Connecting Communities INANDAROUND MAIDENHEAD, COOKHAM and BRAY

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

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2 ALONG THE THAMES

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call Claire on 01628 481601or email info@thtjb-daynursery.co.uk

56 Place purpose built children’s nursery

features6 Hedsor House Music Festival10 Reader Offer12 Sally’s Smalltalk17 Thinking of Letting?26 Improving Fuel efficiency42 Business - CRM46 Travel - City Breaks50 Jon Boynton’s Olympic Dream

regular features4 Recipe: John Burton-Race18 Garden30 Fashion3Hair by Alexander 36 Beauty: Beauty for less44 Motoring50 Community information52 Out & about54 Horoscopes

Welcome to a bumper magazine for October/November. This is our biggest ever issue and we can’t wait to celebrate our 5th Birthday in December. We waited for Summer and it never came, now the night’s are drawing in and noticeably cooler so we have included some wonderful recipes to heat you up during these chillier months.As we have such a bumper issue we wish to thank our advertisers for their continued support - it just goes to prove that local supports local and that we are listening to your needs. We are always looking to improve the magazine and hopefully you will notice yet more changes in this issue including more of what is happening locally.We have some wonderful events going on around us. For example, Hedsor House held a Music Festival in their grounds which is set to become an annual event. The National Trust have just launched a series of walking festivals at their properties some of which are featured on page 49. There are some last minute city breaks featured on page 46 for anyone looking for last minute holiday ideas, or for something to do before the festive season is upon us. Many of our wonderful hotels in the local area are featuring with us this issue in the lead up to Christmas. If you haven’t yet made any plans then take a look at what they have to offer, especially if you are looking for party venues for this year.In addition we have all our usual features including: Motoring, Hair, Beauty, Health Home and GardeningUntil next time, Happy Reading..........

PUBLISHER & EDITORSerena Edwardsserena@AlongTheThames.co.uk

ADVERTISINGFor all enquiries please callt: 01628 771419m: 07711 887107e: offi ce@AlongTheThames.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORSHarriet Subramanian, Alexander Parsons,Christine Chalkin, Kasia Cole, Jill Coleby, David Rhys PriceJohn Burton-Race, Sally Todd, Shelagh Wright, Niki Schäfer,Michele Axisa, Jacky & Mark Bloomfi eld

ADDRESS1 Bell Street, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 1BU

www.AlongTheThames.co.uk

FRONT COVERHenley Show 2011Courtesy of Universal Sky Pictureswww.aerial-photograph.co.uk

ACCOUNTSAccounts@AlongTheThames.co.uk

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.

2011 DEADLINESDecember/January 11th November

© Along the Thames 2011

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Contents

4 ALONG THE THAMES

Serves 4

For the Butter sauce2 shallots, finely chopped1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped1 thyme sprig1 tarragon sprig1 bay leaf½ tsp white peppercorns, crushed250g unsalted butter, diced2tbsp white wine vinegar2tbsp white wine2 tbsp double creamSaltSqueeze of lemon juice

Put the shallots, garlic, herbs and crushed pepper corns in a small saucepan with 20gof the butter and heat gently, stirring until the butter is melted. Add the white wine vinegar and boil to reduce until syrupy.

Add the wine and reduce again until syrupy. Pour in the cream and as soon as it boils, lower the heat. Add the butter piece by piece, stirring constantly until it’s all melted and you have a smooth sauce.Season with salt and lemon juice to taste. Pour the sauce through a fine sieve into another small pan and keep warm until ready to serve.

For the Smoked haddock risotto1.2kg smoked haddock600ml milk1 Onion, peeled and halved12 Bay leaves8 black pepper corns5 sprigs of thyme150g unsalted butter3 Banana shallots, diced1 clove garlic, puree600g risotto rice160ml Madeira250g parmesan grated1.5l chicken stock400g oyster mushrooms250g fresh sweet corn, cooked50g chives, chopped200ml butter sauce250g pea shoots (1 punnet)

Place the fish in a saucepan with the milk, bay leaves, pepper corns and thyme. Place on the heat and bring to the boil, set aside for 10 minutes to finish cooking.Remove the haddock from the milk (keep the milk) and cut into 50g fingers. Flake the excess fish and reserve for the risotto. Heat the chicken stock in a saucepan. In another pan heat half the butter, add the

shallots and garlic, sweat off until soft. Stir in the rice, add the Madeira and reduce dry. Add a ladle at a time of the hot chicken stock and half the haddock milk (too much and it will be to strong in flavour), just covering the rice. Reduce the stock, stirring regularly. Repeat this process until your rice is just cooked.Finish the risotto with butter, parmesan and adjust the seasoning to taste. Add the sweet corn and oyster mushrooms, cook for a further 45 seconds. Stir in the flaked haddock and chives. Serve straight away.Meanwhile heat the haddock fingers gently in the rest of the milk, lay neatly on top of the risotto. Top with a warm quail egg, teaspoon of butter sauce and pea shoots.

Smoked Haddock Risotto, sweet corn, oyster mushrooms and a quail egg

by John Burton-RaceConsultant Executive Chef, Sanctum on the Green, Cookham Dean

SANCTUM ON THE GREEN ROYAL BERKSHIRE

Come one and Come all!

Enjoy festive dining with friends, colleagues or the family at Sanctum on the Green this Christmas.

Our restaurant and private conservatory are extremely versatile and can be used to suit your particular requirements

Choose from one of three group dining menus or we can tailor a menu to suit your specific requirements.

Christmas Group dining packages available from £25, £35 and £45 per person (min numbers 8)

Restaurant book-out option available on request (for up to 40 guests)

Exclusive dinner and dancing option available on request (for up to 50 guests)

It’s Christmas !

For further details please email: sophie@sanctumonthegreen.comwww.sanctumonthegreen.com

6 ALONG THE THAMES

Photography courtesy of Adam Trigg and John Helm

On Saturday 17th September, AlongTheThames were delighted to be invited to Hedsor 2011. Hedsor 2011 was a one-night charity festival in aid of the East Africa famine and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). MSF is one of the leading charities fighting the East Africa famine so really could not be a worthier charity. Every single penny raised from the event went to the charity.

The event was held on the lawns of the beautiful Hedsor house and organized immaculately by Nick, Mark and Hamish Shephard, the family who own Hedsor. The 750-guest party was brimming with society faces as well as many local ones to provide a fantastic audience for this incredible event.

The theme was “Welcome to the Jungle” and the second we stepped foot inside Hedsor Park the adventure began…

“Welcome to Hedsor Safari Park” bellows a khaki-dressed guard as we head down the kilometer-long Hedsor drive. Soon we are by lead through the historic Hedsor woods into “The Jungle”. African drum beats echo through the woods as we pass by ‘dinosaur nests’ and ‘hippo wallows’ and a huge sense of anticipation builds! Suddenly the awe-inspiring Hedsor House appears through a clearing and the event lies before us. A huge 8-metre gorilla sits next to the stunning venue whilst an equally tall elephant wanders through the crowds. A life-size prop rhino stands

in the middle of the arena whilst a zebra is silhouetted on the horizon. Six marquees encircle the African camp and a huge stage rises out and over the guests. High above the event whip two gigantic animal-print balloon lines flicking through the sky like giant tentacles.

A pride of leopards pounce on me… with charity buckets. Of course the guests are all fancy dressed too! Lions, Pocahontas, Aztec kings and more - I don’t think I have ever seen so much leopard print ever!

Suddenly I find myself pushing through bamboo and banana palms to enter ‘The Watering Hole Bar’. Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Westons Cider and Bordeaux Wine Investments have all sponsored the event the delicious drinks flow freely. 250 African drums drum out to announce the jungle feast is served. Feast is the perfect description. It was incredible. Sponsored by Delhicious Foods, guests are treated to an amazing array of Asian food. Tandoori ovens roar into the night’s sky whilst the aroma of colossal woks wafts through the guests.

And then one of the best musical line-ups I have ever heard begins. The headline and highlight was Shlomo, the world’s leading beatboxer and whose family live just moments from Hedsor. The spectacular of a sea of face-painted faces bouncing higher and higher at his performance really was unforgettable.

Hedsor really did excel itself for this event. Having been to many events before at Hedsor every time I see it I am blown away by its homeliness and flexibility. From hosting intimate meetings, award-winning weddings or Jungle parties – it is a wonderful venue. I hope to be back in the Hedsor jungle soon!

e: info@hedsor.comt: 01628 819050w: www.hedsor.com

ALONG THE THAMES 7

at Hedsor House

01628 819050 • www.hedsor.com • info@hedsor.com

Hedsor House is one of the most beautiful private houses

in the UK and a unique setting for your Christmas party.

Hedsor House is only 40 minutes from Central London

and is set in its own private 85-acre estate in Taplow,

Buckinghamshire. Choose between Christmas Party

Packages from £85+vat with catering provided by

Rhubarb, one of the country’s leading caterers, or

Exclusive Use Hire for bespoke Christmas events.

Perfect for parties of 80 – 140 in the main house or

marquee parties for up to 1000 guests.

8 ALONG THE THAMES

Pork GoulashThis spicy pork dish uses the remainder of the Sunday pork roast and makes an ideal mid week supper. Based on a Goulash recipe from Hungary, it is simple to prepare and cook. Serve with baked potatoes sour cream and chives. Serves 6-8

You will need...3 tablespoons olive oil1 kg cooked pork leg or shoulder diced into chunks1 tablespoon caraway seeds or fennel seeds2 medium onions peeled and sliced3 red chillies deseeded and chopped *200g sliced roasted peppers (from jar or char grilled and peeled)3 cloves garlic peeled crushed and chopped2-3 tablespoon paprika powder * 3 bay leaves2 tablespoons tomato puree500ml stock & gravy (ideally saved from the roast joint meal)1x400ml Tin of tomatoes (Use 2 if no gravy/stock available)1 Courgette sliced into rounds150g whole button mushrooms1 tablespoon caster sugarJuice of 1 lemonSea salt & ground black pepper2 Tablespoons soured cream or plain white yoghurt1 Bunch of chives chopped.

Heat oil in large saucepan, and fry off the onion ,chilli garlic and fennel/caraway seeds for about 5 minutes. Then add all the fresh vegetables, and fry for a further 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced peppers, pork, stock tomatoes and puree, and all the remaining ingredients except the sour cream and chives. Bring to boil and simmer on a minimum heat in saucepan with the lid on for 55-60 minutes. Remove and serve with a topping of sour cream/yoghurt and sprinkle with the chives

Tagliatelli with ChorizoThis simple recipe makes a delightful light supper, with just a hint of spice. Chorizo is one of the principal ingredients so for a vegetarian option, just leave out the chorizo and substitute with grilled, peeled, and chopped red pepper diced into small pieces.Serves 4-6

You will need...500g tagliatelli or fettuccine3 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon butter/margarinePinch of salt.150g aubergine cooked under grill for 10 minutes and diced70g button mushroom chopped1 medium onion chopped100g piece of chorizo diced into small chunks1 teaspoon of garlic powder and black pepper1dessert spoon of paprika

2 tablespoons parmesan cheeseSprigs of fresh basil/oregano for cooking and garnish

In a wok use 1 tablespoon of oil and fry off onion and chilli for five minutes. Add the chorizo, cooked aubergine and some chopped basil/oregano, and cook for further 3 minutes. Mix together the garlic powder, paprika and black pepper and make sure you coat the mixture all over. Remove from heat and set aside. Place tagliatelli/ fettuccine in a large saucepan of boiling lightly salted water, and simmer for 15 minutes or until just cooked. Remove from saucepan and drain in colander. Place oil and the butter/ margarine in the same saucepan, and heat until the butter melts. Stir in the drained tagliatteli, and the onion and chorizo mix, and stir well. Once mixed through serve and top with parmesan cheese, and basil leafs

Winter Warmers

* guideline only - change for your own taste.

I am a Maidenhead based cookery writer, and Internet Chef. I am passionate about all aspects of

cooking, and through my’ spiced up’ recipes, I aim to bring the

enjoyment and benefi ts of spicy food, to a wider readership.

David Rhys Price -The ‘Spicy Chef’

Tagiatelli with Chorizo

GROVEFIELD’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER“IT’S WONDERFUL SEEING THIS LOVELY HOTEL COME TO LIFE, THERE IS PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO – WE ARE PLANNING TO MAKE IT EXTRA SPECIAL”

Your summer holiday list is just beginning

but Emma Beddall is checking her

House is at its festive best for the scores of

people who are already relishing the winter

party season.

The General Manager who has brought about

a radical change of fortune for the stylish

Classic Lodges country hotel at Burnham is

reaping the reward of solid networking with

the business community.

Before she joined few realised the hotel had

undergone a £2 million facelift but now, it is

a popular year round destination for business

networking, corporate functions as well as

weddings and family gatherings.

Weekdays now see the car park packed

with men and women attending functions,

interviews or meetings. Evenings are just as

likely to attract diners keen to take advantage

of the international cuisine offered by colourful

Lebanese chef Imad who loves to demonstrate

his many talents.

“It is wonderful seeing this lovely hotel come

to life. There is plenty to look forward to at

Christmas and we are planning to make it

extra special,” said Emma.

