Metroland Summer 2020

SUMMER 2020
Living and loving life in Zones 8 & 9
Chesham | Amersham | Chalfont

Comfort, Luxury, Beauty.
Create special moments.
Kingston Modular Set with
New Adjustable Height Table
Luxury Home & Garden Furniture
Inspirational design and comfort since 1977
INSPIRED LIVING
Founded over forty years ago, Bridgman has a proud heritage of
supplying quality, luxurious furniture.
Visit our Old Amersham showroom and pick up a 2020 catalogue
featuring an exclusive collaboration with The National Trust and
many new additions to existing ranges.
7 Whielden Street
Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire
HP7 0HT
01494 723517
www.bridgman.co.uk
Enfield Old Amersham Walton on Thames Wilmslow Winchester

METROLAND
EDITOR'S LETTER
Welcome to Metroland, the baby brother
of The Foxy Deer lifestyle blog.
Tina Reading
A very warm welcome to you!
Summer is here and we still find
ourselves isolating in our homes
and gardens, although things
are changing and the country
appears to be re-opening! We
greet you in digital format again
(hoping to make the print for our
Autumn issue).
Well what a few weeks it has
been! Life as we know it, or not.
During very difficult times the
people of Chesham, Amersham
and Chalfont have gone above
and beyond to ensure life
maintains a degree of normality
and our neighbours have been
looked after. There have been
help groups in all three towns
and it has been heart-warming
watching the community come
together in support and love.
being honoured by the Queen,
Captain Tom became our friend,
our leader and his words 'the sun
will shine again'.
Projects have popped up to
support those in need, one in
particular being The Big Friday
Night Community Take Away
- we are delighted to feature
them and you can read all about
how different restaurants have
come together to help delivery
fabulous meals to those in need.
Life in lockdown has certainly
been challenging and we have a
fab feature on Chesham United
FC and how they have made the
most of the time with some social
distancing work at The Meadow
so it is ready for when their
season can start.
Cover Image:
This issues cover image is by
11 year old Amelie Watson of
Chesham.
In times of difficulty we all
need a hero and that person
has been Captain Tom. We
needed someone to remind us
of all things good and give us
as a nation something to get
behind. What a fabulous man
he is, his story is one that we
revelled in and we embraced
him as a beacon of hope. From
his daily walk to his wise words,
his singing with Michael Ball to
We hope you enjoy reading
this digitastic edition and we
will be seeing you all again in
September, in the meantime do
enjoy our blog The Foxy Deer
where we post our weekly news/
info.
Love from the Editorial Team at
METROLAND xx
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 003

METROLAND
CONTENTS OF MAGAZINE
Zones 8 & 9
Supporting Local Organisations by Heart of Bucks 08
Business launch during lockdown by Tina Reading 10
Just the Ticket by Eleanor Garth 12
The Coaching Cabin with Jo Bishop 14
The feel-good factor by Cllr Mimi Harker OBE 16
Rodney Edwards Culvershouse by Emily Culverhouse 18
Chiltern Creative by Toby Friedner 20
Profile of the Mayor by Roderick McCulloch & Emily Culverhosue 21
For the Love of Scrubs by Kathryn Pike 22
Stationery to swoon over! with JPS Stationers 24
Chiltern Voice Radio by Emily Culverhouse 25
Champion Singers in Amersham by Amanda Dawson 26
Local girl lead voice in Animated Series with CPE 28
Life Under Lockdown by Peter Brown Chairman CUFC 30
Big Friday Night Community Take Away by BFNCTA 32
Chesham Town Update by Joseph Baum 33
The Theatre Shed by Jan Howard 34
Test and Trace Scammers with Fred Wilson 36
Artists in Residence by Karen Martin 38
Family Life
Coping at home with the kids by Kiddies Kingdom 52
Sustainable learning & play with The National Trust 56
Learning to play without tears by Yamaha Music London 58
Easing Lockdown Dog Safety Guide by Dr L Graham 60
The Lockdown Life Project by2enagege.co.uk 62
Yes Peas! by Yes Peas! 64
Fraudulent Documents by Miss A.M. Investigations 66
Free Time
Rare Birds by the Rare Birds Book Club 70
Learning with the experts with Michel Roux Jr 72
Self sufficient Brits seeking spuds 73
Luna Drive in Cinema by The Luna Drive in Cinema 74
Langley Park Country Park with Visit Buckinghamshire 76
Sell out book for Captain Tom by Ben Walsgrove 78
Drive & Dine Theatre by Pub in the Park 79
Books to Pre Order by Bryony Hill 80
Fashion
Fresh Fun Fashion in Old Amersham by FABRIC 40
Splish Splash with Regatta 42
Summer Style with Dune London 44
High Summer with Joe Browns 46
Make your clothes last longer with DYLON Dyes 48
004
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
CONTENTS OF MAGAZINE
Home & Garden
Gifts that make a difference with Promise in Store 98
Keep your household plants healthy by Essential Living 100
A snug guide to getting yoor sofa inside by Snug 102
My Garden Year by Barry Burrows 104
Date Night at Home by Lights4fun 106
Secret Styling Club by Secret Styling Club 108
Food & Drink
Rainbow Rolls by Justine Murphy, mymuybueno 82
Bao Buns by foodfoodfood__uk 84
Salmon Gratin by Adam Handling 85
Chicken Raman by Justine Murphy, mymuybueno 86
Soy & Honey Glazed Prawns by Hello Fresh 88
Peri Peri Pea Falafel with Tahini Dressing by Yes Peas! 90
Broccoli with Oriental Salad by Burgundy Broccoli 91
Beauty & Wellbeing
Cheese Muffins w. Sweetcorn & Spinach by FabFlour 92
Chocolate Chunk Cookies by FabFlour 93
What makes speciality coffee so special by Roast Lab 94
The Power of Crystals by Jennaleigh Sharpe 112
Early DIagnosis Matters by Pancreatic Cancer Action 114
Chief Editor
Tina Reading
info@thefoxydeer.co.uk
Art Director
Kathryn Pike
editorial@thefoxydeer.co.uk
Advertising Enquiries
& Media Pack requests
advertising@thefoxydeer.co.uk
METROLAND
encapsulates everything that
we love about this area and is
created for the good townsfolk
of Chesham, Amersham and
Chalfont who we feel deserve
a magazine dedicated to them
with loads of news, articles
and offers. METROLAND was
first published in Spring 2020
as a digital magazine due to
the Coronavirus outbreak.
Subsequent issues will be
printed seasonally.
Our aim is to feature purely
Metroland businesses and
organisations and bring their
services and products to
everyone across zones 8 & 9.
Top Tips for Care Workers by Dr Deborah Lee 116
Expert Teeth Brushing by Chess House Dental 120
Get Ready to Travel
Picture Villages in the Cotswolds by Cotswold Concierge 122
Family Beach Holidays by Visit Pembrookshire 126
Escape to Sherwood Forest by Dr Deborah Lee 128
Escape to Tresco by tresco.co.uk 130
Must-see Street Art 134
The information in this magazine is intended to provide readers with information which they may find useful and of interest. We take all reasonable steps to keep this information current and
accurate, but errors can occur. The information in this magazine is therefore provided as is with no guarantee of accuracy, completeness or timeliness. Reference to any specific commercial product,
process, or services by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by The Foxy Deer or METROLAND. This publication may
include links to third-party content, advertising, or websites, provided to our readers for the sake of convenience. By using these links, you acknowledge and agree The Foxy Deer / METROLAND is
not responsible for and does not endorse any advertising, products, or resources available from such outside resources or websites.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 005

A NEW BOUTIQUE FOR OLD AMERSHAM
OPENING
IN JUNE!
UNTIL THEN, HAVE A BROWSE AT
www.fabricfashionstore.co.uk
91B HIGH STREET, (JUST BEHIND THE GROCER AT 91)

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
Zones 8&9
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 07

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Supporting Local
Organisations
Heart of Bucks is supporting local organisations responding to the coronavirus – and they’re
still taking funding applications
Heart of Bucks, the Community Foundation for
Buckinghamshire, recently set up the Bucks
Coronavirus Response Appeal to support charities
in Buckinghamshire who are most affected and
vulnerable at this time of crisis.
In addition to the funds raised by this local appeal,
Heart of Bucks have also received funding from
the National Emergencies Trust (NET) Coronavirus
Appeal to distribute locally.
008
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
“Birthdays have been shared, sing-alongs with
family members, and so much more… Being able
to keep families connected through this difficult
time has touched so many of us – we couldn’t
have done it without Heart of Bucks acting so
quickly on my application”.
Both appeals and the funds generated from
them are the result of generous donations from
individuals and businesses wanting to make a
difference at this uncertain and challenging time.
Heart of Bucks have distributed over £200,000 so
far in emergency funds to Buckinghamshire-based
charities, organisations and community groups
who are working to alleviate some of the negative
impact that the coronavirus has had on the local
community.
Among the many local groups supported by
these funds, Heart of Bucks have given grants
to Aylesbury Foodbank to enable them to offer
more help to disadvantaged people and families,
Wycombe Mind and Buckinghamshire Mind to help
them extend their service to offer support online
for people struggling with their mental health,
and children’s charity Pace, so they can provide
remote education and therapy to vulnerable
disabled children.
Heart of Bucks continue to fund local groups
on a daily basis and are actively encouraging
applications from groups in Buckinghamshire
who are working to alleviate some the negative
impact of the coronavirus pandemic in the local
community.
If you are a Buckinghamshire charity, organisation
or community group currently running activities
or projects to support the community at this time,
then Heart of Bucks would love to hear from you.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available from both the
Bucks Coronavirus Response Appeal and the NET
Coronavirus Appeal to groups helping the most
vulnerable people in the community.
To read the application criteria and to apply for
funding for both funds with just one application
form, head to heartofbucks.org/coronavirusresponse-funds/.
The Fremantle Trust, who received a grant from
the NET Coronavirus Appeal, used their funding
to bring hope to their care home residents during
this difficult time. They purchased a total of 41
tablets and 41 Google Chromecasts and staff
spent time teaching the elderly residents how to
use this technology to make video calls to their
families, send and receive messages and photos
and even get involved with interactive activities
like gaming and taking part in online exercise
videos.
“I can’t begin to tell you what a difference the
grant has made to our services”, said Sue
Faulkner, Community and Lifestyle Manager at
The Fremantle Trust. “There have been many
tears of joy.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 009

METROLAND
BEAUTY & WELLBEING
How we launched
a business during
lockdown
by Tina Reading
Lockdown hit and all of our plans for Metroland in
print came to an abrupt halt (Kathryn and I had
been out talking to fab clients and C19 put an
instant hold on that!). We made the decision that
for the time-being we would be a digital publication.
All of my marketing freelance projects stopped
(bar helping a few businesses make the transition
to being solely online). I felt lost and bewildered
with the situation, like many others across the
UK this was unprecedented. My beloved football
had stopped, I was bereft of anything to keep my
enthusiasm and becoming solely consumed with
the statistics and horror of the pandemic we as a
nation found ourselves in. I needed a distraction....
Last Summer and very dear friend Angie and I had
thrown a baby shower. The request was something
simple, buffet style. Ang and I are not known for
doing anything by half and we both have a strong
events/catering background so we decided to put
on an afternoon tea. Being one of the Director's
at Chesham United FC the Chess Suite this was
the obvious place to hold the event and we worked
with the bar team there on a selection of gin/
champagne to accompany the food (for those that
wanted to indulge in a celebratory tipple).
Everything was handmade, baked etc and
presented on our vast collection of bone china
(during the process Ang and I realised we were
both china girls). The event was a huge success,
the food was loved, the decor, the porcelain etc
and it wasn't too long before we were asked to
cater for other events or hire out our china.
Roll forwards to May this year and someone was
looking for a cream tea on our local Facebook
group so we offered our services (this was the
distraction we so needed). Quickly followed by an
order for an afternoon tea for a birthday, and then
it started! Over the past few weeks we have taken
daily orders for our teas, we are out delivering all
weekend and sometimes midweek. Our customers
are lovely, they just keep ordering (sometimes reordering).
The Vintage Tea Co is our passion and quite simply
Ang and I love doing it. We needed something to
focus our efforts on during this time but as it turns
out this salvation will be ongoing, long after nasty
C19 leaves us. We are fully booked for June, we
have orders already placed for July, August and
November. We have birthdays, anniversaries, thank
you gifts and whilst at the moment everything is
010
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
being delivered with due caution, social
distancing firmly in place we look forward
to the day when we can get back into the
football club where we are resident and
serve delicious teas the old fashioned way.
I said at the start that businesses able to
diversify during these darks days would be
the ones that survived, we have taken our
Tea company from serving to the masses in
one place, to one serving people in several
places. We cannot wait to see where The
Vintage Tea Co goes but we will certainly
never forget how we really started!
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 011

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Just the Ticket
An occasional glimpse behind the scenes of your local theatre
by Eleanor Garth
Pandemic prepping - what happens next?
Dressing rooms crowded with actors warming
up, dancers stretching in the wings, a throng at
the bar and queuing at the auditorium doors… all
the usual sights and sounds you’d expect at The
Elgiva.
Except now it’s all gone very quiet. Most of the staff
are furloughed, the theatre is locked up and all the
activity is behind the scenes and at a computer.
Never has working for a theatre been stranger -
and I’ve seen panto rehearsals!
Partly it’s the uncertainty, both for the staff, our
volunteers and our patrons. When will we reopen
(don’t know), what productions will we be able to
have (don’t know), what will a socially distanced
theatre look like (don’t know). There is also concern
for the arts on a wider scale; several theatres
have had to close, others have cancelled their
pantomimes, or shut up shop until next year,
battening down the hatches and waiting out the
storm. People have so much drama in their lives at
the moment, will they actually want to experience
it on a stage anytime soon?
The Elgiva is wholly-owned and operated by
Chesham Town Council and we are always
conscious of our responsibility to the taxpayer, both
in terms of inclusivity (a programme with something
for everyone) and financing. The Manager is busy
putting together a programme for 2021 as well
as looking at what we can and can’t offer in the
autumn and keeping a close eye on Government
guidance to ensure the health and safety of
everyone who comes to the theatre. We might not
know the “when”, but we are already working on
the “how”.
The Show Must Go On(line)
Customer Service is our middle name (we’d
probably hyphenate it), so there is also work
involved on that front. When a show is moved
or cancelled, there are things to be done on the
booking system and that arise from informing
patrons. Although our Elgiva audience can’t visit
us at the moment, we are using email, our website
and social media to keep them informed of all the
lovely things theatres and productions companies
are putting online for their viewing pleasure. From
Shakespeare to Hairspray and from Glyndebourne
to Glastonbury there is lots out there to keep your
cultural levels topped up. Just have a look at the
news section of our website on elgiva.com.
We’ll always have panto...
Well, we will in December! Christmas isn't Christmas
without a panto, and The Elgiva is thrilled to be
working with New Pantomime Productions again in
bringing the timeless fairytale The Sleeping Beauty
to The Elgiva stage later this year. It's shaping up
to be a funny, fun-filled, action-packed family treat
- even if we are all still two metres apart at that
stage. We took the decision to change our panto
this week (we were originally planning to bring
you Snow White, but getting seven dwarfs to stay
two metres apart is tricky at the best of times!) to
ensure the safety and wellbeing of the cast, as well
as the audience.
We are also delighted that last year's trio of funny
men - Sean Luckham, Ben Moseby of Mix96FM and
Chesham's own Chris Casey - are already confirmed
cast members. We’ll be continuing our commitment
to inclusivity, with a relaxed performance and
signed performances.
So, if you’d like something special to look forward
to don’t fall asleep on the job, but book for The
Sleeping Beauty!
012
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
The Coaching Cabin
The Coaching Cabin is a unique space in Chesham
Buckinghamshire. Warm and cosy in the winter,
cool and breezy in Summer. Positioned beside a
Victorian artesian well and watercress bed, the
perfect surrounding and ambience for you to relax
and maximise the benefit of your coaching.
Jo Bishop and her team deliver professional and
bespoke coaching services including personal
coaching, team coaching, wellbeing and coaching
for leaders/managers.
Jo brings over twenty years experience across a
range of sectors and continents. For over fifteen
of those years Jo has enjoyed working as a global
performance enabler. Designing and delivering
training interventions that have a practical impact.
Working extensively across all sectors with
individuals and groups looking to achieve more
happiness or success in their lives and careers.
014
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Jo is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel
and Development, holds a Post Graduate Diploma
in Human Resource Management and is a member
of the National Council of Psychotherapists.
She is also a professionally qualified career
counsellor and executive coach.
http://thecoachingcabin.co.uk
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 015

METROLAND
CATEGORY
TITLE OF ZONES CATEGORY 8 & 9
The feel-good factor
by Cllr Mimi Harker OBE
Member of Buckinghamshire Council
Representing Amersham and Chesham Bois
The 1st to 7th June was National Volunteers Week!
But the feel-good factor left glowing in our hearts and minds
continues throughout the year!
This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most surreal
time that any of us have lived through. Never in a
million years could we envisage the world that we
are in. Even the pages of fiction books didn’t have
the imagination to conjure up such a scenario! The
cold fear that has been instilled into us about this
horrendous, life snatching global pandemic and
the inability to comprehend the magnitude of the
entire planet being engulfed in this misery of fear,
is all encompassing.
And yet, it has brought out the best of humanity and
to be fair, a little bit of the worst. Let’s focus on the
best! This pandemic has encouraged people who
have never volunteered before to join that amazing
army of legends, who have been constantly caring
for more vulnerable people as a matter of course.
What would we have done without these caring
people? The myriad of Covid groups set up to
help the most vulnerable in our community with
shopping, collecting prescriptions, maybe a phone
call to make sure someone isolated through this
doesn’t become too lonely and cut off. It’s amazing
how the community has responded. Volunteers
are the root and branch of all our communities and
over the years, as the funding from local authorities
has dried up, the charity sector, which relies heavily
on good people to volunteer, has also had to learn
to fundraise to survive. Without volunteers, many
many good charities, lifelines for some of our more
vulnerable residents, would have closed their doors
a long time ago. So this is a wonderful opportunity
to say thank you to all our volunteers! You are
amazing and we really appreciate you.
016
It would be fair then to ask who looks after
the volunteers and advises and supports our
wonderful charity, voluntary and community sector
in Buckinghamshire?
Community Impact Bucks is an independent
charity that supports people and groups to get
involved and make a difference in Buckinghamshire
communities. They offer expert advice and training,
help people to find volunteering opportunities,
and help charities and not for profit groups to get
started, be effective and grow, and I have the great
pleasure and honour to be chairman of the board
of trustees for this hard working, dedicated charity.
Whether your charity or community group is just
you or twenty people, in fact, no matter how big or
small, this is your ‘go-to’ organisation. Community
Impact Bucks is the backbone of volunteering
with a team of brilliant experts offering support,
advice, training and funding advice and help to its
members. And membership is free!
Never has the charity been more needed than in our
Covid-19 world. Community Impact Bucks is at the
centre of the response to the pandemic, gathering
evidence, fact finding, collating information on
volunteering across our county, culminating in
the Volunteer Matching Service. Post pandemic,
Community Impact Bucks will help other charities,
community and voluntary groups to pull through
this extraordinary time, with knowledge, experience
and expertise of the sector that is second to none.
And we are going to need this support and strength
more than every as everyone fights to recover.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER SPRING 2020

METROLAND
CATEGORY
TITLE OF ZONES CATEGORY 8 & 9
Community Impact Bucks understands the needs
and the challenges faced by the sector which is
why its reputation is built on strong foundations. If
you would like to find out more, please go to www.
communityimpactbucks.org.uk and please, do
come and join us! We love volunteers, we are all
about volunteering and we are here to help you!
At the end of all of this, my greatest wish is the
hope that we will remember how we came together
and fought through this situation together and
we beat it together. I hope we hang on to that
amazing community spirit we have seen and carry
on mowing the grass for our elderly neighbour, or
getting their shopping and won’t it be just lovely
to finally be able to sit down and have a cup of tea
and a proper chat with some of the lovely people
we have been looking after! I hope we remember
that we can have meetings on zoom and teams
and although it is really nice to meet and see each
other face to face, we also have the option now
to help the environment by not jumping into our
cars at the drop of a hat, perhaps keep the skies
cleaner by not flying as much, and by appreciating
the beautiful planet we have discovered through
the misery of incarceration, isolation and personal
loss.
Personally, I am so thrilled to have discovered the
most beautiful walks in countryside and woodlands
literally 10 minutes away from me - I love that
connection with nature - we always knew we lived
in a beautiful part of the world but we took it for
granted and I cannot believe that I have lived here
for almost 33 years and not realised the depth of
the beauty that was right here, under my nose,
for me and my family to experience and which has
given us so much pleasure! So, its been a shocking
period of time but also one of the most beautiful.
Its unlikely we will have the opportunity to spend
so much time with our families as we have just
experienced. And for those of us separated from
our families, we are going to cherish them so much
more, hug them that bit tighter when we are finally
allowed to do so!
Community spirit is alive and kicking and to
everyone who has volunteered in any way -
THANK YOU! You’re the best!
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING SUMMER 2020
017

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Rodney Edwards
Culverhouse
2nd October 1937 - 11th April 2020, by Emily Culverhouse
As a young boy, with his bike
Rodney Edwards Culverhouse, the fourth
child (second son) of Edward John and Elfreda
Culverhouse grew up in Bellingdon, eventually
one of six children. His father was headmaster of
nearby St. Leonard’s Church of England Primary
School where Rod was a pupil. After secondary
school in Chesham, Rod went to Amersham
College and then did his National Service. Being
very sporty he joined the RAF gymnastics team
and travelled all over the country. After almost
8 years in the RAF he went to teacher training
college at Newlands Park in Chalfont St. Peter
before taking up a teaching post at the old
Germain Street School, later Cestreham School
(previously on the site of Culverhouse Way, named
for his grandfather Edward). It was here that he
taught many of the boys who remember him so
fondly today. He encouraged them to be the
best they could be with a great deal of humour,
although he was strict too! He wasn’t averse to
a bit corporal punishment with a slipper, ruler or
hand but it didn’t do his pupils (or his children) any
harm.
In 1962 his sister Susan (older by 20 months)
returned from nursing in Australia with a friend,
Merrilee Fairman, and in 1964 Rod married her
in a private ceremony at which his mother and
my mother (and a very small me) were the only
witnesses, with a later blessing at St. Leonard’s
Church.
In the early 1970s he opened ‘Sport of Chesham’
as a small concession in Brandons Department
Store and I remember his mother (my Granny)
proudly taking me to see him there when I was
a little girl. He ran this (with staff) while also
teaching and in 1986 he opened Fast Break in the
High Street.
He also had another sideline reporting Sunday
league football matches for the Bucks Examiner
using his pseudonym (his late father in law’s
name), Richard (Dick) Fairman. Please see
018
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
With his Freedom of
Chesham award
Chesham Stags’ tribute to him which mentions
this.
Rod was a previous Chairman of the Chesham
(now Chiltern) Chamber of Commerce and
responsible for the idea that was the pre-cursor
to Christmas in Chesham, the busiest night in
the Chesham calendar, attracting more than
5,000 people to the town centre. I’ve also heard
that he was instrumental in creating Chesham
in Bloom. He was nicknamed “the father of the
High Street” and last May was awarded ‘Freeman
of Chesham’.
Rod and Merrilee were blessed with three sons,
Conrad, Rohan and Dougal and 5 grandchildren,
who called him ‘Nit Not’ as he didn’t like to think
of himself as old enough to have grandchildren
and being called ‘Grandpa’ aged him. His looks
certainly belied his years and I remember a few
years ago the Bucks Examiner mentioned him
in a story and gave his age as 57. I questioned
it with him and he grinned and said they might
have got the numbers the wrong way round! No
one else batted an eyelid. In fact someone the
other day asked me if he was in his 50’s.
He was an intensely private man and although
everyone knew him, very few people had the
benefit of actually ‘knowing’ him. He was also a
very modest man and hated a fuss to be made.
He was a committed Christian and regularly
attended services at the Parish Church in The
Lee. He enjoyed classical music and would often
go to the Royal Festival Hall to a concert, most
recently to Bach’s St. John Passion (which he
liked to go to every year) with his niece Claire. I
don’t think it would be a surprise to know how
much he loved his sport! He was a regular at
Chesham United and supported Arsenal football
team, as well as (through Fast Break) supporting
all of the many clubs in and around Chesham.
Rod of course loved his cycling, riding hundreds
of miles to Yorkshire and Cornwall on his trusty
and treasured Claud Butler.
He was very much a family man, and that
included his siblings, nieces and nephews. He
later became a firm favourite amongst the great
nieces and nephews. When we were children
he invented a game called ‘Troll the Moll’ where
he would chase us all upstairs and/or lie in wait
for us in the dark on the landing and chase
us down again (at whichever family’s home we
were celebrating Boxing Day) to loud squeals
of terror and delight. He continued to chase
the little ones for as long as there were any, at
any family party (as recently as last summer) or
until they got fed up. He never seemed to! He
never forgot a birthday and pledged £5 if we
didn’t receive a card from him on or before our
birthdays.
We have been overwhelmed with tributes
and stories about him all of which mention
his kindness, generosity and wicked sense of
humour. As a family we’re genuinely concerned
that the makers of tennis balls will have a huge
drop in profits after hearing about the number
he apparently used to give away! One enduring
‘Rod’ story (there are many) and a favourite
of us all is the time a family friend saw Rod
leaving Darvell’s with a bun, dropping it into the
instrument case of a busker outside his shop.
“Morning Rod, I think he’d probably prefer the
money…” “Ah yes” replied Rod “but he’ll have to
stop playing to eat the bun”.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 019

