantling Tree Felling and Shaping

Tree Thinning and Pruning Fruit Tree Maintenance

Stump Grinding and Logs

01628 878393www.calibratree.co.uk

Calibra Tree Surgeons was set up in September 1998 by Mark Grubb to offer the best advice to both Customers and for the health of the tree. The ethos of the Company is to have an outstanding level of skill and professionalism in both the office and on site through on-going training to ensure staff are up top date with best practice.

Our top tip for this time of the year is about reducing the Crown of the Tree.

At this time of the year trees are beginning to finish their fruiting, flowering and blossoming. Therefore, August/September is the time of year to consider reducing the weight and wind resistance of the Crown of the tree in preparation for the winter season. Throughout the Winter season the tree can suffer from heavy winds, winter snow and other adverse conditions

Reductions can be achieved through deadwooding: the removal of dead, dying, damaged or diseased branches, back to sound wood and/or crown reduction: the reduction in the height and spread of the crown by a given amount.

Calibra Tree Surgeons

Reducing the Crown of the Tree

The weather is definitely changing....whether its climate change is an open debate, but what we can safely say is that we are not quite sure of what to expect next!

Plants have grown well this year, although flowers have not blossomed as well as one wishes...So, what about Lawns?

When we get flushes of rain, grass grows and we tend to think lawns are ok...Well this weather attacks lawns in many ways...

Red thread disease has been at its worst for many years and its one of those things that you can’t treat from a garden centre shelf....So, what can you do?

Of course, calling in a lawn specialist who knows how to cure and how to help prevent this is one option, but generally, keep your lawn as healthy as possible.....The other main problem whichno-one thinks about is soils.....

During heavy periods of rain, the ground gets saturated and loses air space.....we very rarely do anything about this, but all lawns (everywhere), should be hollow tined, during the Autumn and winter.....

So, be pro-active and get planning to keep your lawn great......David Hedges-Gower

WHAT A SUMMER?Did anyone see it?

20 ALONG THE THAMES

Basildon Park, one of Berkshire’s grandest country houses, is the opulent venue for a series of exclusive autumn arts lectures.

On 18 September, the man at the helm of Trust New Art - the National Trust’s exciting programme of contemporary art and craft in historic settings - takes an illustrated look at the history of great houses and art collecting.

Drawing on his background in museums and galleries, Tom Freshwater reveals how the tradition of commissioning fine art by people such as Basildon Park’s former owners, Lord and Lady Iliffe, is being continued by the National Trust. Find out about the amazing impact that contemporary art and craft is having on some of the nation’s most illustrious houses and its visitors, and learn more about the Trust’s ambitions for the future.

The lecture is followed by a delicious afternoon tea in the South Pavilion.

Tom Freshwater Lecture: 18 September, 12 - 2.30pm, £25, book on 0844 249 1895.

Basildon Park hosts exclusiive Autumn Arts lectures

Please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildonpark for more information.

Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire RG8 9NR, 0118 984 3040.

Jill Constantine is Senior Curator of the Arts Council Collection, which holds one of the largest national collections of modern and contemporary British art. On 2 October, Jill gives a fully illustrated lecture that looks at the Collection’s history, its partnership with the National Trust and the Trust New Art programme. The talk highlights some of the most important and exciting work by UK artists, now accessible to the public through this innovative venture.

Jill was instrumental in coordinating Basildon Park’s current exhibition of 1950s British art, which can be enjoyed by visitors until 4 November³. The twenty-nine pieces on loan from the Arts Council Collection were created in the 1950s by some of the best-known artists of the period, including Graham Sutherland, Winifred Nicholson, Dame Elizabeth Frink and Patrick Heron.

The lecture is followed by a delicious afternoon tea in the South Pavilion.

Jill Constantine Lecture: 2 October, 12 – 2pm, £25, book on 0844 249 1895.Two additional lectures will be added to this programme, details to be confirmed shortly.

Robert Colquhoun/Arts Council CollectionBasildon Park Roger Hilton/Arts Council Collection

ALONG THE THAMES 21

Trav

el

It’s July and as the dry season takes hold in the Zambian bush and seasonal flood waters subside the annual task of building, the incredibly comfortable, classic tented safari camp on the remote Busanga plains in time for the first guests of the season nears completion. Tyrone McKeith (who regular readers will know is the Windsor boy who followed his dream to become a safari guide), suspected some of the first visitors of the season were already enjoying camp. Days start with the most beautiful African dawns, the plains blanketed with a low mist revealing just the head and lyre shaped horns of graceful Lechwe antelope, as evening falls and great African sky fills with stars the bush comes alive and so with a clever little piece of equipment called a camera trap that takes a photo when something moves passed at night. Even Tyrone was surprised to see just who had passed through camp.

Firstly a sublimely beautiful Serval cat that came back and forth several times a night and allowed Tyrone to work out that she had kittens hidden in a palm thicket right in camp. A bull Hippo who at 1.5 tons drifted passed silently, bearing scars from battles with a dominant Bull and a pride of Lions lead by a Lioness and closely followed by a male Lion close behind, whose eyes burn in the darkness. These Lions appeared to be using the dry ground in camp to relax on their regular journeys around their territory even using the cover of the camp to launch hunts on the herds of antelope that drift near to camp at night.

As the first paying guests arrive and are settled in to their tented home for the next few nights Tyrone gently reminds guests that wildlife can and does come thru camp at night and although they should not be alarmed at noises it is best not to walk around camp at night.

Tony McKeith

Bush LifeLions on Conservation Project “Basil” the Hippo

22 ALONG THE THAMES

Hermitage Museum, St.Petersburg

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Venice

Chain Bridge, Budapest

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

ALONG THE THAMES 23

Five European destinations for a short break

VeniceItaly is one of Europe’s most

beautiful countries and Venice is at the heart of its seduction. When Napoleon conquered this enchanting city, he looked at the Piazza San Marco and called it the “drawing room of Europe”. Whether exploring on foot or by boat, this romantic city is an inspiration with its grand palazzos, piazzas, magnificent courtyards and marbled churches. More than 800 years old Basilica di San Marco church is a Byzantine dream with its façade and interior features. A voyage on a gondolier in the canal is the perfect way to soak up Venice and immerse yourself in this romantic city.

BerlinFrom the Second World

War, to the division of East and West Berlin city and the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall, Berlin has played a central part in modern European history. The city has developed into a hugely influential and vibrant city offering exciting nightlife, superb restaurants and fascinating museums. The elegant tree-lined boulevard of Unter den Linden is one of the grandest streets in the Europe. Key sites to visit include the old Jewish quarter, the area around Hackescher Markt station which dates back to the 19th century, Brandenburg Gate, the old city’s entrance and the Reichstag, the historic parliament building transformed

by Lord Norman Foster. There is a multitude of bohemian cafes, contemporary bars and galleries that will captivate and keep you coming back for more.

St PetersburgFounded by Peter the

Great, St Petersburg is widely known as the window to the west. Neoclassical and Baroque influenced buildings interweave Russia’s second largest city dubbed the “Venice of the North” for its palace-lined waterways. St Petersburg escaped the architectural incursions of Stalinism, and its grandiose relics of the tsarist days are still enjoyed today. The waterside walkways and elegant streetscapes are best seen on foot. With more than three million works displayed, the State Hermitage museum is one of the world’s largest museums and highly recommended when visiting this imperial metropolis. Boasting an intriguing collection that ranges from oriental art, Russian culture and western European art, it’s a culture vulture’s paradise.

IstanbulIstanbul has enjoyed more

than four centuries of imperial patronage, creating one of the most famous skylines in the world. From the Bosphorus strait that divides Asia and Europe, to the mosques and western influenced buildings, the city is the meeting point where east

meets west. Smells of shisha and apple tea fill the air, alongside the smell of mouth-watering chargrilled kebabs. Highlights include the magnificent Blue Mosque built during the reign of Ahmed I, the Ottoman sultans’ Topkapi Palace and the former Orthodox basilica Hagia Sophia. After a day of sightseeing visit one of the city’s famous hammans for an authentic Turkish spa experience. Shopping is abundant at the Grand Bazaar with its maze of vivacious shops, practice your bartering skills and stock up on unusual spices at the nearby Spice Bazaar.

BudapestHungary’s capital is a city

filled with cosmopolitan cafes, fashionable restaurants, upmarket boutiques and soothing spas. The Buda Castle quarter, a UNESCO world heritage site, dates back more than 700 years and is a must-see on any visit. Sitting on the western side of the Danube River, the castle was once the residency of Hungarian royalty. Buda is home to the Banks of the Danube and Andrássy Avenue, the iconic Budapest boulevard that boasts a range of luxury boutiques. In addition, the area of Pest is filled with Art Nouveau buildings including the stunning Central Market Hall.

For more ideas on European short breaks visit www.coxandkings.co.uk .

Harriet Subramanian

Need a holiday but don’t have time? If this sounds familiar then a short break can provide a much needed respite in a

busy schedule anwd it is also the perfect way to indulge in inspiring museums, taste exciting new foods and experience different cultures. Choosing a European city for a

short break, such as Istanbul or Berlin, can also beat the post-Olympic blues!

24 ALONG THE THAMES

To see videos on some of our products go to

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Telephone: 01628 898123Email: tony@blind-inspiration.co.uk

All types of Blinds, Plantation shutters & Awnings - all supplied & fi ttedManual or Electric controls available

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ALONG THE THAMES 25

Period living brings about a sense of nostalgia and memories. The detailing that is found in well-kept period properties shows a sense of love and attention through decoration, every corner tended to, every skirting board well cared for. These are wonderful characteristics for a home where our lives and stories should be entangled into the fabric of the house. If you are lucky enough to have a period home then you can revive and renew it easily but equally if you do not, then it is possible to add these characteristics and achieve a period feel.

FabricsOne of the most effective ways to do this is

through your use of fabrics. Try finding fabrics that have been taken from historical designs and since brought up to meet modern standards. These are often floral patterns and trails as well as pretty motifs. Alternatively use robust fabrics such as horsehair, tweed or corduroy as the Georgians and Victorians did. These fabrics are extremely hardworking, long lasting and will give a masculine, country feel to a room. For either look, keep patterns in proportion - small

for small window treatments and upholstery and larger designs for bigger pieces of furniture.

WallsFabrics need not only apply to upholstery and

drapes, they are also very successfully used on walls in period properties – using battens, a fleecy lining and a colourful fabric. This gives walls a whole new dimension of comfort, warmth and texture. Or try some of the bold wallpapers from the period. Be brave and replicate the strong colours – only a small amount is needed if you use it over the top of the dado rail and leave the lower area for the lincrusta, as was the Victorian style. Or cover an entire room – ceiling and walls – in a delicate floral paper, ideal for a small attic room.

PaintPaint is an easy way to achieve an historical look

and there are many products on the market, which declare themselves to be ‘period’ or ‘heritage’. These are useful if you just want the right colour but if you are looking for a more authentic feel and want the texture to be heritage then it is important

Period Living

26 ALONG THE THAMES

to research your paint manufacturer. Paint used to be very matt and this can be achieved by using chalky type paints. Bear in mind, however, that they are not ideal for high traffic areas. Painted furniture is also very much of this period. Try limewashing a piece of wooden furniture for a distressed look.