TAPLOW COMMON ROAD, BURNHAM, SLOUGH, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE SL1 8LR TEL: 01628 603131WWW.CLASSICLODGES.CO.UK

10 ALONG THE THAMES

stock up your kitchen and cut down on shopping trips Riverford delivers award-winning organic food fresh from their farm straight to your door. There’s nothing Riverford doesn’t know about fruit and veg (they’ve been growing it for 25 years) but the farm has plenty more to offer. Choose from a range of weekly organic essentials like eggs, milk, meat, juice and cereal, and even wine and chocolate when you need a treat. Delivery is free and you don’t need to be at home.

get inspired and cook seasonallyYou’ll want to make the most of all that fresh seasonal food and Riverford makes it easy. With each delivery your local vegman and lady, Tim

and Jacqui Rix, will bring a newsletter with up to eight new recipes to inspire you to feed your family better. Forget boring boiled vegetables: swap them for sweet and tasty honey-glazed carrots or grilled courgettes and tomatoes with basil dressing. Riverford’s website www.riverford. co.uk is bursting with even more recipes. And if you ever run out of ideas, just ask Tim and Jacqui for help. Or look in the Riverford Farm Cook Book - free when you try a vegbox today.

easy to orderOrdering is easy and fl exible. Riverford delivers weekly, fortnightly or whenever suits and you can stop and start deliveries as often as you like - there’s no contract or tie in. Organic vegboxes start from just £9.85 with free delivery.

free cook book or vegboxTry a Riverford vegbox today and get a free copy of the award-winning Riverford Farm Cook Book worth £16.99 with your 3rd delivery (when you place a regular order, new customers only). Just the thing to get your veg-packed routine off to a fresh start! Or, if you prefer, you can have your 3rd vegbox free instead.

Find out more at www.riverford.co.uk or call your vegman and lady, Tim and Jacqui, on 01494 863370.

Along the Thames reader offer

ALONG THE THAMES 11

The entire history of the spice trade starts with pepper. For around 4,000 years pepper has been traded from its origin in India. At many points in time it was valued highly enough to be used as currency.

Known as the ‘King of Spices’, pepper is now the most commonly used spice in the world and graces almost every dining table, alongside salt. Pepper comes from various species of a vine-like plant and is sold in many forms. The fruits of the plant are the peppercorns. Black pepper is the dried, unripe fruit while white pepper is ripened a little further than black pepper before having its black shell removed. Green peppercorns also come from the same plant but are harvested at a different stage in their development.

Whole peppercorns last indefinitely but the ground spice quickly loses its flavour. For this reason, freshly ground pepper should be added to food after cooking or towards the end of the process. Finely ground white pepper is used in white sauces to maintain the clean appearance of the dish.

Pepper has antibacterial properties and improves digestion. It also helps treat nausea and increases body temperature which can help cure fevers.

12 ALONG THE THAMES

It comes to us all, does old age. Or at least we would all like to

think that we are going to live to a ripe old age. I personally would like to grow old enough to become a nuisance to my children and have them look after me in my twilight years. These days we rely on our parents for an awful lot more than perhaps our parents did on theirs.

With the increase in women working and the manic pace at which we lead our lives, we have come to depend on our parents in a numerous ways. It is not uncommon for us to ask them to look after our children on a regular basis, help out with housework, be there to support us emotionally when times are hard, and pretty much be a major support system to our everyday lives.

In short, I reckon I pretty much take my parents for granted and give little thought to how old they actually are. However the other day I took my mum shopping and suddenly it became as clear as a slap in the face that my parents are in their mid-seventies now and I need to stop relying on them so much for, well, just about everything and start giving back a bit of support. Here are a few of the tell-tale signs that I have noticed:

• Your parents may repeat themselves several times in conversation. Early signs are when they tell you a piece of news or something they did when they were young and a few weeks later tell you again, and a few weeks later again and so on. This isn’t so bad we all do that occasionally, tell a story and forget who we have told and tell it again. It is when they start doing it within the same conversation that you need to worry!

• When your mum’s make up is not restricted to the area it is

intended for. The most specific one is probably eye make-up. She will have had to remove her specs to apply and of course whilst removing them, she has incidentally removed her vision!

• Your parents’ idea of an exciting day out consists of a trip to the local garden centre for lunch. However on reflection this is now no longer regarded as exciting for my parents, as all garden centres have cashed in on the spend happy mummies looking for somewhere to offload their kids so they can drink coffee and chat. Garden centres are now no more that soft play centres with a few plants scattered about for effect. If anyone has any alternatives my mum will be most happy to try them out!

• All gossip, local information or any news worth hearing is gleaned from the doctors’ receptionist and as such is considered the absolute truth.

• Your parents have stopped going out so much and if they do, it’s to a friend’s house. But to be honest what they like to do best is peruse the Radio Times (for young people reading this, the Radio Times is a printed publication with television programme times in, pre-dating remote controls, the internet, teletext and come to think of it, television!) and settle down to re-runs of any murder mystery programmes.

• When you take them shopping they point out all the spaces within close proximity to the working lifts. I kid you not they know which ones work, which don’t and which are the fastest and nearest to Marks and Spencer.

• Also whilst out shopping, gone are the days that your mum will

meander about the rails and aisles aimlessly with you, offering advice on which outfit you should wear to Doris’s wedding. Neither will she stand waiting for you whilst you see how many sweets you can stuff into the pick and mix in Wilkinson’s. Oh no. As you continue to chat incessantly, you turn and look to her for a response and she is gone, nowhere to be seen. You extend your gaze to the middle of the shop to find your mum sitting on a deck chair in the garden furniture room set watching the world go by as if she hasn’t a care in the world. It is at this point that you sadly realise that maybe Westfields for Christmas shopping this year is probably not the best idea.

What about dads though? What are the tell-tale signs? The biggest one has to be when they are genuinely grateful to receive nothing more than a box of vanilla fudge and some chocolate limes for their birthday. But we must not forget that the appearance of the flat cap whilst driving 30 miles an hour, EVERYWHERE and the fact that your dads car has a bash, dink or scrape on every panel of the car which he has no recollection of doing, are also pretty much dead giveaways .

So I as I selfishly struggle to clutch onto my thirties I feel I should release my grip a little and give a thought to my wonderful parents who have done so much for me. It is time to give a little back and offer the same support and companionship that they have offered me over the years. Look out for us; we will be visiting a garden centre near you soon!

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

You know when your parents are getting old when...

Sally’s Smalltalk

ALONG THE THAMES 13

• Eating Disorders • Depression• Anxiety• Couple Issues

• Relationship Issues• Family Relationships• Communication Diffi culties• Adolescent Issues

Telephone: 01628 509041 Mobile:07956 495365Email: info@drshelagh.com . Web: www.drshelagh.com

Siena Court Broadway Maidenhead SL6 1NJ

DoctorShelaghDr Shelagh Wright DsysPsych

Systemic and Family Psychotherapist

Need help with:

Dr Shelagh is now on MarlowFM every Tuesday 9.30am to 12pmon the Health Show

Christmas is fast approaching with orders placed, presents bought, and plans well underway for that perfect family gathering. Or is it? Is it possible to have the perfect family gathering?

Many of us hold the myth that families should be free from stress, that the home should be a haven of peace and happiness particularly around Christmas, which is often viewed as an opportunity for quality family time. Society gives us the clear message that it is acceptable to experience work-related stress, but not family-related stress. The media is full of images of the perfect family enjoying the meal around the table and each others company, what the media does not portray is the often real life situation of arguing children, moody teenagers and parents that don’t talk to each other. When we ‘buy in’ to these unrealistic expectations, we often end up disappointed. A certain amount of family stress is inevitable. It is how a family handles and copes with stress that is truly important.

At Christmas time the pressure to be happy and enjoy things increases exponentially which merely serves to provoke feelings of inadequacy in all of us. People now often lead very busy lives and may feel that they have little time to spend together or have a desire for the simpler life. Families often will find themselves constantly bickering or spending time talking about running out of time and the tasks of preparing for the holiday period, rather than

people and feelings. The person doing all the running around is often mum who feels that the success of Christmas lies solely on her shoulders.

It is well reported that, less stressed families seem to find time to support each other, display more flexibility, have reasonable expectations, communicate regularly with each other, set priorities, and view stress as a challenge that is both temporary and manageable.

Some solutions to family stress at Christmas:

• When problems begin to arise – talk about them together, avoiding problems almost always intensifies them. Planning as a family what you want to do at Christmas will go some way to ensuring everyone is on board.

• Get everyone involved, particularly if both parents are out working. On the day give everyone a task for example peeling potatoes or setting the table. Sharing out the tasks means that there will

be times for everyone to relax.

• Leave work at work – over the Christmas period you do not need to be thinking about work or work related issues. This is a specific time when the family is the only focus.

• Set guidelines for all family members if you recognise and respect your limitations the others will too. You can't do everything that your partner or children want you to do.

• Keep things in perspective - Concentrate on those items and tasks that bring the most rewards to your family and get the full benefit from them. Eliminate those that do not give benefit to the family.

Christmas is usually a time when families come together, being reasonable and realistic about your own expectations and sharing these with your family will enable you to plan a Christmas that you can relax and enjoy.

Shelagh Wright

Christmas Tidings

14 ALONG THE THAMES

A divorced man has won the right to retain £1 million of his pre-marital assets before a 50/50 division of the remainder of the couple’s joint assets is made. The assets were valued at around £9.5 million, after provision had been made for the children’s future education costs.

When the couple married in 1993, the husband (known as ‘H’) had assets worth £2.1 million, estimated to be worth £4.2 million today. During proceedings, H asked for the settlement to leave him with some £1.4 million more than his former wife (‘W’) who claimed an equal share of the joint assets. She said that even with a 50 per cent share, she would barely be able to meet her reasonable needs.

W gave various reasons to the court as to why she thought it would be unfair for H’s pre-marital property to be excluded, including the fact that the property was brought to the marriage a long time ago and had, since then, been commingled with the rest of the family wealth. She also felt that H had deliberately given

up a highly remunerative job in banking in 2007, to become a school teacher, in order to reduce the amount of any settlement.

The judge disagreed with W’s arguments, however, pointing out that when H left his job in banking, he was able to sell his shares in the bank for considerably more than they would have been worth now, following the global financial crisis. The judge said that he could not fault a man for leaving a job after 28 years in order to take up a new career that he clearly loved. He also stated that there was no evidence to show that H would have any greater earning potential in the financial sector and pointed out that at 55 years old, and in view of the poor state of the financial sector compared with when H left it, it was by no means certain that he would be able to find employment in the financial sector, even if he wanted to.

In conclusion, the judge ordered that £240,000 be paid into an account for the daughter’s education, reflecting amounts that had been set

aside for the son since 1999. The judge said that it would be ‘wrong and

unfair for none of H’s pre-marital wealth to be excluded from the sharing principle’. On the other hand, the judge went on to say that the marriage was long and the pre-marital monies were ‘well and truly mingled’ with marital funds, which signified an acceptance by H that the money would be shared with W.

The judge therefore ordered that £1 million should be excluded from the settlement, the rest of the assets being divided equally between the two parties.

“This case demonstrates that judges in matrimonial proceedings may use their discretion to exclude one party’s assets from any settlement as long as ‘reasonable needs’ are provided for,” says Karen Newman.

Contact Karen Newman on 01628 631 051 or email karen.newman@colemans.co.uk for advice on a range of issues including divorce,

Divorced man can keep£1 million in pre-marital assets

ALONG THE THAMES 15

21 Marlow Road, Maidenhead SL6 7AA www.colemans.co.uk

Marriage on the rocks, but can’t afford a solicitor?

Think again

To arrange a £50 fixed-fee initial meeting, please call 01628 631051 or email karen.newman@colemans.co.uk or elizabeth.miles@colemans.co.uk

Come and talk to one of our specialist solicitors about our structured fees, tailored to your financial circumstances.

Drop downThe letters to the left belong in the squares immediately to the right, but not necessarily in the given order. When entered correctly, they reveal the names of five breeds of dog, reading downwards.

Answer on page 56

16 ALONG THE THAMES

As the summer draws to a close and temperatures fall, symptoms of winter illnesses drive many people to seek help from their G.P. or pharmacist. However, many ‘over the counter’ medications have become ‘off limits’ for children in recent years, leaving busy parents struggling for something to help them nurse their children – or themselves! – through a bout of cold, cough, or the ‘flu.’.

Homeopathic medicines offer an alternative to conventional drugs, are non-toxic and safe for use in babies and children1 and research has shown that homeopathic medicines can be effective in the treatment of people with respiratory tract infections,2&3 otitis media4 (ear infections)and sinusitis5.

Homeopaths report that many parents are increasingly concerned about giving their children pain killers and cough medicines and are looking for a natural way to help the body to heal.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine where the focus is on the individual patient – how he or she reacts to their illness, what makes them feel worse in themselves, what things they crave to do and what they want to avoid and how this changes when they are ill, from when they are ill – all theses and many other factors are used by the Homeopath to reach a prescription for that individual.

How does someone find a homeopath? The internet, local advertising sections in papers, or directories that come to the home, all will list Homeopaths but it is best to check that the homeopath is Registered with the Society of Homeopaths, so they will have ‘RSHom’ after their names.