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Chiltern Creative by
Toby Friedner
Whether it's art, music, theatre, film, TV or radio,
Chesham is a hive of creativity. Since moving to the
area 5 years ago, it seems that everywhere I turn
I meet people who work in the creative industries.
From the VT Playback specialist whose claim to
fame is being yelled at by Stephen Spielberg, to
the producer of Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio
4. They and those like them can be found in the
queue in Darvell's or sitting in traffic on St Mary's
Way (pre-lockdown of course).
The nature of the business means many of them
are freelance often moving from job to job and
when they're not doing that, they're trying to
find new work. This has its advantages but also
means they don't often get the chance to meet
with other creatives to socialise and collaborate.
A skills and careers event at the Elgiva Theatre
– Meet the Creative Professionals – in November
2019 gave a group of like-minded locals an idea.
With so many creative people in this position on
our doorstep, why not create an environment
where they can meet, chat and get to know each
other. Myself from BBC Radio, Jackie Campbell
from ScreenSkills and David Cooper who runs the
Elgiva theatre, came together to make it happen
and Chiltern Creative was born.
We are a volunteer run, not for profit networking
group which aims to bring together people
working in the creative industries in Chesham
and the surrounding area. Our first networking
meeting was in January and attracted over 50
people from a variety of creative sectors.
Like many we have tried to adapt to this new
reality. Since lockdown Chiltern Creative has run
a number of events online including a series of
talks where people who had to quickly move
their business online, share their experiences.
We also provide a regularly updated list of
funding sources for creatives and other useful
information on our Facebook page https://www.
facebook.com/pages/category/Media/Chiltern-
Creative-101605354680663/
When all this madness is over we hope to be
back with our face to face networking group. Until
then if you are interested in learning more about
Chiltern Creative email chilterncreative@mail.com
or like our Facebook page. See you on the other
side!
Everyone from an Emmy award-winning VFX
producer on Chernobyl to the music tutor at
HMP Bovingdon, mingling and enjoying beer and
pizza. Following our initial success we planned
more meetings only to be stopped abruptly by
Coronavirus.
020
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Profile of the Mayor
by Roderick McCulloch & Emily Culverhouse
Suzanne and Roderick McCulloch moved to
Chesham as newly-weds nearly thirty years ago.
They were blessed with one son who attended
local schools and is now an undergraduate at
Reading University. Both Roderick and Suzanne
are solicitors working locally.
Roderick was first elected to the Town Council in
2011 and was selected as Deputy Mayor in 2019.
He has a long held interest in the built and natural
environment and in conservation issues. He is a
former secretary of the Chesham Society, a member
of the Chiltern Society and BBOWT. Since his
election to the Town Council, he has taken a keen
interest in transport issues and is a representative
of the Town Council on the Chesham & District
Transport Users’ Group and also Chair of the
Friends of Chesham Cemetery.
Roderick believes the coronavirus crisis has
demonstrated the need for more action to
safeguard mental health so I has nominated
Buckinghamshire MIND as his mayoral charity for
the year and intends to find innovative and novel
ways to fundraise for them during his tenure.
Roderick became Mayor at a virtual ceremony on
18th May and is delighted to be the first ‘digital
Mayor’ of Chesham. He will be supported by former
Mayor, Emily Culverhouse who is his deputy for the
year.
(c) Ben Brotherton
0021
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
For the Love of Scrubs
by Kathryn Pike,
Volunteer Scrubber ~ Making scrubs with love for the NHS
T
he supply of personal protective
equipment (PPE) within the NHS
has been headline news over the
last few months. To combat the
spread of Covid-19, medical staff
need to change their clothing
frequently, sometimes as often as 10 times during
each working day. As a result, the country quickly
faced a national shortage of medical uniforms,
known as scrubs, leaving healthcare staff
vulnerable.
Back in March this year Ashleigh Linsdell, a
senior nurse working for a busy A&E department
in Lincolnshire, decided to make scrubs for her
department and work family to keep them and
their patients safe. She sent out a plea for anyone
who could give up some of their time or donate
materials.
Ashleigh was overwhelmed by the response. She
received so many offers of help to make scrubs that
she created the For the Love of Scrubs (FTLOS)
Facebook group.
At the very beginning, members joined with
the understanding that they would pay for the
materials themselves as a way of giving back to
our amazing NHS. Some members couldn't afford
much but still wanted to be involved.put in orders
which would produce 5 pairs of scrubs.
Ashleigh and her husband George were touched
that so many people wanted to help, even if they
did not have the finances to buy any materials. As
a result, Ashleigh created a Just Giving page to
raise funds that would allow them to create ‘scrubs
kits'. With these kits, volunteers from around
the country could get involved and produce the
urgently needed scrubs.
Ashleigh had no idea of the impact that her
campaign would have across the nation, or just
how quickly word would spread. In just 2 weeks
they had amassed 30,000 members, and the
original FTLOS group membership has now swelled
to 53,000 volunteers!
The FTLOS group is now highly organised.
Regional groups known as ‘Scrub Hubs’ contact
022
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
CATEGORY
TITLE OF ZONES CATEGORY 8 & 9
the volunteer sewers – ‘Scrubbers!’ Each group is
working with their local hospitals, GP practices and
home support to ensure the scrubs get to where
they are needed most. The effort includes more
than just sets of scrubs – groups have also been
able to supply scrub caps, scrub bags (so clothes
can be transported and washed safely by staff at
home), and headbands that relieve the pressure of
wearing face masks.
The initiative has made its way into the hearts of
thousands across the country. Even those who
may be unable to sew have helped in the mission to
make scrubs to support our fabulous NHS. Fabric
shops have given what they can, donating material
for free or supplying it at cost. Label manufacturers
have similarly supplied sizing labels for free or at
cost, and fashion studios have been busy cutting
out material and creating scrub kits to distribute
around the country. 3D printer owners have been
active, making plastic buttons to fix onto the sides
of ear-saving headbands. Local businesses have
got involved too - the Ercol factory in Princes
Risborough has been cutting and overlocking
scrubs for home sewers to make up.
I am a sewer myself and joined the nationwide
team of scrubbers in April. As soon as I shared
what I was doing, I was blessed to receive bags of
fabric for scrub bags and headbands. I have also
received monetary donations from friends and
family that has enabled me to purchase suitable
fabric to make scrubs. I am proud to say that these
donations have allowed me to continue sewing for
the NHS to this day, and my scrubs are being used
in King’s and Hillingdon hospitals.
The group has also won support from some wellknown
names. Noah Evans, the 11-year-old son
of radio DJ Chris Evans, ran his own fundraising
campaign and slept under the stars in a homemade
den for 28 nights to support the efforts of his
local Ascot ‘Scrub Hub’. The FTLOS group is also
negotiating to work with a well-known household
name in fashion to further its cause.
When the FTLOS Just Giving page was created,
it set a modest fundraising target which was very
quickly smashed. The support of its incredible
volunteers and the general public has so far raised
over £400,000. This incredible generosity, with a
little celebrity help, means that FTLOS has so far
been able to supply scrubs fabric to every FTLOS
group that has applied for help.
However, we are still only at the beginning of the
Covid-19 pandemic. Although NHS supply chains
are now improving, scrubs, scrubs laundry bags and
other accessories are still needed for communitybased
healthcare providers, first responders and
front-line staff to support them in their continuing
fight to beat Covid-19.
From its small beginnings, FTLOS has been able
to incorporate as a not-for-profit company and has
applied for official charity status, but this process
takes time.
When fundraising, every penny counts. Donations
made by UK taxpayers to a registered charity
qualify for Gift Aid. This means that for every
£10.00 donated, the organisation receives £12.50.
Corporate donations may also qualify for 20%
Corporation Tax relief. However, FTLOS is still
waiting for its charitable status to be approved, a
process that may take up to 20 weeks.
In order to avoid the delay and take advantage of
the extra funds that Gift Aid would allow, Ashleigh
has partnered with her local Rotary Club, Rotary in
Ramsey. Rotary clubs are registered charities, and
so Rotary in Ramsey is running a National fundraiser
on behalf of FTLOS. Therefore, donations to the
Rotary Club will qualify for Gift Aid or Corporation
Tax relief, meaning that your generosity goes even
further to support our NHS front-line staff.
If you would like to support FTLOS you can do so
at www.justgiving.com/campaign/scrubsfortheNHS
You can get scrubbing too! To volunteer your sewing
skills or to donate materials, please visit the original
For the Love of Scrubs Facebook Group where you
will be able to find details of your local Scrub Hub
www.facebook.com/groups/ForTheLoveOfScrubsUK
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING SUMMER 2020
023

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Stationery to swoon over!
Here at METROLAND we adore stationery... I mean you can never
have too much right? Did you know that we are very lucky to have
a fabulous independent stationers right on our doorstep? JPS
Stationers in Chesham are our go to when we need our notebook,
pen or crafting fix!
JPS Stationers has been a family owned business
since November 2011. The shop itself has been an
office and domestic stationery supplier for over
100 years. A well known landmark in Chesham, local
people may have known the shop as Blundells or
Chilterns Office Efficiency and more recently as
JPS Stationers.
Much has changed in that time – daily new deliveries
from major wholesalers and manufacturers
arrive. Their well stocked, bright, attractive and
well situated High Street shop should be able to
provide all that is required for the modern home
or office. They are currently expanding their sales
with business customers, and it may be a surprise
to find how competitive they are. Friendly and
knowledgeable staff are glad to help you find what
you need.
Alongside their regular Office Supplies and
Everyday Stationery JPS Stationers have added
some other unique lines. Their own “Keep Calm
and Come to Chesham” products continue to
be popular; mugs, coasters and notebooks are
available. They also stock local interest greetings
cards and notelets and area an Official Tintin
merchandise supplier.
024
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Chiltern Voice radio
bringing music, chat
and local news to the
Chilterns in lockdown
by Emily Culverhouse, ChilternVoice
Having recently brought you the exciting news
that the Chilterns’ own radio station Chiltern
Voice have won a much-coveted full time FM
licence, they have shown how worthy they are
to receive such a licence by adapting to the
recent Covid-19 situation with flying colours.
Just before lockdown was announced regular
presenters Amy Deane and Ben Lemel
organised a ‘Community Show’ from 4-6pm
every weekday, to bring a bit of joy to Chiltern
residents; some of whom may be alone and in
need of company and/or for those who may
like to take some time in their day for some
relaxation and a sense of normality. The show
is the only one to broadcast live at the moment
and is a ‘magazine style’ show including chat
with a variety of guests.
which also contains useful information for local
residents and a ‘listen here’ facility. Members
of the team are working hard on getting the
station ready for FM and we hope to bring you
news of that early next year.
Meanwhile, you can listen through the website,
by ‘TuneIn’ or other radio apps or by downloading
the Chiltern Voice app to your smartphone or
asking Alexa to ‘play Chiltern Voice’.
Are you a regular listener? Do you think a radio
station is useful for the Chiltern area? Let us
know what you think of the project. You can
contact by email, twitter or Facebook.
For further information please contact Emily
Culverhouse (tel. 07540 410130) at emily@
chilternvoice.fm.
Other presenters have also developed their
broadcasting skills by recording their regular
shows so that the output is not affected and
new shows are being added to the schedule all
the time. There is something for everyone from
the Breakfast Show with Antonia Honeywell,
to a film show, varying music genres including
rock, decades, world music and the Chilterns’
answer to Elaine Paige on Sunday with updates
on local theatre! The full schedule can be
viewed on the website (www.chilternvoice.fm)
Please follow us on
Twitter: @ChilternVoice
Facebook: ChilternVoice
Instagram: Chiltern Voice
www.chilternvoice.fm
025
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Meet the Champion
Singers on your doorstep
by Amanda Dawson
Amersham has a well-kept secret: it’s home to a
choir of 70 women from all walks of life - and a wide
spectrum of ages - who are Britain’s finest ladies
barbershop chorus.
Amersham - and the Cottontown Chorus is based
in Bolton! We had to rehearse our own sections
separately and send each other vocal and video
recordings to practise against.
Mention a ‘barbershop choir’ and it’s easy to
imagine men in braces and straw hats singing
in harmony. That’s because, 40 years ago,
barbershop was very much a male-dominated
activity. But back in 1982, the wives and girlfriends
of a local men’s barbershop choir were so inspired
by the fun their partners were having, they
decided to form their own ladies’ chorus. And it’s
fair to say, we haven’t looked back!
We were first founded as Chiltern Harmony and
we soon began to win prestigious ‘choir of the
year’ awards and competitions such as the annual
convention of the Ladies Association of British
Barbershop Singers (LABBS). In 2008, we changed
our name to Amersham A Cappella, as we were
increasingly performing a repertoire that included
contemporary a cappella arrangements that went
beyond the traditional barbershop style. We’ve
continued this philosophy and our members now
strive to deliver sensational performances and
spread joy to our audiences, whilst having an
enormous amount of fun.
Since Helen Lappert became our musical director
in 2005, we’ve gone from strength to strength,
winning several UK and international championship
titles and performing highly-acclaimed, sell-out
shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Last
year, we joined forces with a leading male chorus
(The Cottontown Chorus) to win our first national
‘mixed chorus’ competition. Preparing for this
was a significant challenge because we rehearse
in Saint Michael and All Angels Church Hall in
Last October, we also won the coveted annual gold
medal for being the top LABBS chorus - which is
some feat when you consider that the UK has 60
ladies choruses comprising over 2,300 singers. One
of the great benefits of winning this competition
is that you get to perform at illustrious events
and showcase concerts. Amongst other functions
planned for this year, Amersham A Cappella was
due to appear as LABBS champions in Dortmund,
Germany, and as mixed chorus champions in
Harrogate. Sadly, the Coronavirus has swung the
door shut on all of these opportunities.
However - as well as delivering joy and camaraderie
- singing develops great resilience. Our chorus is
a close and vibrant community and we try to put
a positive spin on everything we do. We still ‘meet
up’ for weekly rehearsals, using the online video
platform Zoom. We’ve also instigated several
initiatives to keep ourselves motivated, connected
and fulfilled even when we can’t physically sing
together.
For example, we have a daily session on Facebook
Live which provides us with an update and a chance
to natter online, plus a weekly ‘Vocal Focal ‘with
Helen on how to look after our voices and improve
vocal technique. Our wonderful cake-maker Tina
has introduced a weekly online class in which she
shares her recipes and shows us step-by-step
how to make her fabulous creations. We’ve also
had Jenny taking us on regular ‘wanders through
the woodland’; motivational comedy videos from
our Performance team; ‘sewing studio’ with Donna
026
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
showing us how to make hair scrunchies and face
masks ... and our very own soap opera ‘CluckEnders’,
starring Justine’s chickens who are locked up in
CluckAtraz or languishing in Cluckingham Palace
depending on the day!
On a more serious note, Soozi, a renowned
psychotherapist, presents ‘mid-week musings’ which
help us to understand and cope with the ‘new normal’
from a psychological perspective. She reminds us
that we’re not alone in how we’re feeling and offers us
effective coping strategies and support.
Although we’re lucky to have members of our chorus
who are taking on these tasks, we honestly can’t
wait until the day that we’re able to meet up and sing
together face-to-face again. We’ll be arranging and
participating at local concerts, so please keep a look
out for these and do come and see us perform. We
promise to change any perceptions you might have
about barbershop singing! We’ll also be available for
community and charity events, weddings and other
private functions, if you’d like to book us.
Please also get in touch if you’d like to audition for our
chorus, as we welcome new members. We’ll be running
a series of open ‘Love to Sing’ sessions, to teach
aspiring members some of our four-part harmony
arrangements. If you’d like more details about this - or
about anything else relating to Amersham A Cappella
- please contact us at: chair@amershamacappella.
com. Or you can follow our exploits via:
Facebook: facebook.com/amershamacappella
Instagram: instagram.com amershamacappella
Twitter: twitter.com/AmershamAc
YouTube: youtube.com/user/TheAmershamACappella
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 027

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Local girl to be lead-voice
in new Animated Series
A nationwide competition to find the voice of
the lead character for a new animated series
has today announced that local school-girl,
Stephanie Gallagher, from Hemel Hempstead,
has won the main prize to narrate “Clean Our
Planet: Energy Of Change”.
Stephanie, aged 12, along with five other
children from around the country were selected
after a six-month process that searched across
40,000 families. Run by Clean Planet Energy
and partnered by the UK’s leading child talent
agency Scallywags, participants were asked
create a short video about how they are helping
protect the planet.
“Stephanie’s video-entry amazed the judges. It
is clear Stephanie has already made strides in
her own journey to help make needed changes
in the world. Stephanie has taken part in
important activism marches, and in her videoentry
she showed us her art-work to get people
to sit up and take notice. At such a young age
she is already looking to her future too, wanting
to become a politician to drive a green-focussed
policy agenda”, said Bertie Stephens, CEO of
Clean Planet Energy
“The purpose of the new animated series is to
help both inform and engage people of all ages
as to how our lifestyles impacts upon nature.
We must take a step-back and realise that the
current balance between nature and society is
untenable, but importantly we must have the
courage to make incremental changes so that
we can live the life we want, but in harmony with
the nature around us”, continued Stephens.
Stephanie told how she is already making a
difference “I've been on many activism marches
and campaigned for the government to take
action. I made eco-friendly soap to cut down
on plastic packaging, and I’ve also made a
hedgehog house to look after the hedgehogs
that come in my garden when they hibernate.”
Upon finding out about her win, Stephanie
believes the animation can continue to raise
consciousness of the problems we face as a
society, “I'm ever so excited to try and help the
planet any way I can. I think this project can
really elevate the awareness of climate change
and plastic pollution. I think some children
(and adults!) don't know enough about the
consequences, so I'd love if people knew more
about it to help and clean our planet. “
The animation is slated to deliver a narrative
that will take the audience through the ages, on
an arc of discovery. Mixing key messages with
entertainment is difficult, but Stephanie, along
with the other five winners were picked as they
have an edge to make people of all ages sit up
and listen. “If we’re going change the world,
achieve the seemingly impossible, we’ll have to
achieve it with those whose future it impacts
most, for people and businesses alike we’re
entering an era of the Clean Planet Economy”,
Stephens concluded.
028
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
The animated series will go into voice-over
production this Summer with an initial release
date scheduled for Q4 this year. The primary
target audience will be school-children but like
all good animations the purpose is to bringtogether
the entire family.
From the initial entries that reached 40,000
families, 15 finalists were shortlisted by a team
of 5 judges. All finalists will receive a certificate,
and the winners, in addition to winning the voiceover
prize, have also been awarded a cash prize
of £125; the family also receives a set of Clean
Planet t-shirts.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0029

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Life Under Lockdown
Chesham United
by Peter Brown, Chairman CUFC
As the world waits with bated breath for the return
of Premiership football and the opportunity to
finish a season to meet the needs of the multimillion
pound sponsorship arrangements, behind
the scenes and out of the headlines there are
many more football stories that may end tragically,
or alternatively may take great strides towards
uniting communities.
One such story is happening in leafy
Buckinghamshire, at the end of the Metropolitan
Line and in the heart of the commuter belt,
Chesham United Football Club is always going to be
competing against the London-based professional
teams when it comes to attracting support, but that
has never stopped them ambitiously pushing to
establish their position as a respected contender at
the higher end of the non-league football pyramid,
and a club at the heart of the local community.
Last year the club celebrated its centenary year; 100
years of highs and lows, promotions and relegations,
FA Cup runs and FA Cup disappointments, fires and
demolition, development and inspiration…it has
been a rollercoaster of a ride for the supporters of
Chesham United, yet it is there love and passion
for the club that drives everyone forward.
In March this year their season came to an abrupt
end. None of this endless debate, extending
seasons, points per game to decide positions like
we are seeing at the higher end of the game. For
Chesham United, and hundreds of clubs like them
the FA brought the season to an end, calling all
games null and void. Having played 33 out of 42
games in the Southern Premier League, the club
were sat comfortably in second-place and looking
good for a real shot at promotion to the National
League South for the first tie in their history, a
league just two places below the Football League;
but in the end all the blood, sweat and tears were
for nothing. Time to start all over again.
When football does start again lower down the
pyramid, things will be looking very different at
Chesham United. Rather than grumble at their
mis-giving’s of the previous season, they have
prioritised the safety of their players, supporters
and management and put all of their focus on
firstly maintaining the financial viability of the club
and secondly getting everything in place for a new
campaign.
Heading up the new era will be a new Chairman
at the helm, local businessman and Finance
Director for the last five years, Peter Brown, has
taken over the role and is determined to keep the
momentum going with the club and further grow
the engagement with the supporters, businesses
and people of the town of Chesham.
“These are troubling times for all businesses, and
Chesham United Football Club is no exception’
explains Peter, “we have pretty much lost all of
our income since March with no crowds attending
matches, our excellent clubhouse and function
facilities forced to shut and many of our loyal and
supportive sponsors understandably having to
be more cautious with their marketing budgets.
However, we have been fortunate to obtain some
support through grants, and the backing of our
supporters and local businesses has been heartwarming.”
Peter Brown presenting man of the match to
Bradley Clayton with outgoing Chairman Brian McCarthy
030
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
With crowds starting to average over 500 as
the season progressed, supporters themselves
are feeling deprived of their passion. For many
Saturday afternoon at the club’s picturesque
The Meadow ground is the highlight of the week
with over one-hundred of them having purchased
season tickets last summer, so are they feeling
aggrieved that they have not got to see all the
games they thought they would when making the
purchase?
Not according to the Chairman, “the response of
supporters and season ticket holders has been
phenomenal. They recognise the importance
to the town of making sure the club survives for
another one-hundred years. We have offered
refunds to supporters, or discounts off a season
ticket for the next campaign, yet the vast majority
have come back and said ‘don’t worry about it, I
know how much the club needs it and I want to
do my bit.’”
In addition to the financial generosity of season
ticket holders, supporters have been giving up
their time to help with stadium maintenance,
coming along with paint brushes and tools to
work together, with social-distancing, to make
sure the venue is looking at its very best when
the turnstiles do once again start to turn, the
clubhouse re-opens on matchdays and for private
functions; the pre-school that uses the club on a
weekday morning resumes, the young lads that
are studying at the club’s academy return for their
studies and the boys and girls that represent
Chesham United across all ages once again sport
the club’s recognisable claret & blue shirts.
Everyday activity that once seemed so normal,
is so sorely missed, and never to be taken for
granted again. However for Chesham United
going back to what they had three months ago
is not the height of the ambition, they are still at
the beginning of a new journey, one that they
hope will see them move to new state-of-the-art
facilities that will not only make the club financially
sustainable, but will provide a facility for the whole
of the local community to become a part of the
Chesham United family.
“It is important that the club has ambition” explains
Peter Brown, “my role as Chairman is to provide
the best facilities and level of sport for the town,
not just for today, but for future generations to
come. That remains our goal, and I am confident it
can be achieved.”
Chesham United Football Club is keen to talk
to all local businesses interested in being a
part of our business community benefitting
from an exciting and affordable range of
sponsorship packages, for details please contact
commercial@cheshamunited.co.uk