LightingGas lighting in this country wasn’t available until

1870 and prior to that we used oil lamps. (Now might be a good time to ask how authentically ‘period’ you want your home to be?). Period lighting involved lots of lamps at varying levels, sconces and chandeliers – try them in wrought iron fittings or beautiful, delicately coloured glass. Candles were essential for dining tables so find the perfect candelabra to house them and bring back the romance at dinnertime.

AntiquesIf you love the period style, you are

without doubt a fan of antiques – whether you are a serious auction goer or merely a car boot sale hopeful. Antiques can be surprisingly good value if you know what you are looking for. However, it’s best to obtain a catalogue and learn the system and the jargon before launching yourself into Christie’s. And then always, always stick to your budget – be ruthless about money or the drama of the auction room will get the better of you.

Lastly always keep the paperwork – the provenance of a piece can be as interesting and appealing as the furniture itself. By owning it, you are part of its history, so enjoy it, care for it and then pass it on to someone who will do likewise.

Niki Schäfer - dwell-being designs

ALONG THE THAMES 27

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Whether you have a dedicated room, a corner of the kitchen, a converted outbuilding or are simply looking to squeeze an office in under the stairs, the following will help you create a work space that’s not just efficient and functional, but also inviting and comfortable.

Size mattersStart by considering the size of desk you require.

The bigger the better – you will never regret having plenty of space on which to spread out. Do you also need a table and chairs for meetings, or perhaps a sofa or chaise longue on which to recline and read or think? And storage is vital, whether it’s a shelf above the desk, plan chests, filing cabinets, drawers or stacking boxes. Bear in mind that some things will need to be within arm’s reach, while less-used items can be stored on high shelves or deep cupboards, not necessarily in the same room. In awkward rooms, such as lofts, under-stairs or other small areas, built-in storage will make the most of the space; otherwise you may consider cheaper, free-standing options.

Get technicalA good start is to count up your electrical

appliances and ensure that you install enough plug sockets in the right places (about three inches above the work surface is good, plus some hidden lower down, too) to accommodate them all. Place electrical items together so you don’t end up with long stretches of cable between them, and clip trailing wires to backs of table legs where possible. Alternatively, going wireless eliminates some cables entirely, and gives you greater flexibility about where to site your equipment.

Light fantasticGood task and general lighting is vital to avoid

eye strain when working at home. The more natural light the better – though beware glare from direct sun, and position your desk at right angles to a window if possible. For working on dim days and

in the evenings, fit overhead lighting that doesn’t cast any shadows over your working area – track lighting, spots inset into the ceiling and wall lamps are all options. Desk lamps should ideally be adjustable. Alternatively, consider wiring one or two adjustable lamps into the wall above your desk.

Fabulous furnitureConventional office furnishings are great

for efficiency, but tend to look out of place in a home. While ensuring that your desk and chair are comfortable, seek out furnishings that suit your home and your personality. Plenty of chain stores and independent shops sell home office furniture at a range of prices, but you could also consider hunting around junk shops, second-hand office furniture stores and salvage yards for interesting alternatives, such as old school lockers, a trestle resting on a pair of metal filing cabinets, a distressed kitchen unit or a desktop made from blackboard. Add functional accessories that will brighten up your day, such as colourful waste bins or funky pen holders, and some finishing touches, such as plants, pictures and scented candles that will make this a space where you really want to spend time.

Shared spacesIf your office space is shared with your dining

room, kitchen, bedroom or living room, you will probably want to conceal it as much as possible when it’s not in use. Build a large cupboard in a recess next to a chimney breast, for example, and behind the doors you should be able to squeeze in a desk with some shelving above. In a kitchen you might consider removing a unit. That said, think carefully about whether the room’s two purposes will conflict – if you need to work with the children running around, or when a partner wants to sleep, it’s going to be a problem. You might be better off converting the loft, or fitting an office under the stairs, on a large landing or even in the garden shed.

Katherine Sorrell

Create the perfect home office

ALONG THE THAMES 29

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30 ALONG THE THAMES

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32 ALONG THE THAMES

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y Clarins new OMBRE MINÉRALE Autumn Make-up Collection (Featuring some of the range available from September)

Limited Edition 3 dot liner £20A new generation, ultra-easy eyeliner. The unique triple-point applicator effectively fills the space between each lash “dot by dot”, giving the illusion of a fuller-looking lash line. It combines the precision of a liquid eyeliner and the easy application of a pencil. A totally new way to apply eyeliner.

Nuxe Crémé Fraiche de Beauté - from £23.0024 hour soothing & moisturising creamLeaves skin soft & smooth after being revitalised with this formulation.

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Percy & ReedNo oil oil for fine hair (60ml) - from £14Leaves hair shiny and sleek while adding volume & nourishing the hair. The vitamin B5 strengthens and aims to offer heat protection.

ALONG THE THAMES 33

Affordable peace of mind

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34 ALONG THE THAMES

Red FeverAlways popular this time of the year, vibrant red isa staple colour to invest in. Although LBD is stillour favourite, now is the time to make a switchand update our wardrobe with the fashionableLRD (Little Red Dress).

Colour Conscious

Reptile PrintThe animal print is a wardrobe staple of any fashionlover. The trend was present at most of Autumn/Winter2012 catwalks and will inevitably make a great impacton how we dress and accessorise this season.

Winter WhiteThe favourite colourto wear this winter.It's bold, feminineand ultra chic. Itmakes you stand outfrom the crowd andit looks expensive.What else can weask for?

Leather

Stockist information:Swish boutique, Marlow

No 25 of Bourne EndNo 25 of Bourne End

Swish boutique, MarlowSwish boutique, Marlow

No 25 of Bourne End

Luggage Handbags

1

2

3

ALONG THE THAMES 35

Red Fever

CColour ConsciousCombination of Black and Blue is expected to be the mostseen on the High Street with Burgundy becoming the newblack!

Reptile Print

Winter White

LeatherAnything from outwear todaywear has beeninfluenced by this trend.From the conservativepencil skirt, through thechic leather top tosophisticated eveningwear -they will all make anappearance in the comingmonths.

Stockist information:1 Animal print jersey dress from Frank Lyman - Swish boutique, Marlow2 White pleated motif top by Lindi - No 25 of Bourne End3 Black dress from Michaela Louise - No 25 of Bourne End4 Blue & black jersey dress from Frank Lyman - Swish boutique, Marlow5,6,7 Variety of handbags - Swish boutique, Marlow8 Multi Jersey dress from Chianti - No 25 of Bourne End

LLuggage Handbags Structured bags appeared on the catwalks for autumn2012 with references to all things vintage and romantic.Animal prints are heavily applied to add extra glamourand sophistication.

4

5

6

8

7

36 ALONG THE THAMES

Want to create that natural Summer look? We show you how.

1

4 5 6

7

2 3 Apply a foundation5 to the skin. Using a foundation brush we applied light strokes working from the eyes outward. Keep working the foundation into the skin until you have the coverage required.

To fix the foundation (allows it to last longer) and take away any shine on your face, dust sheer powder6 lightly over the whole face using a large brush.

To give a summer glow to the cheeks use Sunbeam7, a liquid highlighter, that enhances as well as gives a golden shimmer to the cheek bones. Using your finger lightly dab the product onto the areas of the cheek bones that you want to highlight.

To warm the skin and give a peachy pop of colour lightly apply a blush. We are using the sugarbomb box o powder8, which is four in one blush (swirl between a mix of colours) to the cheek bones using a blusher brush. Then with the excess dust lightly over the full complexion as the golden undertones will compliment any skin tone and give you that natural summer look.

Don’t forget to highlight your brows to add definition to your face.

Apply a light coating of the They’re Real mascara9 on the top and bottom lashes. Reapply to get a full finish as the rubber ball on the tip of the wand allows you to create a false lash affect with dramatic long wearing results.

To finish use a lip gloss. By using the Sugarbomb gloss10 you will be matching in with the colour you used for your cheek bones and overall complexion. This moisturising gloss gives a pretty sheer finish to the lips that can be dressed up or down by applying a brighter colour underneath.

To transform this look into a more ‘evening finish’ simply apply a slick of liquid eye liner to the top lash line.

ALONG THE THAMES 37

Tel: 01628 528877 E-Mail: Enquiries@No25ofBourneEnd.co.ukWeb: www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk

Tel: 01628 528877 E-Mail: Enquiries@No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk

25-27 The Parade, Bourne End, Bucks. SL8 5SB

b o u t i q u e

5 Liston Court, Marlow tel: 01628 476467www.swishboutique.co.uk

Don’t forget......

Products used:

We recommend that you use Benefit B.right skin care range1 daily to keep your skin hydrated

and refreshed. Prior to applying any make-up ensure that you have used moisturiser with an SPF2 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

To rehydrate, brighten and hide the dark circles under your eye use a cream both

morning and evening3. Apply gently around the eye area, using your index finger and a small drop of the cream by gently dabbing

on the bone area all around the eye. To prepare the skin for make-up use a primer4.

Using a foundation brush buff the primer into the skin to provide a perfect base before applying

foundation. You will find that your foundation goes on more easily and will have a more even finish.

Hints & Tips from: Benefit Cosmetics 45 King Street, Windsor, SL4 1TG

1. The B.right skin care range has been developed and perfected in the LVMH labs. The range includes cleanse, tone, moisturise, eye cream, moisture prep and polish for a brighter, refreshed and more radiant skin. Benefit also offer a money back guarantee on the full B.right range if you do not see a difference in 28 days.

2. Triple performing facial emulsion - This is Benefit’s oil free concentrated moisturiser with SPF 15 PA++.The emulsion is absorbed quickly, helping to capture and maintain the water on the skins surface. £19.50

3. It’s Potent - Has been developed to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eye area (Perfect after a bad nights sleep). The cream contains a peptide complex known to help restore elasticity & firmness, it has a blend of hydrating botanical extracts including apple extract, which are known to help boost collagen. Ideally the cream should be applied morning and evening. £23.50

4. The Porefessional - silky light weight primer used to minimise the appearance of fine lines pores and wrinkles. The Porefessional provides a translucent pore coverage and a smoother than smooth finish to the skin. £23.50

5. Oxygen Wow Foundation - The oil free brightening liquid foundation builds from light to medium coverage which is perfect for daytime/ evening. Oxygen Wow provides SPF25 PA+++ protection and is our first anti-ageing product! £24.50

6. Hello Flawless – Is a customer blend sheer powder with SPF 15, It’s an easy blend powder which evens the skin tone and covers imperfections to give a flawless complexion. You can layer to achieve your desired shade. £24.50

7. Sun Beam – This is a golden bronze highlighter which gives you a natural, sunkissed radiance. You can apply to cheek and brow bones for a bronzed glow that compliments all skin tones. £18.50

8. Sugarbomb – Is our four colour box o powder which is made up of shades of peach, soft plum, pink and rose powders. You can build up the blusher to the brightness of your choice. £23.50

9. They’re Real Mascara – This is the No1 best-selling mascara in the UK. It curls, volumises, lifts and separates. The jet black, long wearing formula won’t smudge or dry out. The specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had. £18.50

10. Sugarbomb gloss – 6 new shades of extra smooth glosses in soft squeeze tubes perfect for an easy application to match our Box o powders.

38 ALONG THE THAMES

Alexander Parsons has been in the hairdressing industry for 30 years and has worked for a variety of major local salons, and has taken care of clients from all over the world with many different professions

and lifestyles. “I think that I have just about seen or heard it all! However, from time to time, there are a few surprises!” Alexander is currently working at Stoke Park Salon in Stoke Poges (www..stokepark.

com) and his unique take on all matters hairdressing makes him very popular with his clientele.