The Society of Homeopaths has been registering homeopaths for over 30 years and its members have agreed to practise and abide by a strict Code of Ethics and carry full professional insurance for peace of mind. They will have completed an approved course of study validated by the Society, as their professional qualification. You can find the Society’s Code available online at www.homeopathy-oh.org and you will be able to access the Register via that site.

Some common homeopathic medicines that may help with colds and ‘flu are:• Gelsemium: the number one ‘flu’ homeopathic medicine

with symptoms that are slow to come on, much heaviness and roping, fatigue, clammy skin, flushes of heat and cold, dizziness and congestion.

• Belladonna: symptoms come on suddenly with heat, pain, throbbing and irritability children may become obstinate or bite or hit, with fiercely red cheeks. Children want to be carried but this has to be at a fast pace.

• Pulsatilla: may have blocked, painful sinuses, sticky mucus, a clingy, whining mood, tearfulness and children will want to be carried slowly and cuddled. They will arouse their parent’s sympathy!

by Adele Miller.. Registered Homeopath

References: 1. Endrizzi, et al “Harm in Homeopathy: aggravations, adverse drug events or medication errors?” Homeopathy 2005;94 (4) 233-40 2. Riley, D et al “Homeopathy and conventional medicine: an outcome study comparing effectiveness in a primary care setting” J Alternative Complementary Medicine 2001;7: 149-159 3. De Lange de Kerk et al “Effect of Homeopathic Medicines on Daily Burden of Children with Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections” BMJ 1994 November 19th;309:1329- 1332 & Steinsbekk, A et al “Homeopathic Care for the prevention of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in children: A pragmatic, randomised, controlled trial comparing individualised homeopathic care and waiting list controls”. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 13; issue 4; December 2005:231 – 238 4. Jacobs J et al “ Homeopathic Treatment of Acute Otitis Media in children: a preliminary randomised, placebo controlled trial”” Pediatric Infect Dis J 2001; 20: 177 – 183 & Frei, H et al “Homeopathy in acute otitis media in children:treatment effect or spontaneous resolution?” British Homeopathic J 2001;90: 180-182 & Friese K-H et al “Homeopathic Treatment of otitis media in children: comparison with conventional therapy” Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther.1997;35: 296-301. 5. Adler, M “Efficacy safety of a fixed-combination homeopathic therapy for sinusitis” Adv Ther 1999;16: 103 -111.

just say.......‘non’

Hom

eopa

thy

I have been reading a book written by a French woman who advocates

freeing yourself from the oppression of motherhood. Some of her top tips include – be a woman first, then a mother; never be a slave to your children; and (my personal favourite) drink a glass of wine every day.

As I read it, I found myself agreeing with nearly every

point.

Raising children is stressful. But somewhere hidden within the text

of the book, and many others like it, comes the idea that it all boils down to

commonsense: - and saying no.

A good idea is to look at your own upbringing. I can remember being a teenager (just) and I can tell you now that apart from the odd “get off the phone” I don’t recall my parents being stressed by my behaviour.

My parents always supported me but they didn’t spend all their time worrying. When they felt something was not appropriate they just said no. And I accepted it. End of story.

Their social lives were important to them. I wouldn’t call it neglect, just a simple fact that they had lives too and if I wanted to do something and they were busy it was hard cheese. I sometimes find myself dropping everything to accede to a child’s request. How ridiculous is that?

Maybe we should be a little more like our parents were? How hard can saying no be? Go on – give it a try. If all else fails, there’s always that glass of wine to look forward to.

Vanessa Woolley

ALONG THE THAMES 17

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Thinking of letting a property?

Successfully letting your property needn’t be too stressful providing you follow some basic good advice. Other than making sure your tenant is fully referenced by a professional referencing agency here are my top 3 tips for a successful letting.

1. Ensure you choose a letting agent that is a signed up member of a professional body such as the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) or the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). In doing so landlords and tenants can be sure they are dealing with a firm which agrees to meet defined standards of customer service, together with having in place the necessary insurances to protect clients' money plus a customer complaints procedure offering independent redress.

2. Ensure you have an inventory and schedule of condition prepared by a professional inventory clerk. An inventory is a legal document and should list everything that is included within the property and its condition. The inventory should be agreed by both the landlord and the tenant when the tenant moves into the property and the return of the tenant's full deposit is usually dependent upon the condition of the property when the tenant leaves, excluding fair wear and tear.

3. Ensure that you have a rent guarantee and legal expenses cover insurance policy. In these uncertain times even the best of tenants can find themselves in the position of being unable to pay. Surprisingly though against a backdrop of rising unemployment only 12% of UK landlords have taken out these policies.

by Scott Bonnell

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Last time we talked about planting ... you should now have a lovely collection of texture and colour with seasonal surprises to come in the spring ... now you have to nurture and coax your garden to its full potential. Looking after a garden full of newly planted treasures can be a bit daunting, but the only things you really need to do is water and weed. New plants need plenty of water, especially in windy weather when moisture easily evaporates. Don’t just spray the leaves, water each plant down at the base with a hose or watering can for a count of ten. Whilst the plants are establishing and expanding to fill their space you will need to keep the ground in between clear of weeds, new soil provides an excellent environment for weed seeds .... better to hoe them out while they are small, than wait for them to grow and seed themselves!

Checking regularly and keeping on top of this task allows you to sit back and enjoy the garden. Take time to think about the finishing touches – perhaps some pots or a feature to provide a focal point or a lovely view from the house. These flourishes can really give the final magic to a garden and make it a satisfying and rewarding addition to your home all year round.Happy Gardening!

By Marlow Gardeners Jill Coleby and Vanessa Faulkner

a new garden - step by step

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All Aspects of Tree Surgery Soil Analysis Pest and Disease Control Tree Consultancy Lightening Protection

Mature Tree Planting and Transplanting Stump Grinding/Removal

Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL ARBORIST ON:

01494 677 889 rtrippett@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com

By AppointmentTo Her Majesty The Queen

Tree SurgeonsThe F.A Brtlett Tree Expert Company Ltd

Often incorrectly called the Castor Oil Plant, this architectural evergreen with huge, glossy leaves looks like it should be a houseplant. However, it’s perfect for growing in deep shade on heavy clay soils and there aren’t many plants that survive those criteria. It needs to be in a sheltered spot and is fully hardy in most of Britain. There is also a variegated form with creamy edges to the leaves but this is not suitable for outdoors and should be kept inside.

Fatsia grows between 3m to 6m tall with an impressive spread. Happy, mature plants produce spheres of tiny, creamy white flowers and if you’re very lucky, these will be followed by dark purple seed heads. Keep well watered and fed throughout the summer.

As with all evergreens the old leaves do have to fall at some point. On the Fatsia this can look alarming as the leaves droop and turn yellow. This happens towards the base of the main stem. New leaves will be produced though, and you can encourage bushier growth by pinching out the growing tips.

Fatsia japonica is the perfect choice of plant to give a sunless corner a dramatic, lush, tropical look.

Fatsia Japonica – Japanese Aralia

20 ALONG THE THAMES

After eight years in Marlow, Hyperion Tiles is going from strength to strength. Company Director, Richard Skeoch, has recently taken over the Ascot branch and is working with his co-director David Carozzi.

The previous owner and showroom manager, Graham Oliver has now semi-retired. The Ascot showroom is currently being revamped, and Hyperion Tiles are extending their collection from Italy to cater for their middle to top end clients. Each shop will have a different product range to cater for clients’ design tastes in each area.

When an interior designer needs inspiration or a property developer needs the perfect porcelain tiles, this is where they come. When a builder needs a floor surface perfect for underfloor heating or a family move into a new home and

need advice on bathrooms, this is where they come. Hyperion Tiles in Marlow and Ascot welcome homeowners to hoteliers. They advise on projects large and small and feel privileged to be able to offer their expertise and their wide range of products, from

cutting edge designer collections to timeless classics. “Everyone’s home is their castle,” says Richard, “and we respect that. Our clients are our number one priority.”

The Hyperion Tiles team has an enormous wealth of experience, able to source materials of the

highest standard, advise on creative as well as practical usage and then install all surfaces proficiently in every environment

– kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools, outdoors or grand entrance halls. The showroom staff are welcoming and experts in their field, and the fitters are not only technically outstanding they are also courteous, respectful and reliable. Go to www.hyperiontiles. co.uk for some inspiration, but nothing can compare to visiting the showrooms for a guided tour and the best advice.

Hyperion Tiles in Marlow has the most comprehensive and unusual selection of tiles we have ever seen.

A designer’s ‘kid-in-acandy store’ experience

Quote from Bathroom Designer Pauline Heffernan

Marlow Ascot72 West Street 67 High Street

Marlow, Bucks SL7 2BP Ascot, Berks SL5 7HPTel: 01628 475888 Tel: 01344 620211

From strength to strength, Hyperion Tiles

ALONG THE THAMES 21

Step into a new world

Step into one of our showrooms to experience why we are the number one boutique supplier of the most innovative ranges outside London.

ASCOT

The Old Fire Station

67 High Street, Ascot

Berkshire SL5 7HP

Tel: 01344 620211

MARLOW

72 West Street

Marlow

Buckinghamshire SL7 2BP

Tel: 01628 475888

www.hyperiontiles.com

Touch the quality. See the style. Feel the difference.

22 ALONG THE THAMES

Of course we all describe comfort in completely different ways. A minimalist will no doubt find one portion of their home comfy. To them. It just won’t be the same as my daughter’s definition, as it’s unlikely to involve 27 teddy bears and a High School Musical blanket.

So how do we make our homes comfortable? What makes each of us feel ‘at home’?

There are some common denominators, of course - the crackling fire, fabulous texture underfoot, but also the less noted, flattering lighting and intuitive design. These are the intangible factors of a home that are only noticed if they don’t work. It’s rare to compliment the comfortable flow of someone’s house or the correct mood lighting. If they are done well, then these factors just fade seamlessly into the fabric of the house.

Finding comfort in the home isn’t always a case of investing in dozens of fluffy cushions. Comfort requires a personal definition, because while some are comforted by a simple basket of freshly cut

logs others prefer surrounding themselves with stunning pieces of art, designer fabrics and eye-wateringly expensive tassels to feel ‘comfort’. What does it mean to you?

Comfort in the home is a fundamental part of human existence. Maslow identified security as one of our most basic needs and I would suggest that meeting this need, in the form of a home - a sanctuary, an escape - will mean that we are then more free to venture further into our more complex needs such as respect and self-actualisation. Understanding the psychology of the home requires more than investing in a pair of £350 curtain tie-backs after all.

Understanding what delights you - what makes you tick, what lights your fire - is the first part of interior design. Appreciating what makes you happy or excites you - the love of a sculpture bought on a romantic weekend in Arles, the painting left to you by a grandparent, an instrument played as a child - can inspire more than a gorgeous room. It will work way beyond coordination and design principles as it will be based

on your life, your history and that personal element is what will make the room wonderful - wonderfully comfortable.

That being said, there are still rules to follow that will help compliment the ‘feel good’ factor of the object itself - be it an inherited Tiffany lamp or a simple patchwork cushion that caught your eye.

These rules are there to give a helping hand, to point out a basic shape perhaps or a palette of colours. The item, let’s call it a copper cooking pot that your Grandmother always used, will give you the scheme for the rest of the room. It will tell you whether to use curved legs or straight, it will suggest a traditional look or a more contemporary style. It will, in short, give you the ‘feel’ of a room. And if you listen carefully, and most importantly, are not distracted by other pretty diversions, then your room will come together as a cohesive design - well thought through, simple and uniquely yours.

Pepsi Deanfield dwell-being designs

Comfort isn’t just for Christmas. Comfort is a state of mind. Comfort is the end of the day when everything is peaceful. Comfort is a cuddle.

Comfort is a blanket and a clear night sky. Comfort is candles.

24 ALONG THE THAMES

Invite Autumn into your homeI must be one of the only women I know who detests clothes shopping! But what I actually gain from browsing through the racks of clothes, shoes, hats and scarves is inspiration for interior design. After all, clothes fashion on the high street inevitably ends up in our homes in our furnishings and colour schemes.

On a recent shopping, or should I say ‘browsing’ spree I enjoyed savouring this Autumn’s collection of clothes and accessories: Animal prints are making a big statement - from leopard skin or zebra stripes to faux cow hide. And what a pleasure it was to run my fingers along the plush rich velvets and the fluffy cashmeres, which are exquisitely soft to the skin - then the colours! - beautiful berry, mustard, muted bronze and gold colours. Yes, Autumn is upon us!

Animal prints and cashmere work really well in soft furnishings. Use both in throws for your bed or draped over the sofa. Velvet cushions in plum, blackberry and burgundy tones, perhaps

mixed in with some amber and gold ones bring

an Autumn warmth and instant cosiness to any room.

If you really appreciate the warm rich colours of Autumn don’t be afraid of feature walls either painted, or wallpapered with large scale chintz type prints or bold stripes. Faux suede armchairs and dark wood furniture can give a real ‘boutique hotel’ feel to your living room. And why not be a little more adventurous and try something like a wooden trunk or ottoman in place of the more traditionally used coffee table.