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
The Big Friday Night
Community Take Away
The Big Friday Night Community Take Away
(BFNCTA) team (Mark Rann, Mark Rosales, Lisa Walker
and Simon Pinnell) have been working with local Pubs,
restaurants & businesses of Chesham who have
volunteered to provide a FREE hot meal each Friday to
Emergency Frontline Services, individuals and families
who are struggling at this time in Chesham
At the time of going to print the initiative had been
running for 5 weeks and supported over 1,050 meals
with and average of 210 meals per week. 35% of the
meals were to support children.
If you know someone who needs help and a hot meal,
please refer them to our Facebook page/email or
temporary phone number. Alternative if they do not
have access to social media or email, you can register
on their behalf.
You can place a meal order with the BRNCTA team, by
visiting our Facebook page and selecting the “SHOP
NOW” button https://www.facebook.com/BFNCTA/,
email: bfncta@gmail.com or by phone or text message
07561695070.
BFNCTA is funded by charitable donations, if you wish
to donate and support this community service visit
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bfncta?utm_
term=bY592by57
If you have any questions you can contact the BFNCTA
team by email at bfncta@gmail.com
032
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

In times like these, it is the simple things that we
should be thankful for... with Joseph Baum
METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
If ever there was a time to re-discover the simple
things in life, surely this is it. Here in the Chilterns
we are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful
places in the country and the situation we face has
only served to confirm that.
Where I live, in Chesham, the rush of cars has been
replaced by rare birds of prey flying overhead
during the day and bats at night. The once dried
up stretch of soil from the Moor to Amersham Road
now flows with Mallards closely followed by their
ducklings. The flowers in Lowndes Park are in full
bloom, not to mention those around the town.
I am sure you have noticed these things too –
the peculiar sense of irony which is that by being
confined to self-isolation during this difficult time
we have been made more aware of the greatness
that is the outdoors. In our absence, life has
returned, the air we breathe is cleaner and our
water is clearer.
I cannot help but think that when our own lives
do eventually return to normal, though, the things
that I have seen in the last few weeks may not.
This experience has made me more determined
than ever to ensure that, as a Council but also as
a community, we continue to take specific steps to
tackle the other crises that exist in our town.
The way we treat our environment is one of those
causes. But I have also reflected about the way
we treat eachother and the way we care for one
another.
At our most recent Annual Council meeting I was
incredibly pleased to see Roderick McCulloch
confirmed as Chesham’s Mayor for the coming year.
In taking up his new position, Roderick announced
which charity he would be supporting and raising
funds for. In my view, he could not have selected a
better cause.
The current emergency and lockdown will be
impacting us all in different ways. But for those
people who do suffer from time to time, this will be
causing additional anxiety and distress for lots of
different reasons.
All of us have a role to play in making life easier for
those that for too long have had to suffer in silence.
Here in Buckinghamshire all our usual health support
services are still running, even if they’re having to
do things differently. If you have a health issue
you would previously
have called your GP
about, please still do
so; they are still there
and are able to help.
This is the same for
local mental health
services.
For those that are feeling particularly stressed,
low, anxious or frustrated, there are many ways to
talk to someone. One such route is via ‘Improving
Access to Psychological Therapies' (IAPT) – free
mental health support services provided by
Healthy Minds Bucks. Here you can get quick
access to talking therapies, support and advice.
Healthy Minds Bucks has also updated its website
to include a range of short videos and links to help
you look after yourself and your loved ones during
this very challenging time. Please do take time to
take a look if you’re struggling.
Closer to home there is Buckinghamshire Mind.
Based at the Sun House in Chesham, the charity
offers high quality community based services
to reach out and ensure everyone with a mental
health problem gets access to the help they need.
They offer practical advice for people staying at
home as well as a host of other services to help
those in need.
And then of course there is the brilliant work being
done by our volunteers, who in their actions reflect
the best of our area. Chesham Help for Coronavirus
was set up less than a few weeks into the crisis
and is now run by more than 200 local volunteers.
In such a short space of time they have fielded
hundreds of calls that have resulted in more
than 600 tasks for the community. The group's
volunteers have also done dozens of deliveries on
behalf of pharmacies in Chesham, and continue
to do multiple deliveries every day for the Chiltern
FoodBank. It is also doing more than 30 'wellbeing'
calls every day (or every other day) to people who
are isolated, lonely, or having other difficulties
and are in need of a chat and friendly check-up.
I sincerely hope that every single resident stays
safe during this difficult time and emerges from
this period with a sense of optimism about what we
can do together.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 033

CATEGORY
METROLAND
TITLE OF CATEGORY ZONES 8 & 9
The Theatre Shed
by Jan Howard
Initially when, due to Covid 19, we were unable to
continue running Workshops at our normal venue
at The Beacon School we were devastated, the
situation got worse when we realised that the
important Fundraisers that are or lifeblood also had
to be cancelled. The Theatre Shed – an inclusive
theatre company – plays such an important part in
the lives of many young people. We are a charity
and receive no government funding.
The aim of The Theatre Shed is to inspire, innovate
& include through the medium of Performing Arts.
Our workshops are professionally led and allow our
young people to explore performance skills such as
acting, singing, dancing, physical theatre and more
in a supportive environment. We do not have an
audition process, which we believe creates a more
accessible pathway for all young people to engage
in Performing Arts. The workshops are member
inspired and can be skills based, or focused on
working towards a production which the members
are involved in creating from the very start.
We didn’t give up and our Artistic team have
worked extremely hard to keep The Theatre
Shed up and running by going online. With so
034
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER SPRING 2020

METROLAND
CATEGORY
TITLE OF CATEGORY
ZONES 8 & 9
many young people needing a regular pattern to
their lives we have been able to give continuity,
stability and consistency. Good mental health at
this time is so important. We continue to run our
normal Workshops: Children’s Theatre Tuesday:
5.15 – 6.30pm (ages 6-11yrs); Children’s Theatre
Wednesday: 5.15 – 6.30pm (ages 6-11yrs); Youth
Theatre Wednesday: 6.45 – 8.45pm (ages 12+) via
Zoom. These sessions are really well attended once
everyone got used to using Zoom and it now feels
so natural to our members. This gives continuity,
familiarity and activity in these extremely uncertain
times. We know that an important part of any
group activity is interaction between peers so we
have set up an opportunity for members to chat
together at 11.00am on Friday’s (Elevenses) where
our mentors are around but don’t have input.
We didn’t stop there realising that there are others
in the Community who would benefit from regular
involvement in our activities so we expanded our
activities to include Film Club for the Community.
This is a chance to watch a film at the same time
as your friends with an activity pack available to
download from our website to go along with it. We
normally choose two films a week– one suitable for
under 12’s and the other for over 12’s with both films
easily available. Occasionally the chosen film is so
good both groups can watch the same film but with
different Activity Packs to work from. Our Community
work continues with daytime workshops during
the week – A Movement Workshop on Tuesday
afternoons, a Music Workshop on Wednesday and
a Script Workshop on Thursdays.
We even continued over the Easter
break and ran ‘open to all’ workshops
creating an incredible music video
https://youtu.be/2kfGk_3suTs with lyrics and
music devised by participants in the first week
and for the second week made a short film
https://youtu.be/Sjn1_cJCZkk again written and
shot by participants. Do watch both films – they just
show how phenomenal the Theatre Shed family is.
So, rather than stopping because of lockdown we
have increased our activities and continue to do
and have many even more exciting things planned
for both our members and the wider community and
later this month are introducing ‘Tea Party’ after
school fun Workshops and Half Term Workshops.
For any further information on any of our activities
please email admin@thetheatreshed.co.uK
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING SUMMER 2020
035

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Trading Standards alert
'test and trace'
scammers
with Fred Wilson
'Think before you click' scam alerts have been
sounded by Trading Standards officers to try to
head off scams in the wake of the launch of the
Government's coronavirus Test & Trace system.
Virus lockdown has seen an estimated 40%
increase in reported doorstep, phone and email
scams across Buckinghamshire, and Trading
Standards say their priority is to protect residents
from potential text, email and phone frauds based
on the new NHS Test & Trace system.
They warn people to be wary of 'phishing' texts and
emails, to 'think before you click' on a link in a text
or email suggesting, for example, that someone
testing positive to Covid-19 had come into contact
with them and recommending a click-link for more
help.
Fred Wilson, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet
Member for Regulatory Services, said: "The
important thing to remember is to always be alert.
If in doubt, do NOT click on any links that could
send your details straight to the scammers."
He said although alerts from the NHS Test & Trace
service could come by text, email or phone call,
there was clear Government guidance as to how
it works, and there was no need to give financial
information as it is a free service.
Fred said that while traditional scams targeted older
and more vulnerable people, Buckinghamshire and
Surrey Trading Standards warned lockdown scams
are no respecter of age or socio-economic profile.
Classic examples so far have ranged from emails
and texts claiming you are due a refund from your
TV licence, council tax or income tax, using Covid-19
as bait and providing a dodgy link, to fake texts
purporting to be from the government promising a
‘relief’ payout and providing a fake link.
Other scams have involved shopping orders:
facemasks that never arrive, hand sanitiser that
isn't, even fake NHS lanyards for sale.
"Criminals can spoof texts, making messages
appear in a chain of texts alongside previous
genuine messages making them look so plausible,"
said Fred. "So as the Test & Trace scheme rolls out,
the warning is to be very alert. Don't give them a
foothold in Buckinghamshire!"
Fred said residents should forward dodgy-looking
emails to the National Cyber Security Centre at
report@phishing.gov.uk
Lockdown scam losses could have been much
worse, were it not for Trading Standards officers'
vigilance and preventive action against scam
phone calls, which try to get residents' bank details.
They have supplied potential victims with free
Truecall blocking devices that during four months
stopped more than 1,400 nuisance phone calls,
276 of which were fraudulent, saving residents
an estimated total of £830,000 in potentially
scammed cash. In addition Trading Standards had
43 unsolicited calls reported.
Since the Truecall initiative was started in 2014,
Trading Standards report that 35,240 scam calls
have been blocked, which could have cost residents
in excess of £380,000 in potentially scammed cash.
036
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

As lockdown scams continue, Trading
Standards advice to residents is:
• Be sceptical, don’t be afraid to delete the
email/text or put the phone down.
• Take your time, don’t be rushed.
• Know who you’re dealing with: if you need
help, talk to someone you know or get in
touch with Trading Standards advice line on
0300 123 2329
• Protect your financial information, especially
from people you don’t know.
• Never engage with someone or allow them
access unless you are able to verify their
authenticity and who they are.
Residents who are being subjected to nuisance
calls, can request a Truecall phone blocker
from Trading Standards by emailing trading.
standards@bucksandsurreytradingstandards.
gov.uk
Government Test & Trace guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-andtrace-how-it-works
Contact tracers will:
• call you from 0300 013 5000
• send you text messages from ‘NHS’
• ask you to sign into the NHS test and trace
contact-tracing website
• ask for your full name and date of birth to
confirm your identity, and postcode to offer
support while self-isolating
• ask about the coronavirus symptoms you
have been experiencing
• ask you to provide the name, telephone
number and/or email address of anyone you
have had close contact with in the two days
prior to your symptoms starting
• ask if anyone you have been in contact with
is under 18 or lives outside of England
Contact tracers will never:
• ask you to dial a premium rate (09 or 087)
number to speak to them
• ask you to make any form of payment or
purchase a product or any kind
• ask for any details about your bank account
• ask for your social media identities or login
details, or those of your contacts
• ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask
you to set up any passwords or PINs over
the phone
• disclose any of your personal or medical
information to your contacts
• provide medical advice on the treatment of
any potential coronavirus symptoms
• ask you to download any software to your
PC or ask you to hand over control of your
PC, smartphone or tablet to anyone else
• ask you to access any website that does
not belong to the government or NHS
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 037

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Amersham Martyrs 21
Artists in Residence
by Karen Martin
I had lived in Amersham for many years before I
heard about the intriguing history of the Amersham
Martyrs. Although born in London, it never felt like
home to me until arriving in this beautiful old town,
steeped in history and imaginative old building that
can only transport your mind back in time. That was
exactly what happened to me when I accepted a
part in the Martyrs play in March 2011. The play had
already been undertaken on numerous occasions
since 2000, under the directorship of Stan Pretty
and co-director Sally Alford.
My part was small but absorbing and mainly involved
the first scene, which sets the atmosphere for the
drama that was to follow. Although hard work for
several months the content was fully absorbing.
At the end of the play I decided to take part in the
regular walks that took place every summer, run
by Peter Borrows, and supported by Amersham
Museum. Now called the Tudor Walks, they have
run regularly over the last few years and we have
had many interested visitors from far and wide!
Again in 2016 I took part in the play, but this time
in the choir.
So here we are approaching the 500th mile stone
in the history of the Martyrs in 2021. My thoughts
turned again to how I could contribute once more,
but with something different in mind. Having studied
art for a number of years, following retirement as
a midwife, both its history and all aspects of the
practical side, I decided to approached Stan and
Sally with the idea of Artists in Residence? To my
surprise and delight they accepted my challenge. I
didn’t want this to be just my input, but many, and
very soon I found enthusiasm from not only keeping
a record in art form , but also the idea spread into
pottery, woodwork and even tapestry.!
aspects of both St Marys Church, as well as parts
of the town, and I am delighted to say selection
of our work can be seen on the Facebook page,
Amersham Martyrs 21. For the last few weeks
we have all been in Lockdown with the problems
surrounding Covid 19 and life has been difficult for
us all. Art work is still being made, but we will have
to wait now until the rehearsals start again before
we can pursue our love of making further records
in art of the Martyrs 21. Our priority is to keep safe,
life may be on hold, but this never stopped art
from being formed and made, and the Artists in
Residence will be back shortly! Try and stop us!
I was delighted to be joined by Ceri Rees, Ali
Mackie and Wilson Cotton. We soon became busy
sketching the rehearsals, and also looked at other
038
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
Fashion
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 039

METROLAND
FASHION
Fresh Fun Fashion
Store Opens in
Old Amersham
FABRIC will be opening its doors when lockdown lifts in mid-June and a selection
of FABRIC’s offering is also available online www.fabricfashionstore.co.uk.
A stroll around Old Amersham is always enjoyable
but it is about to get a whole lot better with the
imminent opening of FABRIC, an exciting new
boutique at 91b High Street (just behind ‘The
Grocer at 91’ on the cobbled lane)
Sited in a renovated coach house, the fun pink
interior combined with urban steel rails, vintage
fashion photos and a comfy sofa invites you in to
browse the collection and enjoy once again the
pleasure of bricks and mortar shopping in a relaxed
setting.
Founders and friends Diana Halley and Ailsa
Feroze naturally love clothes and at the heart of
their collection is the ‘jeans and a nice top’ combo
alongside a beautiful range of summer dresses,
knitwear, trousers, skirts and a great selection
of accessories from trainers and slides to woven
clutch bags and home fragrance.
With an eye to eco credentials and sustainability,
the curated selection of European brands includes
Designers Society (Barcelona), Scotch & Soda
and MUD Jeans (Netherlands), Indi & Cold (San
Sebastian) and Storm & Marie (Copenhagen).
FABRIC is in good company, with Jay-Z loving the
Paris based brand Maison Labiche, best known for
its avant-garde t-shirts. Accessorise with Maruti
footwear and their signature animal print collection
of trainers and sandals. Not forgetting ‘its what
underneath that counts’, celeb faves sustainable
brand Stripe & Stare are known as the most
comfortable knickers!
@fabricfashionstore
www.fabricfashionstore.co.uk
040
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FASHION
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 041

METROLAND
FASHION
Splish
Splash
042
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FASHION
About Regatta
"When our adventure began, there were just 12
of us. It was 1981. Back then the outdoors was
about intrepid explorers, but we just wanted to
open our front door and have fun. And we wanted
everyone else out there with us too.
So we made great products that people could
afford, clothing to get them outside and enjoying
the fresh air without worrying what it would cost.
That’s still what counts for us.
And we’re still doing it. Still thinking of new ways
to help people, still inspired by the great outdoors
and still hanging by the front door when you
need us.
And it’s still what counts for the ramblers,
amblers, hikers and bikers, campers and
gardeners and daily commuters, dog walkers,
show jumpers and multi-tasking mums, picnickers,
backpackers, kids playing ball and dads at the
footie, urban roamers and beachcombers and
puddle-loving children and everyone else we’ve
helped start their own adventure.
There were 12 of us. Now there are millions."
Opposite Page, Clockwise from Top Left
Kids' Pobble Printed Breathable Waterproof Rainsuit Nautical Blue 6mths - 6yrs RRP £50
Kids' Valo Rash Suit Neon Pink 6mths - 5rys RRP £30
Kids' Pack It Jacket III Waterproof Packaway Coral / Blue 2-14yrs RRP £30, Wellingtons from RRP £30
Kids' Pobble Printed Breathable Waterproof Rainsuit Radiant Orchid 6mths - 6yrs RRP £50
Kids Animal Lightweight Folding Camping Chair Unicorn RRP £25,
Kids' Roary Sleeping Bag Unicorn RRP £35
Kids Minnow Printed Wellington Boots Unicorn Radiant Orchid RRP £30,
Below
Kids’ Charco Waterproof Puddle Suit Blue/Pink RRP £40
Kids' Mudplay Dinosaur Wellingtons Shark Nautical Blue RRP £35
For more kids wear from Regatta visit www.regatta.com/kids
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 043

Mojos
£65
Delightful
£70
044
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Elsies
£90
Kelisa
£75
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 045

METROLAND
FASHION
High Summer
The latest Joe Browns Summer Collection is here! Full of gorgeous colours, intricate
details and awesome designs - everything you need to stand out this season. We are
particularly living this seasons unique tailored jackets for the gents in your life
- simply sit back and let your wardrobe do the talking.
Glamorous Godet Skirt £40
Golden Hour Dress £40
Pretty Peplem Dress £50
046
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FASHION
top
In the Sun Shirt £35
Pop Bike Tee £19, Hit the Action Shorts £25
Build a Deck Tee £19, Hit the Action Shorts £25
middle
High Life Blazer £100
Deadly Dapper Waistcoat £45, Azores Shorts £30
In the Spirit Blazer £100
Triple the Style Shirt £36
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 047

METROLAND
FASHION
Seven Simple Tips to make
your Clothes Last Longer
COVID-19 has changed many elements of life for us, with many Brits pivoting to adapt to the ‘new
norm’. Prior to lockdown, the average person was splashing out close to £2,000 annually to keep up
with the latest fashion trends*. However, in the wake of the pandemic, reports suggest that people
have reduced spending habits when it comes to fashion by adopting a ‘make do and mend’ attitude,
first seen during the Second World War.
No matter how many trends may come or go, we’ve
all got those treasured items in our wardrobes that
we can’t do without but that over time have ended
up looking a bit dull, whether it’s a pair of jeans that
fit just right, a flattering t-shirt or an occasion dress
that has never failed you. Rather than saying
goodbye, here are seven simple tips to help you
extend the life of them so you can enjoy many
more wears out of them.
Dare to mix
If you are looking for ways to help prolong the life of
your clothing the answer may be in your washing
machine. Even the most diligent clothing washer
has encountered the dreaded colour run, making
a whole wash load of clothes unwearable. Colour
Catcher can prevent colour run accidents by
trapping any loose dyes released during washing.
When using these handy laundry sheets you have
the freedom to wash colours, patterns, and whites
together, keeping your clothes brighter for longer
and making the dreaded red sock in a pile of white
laundry a thing of the past.
Less can be more
Although Colour Catcher allows you to mix your
laundry load it’s also important to keep in mind the
amount of clothing you are putting into the drum.
While loading the washing, try to adopt the ethos
of less is more as too many clothes mean less
movement, which equals more friction on clothing
and less cleaning. To ensure your load gets a
thorough clean fill the drum to ¾ full so there’s
enough movement.
Room to breathe
If you’re really not a big fan of loading the washing
machine, why not extend the time between
washes? You’ll be amazed how long you can extend
a garments’ life by not washing it so frequently and
simply airing it out. Fun fact: Fabric can hold odors,
but these often fade within 24 hours if left to air
out.
Get creative
To give your favourites a new lease of life if the
colour has started to fade, try DYLON Dyes easy to
use Machine Dyes. Available in a variety of bright
and colourful shades, the dyes are perfect for
revamping or upcycling garments that may look a
bit glum. Get even more creative by attempting
the ever-popular tie dying method seen recently
048
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FASHION
on Kendall Jenner and Victoria Beckham. It requires
a couple of DYLON Hand Dyes, some household
salt and large rubber bands and can be done at
home in as little as two hours.
Clean your cleaner
Did you know that limescale deposits can build
up in the fibres of your clothes, making them feel
rougher? For a quick and effective way to remove
limescale deposits from your washing machine, use
Oust Dishwasher and Washing Machine Descaler.
Simply add the contents of one sachet to the drum
and run a 60C cycle without pre-wash.
Ditch the hangers
Yes, hanging clothes is definitely less time
consuming than folding but for certain items
folding is the better option. To preserve the shape
of jumpers or any stretchy garments it’s best to
fold rather than hang as overtime they might begin
to sag. To spark a bit of joy, check out decluttering
guru Marie Kondo’s KonMari method.
Keep the moths away
May is the peak season for moths and if left
untreated an infestation can lead to hundreds
of pounds worth of damage to your belongings.
Zen’sect by Vapona is an effective moth proofer
for your wardrobe, with soft scents of lavender
these tiny bags provide long lasting protection
and eliminate clothing damage caused by moths,
larvae and eggs. If you fancy trying a DIY remedy,
try filling a few fabric bags with dried lavender and
placing them in drawers and wardrobes through
the home. Not only will these methods help
prevent infestations but they will also help keep
your clothes smelling lovely and fresh.
*Survey commissioned by DYLON Dyes amongst
2,000 women and men across the UK
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 049

sueño
Sueño is an independent
womenswear boutique based in the
heart of Amersham-on-the-Hill.
Specialising in stylish and casual
collections designed to add
something special to your wardrobe.
25 Sycamore Road
Amersham
Buckinghamshire
HP6 5EQ
www.suenoboutique.com
@suenoboutique