OK. So you’ve packed far more than you will ever need for your much awaited holiday and your suitcase is now bulging with “just in case” outfits. You then hope to god that it all comes to within the weight allowance so you don’t have to pay for any excess baggage, even though it was ALL necessary; actually.

The hotel and resort are lovely and you have just spent all day lounging by the pool getting that hunky fitness instructor you just met to rub sunscreen onto your back when, thoughts of the evening ahead occupy your mind.

Suddenly, panic sets in just after you get back to your room and look in the mirror. Somehow, gone is the beach babe and something resembling a “larded up” cross channel swimmer stares back at you!

“OMG! Just look at the state of my hair!” What’s a girl to do?

This is where clip-in ready made hair pieces and wefts become your new best friend. Just remember to wash and blow-dry your hair before putting them in! Balmain makes a range of clip in hair pieces in a variety of colours and styles. The Complete Extension and the Nice twist from the Prêt-a-Porter range are among my favourites.

Simply match a hairpiece to your natural colour as close as you can (with help from

a stockist) and you’re away! These hairpieces make it look like you’ve spent hours curling your hair or creating an “up do”, when you really haven’t.

Wefts are great for a more fun look where you can either match their colour to your own hair, or an outfit. Always buy human hair wefts which are the same length as your own so you don’t have to cut them. Human hair can be curled, where acrylic hair cannot. There is no reason why you can’t use more than one hairpiece. I recently used a combination of a clip-in and pre-curled wefts for a bride. It looked great and really natural!

Most hair care companies make travel sized products. While on holiday, I would recommend that you take a salon only brand of shampoo, conditioner and an intensive

treatment with you (if you don’t already use one you naughty girl!) as the formulas are much more refined and prescriptive than supermarket or chemist brands. Philip Kingsley offer a comprehensive range of travel products, most of which come in a see through zip up pouch.

For the rest, hairsprays or mousses can be bought from Boots on the other side of passport control and security. Just make sure that these items are no larger than 100mls. Cloud Nine make a brilliant pair of mini travel size hair irons. Just don’t forget the heat protector spray!

Also, don’t underestimate the power of a set of MAC lashes and a low cut maxi dress. My wife wore this recently to a party. It was a shame we had to go out at all, but then I couldn’t wait to get home!

Alexander’s Hair Surgery

From Beach Babe to Goddess in 30 seconds!

ALONG THE THAMES 39

2 Kingswood Parade, New Road, Marlow Bottom, Bucks. SL7 3NT

Tel: 01628 477 292Opening hours:

Tues and Wed: 9:30 - 18:00, Thurs: 10:00-19:30, Fri: 9:30-19:00, Sat: 9:00-17:00

dididonnadonna

Happy Birthday DiDonnaCongratulations to Ciro

Didonna who opened his Salon, Didonna, in Marlow

Bottom a year ago.

After a successful year the Salon is expanding with a new

stylist joining the team.. A warm welcome to Sue.

The salon boasts a relaxed, yet chic

Mediterranean feel, bright and airy and easy to find, located on the corner of New

Road and Marlow Bottom Road.

Ladies cuts start from £40, children’s £15 and

colour/highlights from £40.

There is ample parking as well as a dedicated parking bay for Didonna itself.

Open everyday except Monday, Ciro and his team would like to welcome you to Didonna.

For more information or to book an appointment

call 01628 477292

Simple CrosswordAcross3. Powdered form of sodium chloride used at mealtimes (5,4)8. Monarchy on the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula (4)9. ‘Arm’ of an octopus (8)10. Metal paper fastener (6)13. The Hunter constellation (5)14. Musical accompaniment added above a basic melody (7)15. Brick carrier (3)16. World’s swiftest mammal (7)17. Former French unit of currency (5)21. Capital of Saudi Arabia (6)22. Italian sponge cake, coffee and brandy dessert (8)23. ___ Marx, founder of modern communism (4)24. Spicy pork and beef sausage (9)Down1. Children’s game involving a stone and lines marked on the ground (9)2. Animals or plants which live on a host (9)4. Ancient Mexican civilisation (5)5. Oil extracted from the flax plant (7)6. George Bernard ___, playwright (4)

7. Singer who had a hit with To Sir, with Love (4)11. Sailing boat with two parallel hulls (9)

12. Capital of Sweden (9)14. First note in the tonic sol-fa scale (3)15. Hawk that hunts over meadows and marshes (7)18. Name of the bear in the epic Reynard the Fox (5)19. Presidential assistant (4)20. Army’s temporary living quarters (4)

40 ALONG THE THAMES

In the next of our series Kate Robinson combines all that is special about our local countryside - the river, pretty villages and our broadleaf beech woods. It’s a six mile walk and takes approximately two and a half to three hours - or a little longer if you decide to visit one of the pubs along the way!

The walk starts at the public car park situated on the right just after The Spade Oak Pub on Coldmoorholme Lane, which can be found off the A4155. Walk down the lane towards the river and cross over the railway line. Take the Thames path to the right, through the kissing gate into the field. There are pretty views of the river here, an assortment of leisure craft, river front houses and a boisterous gaggle of wild fowl. At the end of the field, pass through another gate and follow the hedge away from the river. This is the path to Little Marlow nature reserve and village. Spade Oak Lake, once a gravel pit, naturally flooded and is now a managed bird sanctuary. Take the path along the edge of the lake to spot Herons, Kingfisher, Great Crested Grebes and Reed Warblers.

The path turns into a lane and alights in Little Marlow at picture postcard pretty 14th century St John the Baptist church. Try the lynch gate and note the old pulley system that still operates it. Next to the church is the Manor House, built in the 16th century. During the Second World War the Black Watch occupied the Manor House and

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and General Eisenhower inspected the troops and took the salute. Traditional cottages with quintessential English gardens line the road towards the village green and cricket ground. The Queen’s Head pub can be found down a lane on the left and the King’s Head pub is situated opposite the green.

Take care crossing the main road to Wilton Farm and Emmett’s Farm Shop. The public footpath

continues straight ahead through the farm and up the track. The track is way marked and rises a hundred metres to Bloom Wood. At the top there are lovely views over corn fields to Winter Hill and Cookham Dean.

Go through the gate into a pretty valley, turn right and walk along the hedge to the edge

of the woods. At the entrance to the woods take the left path. This path will soon meet the Chiltern Way. Where the Chiltern Way and public footpath diverge follow the public footpath across a track. It soon becomes a wider path which emerges on the southern edge of the wood facing the river. Follow the way marked path across farmland down into the hamlet of Fern. At the main road carefully cross over, turn left and follow the pavement to Well End. Coldmoorholme Lane is on the right.

Just before the Spade Oak Pub is a house called Old Thatch. Enid Blyton lived and wrote many of her children’s books here in the 1930’s. The garden and tea room are open in summer on Wednesday afternoons and weekends.

... all that is special about our local count side - the

river, pre villages and our broadleaf beech woods ...

Little Marlow ChurchBloom Wood & Valley

ALONG THE THAMES 41

AriesMarch 21 - April 20

Things start rather slowly for impatient Aries, have faith, on the 8th communicative Mercury moves

forward again and life should flow smoothly. Assertive Mars, your action-packed ruler, moves from balanced

Libra into turbulent Scorpio on the 24th. Whatever your passion, positive energy is available. September: Creating firm foundations on which to build your future

is the main energy this month. Expansive Jupiter is firmly placed in the communication sector of your chart and with your ruler in powerful Scorpio; do pay attention to any professional opportunities that come your way.

TaurusApril 21 - May 21

Your ruling planet, Venus the goddess of love, moves from flirtatious Gemini into deeply sensitive and caring

Cancer on the 8th. Time for you to really question if your needs are being met in any of your relationships. The new moon in Leo on the 17th brings your home into focus. September: The time is fast approaching

when you must be open and honest about your goals and ambitions. Both the Sun and Mercury in hard working Virgo can help with new ideas. Venus,

your ruler, moves into creative Leo on the 7th, courage and adventure are yours for the asking..

Gemini May 22 - June 22

You have enjoyed Venus in your sign for over three months, on the 8th she moves into sentimental

Cancer. Light-hearted relationships could turn into something far more serious as you contemplate your

future. Your adventurous spirit is awakened with the full moon on the 2nd. September: The Sun and your ruler Mercury, both occupy the domestic sector

of your chart this month – Feeling more restless than usual, you’ll find yourself re-evaluating and

reassessing many areas of life. Mars in Scorpio offers stamina to see a project through to its conclusion

CancerJune 23 - July 23

Your assets and cash will have been on your mind lately, any difficulties should start to ease as Mercury goes direct in your financial sector on the 8th. Also on the 8th the love goddess Venus slides into you

sign. Romance could come calling, and in any case your relationships will blossom. September: Money matters become a big focus from the 7th onwards

as Venus enters your financial sector. Unanticipated events surrounding your personal finances are likely,

particularly around the new moon on the 16th. Trust in your intuition as creative projects will bring rewards

LeoJuly 24 - August 23

It’s your birthday month and you should be celebrating in regal style. Mercury in your sign is changing direction

on the 8th; this eases any delays and confusion that you may have about where you are going next. The

full moon in Pisces on the 31st illuminates a financial challenge in your life. September: Venus enters your

sign on the 7th, enhancing your overall charm and perhaps bringing gifts, money and favours your way.

The Sun, your ruler, is particularly powerful illuminating the financial sector of your chart. Friends are also important and you’ll enjoy reaching out to others.

VirgoAugust 24 - September 23

Mercury, your ruling planet, moves forward again on the 8th ending any delays and setbacks that you have been experiencing. Expansive Jupiter illuminates the highest

point of your chart and Venus also sheds favourable light. Cooperation from friends and colleagues gets you to the top. September: It’s your birthday month

and communicative Mercury, your ruler, is also in your sign. Plans and solid foundations for the future can really get going now. Energetic Mars in Scorpio is strong on confidence, and you are now open to

experiences and adventure beyond your usual routine

HoroscopesNAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS – with in-depth knowledge and cosmic awareness. Your personal birth map helps you gain a fresh perspective on your life choices and how to handle its challenges. You can identify your true nature and distinguish between yourself

and your conditioning. As a professional Astrologer and Life Coach I can help motivate you to discover your purpose and to achieve personal transformation. Be authentic – be successful, create your vision and manifest your goals!

August/September Special offer for Along the Thames readers, £50 for a forty-five minute telephone or Skype astrological overview.

Please contact me for more information. Gift vouchers are also available.

Christine ChalklinInspirational Astrologer, Life Coach and Business Consultant,www.RestyleYourLife.co.uk Christine@RestyleYourLife.co.uk

Telephone: 07813 483549

42 ALONG THE THAMES

LibraSeptember 24 - October 23

Venus, your ruler, is at the highest point of your chart from the 8th. You could be at the top of your game

this month as almost anything you want to achieve is possible now. Responsible and determined Saturn, in your sign until the 6th of October, helps you to focus on your priorities. September: Responsible

Saturn is coming to the end of his long 2 ½ year stay in your sign. You have learnt many things and now

you can reap the rewards with your stronger sense of purpose and clarity. Venus, your ruler, enters creative Leo on the 7th, brining new and innovative ideas. .