The lights go back on again! Opt for table lamps and don’t shy away from different shapes, styles and sizes, rather than uniform pairs, so that your lamps are ornamental as well as functional.

Rugs, whether Eastern and opulent, or shaggy with a 70’s vibe, should be large statement pieces taking up a good proportion of the room. As for window dressings, Roman blinds work really well on

most windows, but for taller rooms in older properties, drapery works. Venetian blinds (with their wooden slats) are useful for north facing rooms so that the light bounces around the room.

Place twigs in pots, and fragrance your rooms with pot pourri and candles. Scents associated with Autumn are musky and woody with hints of spice, cinnamon and cloves.

So for me, as my animal print clothes days are now long gone, the only way I’ll use leopard skin is perhaps by investing in a couple of new cushions for the bedroom, where I think it will be a lot more pleasing on the eye!

Michele Axisa: Freelance Interiors Writer

ALONG THE THAMES 25

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26 ALONG THE THAMES

top 10 tips for improving fuel effi ciency

We’ve all watched helplessly as the cost of fuel has

rocketed over the last few years. Does anyone remember when it cost less than £1 per litre? Believe it or not, according to the AA, it was only a little more than two years ago in May 2009. Whilst we can’t do anything to beat the increases, there are ways we can minimise its impact. Here are our top 10 tips for improving fuel efficiency.

• Check the internet. Sites like www.petrolprices.com are invaluable as they’ll not only tell you where to find the cheapest petrol near your postcode, they’ll also tell you the highest, lowest and average prices in your area.

• Drive more efficiently. The experts tell us that it’s possible to cut 60% off your fuel bills just by driving more carefully. Don’t ‘warm up’ the engine, accelerate gradually (try to stay under 3000 revs), avoid sharp braking, drive in the correct gear and at your car’s optimum speed. Stay aware of your positioning and the road conditions ahead to avoid sudden movement.

• Don’t fill your tank. Remember that fuel weighs a lot so find a balance between not having to go to the petrol station that often but not carrying a full tank either, rather aiming for between one half and three quarters.

• Streamline your car. Again, weight is a huge factor in fuel efficiency. Don’t keep a buggy, golf clubs or other unnecessary items in the car. Take off roof racks which add wind

resistance and force your engine to work harder.

• Keep a regular eye on your tyre pressure. Check your car’s manual to find out what the levels should be and ensure they don’t dip lower than this. This will mean your car needs less oomph to keep it moving.

• Turn off the air conditioning. Many cars have air conditioning on by default and it does use an incredible amount of fuel so make sure it’s turned off unless you really need it. Similarly, use your demisters and heated windscreens sparingly. However if it’s really hot do use your air conditioning because driving with open windows causes drag and is even less cost effective.

• Avoid super fuels. Unless you have a highly tuned performance car, the difference isn’t noticeable enough to warrant the extra cost.

• Choose where you fill up. Again, check out www.petrolprices.com and plan ahead. Fill up at a supermarket station when you’re doing your regular shop, particularly if they have a petrol promotion running and if you have a loyalty card attached to the supermarket. Don’t be caught out with an empty tank when your only option is a motorway service station.

• Combine short trips into one longer one. Cold starts are inefficient so plan ahead and try to do more than one errand when you go out.

• Last but not least, turn the engine off if stuck in a jam. The general rule of thumb is if you think you’re going to be stationary for more than three minutes, it’s worth switching off.

ALONG THE THAMES 27

To see videos on some of our products go to

www.blind-inspiration.co.uk

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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28 ALONG THE THAMES

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TV Doctors

Choosing from the list below, can you name the TV shows that the doctors above feature in?

1 Dr. Nikki Alexander2 Dr. Richard Kimble3 Dr. Doug Ross4 Dr. Robert Chase5 Dr. Bunsen Honeydew6 Dr. Richard Burke7 Dr. John Dorian8 Dr. Cristina Yang9 Dr. Nick Riviera

10 Dr. Sam Beckett

The Simpsons Silent Witness

The Fugitive Grey’s Anatomy

Scrubs Friends

House Quantum Leap

The Muppet Show E.R.

Answer page 56

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Peakes

Menswear has been setting the standard in quality, style and practicality for over 80 years. Taking just the best of the best from the top German, Italian and French houses, Peakes offers an unrivalled collection from across Europe. Classic city suits and jackets from Odermark and Magee.tailored shirts from Eterna, hand crafted shoes from Barker, and a tie from Van Buck polish off the perfect professional look. For the more casual, we have the latest ranges from Meyer and Navigare.

For women this seasons collections include soft wool and cashmere mixes designed in easy to wear separates perfect for layering. Comfortable classic cut stretch flannel and cord trousers from Brax and Steilmann, plus the ultimate stretch jean from Michéle. Finish the look with a beautiful Passigatti scarf and jewellery from Steilmann.Visit our hire department for all your morning and evening wear requirements. We offer the best value and complete service locallyCall us 01628 622665 or pop-in for a browse - 77-79 King St, Maidenhead SL6 1DU. Opening Times: 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday to Saturday.

Peakes

34 ALONG THE THAMES

Alexander’s Hair Surgery

Alexander Parsonshas been in the hairdressing industry for 30 years and has worked for a variety of major local salons, including hair salon manager for the “Champneys Health Resort” group for twelve of those years. During his varied career, Alexander 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 employed by Stoke Park Salon in Stoke Poges (www..stokepark.com) and his unique take on all matters hairdressing makes him very popular with his clientele.

During the summer months, many of our clients have been asking our advice on how to change their hairstyles. There are many ways to do this of-course. A new haircut, a new colour or maybe even both! One method in particular however, has attracted a great deal of interest in recent years and is gaining momentum. Hair extensions! Now, before you all go running to the hills screaming, there are many different ways to use hair extensions in order to create a look. This can vary from the avant-garde, to the so natural that no one would ever notice. In this issue, I will guide you through the varied and exiting options available.

Clip-ins. This phrase is used to describe a method of attachment. Little bendy clips are attached to a weft or a completely styled hairpiece for an instant result.* Clip-ins are really just for one time hairstyle such as a special occasion and, not meant to be worn on a daily basis. Some clip-ins include a clamp to attach the hairpiece. If you can make a pony tail, you can use this type. You can buy these hairpieces from large department stores, or from companies such as Balmain (available from participating salons) who make a very comprehensive range.*(a weft is made from hair that is connected to a tape or fine cord and comes in a variety of lengths, colours, grade, quality and material (human or synthetic hair) The weft can be used as a “clip-in” or can be bonded to your own hair)

Wefts.Wefts can also be bonded to your own hair, usually at scalp level using a specialised adhesive or tape. This is tricky to do yourself but not impossible. It’s better to have them attached professionally or by a very experienced friend. Wefts can last in the hair only for a few days and require specialist removal. Do not just pull them out! Its not sexy to watch!

Micro Wefts.This method of attaching hair is relatively new. The wefts are about 3cm wide and are attached to your own hair using a special type of bonding tape at approximately 1.5cm from the scalp. Two micro wefts are bonded together with your natural hair in between them like a sandwich. They are then cut to blend in with your style. They can last for anything upto 4 weeks before they have to be removed. Micro wefts can only be attached and removed professionally and then washed, conditioned and re-taped for use again. This type of extension is suitable for special occasion or for a client who wants to experience what regular extensions would look like. Especially if the client is terrified that it extensions would look “silly” or “unnatural”, as my wife thought!

Bonded Extensions.Enter the Aladdin’s cave of possibilities! There are many

ALONG THE THAMES 35

extension companies available and each one has their own unique way of attaching hair. Racoon, Balmain and Great Lengths are some of them. Hair can be attached by bonding the added hair to your own with either, a type of resin, acrylic or ring, depending on the manufacturer’s method. Some companies offer various grades/qualities of human hair as well as acrylic fibre hair. Some companies recommend that the hair remain attached for up to 3 months, while others advise the hair is “rotated” (some hair is removed after 4 to 5 weeks then re-attached for another 4 to 5 weeks, removing a different area at each session, for up to 6 months wear and replacing lost or worn hair with new as required)

Some companies are recommended by the Institute of Trichologists and offer services for people who have lost hair through Chemotherapy (Racoon is one of them)

It really depends on what it is you would like to achieve, or what your expectations are when adding hair and, how much time you are prepared to set aside for upkeep. With all extension products, you need to “re-learn” how to look after and, style your hair. Once this is achieved, it seems to become second nature and many clients appear to “forget” they even have hair extensions in the first place!

Will extensions damage my hair?As long as you follow the advice given to you (to the letter) and the new hair is added with skill, then there should be no problems. Many clients are surprised that the added hair actually seems to protect their natural hair (especially if the added hair is longer) as the stress of styling is absorbed by the added hair and, for many, it is the only way the natural hair can grow!

Problems only seem to arise if the client is not suitable for extensions, but were applied anyway, or the client became blasé with the after care. It is not advisable to have traditional bonded extensions for a special event such as a wedding or holidays (sun and sea). The last thing you will be thinking about is the upkeep and aftercare, especially if you are on your honeymoon! For special events, the best option is to go with one of the temporary methods.

How do I find the extensions for me?The training program to become an extensionist is quite intense and can take several months to reach even a basic level of knowledge. All reputable salons will offer a comprehensive and detailed consultation process (ours takes about an hour) to determine the suitability of the client and to discuss your options and pricing. Often, a test sample is attached so that the client can “feel” the result and, again this is undertaken to determine the suitability. Please bear this in mind when choosing an extensionist. If you are unsure or uncomfortable in any way, then, perhaps you should book a consultation with another company.

If you have access to a computer, you can always conduct a “search” for company recommended salons in your area.

36 ALONG THE THAMES

As the country well and truly feels the financial pinch of the recession, there’s a lot of pressure on us to be careful with our money, to spend it wisely and to adapt to a less indulgent lifestyle. So buying those designer labelled beauty products - complete with very large price tags - can become difficult to justify for those of us on a weekly budget.

Yes, it’s hard to fight the allure of the brand and the promises that come with it, not to mention the sublime packaging and determined sales pitch from the assistant.

We all have a tendency to think that if it’s designer and expensive, then it’s guaranteed to make our skin more youthful, our lips look fuller and our lashes appear longer. We reassure ourselves that the expense is, of course, worthwhile but in reality, are there other products that can transform us from plain to gorgeous, for half the cost?

Is a healthy glow, flawless skin, luscious lashes and perfect pout only available if you buy into expensive top brands or is there an effective value for money alternative?

Well, thanks to the new trend in budget beauty, a superb range of affordably

priced buys are emerging. They might not be quite as exciting and glamorous as designer alternatives, but they do offer surprising results at pleasing prices.

The once uninteresting ‘value’ ranges have been overhauled and replaced with ones that are far more likely to grab our attention and make us realise that these products can stand up well against the competition. After all, what makes a beauty product great is what it can do for you, not the name on the container.

With supermarkets like Tesco leading the way with unbelievably cheap prices on cosmetics, these budget buys provide a great way for us to try out different or fashion-forward make-up looks, that we usually wouldn’t want to invest a lot of money in.

The cheap price tag makes experimenting fun, and a few pounds lost in an unsuitable lipstick is easy to live with, unlike the hefty credit card bill from the beauty counter of a top brand.

And it isn’t just cosmetics that are available at bargain prices. Everyday essentials are great value too. If you love relaxing with expensive bath and body products then you won’t be disappointed. The Body Shop - although slightly more expensive than some of the really cheap budget buys - is always the best for sumptuous, sweet smelling ranges that are perfect for pampering, cater for all needs and rival any designer fragrance.

More than ever before value-for-money products can even be found in your favourite clothing store. Next have a fabulous

range of items that are fashion inspired and affordably priced, so you can finish a trendy new look perfectly. Their vast range of varnishes bring nails up-to-date, at a price that allows you to try out every colour in the range.

Although it is hard to deny that a lipstick clad with an iconic designer logo looks so much more sophisticated in any handbag than a budget alternative, when on the lips the two look equally effective. And of course, with what you save on a designer lipstick, you can invest in expanding your make-up bag, finding a new look that really suits you and a satisfaction in knowing that, even with all the new purchases, you are still saving money.

By Helen Jane Taylor

Buy

Beauty for less

ALONG THE THAMES 37

Perfectly PluckedEyebrows are a natural frame for makeup and should be plucked immediately after a bath or shower, as the pores will be open, making hair removal less painful. If you are in a hurry, soak a cotton

wool ball in warm water and hold it against each brow for a minute or two before plucking.

Do not moisturise as this makes it difficult for the tweezers to grip the hairs.

Use a magnifying mirror in good light.

First brush upwards with an eyebrow brush and snip any stray hairs above the thickest part of the brow. Next brush downwards and trim hairs below the thickest part of the brow. Finish by brushing upwards.

Three-quarters of your eyebrow should slant upwards and the remaining quarter slant downwards. Take a slim pencil and hold it next to your nostril in a vertical line to find where your brow should begin.

Keeping the pencil against your nose, move the other end to the outer corner of your eye to find where your brow should end. To find where the highest point of your brow should be, move the free end until it crosses your iris.

Never remove hairs from the top of your brows as this distorts the natural curve.

Hold skin taut and pluck one hair at a time, pulling gently at a 45 degree angle in the direction of hair growth. Stop frequently to make sure your brows are even. Any redness can be reduced with aloe vera gel/ice.