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
Family Life
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 051

METROLAND
FAMILY LIFE
Tips to coping at
home with the kids
sun, fun & vitamin D
A
s a result of the coronavirus
outbreak, many families will find
themselves facing hours, days
and potentially weeks at home
with their loved ones.
With school closures in place for the majority of
children for the foreseeable future, many parents
that are working from home will find the idea of
managing a heavy workload with kids, extremely
challenging.
Take some time to make a plan
This major shift in routine will have come as a big
shock to most parents, so it’s important to take
some time to come to terms with the situation and
make a plan of action. The idea of spending all day
at home with the kids can seem overwhelming and
stressful, so establishing roles and responsibilities
is key. If both you and your partner are working
at home, take shifts to lighten the load and make
it clear to children that this is non-negotiable.
Establish what your coping strategies will be
to prevent tensions down the line, whether it’s
exercise, mindfulness or getting some vitamin-D,
this will help the whole family stay calm and
focussed, so should not be neglected.
Maintain structure
As tempting as it is to treat the family to a lie in
and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, it’s important to try
052
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
CATEGORY
TITLE OF FAMILY CATEGORY LIFE
With majority of the nation currently working from home and school’s now
closed, many parents will be feeling overwhelmed with a full house.
Leading baby retailer, Kiddies Kingdom, has put together some tips that will
make the coming period spent indoors with your children a little bit easier.
make use of online resources
created with children in mind
to maintain a ‘normal’ routine. Children will need
formality and structure during this unusual time,
and they’ll be looking to parents to provide that.
Outline set times for learning and play throughout
the day, whilst also being realistic with what can be
achieved. This will help children realise this is not
a holiday and demonstrate to them that you are
replacing the role of teacher for the time being.
Be honest and transparent
During this period, children will struggle to grasp
what is going on, so it’s more important than ever
to communicate as a family. Keep it simple for
younger children and remain positive as they may
pick up if you’re overly anxious.
Use simple terms that are less alarming, such as
‘bug’ as opposed to ‘virus’ and avoid having the
news on 24/7 as, if this is not your normal routine,
it could spark fear. Online tools like Youtube and
BBC Bitesize can be used to communicate what’s
happening in your household whilst also educating
younger children on the wider picture. Set some
time side aside every day to focus on the positives
and relay this to your children. Not only will this
lift spirits, it will be beneficial for your own mental
wellbeing.
Make it fun
There are lots of ways to make learning fun whilst
staying at home, outside of the typical English and
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING SUMMER 2020
053

METROLAND
BEAUTY & WELLBEING
maths lessons. Do some research around how
much time your child should be learning per day,
dependent on their age, and fill the rest of the
day with interactive play such as; baking, painting
and getting in the garden, to ensure each day is
varied. Encourage a healthy use of technology
by restricting screen time, but also incorporate
devices into learning, as there’s ample apps and
online learning sessions that are both fun and
educational for all the family. This period will also
give you some down time to work from home or
to simply put your feet up.
Endorse movement
As everyone is inevitably spending more time sat
stationary, it’s more important than ever to keep
children moving. To kick start the day, organise a
family exercise or yoga session as this will make
sure everyone is stretched and feeling motivated.
These home workouts don’t have to involve
purchasing expensive equipment, many celebrity
coaches are running online exercise workouts
for both adults and children and if you’re able to
do these live, it can be a great way for kids to
interact with their friends and classmates.
Whilst you’re restricted to being at home during
this period, you can sit outside with family
members if following government guidelines, so
those with a garden or outside space will have
the benefit of getting more fresh air than normal.
When the weather is nice, why not set up a
circuit in the garden using obstacles or exercise
equipment for little ones to play on throughout
the day? This will not only improve their cognitive
function, but with it their mental health!
054

CATEGORY
TITLE OF CATEGORY
“Home is where you are
loved the most and act
the worst.”
Marjorie Pay Hinckley
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 055

Sustainable
Learning & Play with
The National Trust
056
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
CATEGORY
TITLE OF FAMILY CATEGORY LIFE
Build Your Own Insect House £12
Butterfly kite £5
Mini flower press £6
Solitary beehive £30
Hedgehog house £35
Wooden skittles set £22.00
Duck Call £9
Wooden fox yo-yo £5
The Original Den Kit £40
100% of the profits help the Trust look after the special places in its care, for ever, for everyone
shop.nationaltrust.org.uk
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER SPRING 2020
057

METROLAND
FAMILY LIFE
Learning to play
without tears
The Benefits of Learning to Play a Music Instrument
at the same time as your child
Yamaha Music London, the UK’s leading Yamaha
music retailer, is championing the benefits of
learning to play a musical instrument at the same
time as your child.
After a hard day, it can be difficult to find new
ways to unwind, especially as a family. Spending
time learning a new skill like playing the guitar or
the piano together will not only make your children
feel special but will help you relax and feel more
positive too.
You will be surprised how much you could both
benefit from creating music together, no matter
what your age. Not only will it keep you entertained
but learning to play a music instrument can help
develop social, emotional, cognitive and physical
skills in children and adults and will boost brain
function, health and well-being too.
Education
Homeschoolers will be pleased to know that music
integrates a variety of subject areas allowing
children to develop their musical skills as well as
maths skills, reading and writing, science and
even history. For example, lyric writing will help
with English skills or parents could discuss how
instruments work which will involve the physics of
sound or talk about the origins of the saxophone or
the role that drums played in military history.
Practice & Pace
You will need to make a conscious effort to
incorporate time into your day to learn to play. Little
and often is far better than a huge chunk of time
where your child or you could easily be bored. You
know your child best so maybe schedule twenty
minutes after breakfast or before dinner every day.
The time spent playing together will benefit both
of you.
Don’t over plan. Let your child take the lead and
determine the pace they learn at. The best way
to teach is to show children how the instrument
works, then step back and give them a chance to
try. You can ask questions and follow along.
It is very important that the instrument is age
appropriate and your child wants to play it! Make
sure they can hold it comfortably and correctly.
058
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Embrace repetition – it may be boring to you but it
is not to your child, they learn through repetition.
Your child will move on to the next stage when they
are ready.
Practice doesn’t need to be boring. Many of the
Yamaha digital pianos, keyboards and drumkits
come with education apps that encourage the
pupil to progress to different levels as they learn, a
bit like gaming.
Online Resources
There are plenty of free virtual learning materials
and music teachers available online although there
doesn’t need to be any goal beyond having fun and
enjoying yourselves. Our Yamaha Music London
music experts regularly post tips and there is also
an exciting range of interactive Yamaha Apps as
well as Apps where Yamaha has collaborated with
partners like Flow Key. It is available free for three
months with selected Yamaha Digital Piano and
Keyboard purchases – Flowkey is one of the world's
most popular apps for learning the piano and
offers a huge selection of interactive song tutorials
and lessons that give instant feedback and tracks
progress. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can
learn to play your favourite music.
Bonding
Make the most of this time together. Having your
undivided attention and support will bring you
closer together and strengthen the parent-child
bond that will last a lifetime.
Keep in virtual touch with family and friends and
surprise them with a spontaneous performance.
They will be happy to share your progress with you.
Time to Choose
Yamaha has a huge range of music instruments
and accessories available for U.K. delivery, for
beginners and special starter packs with everything
you need to get playing. Also lots of ideas for the
more experienced musicians too.
Don’t hesitate to give the Yamaha Music London
team of experts a call. They are on hand to answer
your questions right now.
Please call 0207 432 4400 or visit
www.yamahamusiclondon.com
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020
059

METROLAND
FAMILY LIFE
Easing Lockdown
Dog Safety Guide
by Dr Louisa Graham
Dr Louisa Graham, a prominent veterinary surgeon specialising in Small
Animal Medicine, has partnered with premium dog food brand Laughing
Dog, to provide advice and support for pet owners as nationwide
lockdown begins to relax as the temperature rockets.
Easing back to work
It’s important you don’t change your pet’s routine
too much and make sure you try and keep their
routine consistent. If they’re used to spending a
lot of time with you, then try and give them some
alone time. Dogs need to feel comfortable being
alone in order to prevent behavioural issues such
as separation anxiety when our daily routines
change again by returning to work. Before you
become busier post-lockdown, then continue to
give them that space so they’re used to it when
it’s time for you to go. Try and leave them alone
in the house for short periods and build it up over
time – a great tip is to associate this down time
with something positive like a treat.
Socialise with other households
I always put a lead on my dog whenever I see
someone else’s dog on a lead, but of course that’s
your choice. Try not to let your dog run towards
other people, only because this could mean you
end up having to interact to retrieve your dog,
and they may feel uncomfortable being in close
contact. There is still no evidence that dogs can
transmit COVID-19 or be infected, but to be safe
(and to keep us safe) if your dog is from a family
with someone showing symptoms then it’s best to
always keep them on the lead when you’re out of
the house.
Managing the heatwave
It sounds obvious but make sure your dog has
access to water at all times and check the bowl
regularly. If you’re worried about their hydration,
try adding ice cubes to water bowls or make
frozen treats, as this will keep them hydrated and
refreshed in this warm temperature. Cool mats
are a useful trick too, or you can get them little
neckerchiefs to keep them cool. Definitely avoid
any room with no air circulation like a greenhouse
or conservatory, this can be harmful for your dog,
and utilise open windows or fans (if you have
them) if it helps to cool down a room. Absolutely
do not leave your dogs in hot cars.
Taking your dog out in the sun
A misconception that a lot of people don’t realise
is that pets can get sunburnt too, but they can,
and this can lead to flaky and damaged skin.
Make sure your dog is hydrated at all times and
check the pavement or ground is not too hot by
touching the floor with the back of your hand for
5 seconds – if you can’t hold it there, then it’s too
hot for any furry paws! Do not walk or exercise
in the heat at all – they will keep going and we
will push them too far without realising. I always
walk in the morning or at night out of the heat
of the day. If you do exercise when sunny, do so
where there is plenty of shade and take lots of
060
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FAMILY LIFE
stops if you’re unsure about the heat. If you
have access, try and get them to cool off in
body water – my spaniel Finn loves jumping
in streams and shallow lakes to cool off!
Don’t cover your pets with wet towels as the
towels can actually then get warm, decreasing
comfortability.
Portion control and feeding
50% of our pets in the UK are unfortunately
overweight, which brings an abundance of
health issues. Let’s not escalate this with
unnecessary and excessive feeding whilst
being in lockdown. Utilise interactive feeding
and exercise advice by trying to maintain a
healthy weight for your dog; a healthy dog = a
happy dog! For example, Laughing Dog Food
Naturally 5 is a complete which it supports
a balanced recipe for healthy digestion,
immunity, joints, bones and teeth. In times of
uncertainty take advantage of food suppliers
that offer a subscription service of balanced
dog food. Laughing Dog for example offers
a monthly delivery package of your chosen
dog food which enables continuity and
consistency (plus - when you subscribe online
via the website, you’ll receive free healthy
treats for your pet too!).
Encourage play when you’re with them
When dogs are bored or lonely, they will
create their own games which may lead to
inappropriate and destructive behaviour.
When you have time with your dog, why
not make an assault course to keep them
occupied? Use chairs to walk around/on, and
towels/mops/pillows/rugs to walk over. If you
have spare soil or bark for your garden, you
could create a digging area and hide toys or
treats in there for some supervised digging.
If you don’t have outside space, I would
also recommend getting creative by putting
cardboard boxes together, cutting holes
in them to make-shift your own maze and
tunnels.
Qualified vet, Dr Louisa Graham, has partnered
Laughing Dog, the premium pet food brand, to
offer guidance for pet parents to care for pets as
lockdown begins to ease.
Laughing Dog are encouraging consumers not to
stockpile or panic buy dog food during this period
as supply chains are functioning as normal and
offers all consumers a pet food home subscription
service. Use LDTreats to receive 15% off orders.
Visit www.laughingdogfood.com to find out more.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 061

METROLAND
FAMILY LIFE
The Lockdown
Life Project
How Do Our Young People Feel in Lockdown?
Our young people have had important milestones taken away
such as completing exams, the last day of school and the end
of year prom. Routines, hobbies, and physical connections
with friends have all been impacted by lockdown.
062
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

These all play an integral part in their personal
development and can have a real impact on their
health and wellbeing. The Lockdown Life project
by Chester-based not-for-profit organisation
2engage aims to give young people, aged 10-18,
across the UK a creative outlet to express how
lockdown has impacted their life.
Entries can be in the form of a video, voice
recording, image or photograph; it could be
art, a poem, the spoken-word or a diary entry.
Alternatively, it could be a script, soundscape,
song, musical composition or performance, a
dance or even a comedy sketch.
Ed Morris, co-founder and director of 2engage,
explained: “The project is about helping young
people to make sense of the world we are
currently living in, using creative approaches. We
hope to unite young people in digital communities
but with more sincerity and significance than
social media platforms like TikTok. We want to
celebrate creativity but ultimately prove we are in
this together.”
The project requires young people to submit their
lockdown life ideas via the 2engage website.
Submissions can be submitted anonymously
you just need to enter your age so that we can
understand the age range of those getting
involved.
Once received, 2engage will compile the entries
in to creative short videos and potentially other
digital forms to share with schools and keydecision
makers. Ed added: ”We want the final
edit to be a reminder to the community of how
they felt during the unprecedented impact of the
Covid-19 pandemic and help them in the future
see how they have adapted to life after the
lockdown’s lifted. We also want to be able to offer
a donation to causes that are part of helping
young people through lockdown, so each entry
will see £1 donated to Childline.”
Project outcomes will be sent to schools and
higher education settings across the UK to
inform those who safeguard these young people
and help them understand what they have
been through. It’s hoped this will assist them in
managing youngsters’ fears, expectations and
emotions once they return to whatever the world
looks like after Covid-19.
Website: 2engage.co.uk/lockdownlife/
Facebook/TikTok/Instagram: @lockdownlifeproject
#lockdownlifeproject
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 063

METROLAND
FAMILY LIFE
Yes Peas!
New Educational Hub Equips Families at Home to Grow,
Cook and Learn about the Great British Pea!
The Yes Peas! campaign, run by the British Growers
Association and funded by growers, freezers and
machinery companies from the pea vining sector,
has launched a fun educational hub for children –
The Ha-pea Zone.
Supporting the national effort of families learning
together at home, the new online platform provides
a range of resources dedicated to all aspects of
the Great British pea, including information about
the pea industry, the journey of the pea from field
to plate, how to grow and harvest peas as well as
advice and inspiration for cooking. There will also
be free downloadable resources, from fact sheets
and checklists to games and quizzes.
Children will be able to lead a ‘grow your own’
project and apply for their own seeds to plant at
© ED WEBSTER
064
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
CATEGORY
TITLE OF FAMILY CATEGORY LIFE
home, following downloadable step-by-step guides
and watching top-tips videos from British pea
growers on the farm, to help them along the way.
The Ha-pea Zone will feature cooking ideas using
store cupboard essentials, as well as recipes
created by kids, for kids. The ‘Pea Hall of Fame’
section of the hub enables children to share their
work and upload their own recipe creations.
Coral Russell, Crop Associations Manager at the
British Growers Association, which runs the Yes
Peas! campaign, says: “We wanted to provide
a platform which features detailed resources
to support parents with new ideas for home
schooling, as well as fun educational activities
for kids to enjoy. We want to build knowledge and
encourage everyone to get involved in practical
activities which is why we are encouraging children
to get creative in the kitchen and cook with their
family, and also take learning out into the garden
by following a ‘grow your own’ project.
9,000 peas per person every year, so we hope The
Ha-pea Zone sparks a real passion for peas within
Britain’s households, and who knows, this could
be the inspiration for the next generation of pea
growers!”
There has never been more of a relevant time to
learn about the pea industry as the annual UK pea
drilling process has just begun and in three months’
time, around 35,000 hectares - equivalent to about
70,000 football pitches – of pea crops will produce
2 billion portions of peas to feed the nation.
To access the Yes Peas! Ha-pea Zone, please visit
peas.org/ha-pea-zone/ and for more information on
the Yes Peas campaign, please visit www.peas.org.
Families can share how they have been learning
about peas at home! Whether it’s a pea-inspired
recipe creation or a request for seeds to do the
‘grow your own’ project, please email YesPeas@
hatchpr.co.uk.
“The UK is the largest producer and consumer of
frozen peas in Europe, with Brits eating an average
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER SPRING 2020
065

METROLAND
FAMILY LIFE
Fraudulent Documents
Miss A.M. Investigations, Private Investigator, talks to up about fraudulent
documants and what you can do to protect yourself.
Identity documents are used as proof of identity,
employment, status and access. These documents
are extremely important and unique to each
person. Identity documents are critical, but there
are thousands of fraudulent versions out there,
compromising the security and integrity of people
and businesses across the UK.
Identity documents include all official papers
including:
• Passport
• National Identity Card
• Birth certificate
• Biometric residence permits
• Driving licence
• Military identity cards
• Official identity documents such as police
warrant cards
Some of these documents are known as ‘breeder
documents’; meaning their reasons for forging is
to use them to obtain further documents. Birth
certificates, marriage licenses and work permits
contain enough information and authority to all be
used to fraudulently apply for further identification.
Fraudulent documents can be broken into the
following four categories: impersonation; where
a look-alike imposter tries to pass the document
off as their own, counterfeits; a copied version of
a genuine document, forgeries; where a genuine
document that has been unlawfully altered such as
changing the name, photographs, or other personal
details, and pseudo document, a document that
bears the resemblance of an official document but
is not recognised at legitimate.
066
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

The reasons for which documents are copied are
broad, but almost certainly from criminal reasons,
such as trafficking, terrorism, false immigration,
financial fraud, benefit fraud or to hide one’s true
identity.
How to check a document for its validity depends
greatly on the type of document. There are a few
initial checks which can help indicate whether it
is likely to be legal or not. Some are so straight
forward and obvious that they get overlooked.
Does the person actually look like the person in
the ID – same face shape, similar ear positioning,
teeth, complexion? Are there any
distinguishing features such as
tattoos, moles, scars, etc
that correspond
between the ID and
the person? Can they
recreate the signature
accurately? Do they look
the right age based on
the date of the ID?
You can also check the quality
of the document – does it look
well—produced? Does it look
TOO well produced? Check for
usual signs of wear or if it’s just
badly constructed. Also check for ink
smudges as these would not make
it through legitimate quality checks.
Cracks in the lamination is a sign
of tampering, as well as inconsistency
in the paper.
Further than this, there’s an impressive amount
of detail in the documents to help spot fraud,
most of which are not visible to the naked eye,
but rather can be seen in different light.
Watermarks in identity documents are the same
principle as those in bank notes. A watermark is
an image or pattern weaved into the paper that
appears as different shades when viewed under
transmitted light.
Itaglio printing is a section of ink that has a raised,
rough texture. Some, not all, aspects of these
documents are printed in this format, usually
forming a pattern or background rather than text.
Itaglio can be felt by running your fingers along the
print; it is a very distinctive feeling, not subtle, so it
is easy to spot/feel.
Optical variable ink is a special ink that changes
colour based on the angle at which it is being
viewed. Face on it might appear orange, but if you
tilt the paper it might appear green.
The background patterns on the pages are
identifying factors too. They’re created with a
series of thin, solid lines which appear almost too
thin to the naked eye but are crisp and clear under
magnifying glass. The print is very high-quality with
no flaws or inconsistency.
The series of number at the bottom of your details
page on your passport mean little to the person
reading it, but this is machine-readable data. These
numbers are read by a computer and identify if the
document is genuine.
UV light will identify if the document is genuine –
false documents will glow under the light whereas
the real deal will be dull. UV can also show up
security fibres, which are woven into the paper.
How to protect yourself
It is frighteningly easy for identity documents to
be replicated, but there are many ways you can
protect yourself.
Fortunately, we’re in an age where biometric
passports and facial recognition software are
regularly used for security, which makes forging
documents like passports a bit more difficult, but
criminals are finding more intuitive ways to create
highly-convincing copies. But by keeping an eye
on the points above, you can ensure you’re not
responsible for fraudulent documents making their
way to the mainstream.
Miss A. M. Investigations is a professional and discreet private investigator. Her
services include corporate investigations, debtor locating, relationship breakdown
and judicial services. For more information visit missaminvestigations.co.uk
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 067

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
Free Time
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 069

Rare Birds
Scottish book subscription service strives to
combat loneliness, anxiety and the unease
Coronavirus has brought
070
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FREE TIME
Since its emergence onto the scene in 2017, Rare
Birds Book Club has seen growth of 86% and
57% YoY respectively, however since lock down
measures commenced, the subscription service
and digital book club headquartered in Scotland
has reported a staggering 52% growth over the
course of the past four weeks.
At the beginning of the year, the club was just
about to hit 1,000 subscribers per month, an
almost 50/50 split of those buying for themselves
(51%) and those buying as gifts (49%) however, post
lock down, the emphasis on sales has shifted firmly
towards gift purchasing with hundreds of orders
including messages of consolation, comfort and
togetherness.
The pay-as-you go option has also taken off, with
people looking to enjoy the service without having
to commit longer-term; a bonus in these times of
uncertainty and the business has also recorded
a marked increase in international sales with 10%
of all orders now being shipped internationally. In
the short-term, mail outs are now being done from
Wood’s spare room instead of her headquarters in
Edinburgh city centre.
Rachel Wood, founder of Rare Birds Book Club
comments: “My spare room is basically now a
small warehouse, but it means we've been able
to stay fully operational during lockdown. Once
books are picked, packed and ready to go, they
are collected by Royal Mail in a seamless operation
that is completely contactless. My staff and I are
all isolated in our own homes and have different
responsibilities to keep us ticking over – I do the
big send outs and individual orders are done
elsewhere.”
A simple, yet personal subscription, Rare Birds Book
Club offers members the chance to pick between
two surprise books each month (or upgrade to
both) before joining like-minded subscribers in
the digital book club to discuss this month’s read.
Its ethos being rooted in a service that was both
letter-box friendly and heavily digital has been key
in driving the sales spike that has kept the business
operational when so many others have temporarily
or indefinitely closed-down.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Wood has also
launched a podcast a few weeks ago, which sees
her and two friends waxing lyrical about all things
books. “The first few episodes were pre-recorded
and ready to go, so we were able to launch quickly.
Now in lockdown we record remotely; each of us
with the same microphone we'd use together.
We host the discussion through a video chat on
my computer so it’s all online, and it's recorded by
connecting the computer up with our soundboard
to keep the quality high. Then we edit and release
as normal.”
With COVID-19 still keeping us in our homes and
with reports of mental health issues on the rise,
it seems reading and podcast listening will only
increase to help combat loneliness, anxiety and
the unease Coronavirus has brought. For Rare
Birds Book Club that suggests 2020 is set to be a
year of even bigger growth.
For more information visit
https://rarebirdsbookclub.com
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0071