ScorpioOctober 24 - November 22

Venus and Jupiter, both money signs, are settled into a financial sector of your chart. Capital and resources

come to the forefront and you’ll entertain new and creative ways of making money. On the 24th Mars

bursts into your sign, bringing renewed determination to achieve your goals. September: An important month

for Scorpios as fiery and headstrong Mars moves through your sign. You’ll have big ideas about how

to increase your income, and these may well include learning, communication and networking. This is also a powerful month for enhancing close partnerships.

SagittariusNovember 23 - December 22

Your ruler, the mighty Jupiter, is in your opposite sign of Gemini and challenges you to make the extra effort to

reach all your goals and be successful this month. The full moon on the 2nd illuminates your communication sector, urging you to express yourself in innovative new ways.

September: Your relationships and close partnerships are the focus of this month. Mighty Jupiter, your ruling planet, is illuminating the need for better understanding and open

communication. Energy levels should be stronger than they have been recently, but do take time to rest and relax

CapricornDecember 23 - January 19

August starts with an Aquarian full moon in a pivotal position in your chart. You are questioning your values

and new and innovative ways of thinking and acting will come into view. Venus in your opposite sign asks

that you be gentle with yourself, some pampering may be required. September: Plenty of planetary action in the travel and adventure sector of your

chart ensures a busy month. You are ready to enter a fresh and positive phase of existence, probably with

original and interesting people. Exciting opportunities arrive after the Virgo new moon on the 16th

PiscesFebruary 20 - March 20

This will be an interesting month, culminating with the second August full moon in your sign on the 31st. Beforehand there is work to be done on the home and work front. Many challenges arise and any setbacks

should ease after the 8th as Mercury moves forward and Venus enters Cancer. September: This month begins with continued attention to your career development

and you have vast ideas about how you might increase your income. Don’t underestimate your talents as this is a strong period for creative plans. The new moon on

the 16th brings unexpected opportunities your way.

AquariusJanuary 20 - February 19

The full moon in your sign on the 2nd ensures that this is an exhilarating month. What have you been trying to

achieve and where are things not working out? Mercury’s forward motion after the 8th helps ease any difficulties, particularly in your close relationships and partnerships.

September: Partnerships and finances are illuminated this month, particularly after the 7th as Venus moves into Leo.

On the 13th a powerful alignment between Venus and Uranus, your ruler, causes you to reassess your goals on a romantic level. Work and career matters are well favoured.

THE COSMOS DURING AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER

There is still ongoing tension in the sky and this pattern of challenge and change continues until May 2015. We all need to approach this dynamic energy in positive and constructive ways. Uranus in Aries wants freedom and self-expression, whilst Pluto in Capricorn wants to maintain the power of the status quo. This energy can, if used properly, propel us forward towards a new vision of the future. Venus, the planet of love and relationships, moves into the emotional sign of Cancer on the 8th, bringing opportunity to tune into what you know to be right and connect with your innate sense of knowing and wisdom. Harmony and peace will hopefully be possible, at least until the 24th when Mars leaves balanced Libra for the more emotionally turbulent Scorpio. We have two full moons this month, the first on the 2nd and the second one on the 31st – it’s a “blue moon month” so there’ll be plenty of action!

SEPTEMBER: As the Autumnal Sun moves through diligent Virgo, our attention is turned to learning new things and acquiring new skills. Schools and colleges start their new term and the focus is on hard work. Motivational Mars is in passionate and determined Scorpio, giving strength to creative expression. Venus, the planet of love and romance moves into demonstrative Leo on the 7th, all relationships can benefit and bloom from this dynamic energy. The second exact square between transformational Pluto and revolutionary Uranus takes place on the 19th. How will this volatile clash manifest as people all around the globe continue to fight for freedom, fairness and justice? Hopefully the Virgo new moon on the 16th will have brought up new ideas on how to move forward positively and constructively. .

NAVIGATE LIFE WITH KNOWLEDGE AND COSMIC AWARENESS

ALONG THE THAMES 43

Uncertain Luck... By Nicholas TaylorTwelfth century historical adventure romp

When twelve-year-old shepherd boy Peter finds a man lying apparently dead near his hut in the hills, little does he know that it will change his whole life.

The mysterious man turns out to be just barely alive, and the resourceful Peter nurses him back to health. In gratitude, the man, who refuses to give his name, teaches

Peter to read, write and fight with a sword – all skills that are not usually available to a peasant in twelfth-century England. Armed with his surprising education and his natural intelligence, Peter follows his luck on a series of adventures that see him

honing his skills in the service of Baron de Cours in Devonshire, then chancing his arm in turbulent Normandy. Sooner or later, however, he must return to England, where

the baron’s beautiful daughter Amelia waits silently. Where will Peter’s luck lead?

Be one of the fi rst to read these latest titles

The books on this page are from Book Guild Publishing

To order, please call 01202 665432 (weekdays only)

or visit www.bookguild.co.uk to view our other titles

BOOK GUILD

Fiction

Children’s

For your chance to win one of three copies of “A World of Words” by Ronald Batchelor, please send your name and address to competition@AlongtheThames.co.uk by 14th September, 2012..

A World of Words ... By Ronald BatchelorGeographic and humorous exploration of how to learn language

The English are notorious for their dislike of, if not ineptitude for, foreign languages. Doesn’t everyone abroad speak English anyway? And isn’t the solution for those little international misunderstandings just to talk rather louder?

Dr Ron Batchelor takes the diametrically opposite point of view. Learning languages, he argues, is an exuberant joy and the key to unlocking whole new worlds of experience – intellectual, personal, cultural and sensual. A second, third or even fourth language can help us, in short, to live richer, fuller, deeper lives.

Batchelor’s own romance with Romance languages began just after World War II when, as a student, he began to explore France by bicycle. His explorations – both geographic and linguistic – have never stopped since, and in this delightful, dazzling book, over-brimming with words, and yet more words – as well as more than a dash of his prodigious learning – he recounts some of his adventures and encounters

Beyond my wildest dreams ...V.P. (Hemant) Kanitkar

Born in genteel poverty in a small Indian village, V P (Hemant) Kanitkar found that his life was to change beyond his wildest dreams when, as a young man, he took ship to the UK. In this candid autobiography he looks back on a long and

successful life,a passionate and loving marriage to a British woman, a successful career dedicated to teaching, and a prolific second career as a writer.

He weaves a rich, colourful tapestry that contrasts the different cultures and ways of living in India and Britain, and pulls them together in this account of his own experiences. A young, naive foreigner, he made the difficult transition between two disparate worlds, becoming accepted as a British teacher and writer, yet never losing touch with his Hindu roots and indeed keeping the traditions alive in the UK through his writings.

Despite squabbles between members of his extended family, the family ties nevertheless proved unbreakable, with Kanitkar going on to return

the help he received as a young man by supporting his family back in India.

Fose

A WG

inespeinte

languworldor ev

WoHissinanle

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PUBLISHING

44 ALONG THE THAMES

Fed up of seeing your kids’ eyes glued to a television screen for hours at a time?

Here are some tips for encouraging your kids (and you) to read, yes, that’s right, to pick up a good old-fashioned book. And for those out there who are more comfortable with a screen than with something as old-fashioned as a piece of paper, there’s always e-readers and e-books!For young ones:

Head to the local library - many offer reading schemes and have designated children’s– colourful areas full of books, posters and comfy seating.

If you fancy something further afield and making a day of it, then why not visit

the Saisson Poetry Library situated in London’s Southbank Centre? The Library is located on the fifth floor and offers something for everyone. They have a designated children’s section along with tables, chairs and PCs and it is free to join.

Never underestimate the magic of a bedtime story! A short tale or a chapter from a book works best. Try classic fairytales or some Roald Dahl, which have the benefit of appealing to both little monsters and little princesses. From page to screen and back again:

Many of the films, television shows and even games that your teenager spends hours of their life engrossed in are, in fact, based on novels- so why not buy them a copy of the book? Obvious examples include The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Harry Potter series and the Twilight Saga, but there are many more.

Books that have more recently been made into films include The Hunger Games and The Hobbit (due for release in

December), both of which were originally aimed at a young adult readership. If your teen enjoys reading the book of the film they loved so much, then you can encourage them to explore other books by that same author, or to look for other books on a similar theme. For girls:

If you have a daughter who loves a bit of romance and enjoys a good ‘rom com’ or ‘chick flick’ then why not check out authors such as Alice Hoffman and Nicholas Sparks. Personal favourites include Sparks’ The Notebook and Hoffman’s Practical Magic. Popular television shows such as The Vampire Diaries and True Blood were based on novels, and many other shows now have novelizations and spin-offs available. For the lads:

Boys love superheroes, many of whom have recently graced the screens of cinemas drawing in crowds of all ages and both genders. Current examples of masked and caped crusaders on screen include Batman in The Dark Knight Rises directed by Christopher Nolan and a remake of Spiderman, The Amazing Spider-man directed by Marc Webb. If your lads enjoyed these movies, or your younger ones enjoy the cartoons then why not get hold of the originals? For younger boys comics can be good, though for older lads a graphic novel would be a good choice. A personal favourite is Batman: Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. Other recent films based on comics and graphic novels include Sin City, Watchmen, V for Vendetta, X-men, Thor, Iron Man, Hulk and The Avengers. Dads might enjoy these too!

Emma Filtness

Encourage your kids to pick up a book

ALONG THE THAMES 45

Sally’s SmalltalkA change in education

When I was at school....I have school-aged children,

occasionally I congratulate myself that they have managed to actually get to school age without a) they themselves or any of my daughters friends being injured by my son wielding his trusty baseball bat, b) me being carted off to The Priory, or c) me being interrogated by Child Line … they both know the number from memory.

Things have certainly changed since I was at school and teaching methods have moved on, but for the better? I am not convinced. I remember my parents uttering those patronizing words, “Well when I was at school, we used to do it like this!” 30 years later, I find myself mumbling the same words under my breath, desperate in the attempt never to speak those words you vowed you would never say when you had children.

Keeping a keen eye on what the children are doing at school not only allows me to

encourage and motivate them but also help where needed. Handwriting

Children from the age of 4 are taught cursive handwriting from the very beginning when learning to write. Some children find this the easiest and most natural way, which is great. Some don’t and appear to find the physical act of writing a chore at best and are put off writing all together. If it is clear it is not right for a child let them express their writing in a natural way as long as it is neat. Who cares if it isn’t joined up? Who says it’s the right way?Times Tables

Recently my son went for an assessment. He was asked various times table questions and although he knew the answers he took a long time getting to the answers. The reason? As far as I can make out they no longer chant their tables. The only evidence I see of any working is a list of numbers and they just say the answers, so

4,8,12,16,20 and so on. These numbers mean nothing without the rest of it 1x4=4, 2x4=8, you get the picture. So every time they are asked a question they have to go through the whole table to get to the answer.Spelling

Children are encouraged at an early age to write and are given the freedom (in joined up writing of course) to express their thoughts in imaginative and thoughtful ways. The spelling at this stage, however, appears to have little relevance. When I questioned why my child’s work was not being corrected I was told that they didn’t want to discourage the child from writing by pointing out the spelling mistakes!! But surely we should be teaching the correct spelling from the start?