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Nikita Thakrar, budding dance entrepreneur from Burnham and one of the UK’s leading dance artists has launched

her very own dance studio, which will be a base for the Dancing Nikita Company, which has been running

Indian dance classes in Slough for the last 6 years.Nikita is a pioneer of her dance style, a unique

amalgamation of classical Indian Kathak and Bollywood dance. She has been running classes for children aged 4+ and adults since 2005. After 6 years of hiring community halls, she is the proud of her own private dance studio exclusive to her company’s members! This is quite an

achievement for the 26 year old who was born and brought up in Burnham. Particularly during the time of the recession.Nikita says; “We got the keys for the building on the day of the riots in London. What a contrast! Here I was trying to set up a centre for the youth and for the next generation,

and there was people my age out there smashing windows. I want my story to be a message to those

people, that we all have so much potential. Let’s use it in the right way and make a positive difference to society.”The building, located on 459 Bath Road, Slough has just been renovated into Berkshire’s very first Indian dance

studio, which will also be open to teachers of other styles to hire with a plan to later expand into a cultural arts centre, offering dance, music, languages and activities of all sorts.

Nikita believes dance should be used to educate and empower the youth. Her form of dance, particularly encourages children freedom of expression and enhances self-development.

For enquiries please call:01628 298582/07904 075 144.For more information about the classes please

visit: www.dancingnikitacompany.com

Dancing Nikita Company launches Berkshire’s fi rst Indian dance studio!

38 ALONG THE THAMES

A recent national survey

of the UK revealed

that approximately

46% of all dogs were afraid of

fireworks (while 19% were afraid of the vet!). Correcting phobias and teaching your dog that things needn’t be as scary as they think can take some time, especially when the phobia is particularly serious. However, here are a few top tips to progress quickly.

Start training your dog at least one week before the fireworks season begins. I prefer to advise not to start with medications or drugs as scientific studies have demonstrated that the majority of cases of canine anxiety are correctable using a good behaviour modification plan. Use effective calming products like Thundershirt, a well-stuffed KONG toy and Through A Dog's Ear music CDs in order to support the plan and see fast improvement. Through A Dog’s Ear is the first clinically proven audio series to have a positive impact on canine anxiety and one I’ve been using in research with great success.

Firstly, place your dog's bed where it is near you but away from the windows or doors; when the fireworks are going off, you want to have them away from where they will be able to hear the noise loudest. Regularly have your dog settle in their bed, rewarding them for calm, settled behaviour. You can do this while watching television, reading a book or even while doing the ironing! I’d recommend weighing out your dog’s daily food allowance and feeding them by hand, using each piece of food as a reward for calm behaviour.

Have your dog settle on their bed at different times of the day to help train calm behaviour so that they don't associate just one part of the day with being calm. Have them settle before feeding them their breakfast, before their dinner and during the evening, for example. Repeat this often throughout the week to train your dog that their bed is now an enjoyable and safe place for them to be.

When it gets to firework season, remain calm and happy, feeding your dog with several pieces of tasty treats like dried liver, chicken skin or bacon fat, each time the noise occurs.

The dog will begin to associate the noise with positive outcomes. If your dog refuses the food, it is a clear indicator of how stressed they are: continue to offer it with a cheerful voice, turning up the volume of the Through A Dog’s Ear CD or a calm classical music CD.

If your dog has a severe phobia, consult your veterinarian and professional behaviourist who uses science-based methods of positive reinforcement and use a sound desensitisation CD whilst teaching your dog to settle on their bed. Desensitisation CDs feature a variety of noises your dog may be afraid of, such as fireworks, starting at a very low level and gradually increasing in volume. Feed your dog’s daily food allowance by hand, progressing to the next volume only when they are calm and non-reactive with the current level.

If you have to leave them home alone during the fireworks season, increase the volume of the Through A Dog's Ear CD (or simply play calm classical music) to help cover the noise of the fireworks; close any curtains and stuff plenty of food in the KONG to occupy them.

Remember to walk them during light hours when fireworks are less likely to be going off, avoiding walking them in the evening – a well-stuffed KONG chew toy is a great alternative to occupy them in the evening in place of a walk.

For more information on dog training and behaviour: www.JezRose.co.uk

My dog is scared of fi reworks

Help!

ALONG THE THAMES 39

Dog Food Labelling is complicated, and the manufacturers are not always entirely transparent to the ingredients contained within.

When looking at labels there are certain statutory requirements that need to be presented such as manufacturers’ details, ingredients, feeding guidelines, typical analysis and so on. In terms of helping all of us who own dogs understand how to interpret the labels; I have taken statements from food labelling guidelines and then tried to explain what it means to us when purchasing our foods. Some important areas to look for when choosing a quality complete food are:

“The product name is the first part of the label noticed by the consumer, and can be a key factor in the consumer’s decision to buy the product”Looking into the ingredients, post looking at the packaging may reveal that the old adage “never judge a book by its cover” is true! For example a product name with a “with Lamb & Rice” means that the mentioned meat is only required to make up 3% of the total product so it may not describe the prominence of ingredients you as a consumer might expect - take a look!

“All ingredients are required to be listed in order of predominance by weight”. The main portion of that food is made up by the first set of ingredients listed on labels. A good rule of thumb is to look for the first source of fat in the ingredients list such as “Chicken Fat”. Everything up to, and including, that fat makes up the main portion of the food content. In this section you want to be seeing the major meat components and you will perhaps see here that there are meats which the label won’t lead you to believe e.g. “With Lamb” on the packet may well include larger portions of Chicken included to raise the associated analysis % levels.

“Must state guarantees for the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat”Firstly, this is all dependent on the moisture content of food - so check this prior to trying a comparison against other foods. “Crude” means the content regardless of quality or digestibility, leaving you without any means to determine the true quality of the product from this analysis - you can always cross check with point 2, in essence meat, meat meal, fish are all far more digestible than a food being packed out with a high level of grains such as Rice.

Meat versus Meat Meal - what is best? Another big topic and both have pros and cons but meat meal provides more concentrated nutrients than fresh meat. Many, if not all complete

Food includes meal. The MAJOR thing to look for on a label is “derivatives” – these are by-products from animals of lesser quality which the dogs find it harder to digest and it is best to steer clear of these hard to digest sources.

We work with dogs diet everyday - please note that all dogs are different and just because a % looks good on the packet does not mean your dog will digest it, or agree with higher % levels - the diet must match the activity levels, lifestyle, and any allergies that a dog may have.

start to understand your dogs food..

For any further inforamtion on diet please contact us at the pack HQ on 01628 635793 and we can talk through your packs personal dietary requirements.

40 ALONG THE THAMES

Autumn Photography

Autumn is the time of mists and colour. Summer’s greens and bright colours turn to the faded browns and yellows as autumn prepares the countryside for winter. This is one of the best times of year to be outdoors with your camera.

You don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to get a misty atmospheric sunrise or be late to bed to get the setting sun. The weather alone can produce great photographic opportunities. A misty morning turns a humble scene into a spectacular one. Buildings and countryside, are transformed by a simple fall of snow.

To help you get your autumn and winter photography off to a great start here are a few tips to help you. Planning is important, if you are not to waste an opportunity. Take another look at somewhere you know well, think what it could be like with a touch of dramatic mist. Radiation fog, or mist to you and me, occurs when the ground cools at night. For mist to form you need

calm wind conditions with a clear sky. The one thing about mist is that it will not last long once the sun is up. So on the next possible misty morning maybe get up a little earlier. Take a different route to work. Then you can stop and take that picture you had planned.

Snow changes everything. It blurs outlines, changing the shape and form of familiar objects. A lack of detail causes our brains to work harder recognising objects. Because of this, we start to notice details we missed before. Once again planning is the key to taking pictures in the snow. Make a plan,

so if we get a snow you’ll be ready. As soon as the snow appears head for your planned location, it could be a local landmark or a bit of countryside. Everything looks different in the first light of a snowy morning. Remember snow reflects a lot of light.

So you need to adjust your camera settings to compensate.

If you can, adjust your camera to give 1 to 2 stops less exposure.

November the 5th, Guy Fawkes Night is a great time to give your camera an airing. Pictures of

fireworks can be tricky but try our tips and you maybe surprised with the result. Many point and shoot cameras have a firework setting. If yours has then try it, the camera will do a lot of the hard work for you. Even if your camera has a fireworks setting you still need to think about a few other things.

Trying to judge were the fireworks will explode is difficult. Be prepared to miss a few opportunities before you get it right. Get a feature in your picture, a tree or a building, as this will add scale. No matter what camera you use, you need to hold it still. If you have a tripod, then use it. If you don’t, all is not lost try and find something solid to rest your camera on. For those without a firework setting on their camera the following could be helpful. Set the camera to a high ISO setting. Turn off the autofocus if you can or set your camera to landscape mode. With a DSLR, turn off the image stabiliser if you have it. Take a torch to let you see what you are setting you camera to. One last thing don’t forget to turn off your built in flash.

We will leave you with one last thought you can take pictures no matter what the weather is. All you need is the right clothing and

the will to leave the fireside.

by Jacky and Mark BloomfieldWildlife Photographers

ALONG THE THAMES 41

Welcome to the Thames Valley Business Women’s

Group (TVBWG)Established in 1989 in High Wycombe, TVBWG is a successful business support,

advice and networking forum for businesswomen to meet like-minded people, share ideas, advice and support, network, make friends and learn ways to expand

and improve their business, as well as creating sales opportunities.

Today, TVBWG has many long-standing members who not only work together but have become close friends too! We hold monthly meetings

for interactive sessions, some with specialist speakers; and participants are encouraged to liaise, work and socialise togetherin-between meetings.

TVBWG Meetings and Diary Planner:MONDAY 10 OCTOBER 2011: Interactive session on legal requirements and

insurance in business, VAT, TAX, business & personal fi nance planning.

MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2011: Business & Showcase Christmas Fayre and Networking evening.

MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2011: Christmas Social (please visit our website for details).

MONDAY 9 JANUARY 2012: New Year Kick-off with ‘Hints & Tips’ session on effective and proven Marketing and Sales tactics to boost your business.

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2012: Annual General Meeting followed by speed networking.

TVBWG monthly meetings are mostly held at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Moor Hall, Cookham with informal networking in the CIM bar from 6.30pm. Meetings

start at 7.30pm with tea & coffee and biscuits, and attendees are encouraged to bring their business cards, leafl ets, products and promotions/offers and network!

Non-members are welcome at a cost of £10 per meeting payable at the event.So, if you are a businesswoman, thinking of starting a business or a business manager,

feel free to come along to the TVBWG and enjoy what the group has to offer.

For full details, news, offers and contacts visit www.tvbwg.com or contact Nicky Guy, Chair at chair@tvbwg.com

Follow TVBWG on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.....

42 ALONG THE THAMES

As a SME or a freelance consultant it is easy to gloss over Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and ‘make do’ with existing desktop software. However, there does come a time when CRM needs to be addressed and according to MarketingUK, every business large or small needs a CRM application and it is not enough to use an Excel spreadsheet or other desktop application to help you keep track.

Today many companies take a proactive approach to the relationship they have with their customers, and customers also expect to be valued as well as receive value. CRM is used to retain, store, manage and study customer information. Storing information in a variety of places can lead to fragmentation of information and lack of accessibility, for example, is your customer data available

to everyone in your business who needs the information?

By collecting customer information in a single location, CRM gives business owners and their staff a clear understanding of customers and their experience with your business. This information is a collective resource so that when a key member of staff leaves all customer contact data does not leave with them.

Some of the benefits of a good CRM system include:

• Testing, measuring and the modification of business activities based on information received

• Improved levels of customer service

• Measurement of return on investment of sales and marketing activities

• Increased customer retention

• Detailed customer profiling which can reduce embarrassing mistakes

• Identification of new selling opportunities

Having the right data in the right place, format and time will lead to improvements in overall business performance by reducing the amount of time it takes to; put together a list of new business prospects; write a sales report; address service problems; and fulfil orders. Furthermore, as your business grows CRM will help you to see how customer information can benefit every part of the business and lead to an increase in knowledge-sharing.

When CRM first came onto

the marketplace it was seen as something only large businesses could afford. This has now changed with CRM being delivered as on-demand product with many web-based suppliers offering a variety of packages and deals, including Social CRM. Budget restraints may mean you need to tailor aspects of the service.

Time and fewer personnel resources can also hamper the adoption of CRM in SME’s. Although some tasks are automated CRM will still require input from staff and someone in your business will need to develop a level of technical knowledge to manage your CRM system. Consultants can supply technical expertise but they do come at a cost.

To find the right CRM product and solution for your business and industry sector speak to an expert and do your research. There are many online CRM offerings today which can act as a starting point. An outside consultant may also be of assistance during this process, helping you to select the right product for your requirements and budget. Although investing in a CRM consultant may seem like an expensive service in a small business, a good consultant will help prevent you choosing the wrong product for your organisation saving you both time and money.

If you would like to know more about how CRM can help you either contact a local consultant or your own research can be conducted online through search engines using the term CRM or Customer Relationship Management.