METROLAND
FREE TIME
Learning with the Experts
Ever wished you could cook up the classics like a Michelin-starred chef? Well now, with
Learning with Experts, you can learn how to master French cuisine with Michel Roux Jr
– and he’ll even be marking your skills himself.
Learning with Experts, the only online course
offering one-to-one tuition with the best of the
best, has announced that world-renowned chef
and MasterChef judge Michel Roux Jr will be
launching his course, Classic French Cuisine:
The Roux Way. With two Michelin stars under his
apron, the Chef Patron at Le Gavroche and author
of seven cookbooks will, for the first time, unlock
his exclusive recipe book and impart his culinary
expertise to intimate classes of virtual students.
During a period where we are all spending time
at home, Michel’s course, The Roux Way, will
demonstrate and teach skills which last a lifetime.
One of the world’s top chefs, Michel is synonymous
with exquisite French cuisine and will impart his
wealth of knowledge, teaching students how
to prepare classic dishes. These will include an
exclusive insight into his famous Omelette Soufflé,
and The Roux Dauphinoise, a family favourite
passed down through a dynasty of renowned
chefs. Michel gives you a behind closed doors
insight into his world and techniques, teaching his
chef’s secrets learnt through years of experience.
You will be taught how to create the perfect steak,
the perfect sauce, a perfectly dressed salad and to
bring it all together for a showstopping meal.
Other Food & Drink courses available on Learning
with Experts include Wine Appreciation with Amelia
Singer, The Art of Chocolate Making with Paul
A Young, An Introduction to Bread Making with
Richard Bertinet, An Introduction to Craft Beer
with Matt Simpson and Self Sufficient Vegetable
Growing with Sally Nex. Classic French Cuisine: The
Roux Way, is available for students to start now.
Learning with Experts has two course options: £89
for Peer option and £299 for Expert option. During
this period of isolation all course purchase prices
are reduced to £29 and £109 respectively.
Learning with Experts provides the chance to learn
at the hands of experts within their field, without
having to leave your house. Perfect for those at
home. Intimately sized classes of 20 are ensure
that you receive individual attention and support,
as well as offering a community focus, so that you
interact with your peers and share your creations
with one other. The course completion rate at
Learning with Experts is over 80%, compared to an
average completion rate of online courses of just
20%.
072
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Self-sufficient Brits
seeking spuds
Data looking at British gardening habits shows a
dramatic increase in the numbers of people looking to
grow their own fruit and veg in the face of the COVID-19
shutdown.
The new data shows that in March alone, there were
1,417,000 garden-related searches by shutdown Brits,
many of them looking for tips on how to grow your
own fruit and vegetables – an increase of 113% on the
numbers of people searching for the same information
pre-lockdown.
With online searches for ‘how to grow potatoes’
increasing by 834%, onions at 407% and carrots and
tomatoes, both up 406% month on month, it’s obvious to
see which larder staples Brits don’t want to face dinner
without. Ambitiously – there has also been a dramatic
spike in people searching for how to grow their own
avocados, up 83%.
There is also a tropical twist to what people want growing
in their gardens, with Watermelon and Pineapple also
proving popular searches alongside more traditional
British staples – up 46% and 83% respectively.
Searches for ‘vegetable garden’ alone have spiked by
175% over the last month.
% increase in volume of searches from Feb 2020 – March
2020
1 How to grow potatoes 834%
2 How to grow onions 407%
3= How to grow carrots 406%
3= How to grow tomatoes 406%
5 How to grow sunflowers 400%
6 How to grow strawberries 315%
7 How to grow cucumbers 309%
8 How to grow ginger 184%
9 How to grow garlic 174%
10 How to grow blueberries 124%
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 073

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
Luna Drive-in Cinema
Buckle up as the UK's leading open-air cinema launches a new
drive-in season for summer 2020. Tickets now on sale.
The Luna Cinema announces a brand-new
season today, offering film fans the opportunity
to watch new and classic movies in a nostalgic,
socially distanced, drive-in setting. With remote
order and delivery of food and drink, and stateof-the-art
sound and visuals, using the UK’s
highest definition outdoor screens and a brandnew
in car digital sound solution, it promises to
be the ultimate drive-in cinema experience.
Over the past 12 years, The Luna Cinema has
established itself as the market leader in the UK’s
open air and pop up cinema industry. Now, in the
era of social distancing, the company announces
an exciting new venture, The Luna Drive-In Cinema
launching this summer at sites across the country,
including Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace, the
Allianz Park stadium in London and Knebworth
House, with more venues to be added soon. Fusing
the nostalgia of classic American drive-in with up to
date films and state-of-the-art sound and visuals,
for those itching to return to the cinema this
summer after months of home movie nights in, it’s
the perfect way to return to the big screen in a safe
and socially distanced way.
Kicking off this July, venues will hold between 150
and 500 cars per screening and will utilise both
the highest definition outdoor LED screens and
Luna’s traditional digital projection cinema solution
across the various sites. Allianz Park and Warwick
Castle will present two screenings each night
from Monday to Thursdays. On Fridays and at the
weekends, there will be three screenings starting
in the afternoon with a film for all ages, followed
by evening showings against the backdrop of
the setting summer sun. Knebworth House and
Blenheim Palace will host a single screening each
evening, 7 nights a week. It’s the perfect night out
for those dreaming of a bit of lockdown escapism!
Bringing drive-in into the 21st century, the Luna
team has spent the last few months working to
develop a bespoke sound system, the only one
of its kind in the UK, that means each car has its
own personal wireless speaker so viewers can hear
the film in amazing cinematic quality digital sound,
without any distractions. The introduction of this
technology will mean there will be no need to have
the car radio running and risk draining the battery.
There will also be a fantastic selection of food and
drink items available either as a pre-order with
tickets, or ordered from the car on the night using
a smart phone, with staff speedily delivering orders
on roller skates and scooters!
Film fans are in for a treat with the amazing line-up
of big screen hits. From award-wining new releases
like Rocketman, Joker, Knives Out and the new liveaction
remake of Aladdin, musical favourites such
as Grease and La La Land to cult classics like Pretty
Woman and Dirty Dancing. There’s something for
everyone to enjoy!
George Wood, founder of The Luna Cinema, said:
“Since 2008, when we first started putting on
outdoor cinema events, I’ve been asked countless
times ‘why not expand into drive-in screenings?’. My
answer was always that they lacked the sociable,
communal quality of open-air screenings, as the
audience were cocooned in their cars. We were
also unsure of the quality of the sound experience
when running through an FM frequency into the
074
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
car radio. Fast forward to the era we are currently
living in, when social distancing is the “new normal”,
and drive in with its immediate separation from
other audience goers, is the perfect solution to get
people back to the big screen! Not only that but we
are confident we have cracked the sound with an
incredible in car wireless solution. We’ve managed
to make every aspect of the event fully compliant
with social distancing regulations, from the way
they tickets are scanned through to the provision
of food and drink, audiences can attend our drive
in screenings with confidence, and return to one of
the things we’ve all been missing most in lockdown
– enjoying a great film on a giant screen under
the stars. We plan to commence open air cinema
screenings as soon as it is safe to do so, when the
official advice allows, but in the meantime, we can’t
wait to welcome audiences for a fantastic drive in
cinema experience.”
To see the full programme, book tickets and for
more information visit www.lunadriveincinema.com
Luna COVID-19 statement
The Luna Cinema is complying fully with the rules
around social distancing and are committed to
ensuring these screenings are safe for people to
attend. There is no need for audiences to leave their
cars however there will be toilets on site that are
2m apart and regularly cleaned and fully stocked
with hand sanitiser. Food and drink ordered will be
cooked on site and delivered without the need for
people to leave the vehicle.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 075

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
For all the Family -
Langley Park Country Park
For more ideas on where to visit in Buckinghamshire
and the Chilterns visit www.visitbuckinghamshire.org
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 076

METROLAND
FREE TIME
Easily accessible from London and the
Home Counties and part of the Colne Valley
Regional Park, Langley Park has a wide variety
of habitats for wildlife including woodland,
heathland, wood pasture and grassland. It’s
one of the best places in the local area to
see a stunning variety of flora and fauna.
Throughout the year Langley Park is bursting
with colour and splendour. The masses of
rhododendrons in the Temple Gardens bloom
between March and June each year and the
view to Windsor Castle from these Gardens is
an impressive sight.
In summer, many species of butterfly chase
around the heather and gorse on the open
vista, and a variety of wildfowl can be seen
on Langley Lake. The Arboretum offers
year round interest with a fine collection of
specimen trees.
From a royal hunting ground to extravagant
pleasure gardens, Langley Park is steeped in
history. Over the centuries many influential
people have been linked with the park,
including King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I,
Queen Victoria, and the 3rd and 4th Dukes of
Marlborough. Within the Temple Gardens is
the site of a former banqueting pavilion dating
back to the early 1740s, known as The Temple.
This was replaced in 1865 with the Harvey
Memorial Tower, which once had a viewing
platform 100 steps high with fine views to
Windsor Castle.
Parkland trees such as Wellingtonia, Cedar
of Lebanon and English Oak, as well as the
serpentine lake next to the mansion house,
reflect Langley Park’s various stages of
development, with influences by the notable
landscape designer Lancelot ‘Capability’
Brown.
Facilities include:
• Designated picnic areas, baby changing
facilities and buggy friendly paths
• Pay and display car park
• Jubilee Play Garden for under 12s open all
year
• Newly refurbished café
• Accessible toilets and baby changing
facilities located at the cafe
• Trail guides so you can find out more about
the park’s fascinating history, the variety
of trees that live here, and the beautiful
rhododendron gardens
• Orienteering course to track your way
through the park using a map, compass
and clues
• Conservation volunteering opportunities
• A varied events and activities programme
throughout the year
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 077

METROLAND
FREE TIME
Sell out Book for
Captain Tom
A book of thanks for Captain Sir Thomas Moore,
from his former regiment, is being published to
raise money for charity. The book contains over
500 photographs of ex-soldiers of the Duke of
Wellington’s regiment taken during lockdown and
some unique images of “Captain Tom” alongside
some historical photos from the archives. The initial
500 copies sold out within 48 hours of the website
going live but now the print run is being increased
to fulfil the incredible demand for the book.
Whilst being furloughed from his furniture making
business, Ben Walsgrove, from Nottingham (51) who
served in the regiment from 1992 to 1995, invited
ex-soldiers to run 5km, take a photo of themselves
with an item of regimental memorabilia and donate
£5 to NHS Charities Together. The idea was to
then compile all the images in a one-off book to be
presented to “Captain Tom” as a way of thanking
the 100 year old for his extraordinary fundraising
efforts. The recently knighted Captain served in the
9th Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
during the Second World War.
Thanks to the power of social media word soon
spread and within 2 weeks Ben had raised
over £14,000 and had been sent more than
500 photographs of ex-soldiers of the Duke of
Wellington’s regiment from around the world.
Ben said, “I couldn’t believe it when I realised
“Captain Tom” and I had served in the same regiment
and like the rest of the world I was moved by his 100
lap walk around the garden and the phenomenal
amount of money he was raising. I immediately
decided I wanted to help in some way so I invited
old “Dukes” to donate to the just giving page after
completing a 5km run or walk and to send me a
fun photograph. However, I was not expecting the
incredible response, the money and the photos
just kept on coming and the overwhelming interest
in the book meant I had to change my plans and
make the book available to buy.”
The book titled “Once a Duke, Always a Duke” is
now available to order for £14.95. All proceeds from
sale will be shared between the Army Benevolent
Fund and The Captain Tom Foundation.
Ben continued, “One of the unexpected outcomes
of the book is that it has re-united soldiers from
across the globe during a time when many have
struggled with isolation. The daily updates on
social media of the soldiers in lockdown has been
an inspiration and has meant that lost friendships
have been re-kindled and old stories re-counted.
One of the purposes of “Captain Tom’s” new
foundation is to combat loneliness so I am delighted
to have made a small difference already”.
The book is being designed and printed by Hart
and Clough, a Yorkshire based firm with strong
connections to the regiment and the web-site has
kindly been created by Envious Digital.
You can purchase the book from
www.captaintomsbookofthanks.co.uk
078
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FREE TIME
Books to pre-order
A family story with
a difference
Many a loft is full of family memorabilia, but Bryony
Hill’s collection is extraordinary. Packed to the rafters
with photographs and historical documents, Bryony
Hill has finally achieved her dream of studying those
precious albums to reveal a record of her British
family who left the Highlands for India during the
reign of George III, continuing through to the reign of
Queen Victoria, the high noon of the Raj. In Scotland
To Shalimar: A Family’s Life In India you’ll find family
portraits dating back to the 18th century, Bryony’s
ancestor’s watercolour images and precious
sketches that mingle amongst 22 favourite family
recipes, stories of courage, riddles and rhymes – all
collected through many generations. This wellresearched,
fascinating book creates a vivid and
unique portrait of life at different stages in the everfascinating
history of the British and their on-going
relationship with India.
Scotland To Shalimar: A
Family’s Life in India
A perfect read for autumn days!
Bryony Hill, Publication date on 3
September 2020 by Red Door Press.
Bryony Hill has written a compelling
and engaging collection of
snapshots and stories, including
recipes, images, sketches, rhymes
and more, that tells her own family’s
story, but also shines a light on the
wider social and historical situation
in India under the British Empire and
the Raj.
About the Author
Coming from Sussex where Bryony Hill was also
educated, after a year at Brighton College of Art, she
spent four years in France after which, on returning
to England, she met and eventually married the
television sports presenter Jimmy Hill. Scotland to
Shalimar – a Family’s Life in India is Bryony’s ninth
book and follows the lives of her mother’s family, six
generations of whom were born in India. Apart from
writing, Bryony is a keen gardener, painter and cook
and, when she came across a collection of her greatgreat
grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s
recipes, the seed was sown to dig deep into her
ancestors’ history and lives.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
Food &
Drink
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 081

Rainbow Rolls
These are fiddly to start with, but take your time with them
and use my tips in the method below to help you make perfect
rolls every time. You can choose any selection of fillings.
by Justine Murphy, The mymuybueno Cookbook
082
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
8 rice paper wrappers
For the fillings
Fresh mint leaves
Fresh coriander leaves
16 prawns, cooked and peeled
5 gem lettuce leaves, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into matchsticks
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and cut into matchsticks
½ cucumber, deseeded and cut into matchsticks
4 radishes, thinly sliced
1 raw beetroot, grated
1 avocado, thinly sliced
1 mango, thinly sliced
For the almond butter dipping sauce
5 tbsp almond butter
1 clove of garlic, peeled and chopped
1cm fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp hot water
Method
Half fill a large frying pan with cold water. I like to use
a frying pan as it’s the perfect size and depth, but
a wide bowl would work too. Submerge the first rice
paper sheet for 30 seconds or until softened, then
place on a damp tea towel laid out on a clean work
surface.
For the fillings
Gently smooth out the first wrap into a circle. Be
careful as once wet, they are very fragile and can
break easily. Place a few mint and coriander leaves in
a single layer in the centre of the sheet, leaving space
on each side. Add two prawns, facing the same way,
then a pile of sliced vegetables of your choice, and
some mango to the lower half of the sheet. Fold in the
sides and roll up to enclose the filling.
Repeat the process for all eight rolls, keeping your
assembled rolls covered with a damp tea towel.
These can be prepared an hour or two in advance,
just keep them in the fridge with the damp tea towel
and then cling film over the top so they don’t dry out.
For the almond butter dipping sauce
Add all your ingredients to a blender or food
processor. Blend well, and add more hot water to thin
if preferred. Store in an airtight container in the fridge
for up to 1 week.
Serve your rainbow rolls with the almond butter
dipping sauce. Enjoy.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 083

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
Bao Buns
www.instagram.com/foodfoodfood_uk
Ingredients
Bun:
500g plain flour
1tbsp caster sugar
7g dried yeast
50ml of milk
1tbsp of olive oil plus extra for greasing
1 tbsp of cider vinegar
1tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of salt
Filling:
200g shredded hoisin veggie duck mix
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
200g chestnut mushrooms
1 shallot
Dip:
1 tbsp of honey
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of tabasco/chilli sauce
½ tsp of ground ginger
Method
Bun
1. Mix together the flour, salt and sugar in a large
mixing bowl.
2. Dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in 1 tbsp
of warm water, then add to the flower followed
by the milk, oil, vinegar and 150ml of water and
mix into a dough. (If the dough is too dry add
more water and if the dough is too wet add more
flour.)
3. Tip the dough onto a floured surface and knead
for about 15 minutes or until it feels smooth.
Place it into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with
cling film and leave to rise until it’s doubled in
size. (roughly 1-2 hours)
4. Tip the dough onto a cleaned surface and
punch it down. Flatten the dough and sprinkle
the baking powder over it and knead for another
5 mins.
5. Roll out the dough into a long sausage shape
and cut into roughly 5cm balls (fits in the palm of
your hand) then roll into a ball and leave to rest
for 5 mins.
6. Use a rolling pin to flatten out the balls into a
large circle, not too thin as the filling might break
through.
Filling
7. Finely dice the shallot and chestnut mushrooms
and cook on a low-medium heat until reduced in
size. Season with ground ginger, black pepper
and the soy sauce and leave to one side to cool.
8. Once cooled mix together with the rest of the
ingredients and leave to one side ready to fill
the buns.
Filling/Cooking
9. Scoop a spoonful of the filling out and place in
the center the flattened dough and carefully
start folding the edges until you get a bao bun
shape.
10. If you don’t have a bamboo steamer that’s fine,
simply boil some water in a pan. Place the bao
bun on a square of parchment paper and put it
inside a sieve, place the sieve on the pot making
sure the water isn’t touching and close the
lid, cook for about 10 mins until the dough has
fluffed up and feels firm.
11. Finally, plate it and you can add some spring
onion for garnish.
Dip
12. Mix all ingredients together.
084
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
Salmon
gratin
by Adam Handling
Serves 5 / Prep time: 15 mins
Ingredients
1 salmon fillet (400g)
2 chillies
½ leek
4 cloves of garlic
300g boiled potatoes, cut into squares
100ml double cream
100ml cream cheese
6 spring onions, thickly sliced
1 bunch of picked tarragon
1 lemon
50g parmesan cheese
100g breadcrumbs
Method
Slice the salmon into large
chunks and keep it in the fridge.
Finely chop the leek, garlic and
chilli. Cook them out at a high
heat in olive oil for a minute,
until it sweats down. Add the
fish, stir only once or twice when
the colour of the salmon starts to
change. Pour the dairy and cook
for another minute. Turn the
heat off when the salmon looks
cooked on the outside. Season
it with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the spring onions, tarragon,
potatoes and stir. Pour into a
casserole dish and cover in
breadcrumbs and parmesan
cheese. Put under the grill for 5
minutes until it crisps up.
Adam Handling is a British chef
and restaurateur. He is the owner of
the Adam Handling Restaurant Group
which encompasses five food and
drink venues across London.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 085

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
Chicken ramen
This is also amazing with salmon, beef, duck breast or even just vegetables. The broth is full of
flavour and after a long day this really hits the spot. It’s such a cleansing broth and I make it at
least once a week, by Justine Murphy, The mymuybueno Cookbook
Ingredients Serves 4
4 skinless chicken breasts
Pinch of flaked sea salt
Grind of black pepper
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tsp sesame oil
3 tsp garlic, peeled and grated
2 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp maple syrup
1.2 litres vegetable or chicken stock
200g shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
4 packs of dried ramen noodles
100g pak choi, sliced in half lengthways
2 soft boiled eggs (p.197)
Handful of fresh coriander
Pinch of togarashi
1 lime, cut into wedges
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°c and season the
chicken generously with salt and pepper.
2. Add the sunflower oil to a frying pan on a
medium heat, then lay the chicken breasts
into the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until the
chicken is golden brown. Turn the breasts
over and cook for another 5 minutes until
golden on both sides.
3. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking
tray and roast them in the preheated oven
for 15 minutes, until cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the oven, transfer
to a plate and cover loosely with foil until
ready to serve.
086
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Ingredients Serves 6
3 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, peeled and cut into wedges
3 cloves garlic, left in skins
1 heaped tbsp chipotle paste (and/or 1-2 fresh
chillies (optional))
7-8 ripe tomatoes (or 2 tins plum tomatoes)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, or fresh
thyme)
1.5 litres chicken (or vegetable stock)
1-2 corn tortillas, blanched in oil (or 1-2 tbsp
fine polenta)
Top it off with as many of the below as you
can find…
1 ripe Hass avocado
2 corn tortillas (or 2 flatbreads), cut into skinny
strips and fried
2 ancho chillies, seeds and stems removed
and torn into walnut-sized pieces and fried
100g feta cheese, crumbled (or grated
Pecorino)
A small handful of chopped coriander
100ml Sour cream
4. Next, make the ramen broth. Heat the
sesame oil in a large pot over a medium
heat, until simmering. Add the garlic
and ginger, cook for a few minutes until
softened, then add the soy sauce and
maple syrup. Stir to combine then cook for
another minute. Add the stock, cover the
pan, and bring to the boil.
5. Remove the lid, turn the heat down,
simmer the broth uncovered for 10
minutes, then add the mushrooms. Simmer
gently for a further 10 minutes to allow all
the flavours to develop.
6. Add extra salt to taste then add the ramen
noodles and pak choi to the broth and
cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Once they are
ready, use tongs to divide the noodles and
vegetables between bowls. Top with your
sliced chicken breast (no end bits) and
ladle over the broth.
7. Add half a soft boiled egg to each bowl
along with some fresh coriander, togarashi
and a lime wedge to serve.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 087

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
Simple Soy and Honey
Glazed Prawns
with Garlicky Beans and Bulgur Wheat
www.hellofresh.com/recipes
088
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
1 red onion
1 small pack of green beans
1 garlic clove
1 bunch of flat leaf parsley
balsamic vinegar
180g bulgur wheat
360ml water
1tsp of powder of 1 cube of vegetable stock
150g king prawns
soy sauce
honey
Method
1. Halve, peel and thinly slice the red onion. Heat
a drizzle of oil in a saucepan on medium-high
heat, add the onion and season with salt and
pepper. Stir together and cook until really
soft, 7-8 mins, stirring occasionally.
2. While the onion cooks, trim the beans and
chop into thirds. Peel and grate the garlic (or
use a garlic press). Finely chop the flat leaf
parsley (stalks and all).
3. Once the onion is nicely softened, add the
balsamic vinegar and cook for 1 minute more,
then add the bulgur wheat along with the
water (see ingredient list for amount). Stir
in the vegetable stock powder and bring to
the boil. Simmer for 1 minute, then cover the
mixture with a lid, remove from the heat and
leave to the side for 12-15 mins, or until the rest
of the meal is ready.
4. Ten minutes before the bulgur wheat is
cooked, heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan on
medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beans
and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until
they are softened and are slightly charred,
5-6 mins.
5. Once the beans are tender, add the prawns to
the pan along with the garlic. Stir-fry until the
prawnsare cooked, 4-5 mins. IMPORTANT:The
prawns are cooked when pink on the outside
and opaque all the way through. Once
cooked, remove from the heat and add the
soy sauce and honey. Stir together.
6. Fluff up the bulgur wheat with a fork, add the
prawns, beans, any sauce left in the pan and
halfthe parsley. Stir together. Add salt and
pepper to taste, then serve in bowls with the
remaining parsley sprinkled on top. Enjoy!
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 089