Sally Todd If you would like to share your ideas with Sally, please contact us and we will pass on all comments:office@AlongTheThemes.co.uk

Educ

atio

n

46 ALONG THE THAMES

learning a foreign languageOne academic year has just finished, and

everyone is busy enjoying their summer holidays. The next academic year is just around the corner, and will bring new beginnings for students everywhere. Amongst the most exciting of these, will be little ones starting pre-school, pre-prep, prep school or primary. Young children have an enormous capacity for learning, and there are great benefits to starting early. But which language should you choose? And what is the best method for them to learn? Read on to find out more.

Primary and pre-school age children have an enormous enthusiasm and willingness to learn that can be capitalised on in early language teaching. Not only are they excellent mimics, their playful nature means that they will try out different sounds, resulting in better accent and pronunciation. Learning a second language helps them to understand the world around them by opening up different cultures and providing real life interaction with children in different countries.

Most parents in the UK choose French as the second language for their child, with Spanish following and German often third. This is often reflected in the languages offered at secondary level. However, learning a language is a lifelong

project, and parents should consider the long term benefits a second or third language may bring. In business German and Chinese are very popular, however in our relations with other countries Russian and Arabic are of great importance. Think

about the use that your child might have for their languages in the future.

When it comes to how to learn a foreign language, one thing is clear: children must be exposed to the language as much as possible and as often as possible, and definitely more than once a week. Any early start is of great

benefit too, but studies show that older children can ‘catch up’ with their language learning. The best option is for children to grow up speaking two languages at home. Where this is not possible, language clubs, private lessons and school classes are great, and should be supported by frequent visits abroad. Children are more likely to learn if their parents show an enthusiasm for the language.

Most importantly of all, make sure you and your child enjoy learning a foreign language – that way they will want to do it for years to come.

Samantha Cruickshank is a linguist and owner of Language Services Specialist

Here are some golden rules for successful early language learning:

Start as young as you can

Choose a language that will be beneficial to your child now and in the future.

Do it as often as possible – at least twice a week!

Visit the country where they speak that language and do it often.

Share your child’s enthusiasm for language learning or consider learning with them

ALONG THE THAMES 47

First day Blues

No doubt many of you will be sending your child to their first day of school this autumn. The uniform and shoes will be shiny and new and the school bag tidy. After seeing three children off to both junior and senior schools, I can well imagine the thoughts running through most parents’ minds at this time.

When Eldest Son started school for the first time, I still had two younger ones at home and he was very self-contained and had well and truly outgrown nursery. When Younger Son started, it was easy; he simply joined his brother on the path into the school and knew his way around. When Only Daughter started, I was fine at the school gate. It was when I got home that it all kicked in. All of a sudden the house was quiet and as I cleaned up the breakfast mess it suddenly occurred to me that from now on that was it.

The sadness wore off quickly however as we settled into the following years of homework, school events and activities. Life became hectic and summer holidays were really long. The next thing I knew, we were looking at senior schools and Eldest Son was suddenly catching a bus to school and using a mobile phone.

The other two followed suit shortly after and it wasn’t long before we were choosing GCSE and then A level subjects. Easter and Christmas holidays are spent revising and most of August is spent biting our nails as we await exam results.

All those wonderful years of school plays, sports days, projects involving glitter, homework headaches, times tables, spelling tests, pond dipping, pageant watching, parent teacher evenings. They have all slipped by in what seems like a record time. Eldest Son said to me the other day that he had been at senior school for six years. Six years! Where had that time gone? Now we are visiting Universities and studying the UCAS application like it was a United Nations Peace treaty. In two and half terms he will be sitting his A levels. It seems like only yesterday we were buying him a pair of sturdy school shoes and a blazer.

So for all of you out there taking your young child to school for the very first time; it will be heart wrenching and it will be tough. But just remember one thing: enjoy every minute of their journey. Revel in their spelling words and reading books. Smile through the school Christmas plays and the carol concerts and get into the spirit of sports days and swimming galas. Before you know it they will be nearly eighteen and doing A levels; driving a car and wanting to break out on their own.

Vanessa Woolley

48 ALONG THE THAMES

League tables, car park gossip, Open Days, websites, prospectuses, current teachers… When it comes to choosing a suitable secondary school for your child how do you know whose advice to take? How do you decide? And who should decide – you or your eleven year old?

President of the Girls’ Schools Association, Louise Robinson, advises:

“Do visit as many schools as possible and do your homework before you visit. Look at the website, send for a prospectus and school magazine, read the latest Ofsted or ISI inspection report. Keep an open mind about single sex versus co-educational schools too - a study of Value Added scores by the Good Schools Guide shows girls really do learn better in girls’ schools than in co-ed ones.”

Once on site, there are questions to ask yourself, the teachers and of course the pupils themselves.

Questions to ask yourself:• What are the children like? Do I want

my child to turn out like that? Pupils’ appearance and manners tell you a lot about what the school holds important.

• Do relationships between the pupils - and between the staff and pupils - seem open, friendly but respectful?

• Are the school facilities at least adequate and well cared for? Excessively good facilities could indicate spiralling costs whereas tatty paintwork and shabby library books could mean that the school is financially stretched.

Questions to ask the teachers:• How are pupils selected? Who will

flourish at this school? And, more importantly, who might not?

• What is staff turnover like? Too low and there could be stagnation; too rapid and something is amiss.

• How involved are parents with the school? How does the school keep parents informed? Some schools still prefer parents to drop their children at the school gate and never cross the threshold till final prize giving.

• What are the results like? And the “value added” scores? The latter is something most schools now measure – the improvement in pupils’ performance compared to their standard on entry to the school.

• How big are classes? Are pupils streamed by ability? While there is no right or wrong answer to these the replies will help you understand the school’s ethos.

Questions to ask the pupils:• What do you like best about this

school? Does their answer gel with what you are looking for?

• Which subjects do you like best/least? If the answer is science and your child is a budding astrophysicist check the science results carefully.

• What sort of person would be happy here? And: what sort would not?

An Open Day is an opportunity for a school to show itself off so you should be impressed but not over-awed. If you like what you see and hear, your next step should be to make an appointment to see the Head.

How to choose the right secondary schooladvice from the Girls’ Schools Association

You can find more useful information on these websites:www.gsa.uk.com www.MyDaughter.co.uk www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk

www.schoolsshow.com www.isc.co.uk www.isi.net

Frances Holland School

Croydon High School

ALONG THE THAMES 49

Junior School and Early Years Fri 28 September 9.15 - 11.00am

Senior School Open Evening Tues 25 September 5.30 - 8.30pm

Senior School Open Morning Fri 12 October 9.00 - 10.30am

Sixth Form Open Evening Wed 17 October 5.30 - 8.30pm

The independent day school in Reading for girls aged 3–18

For times of Head’s talks please visit our website. For enquiries contact Admissions on 0118 987 2256 or email admissions@theabbey.co.uk

www.theabbey.co.uk

Open Events at The Abbey

Students at The Abbey School are once again celebrating outstanding results in the International Baccalaureate examinations. In this third year of IB diploma results at The Abbey School, the girls have maintained the exceptionally high standards set by their predecessors, scoring an average of 38 points, with one student scoring 43 points out of a maximum possible 45. The results confirm The Abbey’s ongoing status as one of the most successful IB schools in the country.

These high IB scores have secured the girls places at sought after universities including Oxford, UCL and King’s College, London.

Headmistress of The Abbey Mrs Barbara Stanley commented: “I’m delighted to congratulate the girls on the hard work which has led to their superb results in the International Baccalaureate exam. The Abbey continues to flourish as an IB World School, offering the IB diploma alongside A-Levels to ensure that girls have the opportunity to choose a qualification that suits their learning style and gives them the widest range of options for the next stages of their education. Our experience has shown that study and life skills learned as part of the IB diploma have proved invaluable as girls have continued into higher education.”

For the latest news on A-level and GCSE exam results at The Abbey please visit www.theabbey.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @theabbeyschool

Advertising Feature

Abbey Students Celebrate outstanding International Baccalaureate Results

50 ALONG THE THAMES

The House that Jack Built was started 10 years ago and in that period of time has grown from just one nursery, a small bungalow in Hazlemere, caring for 18 children to a Company who now care for nearly 200 children a day. The ethos of the Company is to provide a home from home environment, along with nurturing support given to children and parents being of paramount importance.

The House That Jack Built day nursery, Marlow Bottom, has expanded to include a new baby

unit and training centre with both settings having dedicated car parking and secure outside play areas.

The nursery, which opened in 2008, has redeveloped the Pegasus public house in the centre of the village to incorporate additional facilities to the current day nursery. The new Baby Unit is located directly next door to the main building of the nursery therefore providing the village and the surrounding area with a comprehensive childcare facility for the under 5s. The nursery has embraced working within the community and provides continuing care for children who have moved on to ‘Big School’ by dropping off and collecting from within the Valley.

The current nursery has proved very successful and when the owners were given the opportunity to acquire next door they saw the potential to enhance the nursery by creating a separate baby unit.

Managing Director Margaret Whelan says “The House That Jack Built strives to provide a home from home environment and the new facility will continue this trend with carefully planned play areas and a cosy sleep room. We pride ourselves on our excellent child staff ratios with commitment and dedication of team members who are fully qualified or training towards a qualification in childcare.” Our customers feedback is excellent and is very important to us. Within that time frame two nurseries within the chain have achieved ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted grading and this is reflected in the work with our children.

The first floor of the new Baby Unit has been developed into a staff area and training centre.

This new space allows The House That Jack Built (Day Nursery) Ltd, which also has day nurseries in Naphill, Hazlemere and Flackwell Heath, the opportunity to provide a training area for employees to develop their childcare qualifications and further enhance their Early Years profession.

If you would like further information about The House that Jack Built – Marlow Bottom please contact Claire Burrett on01628 481601 or visit the nursery website www.thtjb-daynursery.co.uk

Advertising Feature

The main nursery and baby unit offers the home from home environment by providing:

A welcome area with information boards for parents and easy access for buggies and prams.

A playroom with sensory areas for low level holistic play, along with messy areas for developing fine motor skills.

Low level seating for children will promote independence.

A dedicated sleeping room that allows time for a quiet sleep.

A dedicated kitchen to develop home cooked nutritious food.

The House that Jack Built

ALONG THE THAMES 51

52 ALONG THE THAMES

Stagecoach, Britain’s largest part-time theatre school, has been running in High Wycombe and Henley for 15 years. Since then, many young people have experienced and enjoyed the training they’ve received in the performing arts and several students have gone on to further their education at college and on the professional stage. From the start of the September term and with new Principals on board, the schools look set to build on its success.

Andrew Gosling is taking from his wife Clare at Stagecoach High Wycombe, while Clare is taking over at Stagecoach Henley and Marlow. They come to Stagecoach with a background in teaching and performing and hope with the creative team of teachers behind them, to offer new opportunities for young performers in the area.

Stagecoach, with currently 600 schools throughout the UK, offers 3 hours of quality training in drama, dance and singing to young performers at weekends and is designed to build confidence and develop communication through

performing skills. As well as weekly class work for 6 to 18 year olds there are also sessions for younger children, 4 to 6 years, which run for one and a half hours alongside the main school which aims to build physical and vocal skills within carefully structured and stimulating classes. Stagecoach High Wycombe runs several of these sessions which have come about in response to the demand from local families together with strong evidence that young children benefit from starting training at an early age.