Harriet Subramanian

ALONG THE THAMES 43

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 community

Marlow - 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

http://jobsitesonline.co.uk/jobsitesonline.co.uk is a website which helps

people find jobs across the world. The website also contains information on where to look for jobs, useful things to know and the places to visit.

Connecting Communities

INANDAROUND MARLOW and BOURNE END

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

FREE

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I just wanted to say "thank you" for the recent advertising you provided in the Along The Thames

magazine, both for the stables and for my personal advertising. It's a lovely magazine, full of interesting features, and the adverts were really well-designed

and vibrant, attracting a very good response.Thanks again; we're looking forward to placing more

adverts in the future....Jenny at Tally Ho Stables.

We can help your business grow

t: 01628 771419

m: 07711 887107

office@AlongtheThames.co.uk

44 ALONG THE THAMES

Great First Cars

Ford Ka – from £300Cheap to buy, run and fix and there’s thousands on the road to choose from. Even models with air conditioning and CD players can be had for under a grand, but keep an eye out for rust under the sills, behind the bumpers and around the fuel filler cap. And buy the latest one you can afford.

Fiat Cinquecento – from £400Made famous by TV show The Inbetweeners, this little city car wasn’t Simon’s motor of choice without good reason. It’s extremely cheap to run and insurance won’t be too painful either. Don’t expect much in the way of equipment and remember these Fiats can be a little unreliable, so budget for repairs.

Citroen C1 – from £2,700This Citroen is the sister car of the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo – not much changes apart from the badge. It’s good to drive and being relatively new it’s one of the safest options. However, insurance will be a bit more expensive than others and you’ll be hard pressed to find one with air con. Fuel economy will make up for the lack of equipment, but they are still pricey.

Toyota Yaris – from £750One of the most bulletproof models if you want to avoid running repairs, a Yaris is a sensible choice. They’re roomy inside and if you can stretch to a diesel variant, trips to fuel stations will be relatively infrequent. Insurance costs are surprisingly affordable and it’s a safe option, but prices can reflect that.

Peugeot 106 – from £300They can be picked up for next to nothing and with a choice of engines and trims to suit most budgets, a 106 is a tempting option. Most are a bit basic, but they’re entertaining to drive and reasonably affordable to insure. However, they’re not known for their reliability so try and buy one with service history and have it checked over before handing over your cash.

PASSING your driving test is one of the best feelings in the world – but the joy of finally getting your licence can quickly disappear when it comes to finding a car. Astronomical insurance costs can put many models out of the reach of teenagers, but don’t despair too much – there are options out there.

You need to accept the fact that insurance is going to cost you more than the car, but you can help cut the price by taking a Pass Plus course or asking to be added to your parents’ policy as a named driver. That will mean talking to them first though…

If that sounds too challenging there are new insurance schemes that place a black box in your car to monitor your driving style and charge you accordingly – this can be a great way of cutting premiums.

But what cars make sensible buys? Here, we have scoured the classifieds to hunt down a few options you may want to consider.

Finally, a couple of tips if you’re buying your first car: Always take someone with you who knows what they’re looking at, even – and don’t laugh – if that means your parents. Have the car checked over by a mechanic too – it’s often worth half an hour’s labour in a garage to save you big bills. And for more expensive cars fork out for an HPI check to ensure it’s not stolen (or ask your Gran to pay for it). Happy hunting!

By James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine (CarDealerMag.co.uk)

ALONG THE THAMES 45

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46 ALONG THE THAMES

City Breaks this Autumn

The tourism organisation has recently highlighted that the most interest in New York city breaks falls between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with New York being seen as the place to do your Christmas shopping. A decrease in business travel during this period means that visitors can also take advantage of cheaper hotel rates.

Look out for the spectacular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on 24th November, the New York Comedy Festival from 2nd to 6th November at Carnegie Hall, and the tree-lighting ceremony on the 30th November at the Rockefeller Centre. Both BA and Virgin Atlantic offer cheap flights to New York but remember to book ahead. Visit www.nyctourist.com for the latest event information as well as a selection of accommodation.

Europe offers a vast selection of city break destinations. Travelzest VFB Holidays has launched a new collection of short breaks for this autumn and winter including:

Cezanne, Matisse & Picasso – the adventure of the Steins – Paris

The Grand Palais hosts an unusual exhibition this winter devoted to the bohemian Stein family and their fantastic collection of modern art, including masterpieces by Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso and many more. The Steins were famously the first collectors to recognise the talent of these artists, and their daring patronage of the Parisian avant-garde aided an artistic revolution that would change the history of art forever. Two nights’ B&B at the Hotel

Residence Les Gobelins including return travel by Eurostar and tickets to the exhibition (opens 5 October) costs from £229 pp (two sharing) in October.

Brussels in Winter

The Brussels Advent market has its roots deep in the Middle Ages and is the largest of its kind in Belgium. It has a distinctly multinational feel with stalls from just about every corner of the European Union springing up along an illuminated two kilometre route, offering everything from traditional hand-crafted gifts and decorations to mulled wine and local delicacies including marzipan, gingerbread and, of course, Belgian chocolates. Three nights’ B&B at the Novotel Brussels Centre Tour Noire including return travel

Before you hit the slopes this winter there's still time to slip in a city break or two, and according to the New York City tourism board UK travellers need to be quick off the mark if they want to scoop a cheap fl ight to New York.

Paris - Arc de Triomphe

ALONG THE THAMES 47

by Eurostar costs from £213 pp (two sharing) in November (the Christmas markets run from 25 November to 1 January).

Salzburg in Winter

Discover the magic of the traditional Christmas Markets in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salzburg, nestled high in the Austrian Alps. Snow-covered domes and rooftops, tantalising aromas of spices and mulled wine, choirs singing and church bells ringing combine to create a magical atmosphere in this beautiful city that’s rich in musical history and Baroque architecture. Two nights’ B&B at the NH Hotel Salzburg City including return flights (Gatwick) costs from £301 pp (two sharing) in November and December (the Christmas markets run from 25 November to 1 January).

For further information or to book, please call Travelzest’s VFB Holidays on 0800 171 2160 or visit www.travelzest.com.

For a city break closer to home why not visit Scotland’s capital city?

In fact Edinburgh has recently

been named as the best tourist destination for a romantic break on the East Coast route. Edinburgh also offers fantastic shopping on Princes Street, family and historical attractions, and places for a bit of R&R. There are also a host of romantic spots in the capital including Arthur’s seat where visitors can take in the breathtaking views across the city. East Coast offers some great deals for people travelling to Edinburgh see www.eastcoast.co.uk for train fares and general information on Edinburgh.

Harriet Subramanian

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Brussels - Chocolates

48 ALONG THE THAMES

Book Club

The books on this page are from Book Guild Publishing To order, please call 01202 665432 (weekdays only)

or visit www.bookguild.co.uk

Deadly Conception

Sola Odemuyiwa

A provocative story of race, prejudice and human resilience.

Prolonged recession has brought to power a hard-line UK government. To reduce street crime, all newborn males of non-EU citizens must be vaccinated at birth against ADHD. When the young Mensah Dacosta comes into this uncertain world, his family tries, but fails, to protect him. His mother breaks down. His father deserts. Later, just before Mensah qualifies as a doctor, he finds out that the vaccine contaminated him with a life-shortening gene. He battles on and is on the threshold of being appointed a consultant when he is suspended, accused of contravening hospital policy.

David Timms is Mensah’s rival for the post of consultant cardiologist in Newcastle. His mother, Rachel, a leading economist and government adviser, has a dark secret.

What shadowy past links Mensah and David? What became of his distraught mother and displaced father? Why do the powers that be seem to be conspiring against his every aspiration? And in the final reckoning, does Mensah have what

it takes to overcome self-doubt, red tape and professional mendacity to clear his name and live out his life?

Phoenix RisingThe Legend Begins

Ron Richardson

A gripping novel set in ancient Britain

In the misty and mysterious land that is ancient Britain, a child is born on a stormy night and is denounced as evil by the village druid. The boy is murdered and cast aside in the nearby countryside. But this is no ordinary child: he is Luka, the Phoenix, and he will not die until the appointed time, over a hundred years from now.

Luka’s destiny takes him from family tragedy in his native land to Gaul and the war against Caesar’s legions, to the final stand of Vercingetorix at Alesia, and home again to witness, many years later, the full-scale invasion of Britain by the Roman army.

From the great battles of the age to tender moments of intimacy, Phoenix Rising is a tour de force, transporting the reader to a world of darkness, magic, superstition and the constant threat of violence and death. Luka’s world: the world of the Phoenix.

A Rose in No Man’s Land

John Kerr

A heartrending story of love and valour in WW1

Frank Harrington is an idealistic volunteer in the American Ambulance Field Service, a group of young Americans ferrying wounded soldiers from the front lines of the Western Front to temporary, teeming field hospitals. As Frank gradually comes to grips with the appalling realities of trench warfare and dodges the German shells, he also finds himself falling in love with Kit Stanley. Kit is one of many volunteer English nurses tending to the flood of British soldiers suffering from ghastly wounds and poison gas. But she must also grapple with the burden of her allegiance to Captain Nigel Owen, an infantry commander caught in the thick of the fighting.

By turns gripping and romantic, horrifying and deeply moving, John Kerr’s powerful novel paints a vivid picture of life just behind the front lines and of the ordinary, unsung men and women whose sacrifice and heroism helped save the lives of thousands of soldiers.

Why not curl up with a one of these....?For your chance to win one of 3 copies of “Phoenix Rising” by Ron RIchardson, please send your name and address to competition@AlongtheThames.co.uk by 9th November, 2011..

ALONG THE THAMES 49

This October half-term sees the National Trust celebrating its first Walking Festival.

From 22 to 30 October, properties across the country are showcasing the best walks to enjoy with family and friends, either under their own steam, or with the guidance of friendly staff.

From walks with rangers to self-guided rambles, there is plenty to help you to get outdoors and enjoying the delights of the countryside and our most beautiful places. October is also the best month to experience glorious autumn leaf and berry colour.

Many of the Walking Festival’s organised walks are ideal for families to take part in together. Some properties are offering buggy-friendly routes, and shorter distances for very young visitors.

If you like doing your own thing, the National Trust has also created loads of new downloadable walks and way-marked trails for you to enjoy at any time of the year. Many of the houses and gardens sit within extensive country estates of parkland, meadows and woodland, so why not take your walking boots when you next visit one of the Trust’s properties, and explore a bit further afield? Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for a list of downloadable walking routes.

If you prefer walking in a group, there are many organised walking events – check out www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walkingfestival for details. It’s a great way to meet like-minded

people and share the simple pleasure of walking. Here are some Walking Festival highlights:

Basildon Park near Reading is hosting its own special event on 21 October to launch a series of new self-guided trails. Wellies at the Ready is an opportunity to enjoy an autumnal guided walk with the warden, which takes in some of Basildon’s panoramic views (starting in the Stableyard at 10.30am, no booking required, free after normal admission). Alternatively, visitors can pick up a map and follow any of the four new way-marked trails which explore different parts of Basildon’s magnificent 18th-century parkland and woods. The walks vary in length and terrain, but there is something on offer for all age groups and abilities, including one for baby buggies, and another for keen walkers who want to go further afield. All walks can be downloaded from the National Trust’s website.

Autumn colour at Basildon Park: this beautiful country estate reveals sensational shows of seasonal colour and some superb vistas. Stately oaks and beeches are transformed into glinting umbrellas of buttery yellows and oranges, interspersed with a flaming mix of ochre and strawberry-red from lime, cherry and whitebeam.

The woods around the drive are also bright with colour from native shrub the spindle tree, whose purple, ruby and pink leaves are accompanied by little red fruits that gradually split open to reveal bright orange seeds

Guided walks of the estate also take place every Friday until 25 November, led by Basildon’s Warden or by the Reading & District Natural History Society. October walks are from 10.30am.

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

Cliveden near Maidenhead has acres of magnificent beech woodlands to explore. These are the exciting location for some autumnal family fun, with a 3km guided walk aimed at 6 to 12 year olds, which takes families through the woods, giving them activities to complete along the way, including a ‘mini-beast’ hunt and agility trail. 24, 26 & 28 October, 11am – 1pm, free after normal admission. A new self-led autumn leaf trail is also available, which leads visitors from the garden into the wilder side of Cliveden’s woodland. Trail available daily from the Information Centre, from 24 September to 31 October, free after normal admission.

Autumn colour at Cliveden: the acers in the Water Garden are one of Cliveden’s autumn stars. Golden yellows and burnished reds of Norway and Japanese maples mingle with the glorious amber, crimson and deep purple leaves of the Liquidamber tree. Dotted around the gardens, in the areas of longer grass, lie autumn crocuses in shades of lilac and purple.

Cliveden, Taplow, nr Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0JA, Tel: 01628 605069

The National Trust launches its fi rst walking festival

50 ALONG THE THAMES

I am now pushing to secure an Olympic place in the 2012 London Olympics in the flat water kayaking. I started canoeing at Royal Canoe Club, Trowlock Island, Teddington on the Thames. I was 10 at the time and the first time I sat in a boat I immediately knew I had found a sport that I really enjoyed. From learning the basics of the sport I soon worked my way up the development groups at the club and within 3 years I was training 6 days of the week, no matter the season, no matter how cold I was out there pushing. At first I never imagined that I would one day be able to challenge for a place at the Olympic Games but as I have progressed through my love of the sport, that dream is becoming more of a reality.