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
Peri Peri Pea Falafel with
Tahini Dressing
For more recispes from Yes Peas visit www,peas.org
Ingredients:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp peri peri seasoning
2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
200g frozen peas
a small handful fresh coriander & mint, chopped
zest of 1 lemon
juice of ½ lemon
3 tbsp plain flour, plus a little extra for dusting
sea salt flakes & freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp tahini
For the dressing:
2 tbsp tahini
1 garlic clove, crushed
juice of ½ a lemon
½ tsp peri peri seasoning
1tbsp water
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4
Method:
1. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
2. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and add the onion, garlic and
spices. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Once the onions are soft, put them into a food blender
along with the well-drained peas and remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
3. Blend until the mixture comes together. If your mixture is still crumbly and not combining, add a
little more flour and oil and blend a little more.
4. Roll the falafel mixture into balls, put them on the lined baking tray and bake in the preheated oven
for around 15 minutes.
5. To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a bowl along with 5 tbsp cold water and season
with salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
6. Drizzle the falafel with the dressing and serve with grilled flatbreads.
090
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Broccoli with Oriental Salad
The perfect salad for a summers evening
~ Sesame Burgundy Broccoli with Oriental
Salad and Honey, Ginger and Soy Dressing
from Burgundy Broccoli
45mins, Serves 4
Ingredients:
2 heads Burgundy Broccoli
2 tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted
1 tbsp honey
1 inch-long piece ginger, peeled and finely
grated
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
5 spring onions, sliced thinly
1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil
Chinese leaves or other lettuce, thinly
shredded
1 lime, juiced and zested
1 small sprig of coriander
Method:
1. Mix together the sesame oil, soy sauce,
honey, zest and juice of the lime and
rapeseed or olive oil until it emulsifies.
2. Add half of the sesame seeds and allow to
marinade.
3. Cut the Burgundy Broccoli into large
wedges and place on a heated griddle pan
or frying pan
4. Char gently until the broccoli is gently
cooked (this should take no more than
2mins)
5. Place the washed and shredded Chinese
leaves onto the plate
6. Put the griddled broccoli in a bowl with the
carrot slices and the spring onions
7. Pour half the dressing over the top and
place on top of the Chinese leaves
8. Sprinkle with the remaining sesame seeds
and pour over any remaining dressing
9. Serve warm or cold
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 091

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
Easy Peasy Baking
– cheese muffins with sweetcorn & spinach
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Combine the flour, bicarbonate, cheese,
spinach and sweetcorn in the mixing
bowl.
3. Add the eggs, melted butter and milk and
mix it all together.
4. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin
cases.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until risen and
golden. Serve warm.
Makes 12 muffins
Ingredients
175g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
150g pre-grated cheese
50g baby spinach, shredded
100g tinned sweetcorn, drained
2 eggs
150g unsalted butter, melted
150ml/g milk
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Muffin tin
Muffin cases x 12
Measuring spoons
Tip
Don’t have spinach or sweetcorn?
Experiment with your favourite fillings –
chopped red pepper, onions or cubed ham
make for delicious alternatives. You can also
add finely chopped chili or chili pepper flakes
to add a spicy kick!
Recipes from the Easy Peasy Baking campaign, launched
by nabim. You can find more Easy Peasy Baking recipes and
information on the campaign over on the Fab Flour website:
https://fabflour.co.uk/easy-peasy-bakes/ or on social:
@fab_flour on Instagram or @fabflour on Facebook and Twitter.
092
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
– chocolate chunk cookies
Makes 10 cookies
Ingredients
300g plain flour
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
120g salted butter (melted)
225g light brown soft sugar
1 egg
20 squares of milk chocolate (you will need to
buy a large bar)
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Microwaveable bowl
Wooden spoon
Baking tray lined with baking paper
Measuring spoons
●
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 160°C.
2. In the mixing bowl, combine the flour and
bicarbonate. Set to one side.
3. In the other bowl, melt the butter in the
microwave and mix in the sugar before
adding the egg. Add this wet mix to the
dry flour mix and bring together with the
wooden spoon to form a dough.
4. Divide the dough into 60g balls and place
on the lined baking tray, leaving room to
spread between each one. Push each ball
down slightly then place in the oven for 6
minutes.
5. After the 6 minutes, take the cookies out
of the oven, press 2 squares of chocolate
into each one, rotate the tray then bake
for a further 6 minutes.
6. Allow to cool slightly on the tray before
serving.
Tip
You can keep the 60g dough balls in the
freezer and when ready, bake for 12-14
minutes until golden brown – so you always
have cookies on hand!
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 093

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
What
makes
speciality
coffee so
special?
The next time you have a cup of coffee, take an
extra moment to appreciate the people whose
hands and passion produced the cup you're
enjoying. The full lifecycle of speciality coffee starts
with the farmer and ends with you and in-between
are the green bean buyers, roasters, cafés and
baristas, all working in harmony and maintaining
a keen focus on standards and excellence from
bean-to-cup. If you’re drinking a single-origin
speciality coffee, appreciate the 3 degrees of
separation between you and the origin of your
coffee and the personal relationships between
roasters, buyers/importers and farmers. Speciality
coffee is very personal.
Everyone involved in the lifecycle of speciality
coffee is dedicated to making it their life’s work to
continuously make quality their highest priority.
But at the heart of Speciality Coffee is a social
consciousness, an awareness and a sense of
responsibility. In particular, speciality coffee
importers/buyers work very closely with the coffee
farmers to sustain and improve the quality of their
crops, improve their processing methods and also
engage in many charitable community projects
to improve the wellbeing of the farm workers.
Everyone in the coffee value chain accepts the
premiums paid for speciality coffee to support
these goals.
Speciality coffee roasters will select single-origin
coffee beans that are graded 80 points or above on
a 100-point scale as determined by the Speciality
Coffee Association (SCA). Coffee roasting is an
art that requires a high degree of knowledge and
experience to produce speciality-level roast profiles
and to ensure the highest standard of quality and
flavour come through in the final roasted bean.
Once the speciality coffee beans reach your
local speciality coffee café, the barista is the final
coffee professional to complete the lifecycle of the
speciality bean. They are deeply informed as to the
origin of the coffee bean and how its flavour profiles
will be revealed in brewing and ensure each bean
reaches its full potential.
094
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
FOOD & DRINK
Roast Lab are a small family business based in Farnham Common.
They are passionate about roasting small batch, speciality coffee.
And use only the finest green beans are ethically sourced by us to
give you the freshest, best possible coffee experience.
Access to expertly roasted speciality coffee is
not just the privilege of speciality coffee shops/
cafés. Micro coffee roasters are popping up in
neighbourhoods all over the country, eager to
please their local communities with freshly roasted
speciality coffee and make your connection to
coffee a little more personal.
Roast Lab Coffee Roasters (www.roastlab.coffee)
are husband and wife team, Wayne and Sarah,
running a small batch coffee roastery from their
home in Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire.
Their passion for coffee stems from the long
exposure to speciality coffee shops while working
in London. Driven to know why ‘speciality’ is so
‘special’ sent them down a path of technical
discovery which led to the idea of starting the
business and to leave a legacy for their young son.
When you see the ‘Novoroaster’ Germanengineered
fluid-bed roaster they have, you will
realise why they chose to be ‘Roast Lab’. They
are able to apply a scientific approach to coffee
roasting with repeatable results. They roast ondemand
in small batches to ensure their customers
experience freshly roasted coffee.
They have a strong appreciation for the speciality
coffee value chain, believing that as roasters and
consumers, we all contribute to the wellbeing
and lives of the people producing the high quality
coffee we all love so much.
As a consumer, by supporting your local speciality
coffee roaster or café, not only are you making a
commitment to a higher standard of quality of taste
and flavour, but also a commitment to a higher
standard of living for every person who contributed
along the way.
https://roastlab.coffee
www.facebook.com/roastlabcoffeeroasters
www.instagram.com/roastlabcoffeeroasters
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 095

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
P R O F E S S I O N A L A N D D I S C R E E T
P R I V A T E I N V E S T I G A T I O N S
2 4 H O U R S A D A Y , 7 D A Y S A W E E K .
C O R P O R A T E
I N V E S T I G A T I O N S
D E B T O R
L O C A T I N G
R E L A T I O N S H I P
B R E A K D O W N
J U D I C U A L
S E R V I C E S
Looking for answers, closure, or
evidence? I am on your side.
Just #AskAlison
For more information:
Visit: www.missaminvestigations.co.uk
Email: enquiries@missaminvestigations.co.uk
Call: 07388925001
As seen in:
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 096

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
Home &
Garden
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 097

METROLAND
HOME & GARDEN
Beautiful gifts that make
a difference
with Promise in Store
During the last 11 weeks of lockdown Promise in
Store have been sending out care packages and
gifts all across the UK to loved ones, keyworkers,
grandparents and friends, as well as bars of
chocolate and hampers for Zoom/Teams events!
But why Promise In Store? Why does shopping with
them makes a difference?
Sue Prisk, the founder of Promise In Store, has a
background in Training and Development, so never
imagined she’d end up starting a social enterprise.
We caught up with her to find out a bit about her life
story and what led to setting up Promise In Store.
“I live in Clapham with my husband and our three
children Olivia, Tom and Amy. Tom, who was born
in 1996, has Down Syndrome. People ask if I was
surprised when I found out, and I can honestly say
that I didn’t have a moment of concern. We were
just delighted and thankful to have our little boy,
and we made a promise that we’d do everything
we could to ensure that he and his sisters grew up
with equal life opportunities.
Fast forward 19 years and Tom went off to a
residential college in Shropshire called Derwen
College. I started to research the pathways to
employment that would be open to Tom. I had
to confront the fact that for people with learning
difficulties, disabilities or life challenges, job
opportunities are often limited and for many do not
exist at all.
Tom, in the meantime, was thriving at Derwen
College. A highlight of his time there was learning to
produce and sell Derwen’s range of delicious jams,
chutneys and stationery products. Every time we
visited Tom, we were struck by the dedication and
potential of the students, and by the quality of the
products themselves. In this moment, the seed of
an idea was sown!
Over the next three years I set out to find
people with learning difficulties, disabilities or life
challenges across the UK who were designing and
producing high-quality gifts and household goods.
To my delight, I met amazingly able and talented
people in special needs colleges, supported living
communities, small businesses, social enterprises
and charities.
With my partners and products in place, I launched
Promise in Store in September 2018:
“A retail social enterprise that sources and sells
beautiful gifts designed, produced or packaged
by incredibly talented people with learning
difficulties, disabilities or life challenges.
Our long-term vision is to train, develop and
provide paid employment to people with learning
difficulties, disabilities and/or life challenges to
sell our products.
We focus on ability and the art of the possible.”
Why the name Promise in Store? Names matter.
When we think of a person or place by name it
comes with so many associations and we wanted
the name of the company to be full of hope and
potential. Promise in Store not only refers to
the promise within each of us, or the quality of
potential excellence, but promise also means to
‘forward send’ in Latin. We hope to help people
develop customer service retail skills and send
them forward confidently into the retail sector to
fulfil their potential.
I really hope you’ll be part of our story, shop with a
difference and help to change lives.”
098
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Promise is store is a small organisation with big
dreams, and they value positive collaboration,
communication and connections. If you’d like
to support their mission, there are many ways
you can help
1. Buy their beautiful gifts - to explore their range
you can visit our website at www.promiseinstore.org
2. Donate financially - Promise in Store are ring-fencing
money which will go directly to pay for employment
costs for those with learning difficulties or disabilities
training and working with them. You can donate via
the website or buy one of their Priceless Spoons
www.promiseinstore.org/the-priceless-spoon
3. Follow them on Instagram
www.instagram.com/promiseinstore/
4. Tell others!
099

How To Keep
your Houseplants
Healthy after Lockdown
www.essentialliving.co.uk
The Royal Horticultural society
reports a huge rise (by a third) in
houseplant sales as people in the
UK turn to indoor gardening during
lockdown.
Reports show that younger generations are
responsible for the increased interest in indoor
plants, as figures show that 75% of 16-24 year olds
are now houseplant owners.
Indoor plants are thought to have a positive effect
on mental health and wellbeing, and a snapshot of
greenery is a sure way to get you some Instagram
likes. But if you’re one of these new plant parents
during lockdown, you might be worried about
keeping your new leafy family alive when you return
to work.
Keeping your plants healthy, growing and blooming
can be a challenge while you're away, so apartment
rental brand Essential Living has rustled together 7
healthy houseplant hacks to keep your plant alive
on your return to work (even if you lack a green
thumb).
7 Simple steps to Keep Your houseplant
alive
Going back to work and worried about your indoor
garden? Here are 7 simple tips to make sure your
plants stay alive while you’re gone.
Providing your plants with the correct amount
of water. When returning to work an obvious
solution to keeping your plants hydrated would be
to overwater. Doing this can potentially damage
the plant’s root and prevent growth, so as an
alternative we suggest your soil is moist, but not
wet.
If your plant leaves begin to turn brown and wilt,
this is a clear sign of over watering. To check your
plant's hydration level, place your finger into the
soil - if there is alot of soil sticking to your finger,
then the plant doesn't need watering and if there
is no soil on your finger, this suggests your plant
needs more water. Simple!
Choose a plant that’s easy to care for. If you are
yet to pick the perfect plant for your home, then
choosing a plant that requires minimal effect is
the best solution. There are a large variety of
indoor plants that don’t need regular attention, for
example the snake plant and spider plant. Find an
indoor plant to match your busy work schedule.
Remember to clean your houseplants. On return
to work you may find yourself with a lot less time
to focus on your plants, they may even begin to
catch dust. Dust on your plants prevents sunlight
from reaching them, which will have an impact on
growth.
0100
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
CATEGORY
TITLE HOME OF CATEGORY
& GARDEN
Using a damp cloth or fluffy duster, clean your plant
leaves once a month but remember to be extra
cautious, you don’t want to damage the leaves
through being heavy handed.
Providing the right home temperature. You may
find that when returning to work the temperature
of your home may alter, heating systems have the
tendency to dry the air. And although most indoor
plants prefer slightly warmer surroundings, being
placed near a heating system can cause plant
leaves to dry up and go brown.
An easy way to increase the humidity for your plant
is to create a pebble tray. Add clean pebbles into
a shallow water-filled tray and place your plant on
top, the water will gradually evaporate around the
plant. Ensure that you never leave your greenery
on or near a heated radiator!
Find the perfect plant location and keep it. When
returning to work you may begin to worry about the
exposure of sunlight your indoor plant is getting.
Plants have the ability to acclimate themselves to
their surroundings, so it’s more safe that you don’t
move them around alot. Each plant classification is
different, so research into your chosen plant to find
their ideal living environment.
Avoid using common fertilisers. While you're
working and have less time to care for your indoor
plants, it's best to keep them growing as slowly as
possible. Fertilisers increase the growth speed of
your indoor plants. If however you do want to see
results fast, then consider creating a makeshift
greenhouse by watering your plant thoroughly and
covering your plant with a clear plastic back with
holes in for circulation.
Reduce the lighting exposure. Try moving your
plants away from windows when you return to
work, so that photosynthesise is reduced therefore
the plant will require less moisture. However don’t
move your indoor plant into a dark corner, just
move a little back from the window. A great location
to store your plants in a bathroom, as it provides
humidity and moisture for your plant.
Nick Woodward, Head of Lettings at Essential Living
said: “We have seen an increase in apartment
living amongst younger generations as they seem
to recognise the potential lifestyle and financial
benefits of renting.”
“We encourage our residents to make their
apartments as comfortable as possible and this
has been even more important during the UK
lockdown.
“House plants have been proven to have a positive
impact on mental wellbeing, improve concentration
and purify the air around us, so houseplants
are a great way to create a relaxing and mindful
environment inside.”
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER SPRING 2020
0101

METROLAND
HOME & GARDEN
A Snug Guide to Getting
Your Sofa Inside
Since the dawn of time mankind has maintained
an instinctive desire to sit down on good quality,
comfortable furniture. In terms of the history of
evolution, the ability to sit down on a decent
chair to chill out comes only marginally behind the
discovery of fire and the invention of the wheel. Us
hairless monkeys have come a long way from the
rocky chaise lounges and tree stump bar stools of
our forefathers and have travelled far down the
road of comfort and convenience. In this busy,
modern age, a self-assembly sofa can often be the
difference between life and death.
“But what will become of the poor folk who’ve just
purchased a ready built sofa?” I hear you cry. “Is it
the end for them?"
Well, up until this guide was written I would have
said yes. Definitely. But fortunately for these normal,
everyday people whose only crime is an error of
judgement, the good people at Snug are here to
help. This handy little guide is written not only to
help people who find themselves in the position of
having to wrestle a new sofa into their home but
also as a warning to those who are thinking about
trying. Good luck to you and just remember this
whole situation could’ve been avoided...
Step 1: Prepare Yourself
So here’s the deal; your brand new sofa has just
been delivered and it’s sitting outside of your
0102
home just waiting for you to get it inside. Only it’s
not just sitting, it’s taunting you. At this point, the
temptation is to just kick back on the front doorstep,
or in the street and tell your mates that an outdoor
sofa is a must-have accessory for modern life. But
that is, at best, a short term solution. You’ll know
and your friends will know that the only reason
your sofa is out the front is because it has beaten
you. Comrades, at this point you need to say to
yourself that you refuse to be beaten by a chair.
You’re going to need to prepare yourself. Gather
the following about yourself and steel yourself for
war.
Cold beers – Anything you like will do.
Energy Gel – The kind used by long-distance
cyclists and endurance gamers.
Hammer – Because you will get frustrated and
angry.
A Towel – Because there will be blood.
A strong and reliable friend – Because you just
can’t make it on your own.
A Tape Measure – So if it really doesn’t fit you
can tell everybody exactly how close it was.
Step 2: Prepare Your Sofa
Take off all the cushions and covers and protective
polythene and get them inside and out of the way.
Basically you want your sofa to be as stripped back
and naked as possible. This includes removing the
legs. Allow a mild sense of achievement to wash
over you. You’ve done something, you’ve taken the
first step. Have a beer.
Step 3: Grab an End Each
Now, it is a little known aspect of furniture moving
etiquette that the person who’s house it is grabs
the front of the item and moves backwards. This
indicates a willingness to crush ones own fingers
first and is supposed to instil a sense of dedication
and self-sacrifice in the moving partner. However,
like I say, it’s little known, so feel free to lead from the
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

ear. Each of you must lift each end of the sofa at
the bottom and stand up in sync. It is now essential
to puff out your cheeks and say something along
the lines of; “It’s heavier than it looks.” or, “It’s not
heavy, it’s just awkward.” or, “You got it?”
Now you simply walk it towards the front door.
Step 4: The Front Door
This is it. Your first challenge. How am I going to get
my sofa to sit through a narrow front door or do
I have to move it through a window? Front doors
are notoriously door shaped and sofas are not.
You’ll want to make sure that your fingers are all
tucked completely under the base of the sofa. You
can now proceed to try to walk the sofa in. Bear
in mind that carrying it in square, that is, how you
picked it up, will not work. But it is vital that you do it
anyway. You can now put the sofa down, balancing
it on your toes is customary but not essential. Look
each other in the eyes and shrug. Perhaps have
another beer. Measure the width and height of
the door. Measure the sofa. Measure everything.
When you pick it up again, you’re going to need to
do some weird twists and stretch into unnatural
positions. Generally speaking, the more awkward,
uncomfortable and unnatural your body position
the more likely you are to get it through.
Step 5: In the Hallway
seems, this will not be a lot of fun. This very problem
was immortalised by Ross in the famous Friends
episode. Pivot…
Step 7 a):
Persevere. An average human being is between six
to ten times more intelligent than a sofa. You’ve
got this. I believe in you. Draft in another friend if
you have to. Take a hacksaw to the damn thing.
Swearing is highly encouraged at this point as is
an unfailing degree of self-belief. Stay strong. Stay
positive. You can do it. You can do it. You can do it!
Step 7 b):
You can’t do it. What you need to do is pick up your
phone and call whoever sold you such a ridiculously
heavy/awkward/impossible to manoeuvre piece of
furniture. Call them up and give them hell. Demand
a refund and get them to take it away.
Once this has been achieved sit down on the floor,
or in the bathtub and order yourself the iconic, self
assembly, Snug sofa. Not only is this Britain’s first
sofa in a box but it is also one of the best sofas
of any sort out there today. Astonishingly you
can assemble it yourself, single-handedly in three
minutes. Unlike some other well known flat-pack
furniture companies, Snug doesn’t compromise
quality for convenience, it’s the complete package.
Go check them out, read up about the hype. Even
better than that, have a chat with them on their
Facebook page. These guys aren’t your usual
furniture floggers, they do things differently and
they can make all this grief and frustration go away.
Oh, did I mention that your Snug sofa will arrive
within three days. Don’t panic little buddy, the sofa
you crave is just a couple of clicks away...
https://snugsofa.com/
Wipe the blood off your hands. Have a beer.
Step 6: Stairs
If your sofa is going to be situated upstairs you
will now be faced with your biggest challenge yet.
Depending on how steep and long your stairs
are, whether it dog legs or not, will affect how well
this next stage goes. You will tend to find that
regardless of how straight forward your staircase

METROLAND
HOME & GARDEN
My
Garden
Year
June
If we’re lucky June will see the sunshine
and for me it’s all about roses, one of
my favourite summer flowers with many
of the newer cultivars having powerful
scent and repeat flowering. I particularly
like the deep red ‘Darcey Bussell’ and
‘Queen of Sweden’ which is a soft pink
colour.
If ever there was a month for colour this
is it. The hot end of the spectrum – reds,
oranges and yellows leap forward and
foreshorten the distance between the
viewpoint and the object, so in a narrow
garden, bright colours planted at the
end will appear closer than in reality.
Conversely, incorporating borders of blue
to purple hues can elongate perspective
and create a sense of space.
Summer bedding using cool blues and
whites creates calm; using pinks and reds
adds energy. Try experimenting with
plants like the dahlia ‘Bishop Llandaff’
massed together to give the illusion of
floating flowers.
Barry Burrows is Managing director at Bartholomew Landscaping
- passionate about designing and creating stylish, beautiful and
timeless gardens, big or small in town and country.
0104
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
HOME & GARDEN
July
July is the month where things should be ticking
over nicely. Early summer blooms are fading, the
first proper vegetable harvest is underway and
the later season flowers are starting to appear. Do
keep an eye out for pests as slugs can devastate
some parts of the border around now. Remember
to water the lawn frequently as well as all your
containers, pots and baskets.
Aster x frickartii ‘Mönch’ is an invaluable cultivar
of the Michaelmas daisy. Flowering from June to
Christmas (if you are lucky) this cracking performer
is worth trying where there isn’t much planting
area; anything that flowers for six months is a
plant to put on your wish list.
Aster x frickartii ‘Mönch’
Darcey Bussell
Queen of Sweden
August
Now is a good time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labours.
Colourful window baskets
I love a densely populated summer prairie planting scheme. Rudbeckia,
Helenium and Achillea rub shoulders with grasses like Calamagrostis
brachytricha and Stipa tenuissima to create a sea of movement and colour.
Simply spectacular.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0105

METROLAND
FASHION
Date Night at Home
After days of living in gym kit and no makeup, now is the time to take a
moment for yourself, to enjoy the company of your loved one. Achieving
the perfect date night is really easy, and will allow for some well deserved
time out to unwind and enjoy.
Lights4Fun have curated some of theirfavourite ideas to spend time
with yoursignificant other from the comfort of your own home.
0106
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
HOME & GARDEN
E V E N I N G A M B I A N C E
The key to the perfect date night at home is to create the right
ambiance. Lighting is a great way to achieve this, as it can make a space
feel that little bit more magical. With a simple set of fairy lights you can
create your very own glowing canopy, perfect for an evening drink.
To complete your romantic soirée, stream one your favourite musician’s
concerts online to make it feel even more of a special occasion.
T I M E T O G E T H E R
Time together to chat as a couple is now more important than ever. If you
have an outdoor firepit why not make your very own campfire, with the
essential drinks and snacks to accompany, of course. If you don’t have a
firepit, micro lights intertwined around logs are an effective & super safe
alternative. Flickering outdoor TruGlow candles are a wonderful addition
to the setting.
Shop online at www.lights4fun.co.uk
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0107