The Stagecoach system of teaching is both educational and fun and offers a bridge between school and full-time training – a welcome alternative for parents of youngsters who are neither ready nor willing to commit to a full-time stage school. Students are taught by experienced teachers with professional backgrounds in the performing arts and the High Wycombe school is fortunate to have three talented teachers who between them boast an impressive list of television and stage credits.

Stagecoach students from across the country come

together for both regional and large national events. These have included performances at The Royal Albert Hall, the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham and at theatres in London’s West End. There are also opportunities to work professionally and students have found considerable success in film, television and on stage. “A good grounding in performance skills does wonders for confidence and character building. It gives young people the edge over competitors, whether auditioning for a part in a show or in any area of life where they’ll need to communicate, to use their voice and work as a team”.

The schools will be starting the new term on Friday 7th to Sunday 9th September, running all the way to Christmas! Places are limited, so contact us today to arrange a trial session for your child.

For more information about the new term and Stagecoach Henley, High Wycombe and Marlow, which meets every Friday/Saturday/Sunday during school term time, contact Principal Andrew or Clare Gosling on 01494 533203.

Advertising Feature

New Principal for StageCoach Schools

ALONG THE THAMES 53ALONG THE THAMES 53

StagecoachTheatre Arts

Stagecoach Henley,

High Wycombe & Marloware now taking bookings for next term

Call 01494 533203 or visit

www.stagecoach.co.uk

The original largest and still the best part-time

performing arts schools in the world.

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends

and holiday workshops.

SING! DANCE! ACT NOW!

54 ALONG THE THAMES

The Success of British Film

From high brow Oscar winners such as The King’s Speech to the more coarse comedy of The Inbetweeners Movie, British film has something to offer everyone. Over the past few years the British film industry has witnessed success after success and this can be attributed to the diverse subject matter that it tackles. In recent years British audiences have been treated to everything from films documenting the lives of prominent figures, such as The Queen, to the long running fantasy action of the Harry Potter films.

It is undeniable that the British film industry has become as successful in diversifying its subject matter as it has at breaking box office records. The industry has contributed £4.2 billion to the British economy from its £34 million National Lottery funding last year. Earlier this year the Prime Minister stated that Britain needs to put more money into producing blockbusters. Although this would boost the economy further, we have to wonder if we would lose the integrity and wit which makes the British films what they are today. Quite possibly, because the fact remains that it is very hard to predict what kinds of films will become hits. For example, who would have expected the success of a film concerned with the alien invasion of an inner city London council estate? As was the case with Attack the Block last year. Furthermore, if we look at film internationally, the success of the silent, black and white film, The Artist in winning three Oscars this year, further proves that there is no predicting the kinds of films which will become successful.

Many would argue that the quality of British films has far surpassed those made in Hollywood over recent years. Whilst British film makers seek subject matters that range from historical events and figures, to real life portrayals of

British culture, a lot of the films churned out of Hollywood appear to be remakes of older pictures or endless superhero depictions.

South West London plays a major part in the success of the British film industry, being home to three of the biggest film studios in the UK: Shepperton, Teddington and Pinewood. These giants in film production provide the location for British films as well as for many international pictures. Shepperton studios have recently seen the filming of Wrath of the Titans, the sequel to the 2010 film Clash of the Titans. Although recent plans for a £200 million expansion of Pinewood studios were rejected by the local council due to the greenbelt in place there, the Studio has stated that it still remains loyal to British creativity and film. Pinewood is proud to have taken part in the filming of the latest Bond film Skyfall which is due for release later this year. The prominence of British film studios has been furthered with the opening of the Warner Brothers Studio tour- The Making of Harry Potter, at their studios in Leavesden, West London. This new experience highlights the connection of the British public to their film industry.

2012 has already seen further recognition of British film as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy won BAFTA awards for best British film and best adapted screenplay. The Oscars have also noticed Northern Ireland’s Terry George who took home the award for best live-action short film, The Shore, demonstrating that the British are being recognised in all areas of the film industry. It is undeniable that we will be seeing much more success for British film throughout the remainder of this year and for many more to follow.

Charlotte Allenby

I have recently completed my English with Creative Writing degree at Brunel University. Creative writing has always been a passion of mine and I greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to incorporate it into my

University studies. I have loved the past three years at Brunel and am now looking forward to the challenges to come after graduation.

As you will have noticed from the front of the magazine we sponsor a creative writing prize at Brunel University for a student in their last year of study.

2012 is the first year in which this prize was offered and we congratulate Charlotte Allenby, who is our first winner..

ALONG THE THAMES 55

SEO and your business

If you have a business and a website you won’t go a day without hearing the term SEO – Search Engine Optimization - it might seem like one of those techy things that you should find a specialist in, but if you take the time to learn the skill it won’t take that long to get the hang of it.

Here are some basics to get you started:

Step 1. Choosing The Right KeywordsChoosing the right keywords to base

your site optimization around is an important first step. General or generic keywords are usually not the best approach.

Targeting a suitable market will depend on your website, as well as the products and services you offer. Try to be specific with your keywords, and remember that people no longer use single keyword search phrases – the average search phrase contains 3-5 related words.

Step 2. Title TagYour title tag is as important as your domain

name. Using keywords in your title tag can improve your Google ranking significantly. Trying to achieve a balance of professionalism with keyword density in the title tag however is sometimes a little more difficult.

Step 3. Keyword DensitySprinkling keywords throughout your

page content can improve your sites keyword density. Keyword density simply means the ratio of optimized keywords to the rest of the content on your page. It is usually expressed as a percentage, and should be between 7% and 10% for each page on your site.

Step 4. Links, Links and More LinksThe general principal is the more back links

you have, the higher your pages will be ranked.

It is a constantly evolving practice, but once you get started, and you will see the benefits there will be no stopping you!

Bus

ines

s

56 ALONG THE THAMES

New initiative launched to support

south east entrepreneurs

Obtaining funding can provide a much needed boost in difficult times for SME’s and entrepreneurs, or if you want to get your project off the ground and running finding a support structure and sourcing finance are instrumental to success. Good news is on the horizon for entrepreneurs with a fresh scheme underway in the South East.

The University of Southampton Science Park, www.science-park.co.uk, unveiled in July a new initiative which aims to reward entrepreneurial talent in the South East with a comprehensive, tailored programme of mentoring and support over a six month period.

The programme has been developed in association with SETsquared, www.setsquared.co.uk, and will provide successful applicants with all the tools they need to turn a high quality, high-tech idea into a viable business proposition.

The Catalyst Centre initiative also provides free desk and meeting space, and up to £1000 towards business expenses. Mentoring and support will be on-going over the six month period. Chief Executive of the Southampton Science Park, and Catalyst Centre judge, Peter Birkett said, “The Catalyst Centre will allow individuals with brilliant ideas to thrive in an innovative and supportive environment. We hope this initiative will not only allow businesses to grow and develop but also inject added energy into the local economy whilst becoming embedded in the entrepreneurial Science Park community.”

Entries are open now, and interested parties should visit the USSP Catalyst Centre, www.usspcatalystcentre.org.uk, for further information, and to submit their entry. Entrants will be asked to complete a short online form, describing their high tech business idea.

Entries close on the 14th September, and selected participants will be invited to pitch their proposition to the judging panel. Following the pitch process, up to seven individuals will be invited to take up places in the Catalyst Centre with immediate effect. On conclusion of the 6 month period, there will be a graduation event, where each business will present to the judging panel and invited guests. Following successful completion of the Catalyst Centre process, the best businesses will be considered for entry into the SETsquared Business Acceleration programme.

SME’s are often faced with the difficult situation of sourcing funding beyond the traditional approaches to banks for a business loan. Help is at hand and if you need further advice and information on sourcing different finance options, from loans to business angels, then Smallbusiness.co.uk free App may prove useful. Unveiled in May this year the App offers help with raising business finance and importantly highlights sources of funding beyond traditional bank loans. The digital guide is aimed at entrepreneurs and small business owners.

If you are a young entrepreneur looking to break into the small business arena then a StartUp Loan could provide much needed funding. In May 2012 StartUp Britain worked with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to commence StartUp Loans. StartUp Loans lend up to £2500 to any young person wanting to start a business. All information on StartUp Loans, how to apply, the StartUp Loans ambassadors and global partners can be found on the Startup Loans Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/StartUpLoansUK

Harriet Subramanian

ALONG THE THAMES 57

SELF ASSESSMENT

Need help completing your Tax Return?

Not enough time for paperwork?

WE COULD PROVIDE THE ANSWER!Randall Associates

Fast & Friendly U.K. Taxation Advice

For a quote, ring Keith Randallon

T: 01628 520426E: kas.randall@btinternet.com

www.randallassociates.co.uk30 Stratford Drive, Wooburn Green, Bucks HP10 0QH

Join us for an informal gathering of like minded business professionals, while having a cup of coffee. Open to both men & women. NO JOINING FEE.

Share ideas - exchange information - join our communityMarlow - 9.30 - 11.30 am

Danesfield House Hotel on 2nd Thursday of the month

Maidenhead - 9.00 - 11am Temple Golf Club on

3rd Thursday of the month

Business Biscotti promotes working in a way that is .flexible, mobile,

collaborative and digitally in touch

For more information or to join us on line visit

www.businessbiscotti.co.uk

MONDAY 10 SEPTEMBER: Business Advisory Clinic – specialist advisors

on hand for key business areas – strategy, fi nance, legal, branding, PR,

marketing, sales -plus more…TVBWG meetings are open to ALL business ladies, whether you own a business owner or partner, are a department head

or company manager or are thinking of starting your own business! Our meetings are held at The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Moor Hall, Cookham SL6 9QH. Meet

from 7.00pm for networking and we start promptly at 7.30pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available during meetings and the

CIM bar is open for attendees to meet and network before and after our monthly sessions. Please remember to bring

your business cards, leafl ets, promotions and products to each session. Meetings are free for Members and £10 for guests.

For more information, please visit us at www.tvbwg.com

Cost Effective Advertising for all Sizes of Businesses & Budgets

Delivered FREE into homes every 2 months

Contact us

T: 01628 771419M: 07711 887107

E: Offi ce@AlongThe Thames.co.uk“The man who stops advertising to save money is

like the man who stops the clock to save time”

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LOCAL LIFESTYLETM

INANDAROUND MARLOW and BOURNE ENDAPRIL/MAY 2012

Business is constantly changing nowadays, and this has significant impact on us, not only on our business lives, but also on our personal lives. How do we cope with the volume of change that is around us in business, and where does it all come from? How can businesses survive in such turbulent times, and is it possible to actually thrive?

Change really is the new normal. Once the genie is out of the bottle (and it is) there is no putting it back. Businesses are grappling with the economic downturn, with changing customer and consumer behaviours, and with new competitor initiatives. Globalisation, new generational behaviours and desires, and disruptive technologies are all driving change. And, just to make it interesting, the pace of change seems to be ever-quickening. There is no viable option to ignore change, to just crawl under the duvet and hope for the best, to pretend what has been done in the past will be sufficient to cope in the future. I’m not sure many people would think that what worked in the past works today, never mind in the future. A few executives at Kodak may well have a view.