From Richmond Lock to Hampton Court I spent hour after training and now with 18 months to go before the Olympics I spend my time on the Thames at both Bisham Abbey, Dorney Lake (the venue for the Olympic Games) and when ever my schedule permits back to the Thames at Teddington.

One of the things that has remained constant through my years within the sport, from the early stages to the competitive ones now, is the enjoyment I get from paddling on the river Thames. It always surprises me how different the environment and surroundings are from even one lock stretch to another, and there is always something to look at whilst I am racking up the miles.

My Olympic Dream and the River Thamesby Jon Boyton

Help us to prevent cancer – take part in our Walking Together campaign by organising a

sponsored walk to support WCRF UK.

Download or request your free information pack:

Visit www.wcrf-uk.org/walk

Call freephone 0800 970 1461C

WORLD CANCER RESEARCH FUND (WCRF UK)

You take steps, so we can take strides !

for cancer prevention

Walking Together...

ALONG THE THAMES 51

Policing mattersA workman is only

as good as his tools

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.

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.

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

If you have a hearing problem, you can frequently miss out on important events in your home: that essential telephone call, the doorbell, the alarm clock. Imagine being alerted to these and other everyday household noises by a specially trained dog provided by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a registered charity which since 1982 has aimed to improve the quality of life for people with impaired hearing.

Before a dog begins its specialised training around the age of 12 months, it must learn to ‘socialise’ in a variety of everyday situations and the charity is actively seeking volunteer Puppy Socialisers in the Berkshire and Hampshire areas. Puppy Socialisers in partnership with Hearing Dogs take a young puppy into their homes, full time, for around 12 months, teaching the dogs basic social skills.

‘Our Puppy Socialisers perform a vital role in the initial training of our dogs and we value the contribution they make very highly,’ said Lucy Dacre, Hearing Dogs Volunteer Co-ordinator.

So, do you have what it takes to be a Puppy Socialiser and make a valuable contribution to what will be a life changing experience for a deaf person? Can you commit to looking after and training a dog for up to 12 months? If you want to find out more e-mail Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at: puppy@hearingdogs.org.uk or call 01844 348129Experience is not necessary as the charity provide support, training and cover all related expenses.

Hearing Dogs Need you!

£10 CHARITY CHALLENGE

Catherine Lux, Level 2 Media and Communications Student, Brunel University, has just finished her challenge of living on only £10 a week for the last nine months in order to raise money for a number of charities. She begun the challenge not long after her aunty died as she wanted to raise awareness and funds for the Hughes Syndrome Foundation and Lupus UK. She is also raising money for Tommy’s and Home-Start Guildford.

Catherine, speaking about her experiences during her nine months of living on £10 a week, said: “It’s really difficult living off £10 a week, and I’m getting fed up with it now, but every time someone donates or leaves me a message it boosts me and gives me so much motivation to keep going.” She even got a personal donation from Stephen Fry after contacting his Tweet Team!

On finally finishing her challenge, Catherine posted the following comment on Facebook: “I’ve Finished…I can now buy new clothes to replace my leggings and cardigan that are full of holes, and I can buy good food instead of Sainsbury’s basics!”

9p Jelly, four yoghurts for 29p, 40p bread, Poundland books, vouchers, offers and closing-down sales are just some of the things that got Catherine through the last nine months without going over her budget. This experience has helped her learn invaluable budgeting skills, and she would recommend the challenge to others. “I now know of ways to save money when shopping and I now understand when I want something compared to when I actually need something.”

Catherine has managed to raise over £2,000 so far. If you would like to find out more about Catherine’s challenge then please visit her blog http://10poundpom.blogspot.com/

52 ALONG THE THAMES

LOCAL CLUB EVENTS:

Maidenhead Over 30’s Disco partiesevery Friday, 8.30pm - 1am, Bird Hill Golf Club, Drift Road, off Hawthorn Hill SL6 3STMaidenhead Camera Clubevery Tuesday, Cox Green Community Centre, 630861Maidenhead Archaeology society - meet last Wednesday of the month, WRVS, Maidenhead, t: 630 839

WEDDING FAIRS/OPEN DAYSDanesfield House Hotel & Spa - Wedding Open Day16th October, 11.30am - 3pmwww.danesfieldhouse.co.uk/ or 01628 891010

THEATRE AND MUSICAL EVENTS

Windsor Contemporary Art Fair12- 13th November at Royal Windsor Racecourse, 01753 591892 or www.windsorcontemporaryartfair.co.ukMOS Production of Carmen15th - 19th November, 7.30pmDesborough Suite Maidenhead Town hall, Park Road, 01628 671589Danesfield House Hotel & Spa - Concert Evening25th November, www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk/ or 01628 891010The Marlow Players - Prescription for Murder by Norman Robbins24 - 26th NovemberShelley Theatre, Court Garden, MarlowTickets: 01491 640761, www.marlowplayers.org.uk or Marlow information centre

Cantorum Choir - Christmas Concert11th December, 3pm and 8pmSt John Baptist Church, Cookham Dean

BUSINESS/NETWORKING EVENTSWycombe Business Expo28th October at Cressex Community School, High Wycomberwww,wycombebusinessexpo.comEntrepreneurs Business Expo3rd November, Brunel UniversityCall 07958 463689 or visit

www.entrepreneurs-business-expo.co.uk for more detailsBusiness Biscotti - MarlowEvery second Thursday 9.30 - 11.30amDanesfield House Hotel, Marlowwww.businessbiscotti.co.ukThames Valley Business Womens GroupEvery second Monday 7.00 for 7.30pm startCIM, Cookham, www.TVBWG.comBusiness Biscotti - Maidenhead Every third Thursday 9 - 11amTemple Golf Club, Maidenheadwww.businessbiscotti.co.uk

SPECIAL EVENTSWAMDSAD Beer & Banger Fest28th - 30th OctoberFirst Fest featuring 45 specialist beers, cider and perry + 10 varieties of sausagesCLOCKS GO BACK - 30th October

Lions Charities Fair5th November, 10.30am Desborough Suite, Maidenhead Town HallCookham Scouts Bonfire & Fireworks displayFormosa Meadow, Mill Lane, Cookham -gates open 5.30pm, fireworks 7pmAmnesty International Annual Quiz Evening18th November, 7.30pm for 7.45pmPinder Hall, Cookham - supper & bar, call Marion 605397 or marion.roberts@hotmail.co.ukChristmas Fayre19th November, 11am - 4pmMoor hall, Cookham Villagewww.cookhamfayre.co.ukMaidenhead Christmas lights switch on, 26th November, Maidenhead Town HallCarols on the Causeway, Marlow19th December

Stanley Spencer Gallery1st April - 15th January 2012High Street, Cookham

CROWNE PLAZA, MARLOWFieldhouse Lane, Marlow, www.crowneplazamarlow.co.uk/, 01628 496800

Midas Antique FairsEvery 4th Sunday, 10 - 4pm Spooky Halloween Party 28th October 4 - 7pm with mini disco and buffet - £9Christmas Market26th November 2011 - Get in the mood for Christmas with carol singers, mulled wine and mince pies whilst shopping for the perfect Christmas present solutions.Comedy Club 7th and 15th DecemberGet together with our other party goers in our stunning Winterlake Suite and enjoy a two course fork buffet, followed by live Comedy Club entertainment. £30pp. Christmas Day LunchServed 1-3pmCelebrate Christmas Day in style and enjoy a delicious 3 course buffet lunch, including arrival glass of bubbles. Plus Santa with presents for all the little ones - £69 pp, £32.50 per child aged 3-12; under 3s eat free.Boxing Day Bubbly Brunch11.30am - 1.30pm, £19.95 pp; £9.95 per child aged 3-12; under 3s eat free.FLASH Don’t forget: Kids’ Corner and Movie Club available.

New Year’s Strictly Crowne Plaza Ball Welcome in the New Year in a sea of sequins! Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival, followed by a sumptuous 5 course dinner. Then tango, salsa and foxtrot the night away, accompanied by Straight Eight and The Polka Dot Girls. Countdown to midnight, with a firework finale over the lake, £85pp Dress Code is Black Tie.

MARKETSMaidenhead Produce Market20th October, Maidenhead High StreetMaidenhead Produce Market3rd November,Maidenhead High StreetMaidenhead Produce Market17th November, Maidenhead High Street

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

ALONG THE THAMES 53

Kenton TheatreFriday 28th and Saturday 29th October 8pm.

Blackeyed Theatre Company, in association with South Hill Park Arts Centre and

The Courtyard Centre for Arts, presents OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR

“Magnificent…Extraordinary…As haunting as it is harrowing…Astonishing power…Any assumption that

Oh!What a Lovely War is a period piece is shot to shrapnel. Forty years on, we need Littlewood’s vision

more than ever. Blackeyed Theatre restore it to us with astonishing power. Catch it if you can” The Stage.

Friday 9th December 7.30pm.NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA

The first half features a presentation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with jazz themes by Paul Hart and a

live voiceover, while the second half covers a selection of popular Christmas music with vocals. A glittering showcase for the country’s best young musicians.

Tickets Adult £20 and Concessions £18

Sunday 11th December 2.30pm. and 6pm.Ballet Theatre UK presents

THE SNOW QUEEN“Magical…the dancers took us to fairy land and back. What an antidote to the everyday

grey world” – Newbury Weekly News

Wednesday 14th December 11am. and 2pm.Blunderbus Theatre Company presents

THE VERY SNOWY CHRISTMASIt’s the night before Christmas and Big Mouse and Little

Mouse are putting up decorations. Little Mouse scampers out to search for holly, but finds big white flakes falling from the sky. “Goodness me!” he cries. “The sky is

coming undone!” Suitable for children from 3-7 years old.

Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd December 2pm. Friday 23rd December 6.30pm. and

Saturday 24th December 2pm.OXFORDSHIRE THEATRE COMPANY

PRESENTS JUNGLE BOOK. Adapted from the Rudyard Kipling Stories By Neil Duffield

A Family Show of the thrilling and heart- warming story of Mowgli, the boy brought up by wolves. Educated by Baloo, the bear and Bagheera, the

panther, and hunted by the great tiger, Shere Khan, Mowgli must learn the laws of the jungle and become

a young man with the confidence to walk alone.

Please mention Along the Thames Magazine when booking.

PLEASE CONTACT THE BOX OFFICE MONDAY TO FRIDAY 11AM - 5PM, SATURDAY 10AM - 1PM

01491 575698OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL PRODUCTIONS AT

www.kentontheatre.co.uk

New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BP

Free Parking available in Waitrose car park after 6pm

If you would like your event advertised contact

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

Use the QR code (with your phone) opposite to go

straight to our website.

Interested in the Theatre?

Enjoy days out?Select-a-Show is for you

Regular exclusive luxury excursions to Matinees and Evening performances in The West End and Regional theatres.

Visits to interesting gardens, stately homes and

Exclusively guided London walks.

● Supper Performances ● Special lunches ● Special afternoon teas ● Luxury coaches

Contact Diana Yates for the latestprogramme and application form

Phone: 01494 890010Email: diana@select-a-show.com

Group visits to Theatres and places of Cultural Interest

Maidenhead Produce Market1st December, Maidenhead High StreetMaidenhead Produce Market15th December, Maidenhead High StreetThe Farmers Market, , 2nd Sunday of the month from 10am, Grove Street Car Park

54 ALONG THE THAMES

AriesMarch 21 - April 20

October is a most favourable time to achieve your desires and to reach your goals. Energetic Mars makes wonderful aspects to your Sun all month and initiating new projects should be high on your agenda. You know

what you want and have the extra energy to go after it. November is also an exciting month for Aries,

Venus and Mercury are in optimistic Sagittarius and they both illuminate the sector of your chart concerned

with further education, adventure and travel. On the 11th, dynamic Mars moves into hard working Virgo and brings a new perspective to your plans.

TaurusApril 21 - May 21

Venus is in your opposite sign during October. The planet of love and money should increase activity

in the relationship department. Abundant and expansive Jupiter in your sign all year means that a lack of discipline and overindulgence are other

things to be mindful of at the moment. November: Money and finances are the focus of the month for Taureans. Always concerned with resources, this month brings new energy and a fresh perspective

on all things to do with funds and assets. As dynamic Mars moves to the most creative part of your chart new ideas and plans start to emerge.

Gemini May 22 - June 22

Energetic Mars is in the communication area of your chart and this vibrant energy means that

October is an ideal time to push ahead in business or at work to climb up the ladder. You can really

take the initiative now and start projects with a high probability of success. November: Relationships

and partnerships are the main focus for Gemini this month. Romantic Venus and your ruler Mercury are both in freedom loving Sagittarius. This could

heighten your need for independence and free expression; any claustrophobic or restrictive

relationships will have to be closely examined now.

CancerJune 23 - July 23

With four planets in balanced Libra this month, the focus is on your home and family life. You’ll feel the need to question things that aren’t working

and find solutions for a more balanced outcome. With energetic Mars in your financial sector, money

matters are also emphasised. November brings your work and career zone into the spotlight. The

planetary emphasis is in freedom loving Sagittarius, you are asked to review all those areas where you feel restricted and unappreciated. After the 10th, dynamic

Mars in diligent Virgo assists with communication and enables you to get what you desire.