METROLAND
HOME & GARDEN
Secret Styling Club
Secret Styling Club Announce Virtual Talk and Craft Session
at Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival
'We were thrilled to be asked to be a part of
Fearne's Happy Place Festival as it's an event
that encompasses everything we, at Secret
Styling Club, strive for in our designs. To create a
happy, healthy home that fills you with joy, helps
you relax, and sparks creativity is so important,
now more than ever.' Maxine Brady and Laurie
Davidson, founders at www.secretstylingclub.com
The festival is completely free, but they encourage
guests to donate to their wonderful charity
partners.
Secret Styling Club Schedule:
Wednesday 17th June, 3pm: Mindful Home
Tips with Secret Styling Club
As happy home experts, Secret Styling Club
founders Maxine Brady and Laurie Davidson are to
take part in Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival,
with a virtual talk and craft session.
The festival, which launched on 12th June and
runs until 12th July 2020, presents a month-long
schedule full of passionate people promoting
mental and physical wellbeing. Guests can roam
around the virtual grounds and find inspiration
from the amazing performances, tutorials and
speakers, set to help them connect their mind and
body, unlock their creativity, and find their Happy
Place.
Discover how to achieve a balance at home with
advice from two interior stylists. The brains behind
Secret Styling Club, design duo Laurie & Maxine
will be sharing their advice and tips on how to
achieve mindfulness at home. From how to pick
relaxing paint colours to styling your home using
what you already have, decluttering to creating
a home vision board, these ladies have got it
covered for you.
Sunday 21st June, 3pm: Holistic Bath Salts
with Secret Styling Club
This simple workshop will teach you how to make
natural bath salts using inexpensive items, some
of which you may already have at home. Baths
are great for all sorts of ailments, from colds & flus
to achy, sore muscles, and everything in between.
What better way to enjoy them than with these
DIY super-easy bath salts. In this workshop,
join Secret Styling Club and learn how to make
beautiful bath salts as a treat for yourself, or as a
thoughtful gift for a loved one.
0108
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
HOME & GARDEN
You Will Need: – A jar with lid (and seal so they don’t
spill out) – Enough salts to fill your jar (Himalayan
or sea salts are best) – Herbs, dried flowers and/or
essential oils (lavender, rosemary, camomile all work
well) – Mixing bowl – Spatula – Scoop – Paper/card
to make a gift label – Twine or ribbon – Scissors
About Secret Styling Club:
at Home, Ideal Home, Good Homes and House
Beautiful, for TV shows including This Morning
and Gok Wan’s Fill Your House For Free, real home
projects and well-known interiors brands including
Ikea, Farrow & Ball, West Elm and John Lewis.
Follow @secretstylingclub on Instagram, and
Facebook or visit www.secretstylingclub.com
Founded in 2018, Secret Styling Club is an interior
design studio based in the South East, set up
by magazine stylists Maxine Brady and Laurie
Davidson. The creative duo’s mission is to help
their clients create a home they deserve, from as
little as £75.
Secret Styling Club offer residential and commercial
interior design services, design consultancy
and styling expertise, along with event set-up
and styling, and a range of popular interactive
styling workshops. They help their clients with the
complete interior design process, from start to
finish. Whether it’s a single room, a whole house,
or a series of properties, they deliver a design that
suits the individual’s lifestyle and budget. Their aim
is to inspire and help their clients create a vibrant,
fascinating and original home that reflects who
they are. From huge renovation projects to mini
room refreshes, they are experts at changing an
unloved space into a beautifully designed room.
“We have been described as a powerhouse of
ideas and energy, and we bring that passion to
every project. We want to create a space that
inspires, rejuvenates and uplifts the homeowner –
a place that you can feel proud of and enjoy for
years to come. No matter where you are in the
UK, or further afield, we can help with all interiors
projects or dilemmas big or small through our
remote styling and design service option.” Maxine
Brady and Laurie Davidson, founders at www.
secretstylingclub.com
Maxine and Laurie have over 40 years of combined
experience in the world of interiors and you will
have seen their styling work on the cover of
leading interior magazines, on large billboards,
in newspapers and on TV. They have designed
thousands of rooms for magazines, including Style
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0109

L A T I M E R
PROPERTY SERVICES

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
Beauty &
Wellbeing
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 0111

METROLAND
BEAUTY & WELLBEING
The Power of Crystals
Jennaleigh Sharpe writes about crystals, the law of attraction and beauty. She lives in
Nottingham with her partner & mischievous bunnies. Jennaleigh can be found on all social
media as Wonderland Beautique, or directly on www.wonderlandbeautique.co.uk
M
any people think crystals
are just rocks that come
from the ground and don’t
have any relevance or
bearing on their lives, but
they could not be further
from the truth. These crystals each have their own
personalities, their own traits, their own ways on
how they can truly help influence & change your
life for the better.
When I first began my interest into how I could
change my life & I was introduced to the power of
crystals, I’ll be honest I was extremely skeptical,
and if you aren’t too then I would question that
further because that’s totally to be expected. Once
I realised that there was no harm in having faith
that crystals have life benefits, the growth my life
has achieved is unreal!
Energy is universal, and is something that is
shared between us all. Our bodies are made up of
tiny atoms that vibrate at different frequencies, so
does every other object that we encounter. Have
you felt that feeling in the pit of your stomach
where you resonate with something? We often call
it gut instinct, but when we delve further into the
theory, that is a combination of our intuition & the
universe knowing what to tell us at a certain time
for our growth.
Every single gem/stone/crystal you ever come
across will have its own benefits & certain ways to
be used that can harness the highest benefits to
achieve the most potential. Do you want to focus
on your love life? Rose Quartz would be the best
for you to use in your manifestations & rituals as
this particular stone can help to channel your inner
Goddess & aim for unconditional love. Do you feel
that you need more money and financial gain?
Citrine brings luck & fortune to those who embrace
its power. I’m not going to spend this article talking
about each benefit and where to use each, though
if you truly want to hear more then please reach
out & ask; I’ll always be overjoyed to help.
Did you know that each chakra point on your body
has a different impact onto your present situation
& future circumstances? There are seven main
chakra points on your body, with many further
0112
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
CATEGORY
BEAUTY TITLE OF & WELLBEING
CATEGORY
lesser-known, minor chakra points. The purpose of
a chakra is to keep the spiritual, mental, emotional
& physical forms of the body into balance. Each
chakra works from the top of your head down
your body, in the following order: Crown, Third
Eye, Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral, Root.
Many crystal healers use these chakra points to
identify where you need the most attention, and
concentrate their efforts into repairing those areas
of need.
Crystals can be used to create rituals for literally
every aspect of your life. You need to decide what
is most important to you, and focus your energy
on those areas. If for instance you feel that your
Crown/Third Eye/Throat chakras are out of balance
or you have a concern, then those are the exact
areas you need to attempt to rectify. One method
of doing this would be to choose a low-hanging
pendant that could help improve those areas.
Jewellery can be targeted towards multiple
chakra points at one time, so the length of your
chain or size of your pendant can play a relevant
part. Should you decide you need a more overall
spiritual experience, studded earrings would be
more beneficial for you.
recharged. You can often tell when a stone is full
as it will feel cold and dull, as opposed to warm
and bright. There are a variety of ways to recharge
your crystals, though caution must be taken that
the correct method is chosen for each individual
stone, as the attributes and power of each crystal
can be altered/damaged if treated incorrectly.
Most frequently, I advise leaving your collection to
bathe in moonlight; literally as simple as leaving
your crystals in the windowsill overnight, especially
powerful at a full moon. Alternatively, holding your
crystals through a running flow of water or in a saltbath
can recharge, though please do not do this to
porous stones.
Whether you are new to the power of crystals
or a seasoned veteran, there is never a time too
late to expand your knowledge & collection. Over
at Wonderland Beautique, I share frequent tips &
advice on all things crystal and spiritual; feel free to
pop along and have a virtual look around! It would
be an absolute pleasure to have you and help you
on your journey.
People who are undergoing extreme surgery or
treatments have been known to revert to crystal
therapy, often because they believe that they have
exhausted all other options. I’m yet to meet anyone
who has anything bad to say about the incredible
power of crystal healing, and how their faith has
grown based on personal experiences. In order to
harness the most potential from crystal energy, it is
necessary to identify the particular “problem” you
are encountering.
Any skepticism you may have towards the power
& abilities of crystals needs to be removed before
use, as crystals hold onto the energetic vibration
of those whose paths they cross. Think of the
crystals as magnets, drawing out any negativity
from yourself and your surroundings. Once the
crystals have attracted these vibrations, they
hold onto them and store them until cleansed and
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING SUMMER 2020
0113

METROLAND
ZONES 8 & 9
When early diagnosis
matters
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 0114

METROLAND
BEAUTY & WELLBEING
When early diagnosis matters, delays cost lives. Pancreatic Cancer Action
issues stark warning as the UK avoids seeking medical help.
The Coronavirus Pandemic is having a huge
impact on the way that people are using the NHS,
with cancer referrals, GP and A&E visits down
significantly versus last year. With pressure on NHS
resources set to continue in the months ahead,
Pancreatic Cancer Action has issued a stark
warning to anyone experiencing symptoms not to
postpone seeking help.
Data from public health England suggests that twoweek
wait cancer referrals from GPs to hospitals
have fallen by up 80% in some areas, while the latest
figures from NHS England show that A&E visits
have halved. The two-week wait is now improving
but this is still very concerning. With almost half
of all pancreatic cancer cases diagnosed as an
emergency in A&E, the combination of reduced
referrals and reduced A&E visits spells a worrying
picture for anyone who might be suffering from
undiagnosed symptoms.
Ali Stunt, CEO and founder of Pancreatic Cancer
Action, explains, “For Pancreatic Cancer, in
particular, early diagnosis is absolutely critical.
That’s why we’re particularly concerned by these
figures. If referrals drop, we’d expect to see a rise
in diagnosis at A&E. With A&E visits also down,
my worry is that, for many, it will be too late for
successful intervention and treatment. If there is a
substantial delay in diagnosing this type of cancer,
the chances of survival fall drastically. ”
As a survivor of the disease herself, Ali knows
first hand the stark realities. Initially dismissed as
gallstones, scans revealed that Ali’s symptoms
were due to a 5.5cm tumour in her pancreas. Had
she hesitated, or encountered any delays in her
diagnosis and subsequent treatment, the cancer
would have been inoperable. Instead, Ali underwent
treatment and went on to set up Pancreatic Cancer
Action, a UK charity which focusses on improving
survival rates for pancreatic cancer by ensuring
more people are diagnosed early and in time for
surgery.
current pandemic, measures such as new moving
treatments to COVID free wards are being put in
place to ensure that treatment can continue. NHS
leaders have made it clear that urgent cancer
diagnosis and treatment should go ahead. We are
urging people not to avoid visiting their doctors. All
the data we have shows that early diagnosis is key
to surviving pancreatic cancer and that awareness
of the signs and symptoms is the key to early
detection, making it absolutely vital that people
approach their GP if they have symptoms.”
Pancreatic cancer has the lowest 5-year survival
rate of all the 22 most common cancers - a fact
which is largely due to late diagnosis. Although
many GP practices have had to change the way
that they run appointments, the charity has
highlighted how urgent it is that people protect
their health, and their lives, by not ignoring other
health issues during the pandemic.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
• Jaundice/yellowing of the skin and whites of
the eyes, and/or very itchy skin.
• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort, which may
radiate to the back.
• Mid back pain or discomfort where a bra strap
would sit (may be eased by leaning forward).
• Pale and smelly stools that don’t flush easily
and/or a change in bowel habits
• Loss of appetite.
• Indigestion which doesn’t respond to
medication.
• Nausea and vomiting
• New onset diabetes which is not associated
with weight gain
• Fatigue.
• Unexplained weight loss.
If you have symptoms, want to learn more
or are looking for advice and support, visit
www.panact.org
Ali continues, “While the usual routes to diagnosis
and treatment will inevitably be skewed by the
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020

METROLAND
BEAUTY & WELLBEING
Top Tips for Care Workers
Care work in the UK’s residential care homes is always stressful, but the COVID-19 pandemic has sent
stress levels soaring. Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy has put together her Top Tips for Care
Workiers During Covid-19
A recent IPPR survey (April 2020) reported 50% of
care workers are reporting deterioration in their
mental health since the start of the crisis. 1 in 5
are thinking of leaving the profession. This would
mean a catastrophe, with 300,000 care workers
exiting the workforce.
Are you a care worker? Is this affecting you? What
can you do to overcome work stress? Are there
any self-help tips and strategies? Read on and
find out more.
Recognising stress
Take a look at the list of stress symptoms (Box 1).
These may creep up on you. Perhaps work stress
is affecting many different aspects of your life?
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, it’s
time to go and see your work manager.
You should also see your doctor. Stress can
have a major impact on your physical and mental
health.
What is stress?
Symptoms of stress are created when certain
parts of your nervous system are thrown into
overdrive.
Your body is naturally programmed to run away
from danger. Let’s say you suddenly come across
a sabre-tooth tiger! Your heart races, your pupils
dilate, you start to sweat. Blood is diverted to
your legs so you can run. You feel breathless and
light-headed.
This is the body’s “fight, fright and flight”
mechanism. When you feel stressed, for example
at work, this system is switched on and stays
switched on. You are trying to get your work done,
but your body feels you are under threat and in
constant danger.
Stress symptoms are not only very unpleasant,
but they also carry serious health risks – such as
an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes,
heart attacks, and strokes.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress in Care
Workers
Do you feel? …
• Emotional, sometimes overreact and cry
easily?
• Tired and physically drained?
• Are you sleeping poorly?
• Are you anxious, small things are big things,
sweaty palms, heart racing, you feel on ‘high
alert’ all the time?
• Is your mood low, things seem hopeless/
pointless, black moods, you feel depressed?
• Are you comfort eating, gaining weight -
or sometimes people experience loss of
appetite, and weight loss?
• Are you drinking too much alcohol, or
perhaps sometimes overusing your
medication? Smoking too much, or perhaps
restarted smoking?
• Are you not looking after yourself as well as
you should – poor self-care – ready meals –
missed doctor and dentists’ appointments –
can’t get organised?
• Do you keep getting colds and minor
illnesses?
• Are you developing negative feelings
towards those you are caring for? - This is
particularly worrying.
“You need to worry when you stop
caring about caring.”
socialcare.co.uk
0116
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

A Stress at Work Action Plan
Time to take action and see what you can do
to help yourself. Further information and more
details are listed in Box 2.
1. Speak to your manager
As your employer, your manager has a duty of
care. They will be receptive and will listen. You
have rights as an employee to be treated fairly.
2. Find a buddy at work
Pairing up with another staff member and sharing
your feelings can be extremely helpful. Keep your
discussions confidential and don’t gossip.
3. Try to focus on our life away from work
Plan your life at home. Caring for yourself is
crucial. You are working to live, not living to
work! Why not start a diary and get organised?
Everything stems from here!
• Healthy diet - You are what you eat! Ditch
those takeaways! For example, why not try
the Mediterranean diet?
• Exercise - Even when you feel tired, exercise
is vital. Exercise relieves stress, lowers blood
pressure and is crucial for maintaining weight.
By the way - you don’t need an expensive
gym – the world is a gym!
• Manage your weight - Many people are in
denial about their weight. The normal range
for the Body Mass Index (BMI) is 21-25.
If you carry excess weight around on
your body, this is like working with several
rucksacks strapped to your back! As you lose
weight, work will become easier.
• Sleep - You are recommended to have
7-9 hours of sleep per night. While you are
asleep your body is undergoing repair. Sleep
is essential for good health, and also for
maintaining your weight. Develop a good
bedtime regime and stick to it.
• Use a diary for your appointments and keep
them!
After all, … toothache, running out of
contraceptive pills, needing new glasses? … all
these things impinge on your ability to do a good
job!
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0117

A Stress at Work Action Plan
Time to take action and see what you can do
to help yourself. Further information and more
details are listed in Box 2.
1. Speak to your manager
As your employer, your manager has a duty of
care. They will be receptive and will listen. You
have rights as an employee to be treated fairly.
2. Find a buddy at work
Pairing up with another staff member and sharing
your feelings can be extremely helpful. Keep your
discussions confidential and don’t gossip.
3. Try to focus on our life away from work
Plan your life at home. Caring for yourself is
crucial. You are working to live, not living to
work! Why not start a diary and get organised?
Everything stems from here!
• Healthy diet - You are what you eat! Ditch
those takeaways! For example, why not try the
Mediterranean diet?
• Exercise - Even when you feel tired, exercise
is vital. Exercise relieves stress, lowers blood
pressure and is crucial for maintaining weight.
By the way - you don’t need an expensive gym
– the world is a gym!
• Manage your weight - Many people are in
denial about their weight. The normal range
for the Body Mass Index (BMI) is 21-25.
If you carry excess weight around on your
body, this is like working with several rucksacks
strapped to your back! As you lose weight,
work will become easier.
• Sleep - You are recommended to have
7-9 hours of sleep per night. While you are
asleep your body is undergoing repair. Sleep
is essential for good health, and also for
maintaining your weight. Develop a good
bedtime regime and stick to it.
• Use a diary for your appointments and
keep them! - After all, … toothache, running
out of contraceptive pills, needing new
glasses? … all these things impinge on your
ability to do a good job!
4. How to work better and relieve stress?
Take a look at the points below –
• Stress at Work Policy - Every workplace
should have a 'stress at work' policy. Have you
read yours? Is there a work, mental health
champion?
• Read your job description - What are your
responsibilities? Who is your line manager?
Who do you report to? How are you meant to
request time off, report a problem, or make a
complaint?
• Watch your colleagues/senior colleagues
carefully - Much can be learned by watching
how seniors conduct their roles.
• Time management - Arrive at work ahead of
time. Be ready and organised. What needs to
be done first? What can wait?
• Regular breaks - Make sure you take your
breaks. Go outside and walk if possible.
Practise your breathing exercises.
• Assertiveness - Don’t be bolshy! Have a
‘can-do’ attitude. However, say ‘No’ if you
are asked to do something not on your job
description, and for which you are not been
trained.
• Training needs - Key areas in care homes are
Infection Control, Manual Handling and Back
Care, Clinical Risk Management and Health
and Safety. Do you need a training update?
- Public Health England has issued - ‘How to
work safely in Care Homes (27th April 2020
- Also, ‘COVID-19: putting on and removing
PPE, a guide for care homes – a video’.
• Staff counselling sessions/focus groups -
Are these sessions offered in your workplace?
Speak to your manager.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) -
Proven to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Try an online CBT workbook. Alternatively, you
can be referred by your GP.
CBT includes learning breathing and relaxation
techniques, and about alternative and
complementary Hayley therapies.
Bennett Wellbeing provides
'Tools to help you through Life'
• Mindfulness - A successful technique. There
www.hayleybennettwellbeing.com
are plenty of free, online sessions for care
workers.
0118
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
BEAUTY & WELLBEING
More Information for Care Workers
• Care workers – What are your rights at
work? https://www.crunch.co.uk/knowledge/
employment/care-workers-what-are-yourrights-at-work/
• Stress Management – NHS Employers
https://www.nhsemployers.org/~/media/
Employers/Publications/Stress%20
management.pdf
• Coronavirus and Mental Health at Work
https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus-mentalhealth
• What is the Mediterranean Diet?
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/what-isa-mediterranean-diet/
• Benefits of exercise
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercisehealth-benefits/
• How to work safely in Care Homes
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/
government/uploads/system/uploads/
attachment_data/file/881329/COVID-19_How_
to_work_safely_in_care_homes.pdf
• ‘COVID-19: putting on and removing
PPE, a guide for care homes video’
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/
covid-19-how-to-work-safely-in-care-homes/
covid-19-putting-on-and-removing-ppe-aguide-for-care-homes-video
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/
therapy-for-anxiety-disorders.htm
• COVID-19 and Mindfulness - The
Mindfulness Initiative
https://www.themindfulnessinitiative.org/
Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=d83f9973-
dae4-4267-a67f-f11a83502f8d
• Sleep Hygiene - The Sleep Council
https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/advice-support/
sleep-advice/sleep-hygiene/
Final thoughts
If you feel stressed, take control. By helping
yourself, you will start to feel more powerful,
have better motivation, self-confidence, and selfesteem.
Your job satisfaction will improve. You will
develop stronger bonds with those around you
and feel a valued member of the workforce.
When stress is addressed in the workplace,
this results in better work attendance, lower
absenteeism, less minor illness, and less burnout.
Your work in the residential care industry is vital.
Can you take positive action, start to feel better,
and retain the job you love?
Dr Deborah Lee is a doctor and a freelance health
writer. As well as METROLAND and The Foxy Deer, Dr
Lee writes for The Daily Express, Bella magazine, Red
magazine, Cosmopolitan and many more.
Dr Fox Online Pharmacy - https://www.doctorfox.co.uk
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0119

METROLAND
BEAUTY & WELLBEING
Expert Teeth Brushing
by Shivika Shah, Principal Dentist
Chess House Dental Practice
www.chesshousedental.com/
At these uncertain times and with most of us safe inside our homes,
our lives are not normal. As we try and cope with the ‘new normal’
temptation is to graze on food, snacking often. Thus, now more than
ever, it is important to stress the value of good oral hygiene and
review the brushing techniques. Poor brushing technique and lack of
interdental cleaning can lead to cavities that are painful and can develop
into worse issues that require root canals and similar treatment as well
as gum diseases which can cause bleeding gums, bad breath and can
also cause loss of teeth.
Proper brushing techniques
• Brushing should start as soon as the first baby tooth erupts ⁃
• Brush at least twice daily: one right before bedtime and one other
time during the day.
• Parents/Carers should either brush or supervise brushing ⁃
• Make sure you always use a soft to medium bristled toothbrush. ⁃
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride
for children under the age of 3 (a smear of toothpaste), over 1,000ppm
fluoride in children between 3-6yrs (pea-sized blob of toothpaste)
and 1350-1500ppm fluoride from 7 years onwards. ⁃
• Brush in a circular motion, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to
the gum ⁃
• Brush for a minimum of 2 minutes a day! ⁃
• Brush your gums as well as your teeth, to sufficiently attack bacteria
on there as well as the teeth. ⁃
• Make sure you don’t brush so hard that your gums recede to the
root.
Proper interdental cleaning
• Use a floss around 18 inches long and wrap it around one finger to
maximize effectiveness
• Floss each and every tooth, using a “C” shape with the floss each
time you do
• Floss in the pockets of your gums
• Use interdental brushes in areas of large gaps between the teeth.
These come in a range of sizes and you may need different sizes for
different areas of the mouth.
• These instructions will remove plaque from behind your teeth, and in
areas your brush cannot normally reach.
0120
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

CHESHAM
COUNCIL NEWS
Get ready
to travel...
Before travelling anywhere
please ensure that you are
aware of the current lockdown
restrictions for wherever you
hope to visit and any places
you may travel through on your
journey. DO NOT travel if
local or national rules prevent
your from doing so.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 0121