In the 20th century, Kodak was one of the powerhouses of the world. It launched the Brownie camera in 1900 and was truly committed to making photography available for the masses. With the slogan “You push a button, we do the rest”, it established a dominant position in the lucrative film business. As we all know now, technology has moved on and being a dominant film provider became increasingly irrelevant. Today we use the digital cameras in our mobile phones, we share pictures over the Internet, and printing photographs has become a rarity. I saw a couple the other day looking over prints they had just collected from a photo processing company as

they waited for their lunch. It took me back to the days of going on holiday, shooting several rolls of film, sending the rolls off to be processed and getting prints back about a week later. I haven’t done that for a long time, and some readers of this article will never have done that, and never will.

Kodak was aware of the possibility of technology change and even had a prototype digital camera in 1975. They decided to kill the prototype rather than develop it! Later the company did make big investments in digital imaging – spending billions of dollars, and carving out a reasonable position in the market with their EasyShare range. In the 2000’s the company made a bold bet, buying photo-sharing site Ofoto. However, as the decade wore on the core business continued to decline, the company brought in new leadership, down-sized, and pursued increasingly radical “big bets” such as low-cost ink and lines of printers.

It is fair to say that Kodak did see the world, and the changes, fairly clearly and did what a lot of other companies would have done. But the brutal truth is that the transformations businesses need to undertake to handle significant change are unforgivingly difficult to get right. What if Kodak had thought of the idea of enabling people to share information about their lives (does this sound familiar to you?), rather than sharing their photos? Would that have been a way for Kodak to transform their business, rather than just changing it? Would that have provided an opportunity for a brighter future?

In the next article, I will explore how businesses can survive, and even thrive, in the world where transformation is the new normal.

Phil Walker

Change is the new ‘normal’

58 ALONG THE THAMES

ALONG THE THAMES 59

PetsBBQ fun can spell

danger for pets

Is your pet overweight?

With the weather warming up, many people will be stoking

up their barbecues. But pet owners should take extra

precautions to ensure their pets stay safe when the heat is on.

PDSA advises owners to take a few simple precautions

to safeguard their pets:Skip the scraps - eating

barbecue scraps can upset your pet’s stomach. Undercooked, unfamiliar or fatty food can

cause vomiting and diarrhoea.Bin it – make sure any leftover food and rubbish is properly

thrown away in a lidded dustbin. A very common barbecue-related

problem seen by PDSA vets is pets that have eaten corn on the cob cores. These can cause a serious blockage and have to be surgically removed.

Don’t be a ‘fuel’ - lighter fluid contains hydrocarbons

(derived from crude oil), which can prove fatal if ingested. So

keep it well out of reach.Flamin’ hot – playing around a

barbecue can lead to severe burns, so pets should be kept well away from flames and burning embers.

Slap on the sun cream – pets can suffer from sunburn and

heatstroke just like humans, so if you’re enjoying the sun ensure

your four-legged friends have access to shade and plenty of fresh water. Special pet sun creams can be used on pets

with white fur or damaged skin. Watch what you drink –

make sure that glasses and drinks are not within reach of thirsty pets. Alcohol can be particularly hazardous for

pets and glass bottles or cups can be easily knocked over

and smash – so plastic cups are a much better option.

Many pet owners first reaction to this question is a very quick “no!!”

The experts at Companion Care Vets advise us to take a moment and look at your pet and answer again……

you may now say, “a little”, or “I’m not sure” or even “yes, very!”

Weight is a personal issue, for pets as well as humans and Companion Care Vets has worked with many pet owners who have let their guilt at having an overweight animal stop them from seeking help sooner.

It is never too late, especially when it comes to a healthy diet and exercise regime and we wanted to share with you some tips to motivate you and your furry friends.

A dog or cat can only eat the food that its owner offers – more often than not overfeeding is a case of the owner not realising how much (or what) their pet should be consuming.

A family dog getting scraps from the children’s plates or a very inactive cat who loves nothing more than to spend the day sleeping …….these pets will put weight on very easily.

It is important never to feel embarrassed…. please visit your vet. As well as ruling out any underlying issues your vet will be able to devise a diet and exercise plan to get your pet’s weight within healthier parameters.How to tell if your pet is overweight

Standing above your cat or dog, look down and check for a “waist” – pets at the proper weight will have a visible indentation behind their ribs Place both hands, palms down, lightly on your cat’s or dog’s ribs. You should be able to

feel the ribs, but they shouldn’t be sticking out (If you can see the ribs, your cat/dog may be underweight so a trip to the vet is recommended!) If you cannot feel the ribs easily, chances are your cat/dog is overweight. Diet

As a general rule it is best to feed your pet a complete pet food as recommended by your vet. Home-made diets are an option, but it’s difficult to make sure these contain the right amount and types of nutrients. Take the time to follow the guidelines on your packet of pet food - weigh the food to check you’re giving the right amount but please remember these are only guidelines and discussing how much to feed your pet with your vet is recommended. Exercise

Regular exercise is good for both you and your pet and there are lots of ways to exercise pets besides walking.

Dogs enjoy running and playing games like ‘fetch’ so mix things up and vary the types of exercise; please avoid throwing sticks as they very often cause injuries. Balls are just as fun!

House cats definitely need an exercise plan as “couch-potato” springs to mind! Set aside time to play with house cats to ensure they get enough exercise and encourage them to ‘work’ for their food using toys that release food when pushed around.

Outdoor cats should also be stimulated in the same way, although as a general rule they’ll move around more they may just as likely be lounging in a cozy corner of the garden!

If in doubt visit your vet!

Claire Fryer

60 ALONG THE THAMES

Two new model names herald the UK arrival of the new high-performance Fiat:Abarth 500 and 595 ranges.

Fiat has announced a series of changes to the Abarth 500 line-up. The Abarth models – which are badged as Abarths

rather than Fiats are sold through a distinct network of Abarth dealers – are sportier versions of Fiat’s popular 500.

The existing Abarth 500 carries on as the entry-level model for the range but is joined by two new models, the 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione. The 595 badge recalls the famous Abarth 595 SS of 1964. The original Abarth 500 will have 4 new pastel colours and extra

standard equipment has been added, while the on-the-road price has been reduced. All three models will be

available with manual or semi-automatic gearbox.

The modern 595 models have a 160-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, a handy boost

compared with the power of the similarly-sized engine in the Abarth 500 (135 in the case of manual cars and

140 in the case of those fitted with the MTA automated manual transmission). The standard Abarth 500 and the new 595 models are all available with a choice

of hatchback or 500C-style convertible bodies.

Prices for the Abarth 500 start at £13,975, with convertible and MTA (semi automatic) versions

costing more. The 595 Turismo starts at £17,725, and as well as its more powerful engine gets dark tinted rear windows, upgraded dampers, climate control, leather upholstery, red brake calipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps along with special trims.

The 595 Competizione adds further features such as cross-drilled brake discs, Sabalt seats, titanium grey front & rear sports grills and an upgraded exhaust. Prices for the Competizione range from £18,725 for a hatchback with a manual gearbox to £21,925 for an open-topped

car with the MTA transmission – which may at first sight seem to be quite steep for a car based on the Fiat 500, but isn’t when you look at the 500’s rivals.

“When the ground-breaking Abarth 595 SS was created in 1964 it established itself as a genuine performance

car and a force to be reckoned with on and off the circuits,”

Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK.

Mot

orin

g

Abarth 500

Abarth 595 Turismo

Abarth 595 Competizione

ALONG THE THAMES 61

On Tuesday, 10th July at 4.00 pm, Marlow Town Council held a Children’s Torch Relay in Higginson Park in celebration of the Olympic Games, the same day that the Olympic Torch visited Bisham Abbey, on the river Thames nearby.

All Marlow primary school children (aged 4-11) were invited to take part in the relay which was free, thanks to the generous support of the Rotary Clubs of Marlow, Café in the Park, Marlow Striders, Gordons Solicitors and Wycombe District Council and their Sports Development Team..

Children made their own Olympic torches in school as part of each school’s Olympic celebration and the Town Council invited each child to run a section of the park with his or her torch. As each child finished they received a gold medal handed out by Sir Steve Redgrave, CBE, the Town Mayor and Town Councillors, and the torches were entered into a competition, judged by the Town Mayor, Jocelyn Towns. Winners were awarded bronze, silver and gold certificates for the three most original torch designs, and each winner received £20.12 echoing

the year. Fraser Whitfield won the gold award for his magnificent torch, Sebastian Pepperell won silver, and Amy Swanborough took bronze.

Cllr Philip Ditchfield, of Marlow Town Council, said: “The torch relay was really inspiring, with more than 800 children taking part – and perhaps today we’ve seen some of our sporting heroes of tomorrow! Thanks to our very generous sponsors we’ve been able to provide a free community event for families, which has helped everyone get into the spirit of the 2012 Olympics”.

Marlow FM provided the music and local torch bearers, Jane Daly and Katharine Gourley, went around with their official Olympic torches so children had the chance to have a photo taken. Sir Steve Redgrave also brought his torch along as he took part in the Henley Torch event earlier that morning.

Children taking part received a picnic box including a snack and drink, courtesy of Café in the Park. There were free rides on the roundabout and a free bouncy castle, entertainers and face painters – ensuring lots of fun for families and friends.

Marlow’s own Torch Relay Event celebrates in style

62 ALONG THE THAMES

Key to Events: One-off eventsWeddingsCharity Events Clubs for Adults Theatre & Music Business Meetings

Longridge, Marlowt: 483252 - e:bookings@longridge-uk.org

Many clubs meet regularly at Liston Court, Chapel Street.- t: 472 558Marlow Antique bric-a-brac fair

meets 1st Saturday of the month at Liston Hall from 9-4pm

The Farmers Market, Marlow, Dean Street Car Park every Sunday, 10am - 2pmBourne End Country Market product

Small Hall 10 - 12 , Every Friday

If you would like your event advertised contact

01628 771 419 / 07711 887107 or e: office@AlongTheThames.co.uk

LOCAL CLUB EVENTS:Marlow Art & Craft Society1st Thursday in month, 7.30pmMarlow Bottom Village HallMidas Antique FairsCrowne Plaza, MarlowEvery 4th Sunday, 10 - 4pmMarlow & District Horticultural Society14th August, 8pmListon Hall, Marlow - Flower ArrangingMarlow Society19th August, 2.30pm - WALK - A guided walk of Victorian Marlowwww.marlowsociety.org.ukMarlow & District Horticultural Society25th August, Annual ShowArchaeology in Marlow29th August Rose Collection Visitwww.marlow-archaeology.org/Marlow Camera Club18th September, 7.45pm for 8pmMethodist Church, Spittal StreetWelcome back Member Summer Images - www.marlowcc.orgMarlow Archaeology Society20th September, 8pm, Garden Room, Liston Hall, Marlow -Manors & Manorial documents in South Bucks & East Berks - Sarah Charltonwww.marlow-archaeology.org/Marlow Society23rd September - WALK - A guided walk around Marlow Townwww.marlowsociety.org.ukMarlow Camera Club25th September, 7.45pm for 8pmMethodist Church, Spittal StreetColour vs Black & White Debate - www.marlowcc.orgMarlow Society25th September - TALK - 7.30pm Liston Hall, MarlowThe 6th Trip back in time dedicated to photographs of Marlow’s past - Michael Eagketon - www.marlowsociety.org.ukArchaeology in Marlow27th September, 8pmListon Rd, MarlowThe Shottesbrooke Log Boat - Steve Allen www.marlow-archaeology.org/Marlow Society7th October - WALK - A guided walk of forgotten Marlowwww.marlowsociety.org.uk