LeoJuly 24 - August 23

Motivational Mars is in your sign all this month giving you a strong urge to get what you want. You are also

much more self assertive than usual and you need to channel this highly creative energy constructively to avoid disagreements with others. The new moon in Libra on the 26th is favourable for new friends and

relationships. November: Make the most of energetic Mars in your sign until the 10th. You courage and self-confidence should have grown considerably during the last months so put what you have learned into practice.

Love and romance take on a new perspective this month as Venus shines her favourable light on you.

VirgoAugust 24 - September 23

Four planets occupy the financial sector of your chart this month and money matters are high on the agenda. The Sun and Venus in beauty seeking Libra can guarantee a strong need for high quality goods.

Normally careful Virgoans could enjoy a shopping spree, if the money’s there - spend it! November: With energetic Mars in your sign from the 11th this

can turn out to be the month where you could achieve anything that you have set your heart on. Optimistic Jupiter, in fellow earth sign Taurus, also bestows a new aura of confidence and self-assurance and the

18th is particularly advantageous for success.

HoroscopesWould you like to know how you can make the most of your personal journey through life?Would you like to know how you can be the very best version of yourself? I can help you to achieve personal transformation, discover your

purpose and work towards achieving your dreams.I am also a trained life coach and a practitioner of Bach flower essence therapy and I offer a full motivational and transformational coaching programme. Using cosmic wisdom and awareness you can plan your year ahead by tuning into productive planetary cycles and gaining the clarity and insight needed for optimal abundance and success. You can also overcome fears and anxiety and replace them with assertiveness and self- confidence. Consultations are available in person, on the telephone or Skype. Gift vouchers are also available. Please contact me for more information.Christine ChalklinInspirational Astrologer, Life Coach and Business Consultant,www.RestyleYourLife.co.uk - christine@RestyleYourLife.co.uk

Telephone: 07813 483549

ALONG THE THAMES 55

LibraSeptember 24 - October 23

It’s your birthday month and with four planets in your sign you’re bound to have a very special time. Venus, your ruler, insists that you make the most out of your appearance as attracting new friends and relationships are highly favoured. Energetic Mars in your career sector shows that goals and

ambitions can be tackled creatively and successfully. November: Task master Saturn is still advancing

through your sign and demands that you seek a better balance in all areas of your life. Communication is

highly favoured this month and you’ll find an entirely new way of getting your message across. Do it in

diplomatic Libran style and you are sure to succeed

ScorpioOctober 24 - November 22

Volatile energy for Scorpios this month as dynamic Mars is in challenging aspect to your Sun. This

energy creates tension and could cause difficulties in relationships. The best way to succeed is to try

to see things from other people’s perspective. The new moon in your sign on the 26th, heralds the start

of a new and positive cycle. November It is your birthday month and the focus is on finances and

new ways of bringing in some extra income. This is a good month to let innovative plans and ideas

take shape, as you should feel energetic enough to dispose of old habits that hold you back. Partnerships

are also favoured with optimistic Jupiter in Taurus.

SagittariusNovember 23 - December 22

Dynamic Mars is in positive aspect to your Sun all this month. The action planet gives an increased sense of energy levels and self confidence. This is a most

favourable time to reach for your goals and achieve your desires. Your social life is also high on the agenda as

harmonious Venus assures new and exciting friendships. November: Communicative Mercury and romantic

Venus are both in your sign this month; you should feel at the top of your game. Your ruler, the optimistic and

expansive Jupiter, favours the work sector of your chart. New prospects could arrive now, particularly after the 10th as energetic Mars reaches dynamic new heights.

CapricornDecember 23 - January 19

Romance and high ambitions are both favoured this month. Mighty Jupiter resides in the love and creativity

sector of your chart and four planets in harmonious Libra illuminate your career goals. This positive energy

energizes all communications and interactions with others. Friendships and relationships are highly

favoured during November. Expansive Jupiter in Taurus expands your circle and could bring romance knocking on you door! Adventure and travel are in the spotlight after the 10th as dynamic Mars stirs up your restless

side and you start to yearn for broader horizons

PiscesFebruary 20 - March 20

How you carry out your work and the harnessing of your resources are in the spotlight this month. Pisces

now has a wonderful opportunity to use the four planet line-up in balanced Libra. You will find innovative and

creative ways to reorganise those areas that are not as they should be. November: Your ruling planet Neptune

has dipped back into Aquarius until February 2012. Far from bringing more confusion into your life, used

properly this move could bring opportunities to expand your horizons both intellectually and spiritually. It is time to acquire the knowledge and wisdom that you need.

AquariusJanuary 20 - February 19

Dynamic Mars is in your opposite sign all month, this tense energy presents a challenge you have to

overcome in order to achieve a certain goal or simply to be yourself. Challenges will come your way, but with an abundance of harmonious Libran influence also available, you should find a positive way to win

through. November: Neptune has returned to your sign for a few moths and this may mean that unfinished

business has to be sorted out now. Groups, clubs and involvement with new networks are of particular interest

and as Mars changes sign on the 11th you are drawn to working together with interesting new people.

THE COSMOS DURING OCTOBER & NOVEMBER

We start October with the Sun, Saturn Mercury and Venus all in the balanced and harmonious sign of the scales. Libra is ruled by Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, during October you can allow yourself to feel more beautiful than ever, attracting wonderful people and things into your life. This is also an excellent time for giving and receiving love and affection. Personal creativity is also high on the agenda this month as Mars, the powerful planet of action, moves through dramatic and courageous Leo. Mid-month, deep and passionate Scorpio influences take over, allowing for a fuller expression of our love nature and creativity. The full moon is in Aries on the 12th and the new moon is in Scorpio on the 26th. November: Romantic Venus, along with Mercury the planet of communication and travel, spend most of the month in optimistic and truth seeking Sagittarius. Broader vision, optimism and a fresh perspective are the cosmic gifts to everyone during November. But do take care as Mercury is back in Retrograde motion on the 24th, diligent checking of correspondences and travel arrangements are once again essential. Action packed Mars is still in fiery and creative Leo until the 10th, innovative ideas should blossom now. On the 11th, Mars shifts to hardworking Virgo and thought out plans and ideas can become reality. The full moon on the 10th is in down to earth Taurus, possessions and finances come to the forefront and the Sun in passionate Scorpio brings intensity to needs and desires.

Swim with the cosmic tides rather than against them!

56 ALONG THE THAMES

from Pages 30 - 32

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

Peakes of Maidenheadt: 622 665 .w: www.peakesofmaidenhead.co.uk,a: 77 - 79 King Street, Maidenhead

Unique Boutiquet: 07973 368394 e: sg.stokepoges@btinternet.com

Congratulationsto the winners of the following book competition

held in the August/September 2011 issue.Mind Bending Puzzles & Fascinating Facts by Paul Williams:

A. Smith, J.Piller, C. Cotton

Answer to drop down quiz, page 15

Answer to TV Doctors Quiz, page 28

Useful Numbers Stockists

1. Dr. Nikki Alexander -Silent Witness 2. Dr. Richard Kimble - The Fugitive 3. Dr. Doug Ross - E.R. 4. Dr. Robert Chase - House 5. Dr. Bunsen Honeydew - The Muppet Show 6. Dr. Richard Burke - Friends 7. Dr. John Dorian - Scrubs 8. Dr. Cristina Yang - Grey's Anatomy 9. Dr. Nick Riviera - The Simpsons 10. Dr. Sam Beckett - Quantum Leap

Answers from left to right:Bulldog, Lurcher, , Mastiff, Spaniel, Whippet

MAIDENHEAD- CLUBSRotary Club of Maidenhead ................................... 632797The Maidenhead Players ............................. 07879 476301Maidenhead Drama Guild ...................................... 635017Maidenhead Operatic Society ............................... 671589Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society ........ 07813979894Grimm Players ....................................................... 820429Maidenhead Concert Band .................................... 624514Maidenhead Folk Club ........................................... 448268Tuesday Singers ..................................................... 629012Athletics ................................................................. 522797Maidenhead & Bray CC ............................... 07989 579899North Maidenhead Cricket Club ............................. 624137Rugby ..................................................................... 629663Hockey ................................................................... 622669Desborough Bowls Club ........................................ 629403Rowing ................................................................... 622664WAMDSAD ............................................................ 627690Maidenhead LTA ...................................... www.mltc.co.ukThames Valley Cycling Club .................................... 638984East Berks Badminton ........................................... 636283Maidenhead Camera Club ...................................... 630861East Berkshire Ramblers ........................................ 634561

COOKHAM - CLUBSTennis & Croquet ......................................... 07968 173757Line Dancing .......................................................... 486362Petanque ............................ ................................... 417453

RBWM - COUNCILBus Services .......................................................... 796666CIS .......................................................................... 507587Council Tax .............................................................. 683850Library - Cox Green ................................................ 673942Library - Holyport Container ....................................796555Library - Maidenhead ............................................. 796969Recycling ................................................................ 796474Police .......................................................... 0845 8505 505Trains .......................................................... 0845 7000 125Town Hall ............................................................... 683800Youth & Community Centre ................................... 685999

HOSPITALSSt Mark’s Hospital ................................................... 632012NHS Direct ........................................................ 0845 4647St John’s Ambulance ................................... 0118 933 5500

Thames Valley Adventure Playground .................... 628599

COOKHAMLibrary .................................................................... 526147Police ...................................................................... 531785Bourne End & Cookham Rotary ............................. 810967Stanley Spencer Gallery ........................................ 471885Medical Centre ...................................................... 810242

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ALONG THE THAMES 57

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58 ALONG THE THAMES

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ALONG THE THAMES 59

Stroll along the tow path from Marlow to Temple Lock and you can’t help but look across to the opposite bank and wonder at its history. Bisham village was recorded in the Domesday Book with its villagers, cottagers, slaves, vines and meadowland. A church was recorded there, no doubt on the beautiful riverside site that quickly comes into view at the bend in the river. Of the present building, the oldest part is the 12th century tower. Its mirror reflection graces the river on calm days. It has been extended and adorned over the centuries by the wealthy owners of Bisham Abbey.

Bisham Abbey is famous today as a national sports centre. It has sat in this peaceful spot by the Thames for 900 years. It has a colourful history and a number of famous occupants, not least a resident ghost. The Abbey was founded in the 12th century as a community house for two Knights Templar. When the Templars were suppressed in 1307, King Edward II took over the manorial rights, granting them to various relatives. In 1310 the building was used as a place of confinement for Queen Elizabeth of the Scots, wife of King Robert the Bruce. She was captured during the Scottish Wars of Succession.

In 1335 the manor was bought by William Montacute, 1st Earl of Salisbury and in 1337 he founded Bisham Priory alongside.

Bisham Priory was dissolved in 1538 during Henry VIII’s

reformation. The Abbot of Bisham, John Cordery, is said to have cursed the building as he was dragged from it: "As God is my witness, this property shall ne’er be inherited by two direct successors, for its sons will be hounded by misfortune". Nothing remains of the priory buildings.

Henry VIII granted the manor house to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement from him. It was later bought by the Hoby family, who lived there until 1768. Elizabeth I was a regular visitor in the time of the Hoby family. Looking down on the hall at Bisham Abbey is the portrait of Lady Elizabeth Hoby, the chatelaine at the time. Legend tells how, having unintentionally brought about the death of her young son William through neglect, she lived out her life in a remorse which continued after her death. Her troubled soul still stalks the Abbey's rooms and passages, to be heard or glimpsed by an occasional visitor.

Further along the river, two weirs link Temple Island. Temple Lock, on the side of the tow path dates from 1890. A café is open everyday at the old lock keepers house with pleasant views up river.

On return to Marlow, the bend in the river affords lovely views of the park, church spire and suspension bridge. An excellent choice of cafes, bars and restaurants by the river and on the old high street welcome the weary walker.

Kate Robinson.

In the second of our series Kate Robinson takes us from Marlow to Temple Lock - a colourful history

A Place to Celebrate Life

Potkiln Lane, Jordans, Beaconsfield, Bucks. HP9 2XB

Chiltern WoodlandBurial Park…the natural choice

Chiltern Woodland Burial Park is a stunning venue for funerals, memorial services, conferences and events.

Set in 72 acres of mature woodland, the beautiful ceremonial buildings offer a unique experience.

We offer catering facilities, plenty of parking, mobility buggies and highly trained staff, Chiltern Burial Park is truly a cemetery of our time.

We give all of our families a minimum of two hours for each funeral, the freedom to personalise each ceremony, complimentary refreshments and access to the woodland park 365 days a year.

Within the beautiful woodlands, families can choose the perfect resting place for their loved one for the burial or, following cremation, ashes can be scattered or buried in the woodland.

Graves and ashes plots may be selected and purchased in advance, giving peace of mind to those planning for their own future.

Our woodland burial park offers a unique and caring experience with a price range that makes the park accessible to all.

To find out more about this remarkable woodland, or request a brochure and price list call us on:

01494 872158 or visit:

www.woodlandburialparks.co.uk

Visitors are always welcome, our compassionate and experienced staff are here to help you. P

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