METROLAND
GET READY TO TRAVEL
Ten Picture-Perfect
Villages to visit in
the Cotswolds
…and a collection of stones, three gardens, two playgrounds and one tower.
by Mette Poynton, The Cotswold Concierge www.cotswoldsconcierge.co.uk
Chipping Campden
The Cotswolds is one of the UK’s official ‘Areas
of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and visitors and
tourists come from all over the World to visit the
picturesque villages, the stunning countryside
and to see the beautiful views that we surround
ourselves with all over this wonderful region.
Stanton
Stanton is widely recognised as one of the most
beautiful and unspoilt villages in the Cotswolds.
Picture-perfect, nearly all its houses and buildings
are made of locally quarried natural stone and with
a history going back over a thousand years it truly
is quintessentially Cotswolds.
0122
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
GET READY TO TRAVEL
Broadway Tower
Standing 1024 feet above sea level, Broadway
Tower is an iconic little castle, the highest in the
Cotswolds, in fact. It is the perfect place to start
your walking excursion, take in some history, or
even enjoy a delicious breakfast in the restaurant
next door. www.broadwaytower.co.uk
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is quite simply one of the finest
towns in the Cotswolds – well-preserved and full of
history, but also full of life and bustle.
Chipping Campden Playground
The recreation ground in Chipping Campden is a
mere 3-minute walk from the centre of the High
Street. It is a wonderful playground that you simply
must go visit if you are in the area with children.
The grounds are perfect for a family.
Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum is an intimate and romantic
place to visit, with interest all year round from
the first snowdrops of spring, right through to
the outstanding autumn colour in October and
November. www.batsarb.co.uk
Beautiful Broadway
A famous Cotswold beauty spot, and popular
throughout the year, Broadway is dominated by a
wide main street lined with independent shops,
restaurants, hotels and plenty of antique shops. It’s
one of the most wonderful towns, in the Cotswolds
and anywhere.
Broadway Playground
Set amongst beautiful Cotswolds hills and old trees,
the playground in Broadway is made of sections
with equipment appropriate for various age groups
– there’s something for every single age there,
something even for adults. There are designated
picnic areas, tables and even nice rest rooms, so
there’s every opportunity to spend several hours
on a nice day out with your kids.
The Venice of the Cotswolds
Step into the Cotswold countryside in and around
Bourton-on-the-Water. Walk along the river and
take in this pretty village, known far and wide for its
rich architecture and tranquil village scenes, and is
often referred to as ‘The Venice of the Cotswolds’.
Stanway Fountain and Gardens
A beautiful example of a Jacobean manor house,
Stanway House and Fountain, the tallest gravity
fountain in the world, brings together history,
architecture and nature in beautiful harmony.
From a 14th century Tithe Barn to an 18th century
water garden–home to the magnificent Stanway
Fountain, Stanway is an experience that will take
your breath away. www.stanwayfountain.co.uk
0123
The Rollright Stones

METROLAND
GET READY TO TRAVEL
Bourton-on-the-Water
Broadway
Slaughters (it’s not what it sounds like)
Walk in your wellies through the charming villages
of Upper and Lower Slaughter, both unbelievably
pretty and everywhere you look is a snapshot for
the perfect Cotswold postcard.
The Rollright Stones
An ancient relic, The Rollright Stones consist of
three major elements: The King’s Men stone circle,
the Whispering Knights, and the King Stone. Take
a step into the mystery and the wonder that is
The Rollright Stones. www.rollrightstones.co.uk
Cotswold Lavender
All lavender, all the time. Home to the finest English
lavender, Cotswold Lavender is rows on rows of
beautiful purple lavender. Visitors can purchase a
variety of lavender products including bath and
shower, skincare, oils, and other well-being items.
www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk
The Queen of the Cotswolds
Painswick is an incredibly beautiful little town,
also known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’. It
is one of the best-preserved settlements in the
Cotswolds, a historic wool town built from mellow
honey-coloured stone quarried from nearby
Painswick Beacon. Painswick is one of the most
picture-perfect villages in the Cotswolds.
Chipping Norton
Renowned for its antique shops and diverse
shopping offer, including a regular market,
Chipping Norton retains a robust living, working
market town atmosphere. There is good choice
of places to eat and top-quality entertainment at
the wonderful Theatre, famous for its pantomime
and visiting world class performers.
Burford
Burford’s famous High Street sweeps downhill
towards the River Windrush. It has a three-arched
medieval bridge, impressive church and both
sides of the High Street is flanked by an unbroken
line of ancient houses and shops.
Broadway Tower
0124
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Stroud
Brimming with independent shops, cafés and galleries
and home to one of the best Farmers’ Markets in the
country, there are plenty of things to do in Stroud,
often referred to as Bohemian Cotswolds.
The most beautiful village in England
Bibury is such a charming Cotswold village, once
described by William Morris (1834-96) as “the most
beautiful village in England”, a statement that
arguably still stands. And the cottages of Arlington
Row are among the most photographed and beautiful
cottages in the country.
0125
Stanton

METROLAND
GET READY TO TRAVEL
Family Beach Holidays
Tenby on Pembrokeshire’s south coast, Wales
Tenby on Pembrokeshire’s south coast is probably
the most iconic seaside town in Wales. It has
three excellent sandy beaches; North, South and
Castle, each with its own character and all facing
in different directions so at least one should be
sheltered if it happens to be windy.
The centre of Tenby is a maze of narrow little
streets. The roads are pedestrianised during the
day in summer when the bars and restaurants set
up al fresco seating. There are plenty of interesting
and quirky shops.
Attractions include the National Trust owned
Tudor Merchant's House, a fascinating house that
has been recreated to look like it would have been
in the late 15th century. Younger visitors can dress
up as medieval children to get an idea of what it
was like to live 500 years ago.
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery on Castle Hill, near
the harbour is the oldest independent museum
in Wales. A lot of their innovative exhibits are
designed for children such as the Beware Pirates
exhibit, which includes dressing-up costumes.
Tenby harbour has a thriving boating and fishing
community. Regular boat trips run from here to
Caldey Island form Easter to October; when the
tide is out, the harbour is dry, so a pontoon off
Castle Beach is used.
Caldey Island, just offshore from Tenby South
Beach, is owned by monks of The Cistercian Order
and has an active monastery. Attractions on the
island include the 12th Century Priory, Museum,
Perfume Shop and Tea Gardens plus one of the
best beaches in Pembrokeshire.
Tenby boasts two great golf courses, a
championship links course at Tenby Golf Club
and a parkland course at Trefloyne Manor. Tenby
Watersports have kayaks and motor boats for hire
or you can go on a Jet Ski safari or try a range of
sit-on rides like a Donut, Banana or an inflatable
sofa. Mackerel fishing trips can be booked at the
harbour.
Tenby has a railway station with a trains to
Swansea from where services are provided to
London and other major UK towns. Bus services
operate all along the south coast and inland to
Haverfordwest and Kilgetty.
Nearby attractions
There are a number of large tourist attractions in
the vicinity. Closest is Tenby Dinosaur Park on the
way to St Florence. Heatherton Activity Centre is a
mile further away as is Manor House Wildlife Park;
in a slightly different direction, Folly Farm is about
five miles distant.
Where to eat
0126
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Less than Fabulash?
You’re spoilt for choice with places to eat
and drink in Tenby. You won’t find chain
restaurants but what you will find is quality
places whatever your budget. In particular
Eyelash extensions are very popular but what happens now you are in isolation? Your
salon is closed and your lashes are starting to look a little unhinged. You can wait
for them to shed but this can take up to 6 weeks and the urge to pick at them can
become overwhelming. Below is a handy guide to remove them at home (obviously not
something we would usually recommend but these are not usual times).
try The Mooring in the High Street or for fine
dining, The Plantagenet, which is in an old
medieval building next to the Tudor Merchant’s
House. There’s also the South Beach Bar and
Bistro, a contemporary restaurant right on the
beach.
The Victorian seaside development on the
Accommodation
There’s plenty of choice of accommodation
in Tenby from smart seafront hotels to
holiday parks with a full range of facilities and
entertainment. A good hotel for families is The
Heywood Spa Hotel, to book call 01834 842087,
www.heywoodspahotel.co.uk,
remain enclosing the narrow cobbled streets
and medieval houses. which add to Tenby’s
charm. The castle that defended Tenby was
built on Castle Hill but only one small keep
tower. During Georgian and Victorian times,
Tenby became a popular seaside resort. The
promenades on the north and south sides
of the town contribute to its outstanding
architectural look.
west side of town, outside the town walls,
was fairly limited so doesn't detract from the
general ambience of the town. The imposing
hotels along The Esplanade look over Tenby's
South Beach towards Caldey Island. In the
neighbouring streets you can also find plenty
of B&Bs, guest houses and self-catering
apartments.
History of Tenby
The original town of Tenby was called
Dinbych y Pysgod in Welsh or ‘little town of
fishes’. It was established by The Normans
as a fortified town. Most of the old town walls
Suggestions for places to stay, activities and
other things to see and do can be found on
www.visitpembrokeshire.com.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020

METROLAND
GET READY TO TRAVEL
Escape to Sherwood Forest
Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest is a landmark thousands of years in the
making, with an enchanting world of nature, history and folklore all waiting
to be discovered.
Known the world over as the home of legendary
outlaw Robin Hood, today it’s a National Nature
Reserve surrounded by a variety of stunning
and fascinating heritage sites for you to explore.
If you’re looking for the perfect base whilst you
discover the great outdoors, rural Nottinghamshire
is filled with plenty of accommodation options a
little off the beaten track, from forest cabins to
farmhouse cottages and from charming guest
houses to luxurious country house hotels – simply
check out the Visit Nottinghamshire website for
ideas. If you’re looking for a relaxing rural getaway,
you’ve come to the right place.
Where to stay
For a gorgeously secluded forest hideaway,
check in to one of the forest lodge cabins at
Forest Holidays. Hidden amongst the pine trees,
these cabins blend harmoniously into the forest
landscape and offer unrivalled peace and quiet
alongside stunning woodland views. The cabins
provide a fantastic base for your daily adventures
in the surrounding forest and country parks, and
a luxury retreat where you can soak away your
stresses with a glass of fizz in your very own
outdoor hot tub. At the Forest Retreat, the hub of
this stunning location, you’ll find a friendly team
who will help you to get the most out of your Forest
Holiday, as well as a café serving delicious freshly
cooked meals, a well-stocked bar, and the site
shop, selling everything from essential groceries
to luxuries, gifts and souvenirs, with many locally
sourced items.
The Great Outdoors
You’ll never be short of ways to explore the great
outdoors during your holiday to Nottinghamshire.
With its rolling countryside, ancient forests,
picturesque towns and villages and peaceful
country parks, it’s no wonder that Nottinghamshire
is a popular destination for walkers. If you’re after
a bit of fresh air and exercise – or to spot some
wildlife – then set out on foot to discover a world
of wildflower meadows and waterside trails, lush
grassland and peaceful glades. Stroll along the
banks of the River Trent and explore the pretty
village of Gunthorpe, or follow the Giant’s Trail in
Sherwood Forest to see Europe’s largest collection
of ancient oaks. Whether you’re a keen hiker who
wants to base your holiday around a challenging
multi-stage walk in rural Nottinghamshire or a
family looking to stroll through the countryside in
search of the perfect spot for a picnic, there’s sure
to be something for everyone.
You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to gear up and
get active on two wheels. Explore Nottinghamshire’s
fantastic routes and trails, ideal if you’re looking to
find the best of Nottinghamshire’s gruelling climbs,
winding mountain bike trails, and scenic locations
for leisurely afternoon rides. Why not hire bikes at
Sherwood Pines and then choose one of several
woodland trails to follow? You’ll be feeling peckish
after all that adventuring around the forest, so
drop in to the Sherwood Pines Café for a range of
locally sourced snacks to take away.
Nottinghamshire is also a great place to discover
on horseback. Whether you’re an experienced rider
wishing to take your own horse out on our huge
network of rural bridleways or a complete beginner
wanting to try your hand at riding, there’s nothing
quite like the feeling of enjoying a beautiful view
through the ears of your noble steed. Why not join
one of Coloured Cob Equestrian’s famous treks
through the prehistoric gorge and beside the lake
0128
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
HOME & GARDEN
at Creswell Crags? Nestled in the small village
of Creswell, this 35-acre equestrian centre has
plenty to offer, and horses are matched to your
height, weight and ability.
Places to visit
No visit to Nottinghamshire would be complete
without a trip to the ancient Sherwood Forest.
Check out their new visitor centre (opened in
2018) and take a leisurely stroll through this
legendary woodland to see one of the world’s
most iconic trees: the Major Oak, said to be the
hideout of Robin Hood himself, with a canopy
spanning 28 metres and a trunk 10m in girth,
which has watched over this landscape for a
millennium.
famous avenue of limes, which at a whopping
2 miles in length is the longest in Europe.
Although the mansion was demolished in 1938,
many original Clumber Park estate features
survive, including the Victorian chapel, a
Gothic Revival 'mini-cathedral', stable yard and
ornate entrance lodges. Explore the superb
19th-century glasshouses, which incorporate
a palm house, vineries and working apiary,
and overlook the walled kitchen garden. At
the heart of the estate is the magnificent
serpentine lake, complete with a balustraded
bridge and delightful Doric Temple. A stroll
along the lakeshore gives spectacular views
and offers good fishing and birdwatching.
Be sure to pay a visit to Newstead Abbey,
a beautiful historic house set in a glorious
landscape of gardens and parkland within
the heart of Nottinghamshire. Founded as
a monastic house in the late 12th century,
Newstead was home to the poet Lord Byron
between 1808 - 1814. The gardens and parkland
at Newstead Abbey cover more than 300 acres,
with paths meandering past lakes, ponds and
waterfalls, while the formal gardens are the
perfect place to relax and offer something
in all seasons, from the bright colours of the
rhododendrons in late spring to the Japanese
maples in autumn.
A short drive away is Rufford Abbey Country
Park, the estate and grounds of a former 12
century Cistercian Monastery and country
house. One of the main country parks that
make up the broader Sherwood Forest area, the
attraction is popular with visitors throughout
the year. Take the gentle walk around the
beautiful lake or head to the gardens and the
children’s play area. At the side of the abbey
there’s a large grass area that is picture perfect
for picnics, playing games and generally just
relaxing with your family.
A National Trust property, Clumber Park is open
daily all year. This wide expanse of parkland,
farmland and woods covers over 3800-acres
and was once the seat of the Dukes of
Newcastle. There are over 120 different types of
tree at this wonderful National Trust property,
offering year-round colour. This includes the
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0129

Escape to Tresco
The perfect island getaway, just off the Cornish coast
There is nowhere like Tresco. Situated less than 30
miles off the Cornish coast, Tresco is a beautiful,
family-owned island, boasting unspoilt sandy
beaches, clear azure waters, exotic gardens and
world class accommodation. A safe, peaceful
haven away from the hustle and bustle of modern
life with a small and welcoming community, Tresco
is dedicated to creating an exceptional holiday
experience for its guests.
With convenient air and sea links, Tresco is within
easy reach for visitors. Measuring just two and
half miles long and a mile wide, it is one of the five
inhabited islands which, together with 200 or so
islands, islets and rocks, form the Isles of Scilly.
A place where memories are made
Although small, the privately-owned island offers
extraordinary natural variety, from the arcs of white
sand, romantic castles and dramatic rocky outcrops
of its shoreline, to the rolling fields, heathland
and woodland at the island’s heart. Tresco, with
0130
its unique temperate climate, is also home to the
world-famous Abbey Garden where visitors can
expect to see a visual explosion of sub-tropical,
early-flowering colour, unseen elsewhere in the UK.
Visitors can enjoy calm and tranquillity – their own
little piece of a private island for a couple of weeks.
It offers time out to breathe fresh sea air and the
peace of mind to allow children to discover their
own fun in a car-free playground.
Stylish beachfront properties and
traditional granite cottages
Tresco offers a selection of self-catering, bed &
breakfast or half-board accommodation as well
as specially-tailored packages and Islandshare
options.
Sea Garden cottages – Comprising nine, chic
one-bedroom cottages available at a nightly rate
(with the choice of self-catering, bed & breakfast
or dinner, bed & breakfast), seven beautifullyappointed
rental cottages (sleeping up to 10)
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
GET READY TO TRAVEL
available on a weekly basis, and nine Islandshare
properties.
Spacious, open-plan living areas lead onto private
decks – ideal for alfresco dining overlooking the
clear Tresco waters. The natural tranquility of
Tresco is carried through the interiors. Airy light
spaces are complimented with bespoke fabrics
and finished with original artworks inspired by the
coastal outlook. The Sea Garden Cottages, built
with sustainability at their core, are set in beautiful,
landscaped gardens, just yards from the shoreline.
Flying Boat cottages – A collection of beautiful,
New England-inspired beachfront houses
enjoying stunning vistas across the harbour to
the neighbouring island of Bryher. Each cottage
benefits from a private garden overlooking the
sea, with many cottages having direct access to
the sandy beach below.
Traditional holiday cottages – Many of the
traditional fisherman’s cottages across Tresco
have been sensitively and tastefully converted into
luxury holiday accommodation. These charming
granite and slate properties sleep from two to ten
people. Most have their own garden and/or patio.
The New Inn - The Island’s only pub offers fourstar
Bed & Breakfast accommodation, an AA
rosette and features in the ‘Eating Out in Pubs’
Michelin Guide. All 16 bedrooms have en-suite
bathrooms. The pub has a comprehensive evening
and lunchtime menu.
The Flying Boat – The Flying Boat reopens for
the 2020 season with a brand-new beachside
offering. A laid back, welcoming café / deli, perfect
for relaxed all-day dining and drinking as well as
regular, island-inspired supper nights.
Island share – Many visitors to Tresco come back
year after year. Tresco Island gives guests the
opportunity to reserve a set week in their favourite
property for 40 years, allowing multiple generations
to enjoy Tresco’s unique natural beauty.
METROLAND MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 0131

METROLAND
GET READY TO TRAVEL
Simple pleasures
In addition to the exceptional Abbey Garden, Tresco
offers a great selection of activities and amenities
to help guests unwind or gently raise their heart
rate!
Tresco Island Spa – the island boasts indoor and
outdoor swimming pools with spa facilities, a full
range of luxury ilā treatments, tennis courts and
two gyms
Time to Explore – from bird and plant life to
woodlands and the ruins of a seventeenth century
castle, Tresco offers lots to explore. Bikes are
available to hire for both adults and children - is
there really a more perfect place for kids to learn to
ride a bike?
Tailored Breaks - Tresco hosts garden, yoga,
painting, archaeology and bird watching breaks
throughout the year
On the Water - The Tresco Sailing Centre offers
windsurfing, sailing, boat and kayaking equipment
hire and tuition in the summer months. Guests can
also hire a boat to explore Scilly’s turquoise waters
and hidden coves or discover an uninhabited island.
Island Art - Gallery Tresco showcases the work of
many leading artists, ceramicists and jewellers and
hosts exhibitions throughout the peak spring and
summer period. A variety of music and outdoor
theatre events are also held on the island
Fine food - a wide and tempting selection of fresh
food and fine wines await guests at the island’s
eateries. Fresh locally-caught fish and shellfish are
on offer as well as Tresco-reared beef.
Romance – with quiet pathways, hidden coves and
beaches of the whitest sand, Tresco has a romantic
character which will leave you – and your partner
- with an indelible impression and the desire to
always return for more
0132
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

Travelling to Tresco
Great Western Railway runs direct train services
from London Paddington to the South West,
including a sleeper service (www.gwr.com). Flybe
operate a direct service from London Heathrow to
Newquay (www.flybe.com).
Penzance Helicopters (launched March 2020)
offers the only direct helicopter service to both
Tresco and St Mary’s (www.penzancehelicopters.
co.uk). The service operates year-round, with ticket
prices starting from £245 return.
The Scillonian passenger ferry sails up to 7
days a week from spring through to late autumn,
between Penzance and St Mary’s. There is a short
boat transfer to Tresco. (www.islesofscilly-travel.
co.uk; 01736 334220). Prices start from £115 return
(subject to best available rate).
Skybus can fly you to the neighbouring island of
St Mary's with (www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk; 01736
334220) year-round from Newquay and Land’s End
Airports and between March and October from
Exeter Airport. St Mary's is a short boat trip from
Tresco. Return flight prices start from £181pp flying
from Land’s End, £233.50pp from Newquay and
£341.50pp from Exeter. (Subject to best available
rate).
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0133

METROLAND
GET READY TO TRAVEL
Must-See Street Art
Across the globe, countries and cities have something different to help them stand out in the world,
like the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Sydney Opera House.
So, what about totally unique and eye-catching street art that changes a whole aesthetic? Street art is
great at breaking up the monotonous cement and brick landscape a lot of towns and cities have, and has
been recognised by the British public as art opposed to graffiti, piquing our interest and putting a smile
on our faces as we pass through. Art can take many forms and is delivered in many different settings —
particularly when it’s free to view in public across the world! Let’s take a look at some of the best street art
around
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Berlin, Germany
Situated in the Condado area of Puerto Rico is the
colourful neighbourhood of San Juan. Fortaleza
Street is decorated with a beautiful canopy of
umbrellas, which has become a major attraction in
the streets of Puerto Rico. As well as being a visual
spectacle for passers-by to get mesmerised in,
they also shelter the public from the hot rays from
the sun and any rain that may start to fall from the
skies.
Other cities have joined in on brightening up their
streets with coloured umbrellas of different shapes
like golf umbrellas, including Barcelona’s Fiesta
Major de Gracia, Portgual’s Umbrella Sky Project,
Dubai’s Miracle Garden, Turkey’s Old Street, and
the UK’s own Vinopolis Piazza near London Bridge.
If you’re visiting any of these locations in the
future, make sure to check them out!
The infamous Berlin Wall was once used as a
barrier that divided and oppressed the people of
East Berlin. Now, it is used as a symbol of freedom
through artistic and creative independence. Berlin
Wall has been graced with several iconic murals,
such as Thierry Noir’s colourful cartoon heads, for
something totally unique and original.
Appreciating what the wall once stood for and
what it is decorated with now is certainly a must
see stretch of art.
Image source: Shutterstock, by gary718
Image source: Shutterstock, by Polina LVT
0134
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

METROLAND
GET READY TO TRAVEL
Istanbul, Turkey
Naples, Italy
Back in 2013, a retired forestry engineer started his
street art project by transforming a huge staircase
from an eye-sore to a bright and colourful rainbow,
injecting life into an unvisited, insignificant part of
town. Not everyone was a fan, and in response, the
government painted over it with a dull grey colour.
This caused anger, with people viewing it as a lack
of respect and an act of control over the public.
This sparked the rainbow revolution!
To join in unity, other members of the public
repainted the stairs with rainbow colours, as well
as other staircases and walkways.
Naples has an abundance of stunning street art
across the city, with detailed murals and portraits
that you could swear were alive. Jorit Agoch is
one of the most significant street artists in Naples
which has raised this destination’s profile as a
cultural hotspot.
Il Merola Park of Ponticelli, the Park of Murals, has
four great portraits — check out the range of art
and attractions to have a look at.
Image source: Unsplash, by Maria Bobrova
Image source: Shutterstock, by Bayurov Alexander.
There is some amazing street art around the world that you must see when on your travels.
They’d be great spots to take some memorable pictures!
METROLAND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 0135

In these extraordinary times, for the
amazing and difficult work you do, from
the bottom of our hearts, we want to say...
THANK YOU
NHS STAFF
& KEY WORKERS
METROLAND
SALUTES YOU