THEATRE AND MUSICAL EVENTSHeartbreak Productions presents Oscar Wilde’s ‘An Ideal Husband’26th August, West Wycombe Park. For more info & for tickets: www.nationaltrust.org.ukBourne End Concert Orchestra7th October, 7.45pmBourne End Community Association01628 522854/522604

Kenton Theatre - See oppositewww.kentontheatre.co.uk

BUSINESS/NETWORKING EVENTSBusiness Biscotti - MarlowEvery second Thursday 9.30 - 11.30amDanesfield House Hotel, Marlowwww.businessbiscotti.co.ukThames Valley Business Womens GroupEvery second Monday 7pm for 7.30pm startCIM, Cookham, www.TVBWG.comBusiness Biscotti - Maidenhead Every third Thursday 9 - 11amTemple Golf Club, Maidenheadwww.businessbiscotti.co.uk

SPECIAL EVENTSMarlow Library15th August, 11 - 12.45pm, 1 - 2.45pm and 1 - 4.45pm, Institute RoadREWIND Festival17th - 19th August, Henley www.rewindfestival.comWycombe Museum, Priory AvenueRotten Romans Workshops’24 August, free sessions at 11.00 -12.00, 13.00 -14.00 or 14.30 -15.30, (Suitable for ages 7+) - have fun with Roman numerals and create your own cartoon stripHughenden Manor25 August, 12 - 4pm Meet the Beekeepers’, a chance to find out about bee keeping and honey production, (Free for NT members, normal admission charges apply).Little Marlow Village Fete27th August 14.00 - 17.00, Little Marlow Recreation Ground, Church Lane, Little Marlow. 27th August - Bank Holiday

Stubbings NurseryBerkshire Food & Craft Fair29th and 30th September Stubbings Estate, Henley Road, Maidenhead SL6 6QL www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk

29th August - 9th September

London Summer Para Olympics

Bucks County Show30th August, 8.00am - 6pm, Weedon Park Showground, Aylesbury, HP22 4NN.

ON-GOING EVENTSMarlow MuseumSaturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 1 - 5pmPound Lane - opposite the Leisure ClubStanley Spencer Gallery1st April - 4th November, 10.30am - 5.30pm dailyOld Thatch Gardens 12th May - 31st August, 2 - 5pmevery Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday

WEDDING FAIRS27th August, 11am - 3pm, The Compleat Angler Hotel, Marlow27th August, 11am - 4pm, Court Garden House, Marlow16th September, 10.30am - 3pmStoke Park, Stoke Poges 14th October, 11am - 3pmGrovefield House Hotel, Burnham

Out

& A

bout

For more information or changes to the schedules as listed please call

Marlow Information Centre on 01628 483597

Kenton TheatreClosed in August for routine maintenance

Sunday, 9th September – 2.30pmThe People’s Theatre Company presents

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLYA family show that brings to life one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes for the very first time. Written specially for parents to enjoy with their

children, the perfect treat for anyone aged 4 to 104.Thursday, 13th September – 7.30pm

Elsewhere Theatre Productions GB presentsRodney Bewes as “A BOY GROWING UP

” An Entertainment from the stories of Dylan Thomas.A show put together by actor Emlyn Williams of the short stories of Dylan Thomas and called it “A Boy Growing Up”. Rodney Bewes (the star of ‘The Likely Lads’ plays Dylan Thomas in this beautiful one-man show. Suitable for ages 12+

Saturday, 15th September – 7.30pm THE UK PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE SHOW

A true rendition of Pink Floyd’s studio album including “The Pipers”, “Division Bell”, “Astronomy Domino” and many others. Will keep you astounded and shouting for more.Tuesday, 18th to Saturday, 22nd September – 7.30pm

Masquerade Young People’s Theatre presentsLES MISERABLES – Schools Edition.

Undisputed world’s popular musical with the dramatic score including the songs “I Dreamed a Dream”,

“On My Own”, “One Day More”, “Do You Hear The People Sing”. Performed entirely by students.

Sunday, 23rd September – 7.30pm Thames Valley Chorus invites you to

COME TO THE CABARETA celebration of music, dance and comedy hosted by the fabulous international gold award winning Thames

Valley Chorus comprising 40 men singing in perfect acapella harmony. Supported by the exciting Emma Jane

Dancers and some comedy from Capt. John Ward.Monday, 24th to Sunday, 30th September

HENLEY LITERARY FESTIVALFor times and dates of individual events, refer to Literary

Festival Web site www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.ukHenley Literary Festival has established itself as one

of the most prestigious events in the country. The Kenton Theatre has proved to be the perfect venue

for leading speakers at the festival, from the Duchess of Devonshire to Sarah Brown to Alexei Sayle and the

programme of events for 2012 promises to be thebest and most diverse ever.

Tickets from £8. To book telephone 01189 724700.

Please mention Along the Thames Magazine when booking.

contact the box office Monday to Friday 11am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 1pm

01491 575698OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL PRODUCTIONS AT

www.kentontheatre.co.ukNew Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BP

Free Parking available in Waitrose car park after 6pm

Catch 22...“Playing something

for everyone”Playing Weddings, Parties

Dinner dances and Corporate functions

throughout the south.Over Six decades of music

tailored just for you…

Enquiries 01635 46734info@catchusat.co.ukwww.catchusat.co.uk

Tradesmen beware

If a job is worth doing then it is worth doing well and that often requires being in possession of the right tools for the job. Unfortunately the criminals who operate in this area are well aware of this. We have seen a rise in the theft of tools from vehicles and this is especially true of tradesmen who rely on their tools for a living. I would like to urge all tradesmen to think about the security of their vehicles. When you get to a job then unload all of your tools from the vehicle if you can. If not then make sure that your vehicle is kept locked at all times and preferably left where you can see it. Also never leave your tools in your vehicle overnight. Tools are very expensive and most tradesmen have a lot more than the cost of replacing them to lose. If you are having some work done on your property then pass on this advice to your tradesmen. After all if their tools are taken then how much longer will they take to complete your work?

Tool security is also important for householders. Have you ever considered how much money is sitting in your shed or garage in the shape of your tools? Now consider what security you have on your shed. Is it alarmed or even locked in most cases. Alarms for your shed can be purchased at most garden centres or DIY shops. Another incentive for securing your shed is that many burglars will use a tool from your shed to break into your house. If you would like to know more about home security or your local neighbourhood team then you can visit us at www.thamesvalley.police.uk. There you can also sign up to Thames Valley Alert and find out about what crime is happening in your area.

Inspector Ray WilksThe views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Thames Valley Police

Policing Matters

Congratulationsto the winners of the following book competition

held in the June/July 2012 issue.‘5.30am Without Warning’ by Jakki Sydney:

K.Newman, R. Bance, J. County

MARLOW - CLUBSArchaeology in Marlow ........................................... 472126Marlow Archaeological Society .............................. 523896Bowls ..................................................................... 485274Boxing ......................................................... 01494 532826Crafts ........................................................ 473872/473539Football .................................................................. 483970Hockey ................................................................... 521830Plants (Orchids) .................................................... 486640 Petanque ............................................................... 521783Photography .......................................................... 483030Rugby ....................................................... 483911/477054Running ................................................................. 474885Four Seasons Club ................................................ 474095Tennis ................................................................... 483638New Marlow Tennis Academy .............................. 488438Rifle & Pistol Club ...................................... 01494 676676Longridge ............................................................. 486595Marlow & District Wine Society ........................... 630341Marlow Society/History ........................................ 476140Rotary Club................................................. 01494 530952LETS .......................................................... 01494 523978U3A ......................................................... 485220/488865Operatic Society .................................................. 475973Community Choir .................................... 602581/661182Railway Society ................................................... 486433Choral Society ..................................................... 472998Marlow Orators ........................................ 07738 540287

MARLOW - COUNCIL Bus Services ............................................. 01494 441818Liston Hall ........................................................... 472558Marlow Information centre ..................... 483597/481717Library ...................................................... 0845 2303232Town Council .......................................... 484024/481146Neighbourhood Watch ............................. 020 77723348Police ....................................................... 0845 8505505Trains ........................................................ 0845 7000125Wycombe Council .................................... 01494 461000

MARLOW - HOSPITALSMarlow Cottage .................................................. 482292NHS Direct ................................................. 0800 595000Wycombe ................................................. 01494 526161

MARLOW - DENTISTSMarlow Dental Centre ........................................ 486096La Perla Clinic ..................................................... 488499St John Ambulance .................................. 01494 474748

BOURNE ENDLibrary ................................................................ 524814Community Centre ............................................ 527502

Useful Numbers Stockists

Page: 39 - Simple Crossword

from Pages 34-35

Swisht: 476 467 w: www.swishboutique.co.uk,a: 5 Liston Court, Marlow

No25 of Bourne Endt: 528 877 w: www.no25ofbourneend.co.uka: 25-27 The Parade, Bourne End

Across: 3 Table salt, 8 Oman, 9 Tentacle, 10 Staple, 13 Orion, 14 Descant, 15 Hod, 16 Cheetah, 17 Franc, 21 Ri-yadh, 22 Tiramisu, 23 Karl, 24 Pepperoni. Down: 1 Hopscotch, 2 Parasites, 4 Aztec, 5 Linseed, 6 Shaw, 7 Lulu, 11 Catamaran, 12 Stockholm, 14 Doh, 15 Harrier, 18 Bruin, 19 Aide, 20 Camp

Thank you to those of you who contacted us about the front cover on the last issue - it was Hambledon Village not Marlow Bottom. Our apologies for the confusion.

Some extra little things that you might want to do through the holidays:

Notting Hill Carnival 26th - 27th August

Houses of Parliament Opening - 27th July - 6th October (except 2nd - 18th September)

Buckingham Palace Opening 31st July - 7th October

Bourne End Concert Orchestra 2012Date : Sunday 7th. October at 7.45pm

Location: Bourne End (Bucks) Community AssociationCost: £10.00 - Tel. 01628 522854 or

BE(B)CA 01628 522604Where, this autumn, will you find an evening of wonderful

music from some of the great composers of the world and an American soprano who will delight you with classic songs? Only at the Bourne End Community Centre that is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The theme of ‘Celebrating

Our Community’ includes the music of Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Copland, Debussy, Lincke and Britten.

ALONG THE THAMES 65

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October/November IssueChristmas Issue

Deadline - 14th September

T: 01628 771419 / M: 07711 887107E: offi ce@AlongTheThames.co.uk

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We can help your business grow“I have to say that Along the Thames is one of the most outstanding quality free and local magazines I have seen in recent years. Serena’s attention and sheer devotion to the format, content, ethos and delivery of this magazine is truly honourable, and the magazine deserves all the credit it receives. For the Thames Valley Business Women’s Group it has been a key vehicle for raising awareness, encouraging local business ladies to attend our meetings and events, as well as encourage membership. We have seen 3 to 5 members join per monthly meeting, a high percentage of this attributed to these business ladies reading about the group in Along the Thames. Also, our members have received considerable success and growth in their businesses by advertising in the magazine - indeed with 1 member saying she had become virtually fully booked as a direct result of her advertising. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending both Serena and Along the Thames Magazine to anyone and wish the magazine even more success and growth in the coming years.”

Nicky Guy, Chair - Thames Valley Business Women’s Group

Call 01628 771419 / 07711 887107offi ce@alongthethames.co.uk

ALONG THE THAMES 67

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