chiltern and langleys winter 2014

thechiltern & langleys

Magazine

CHRISTMAS IDEAS

MICHELLE KEEGAN LIPSY

WINTER 2014

FASHION, FOOD

INTERIORS

& MUCH MORE

THINGS TO DO

THEATRE

THIS MONTH

FASHION

INTERIORS

FOOD

WALKS

06 Frosts ice rink

Ashridge Xmas Trail

Hemel in Photos

08 2015 Aylesbury Waterside

12 Winter at Watford Coloseum

14 New Look

16 House of Fraser

18 Next

22 Lipsy

24 GTECH

26 Flatpack to go

28 The French Bedroom

30 A perfect Christmas

32 Christmas Menu

34 Tring Winter Walk

If you would like to contribute or advertise in our magazine - don’t hestitate to get in touch.

We are sure that we can help your business.

Contact Graham on:01296 620856

Follow us on Twitter:@thelangleysmag

Email:the_langleys@hotmai

TRAVEL

If you would like to contribute or advertise in the next edition of The Chiltern and Langleys Magazine - don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Contact Graham:

By Phone:01296 620856

By Email:[email protected]

Web:www.thelangleysmagazine.co.uk

Twitter@thelangleysmag

SODAmediaSarah May

THE EDITORIt is that time of year again. Food, wine, family, friends and so much to do in our area - it really is difficult not to get excited.

Again we have a packed edition with lots of ideas to make Christmas and the New Year go off with a bang.

In this edition we have 10 pages of fashion ideas for both you boys and girls out there. Michelle Keegan is our cover girls this edition and Lipsy are just one of the high street shops we have in this edition to give you some great ideas for all those Christmas parties.

Watford Colosseum and Aylesbury Waterside have also provided some great entertainment as usual for the area this winter - we here at C&L are really looking forward to watching Cinderella in a couple of weeks.

Also if you want to get away this Winter, we have ideas for you thrill seekers and those who prefer a city break.

Enjoy this time of year and have a wonderful time.

Editor in Chief

ON THE COVER: MICHELLE KEEGAN FOR LIPSY

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Magazine38 New York

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6 The Chiltern and Langleys Magazine

THINGS TO DO

Get Your Skates on at Frosts!A traditional Christmas wouldn’t be complete without ice skating at Frosts’ real ice rink. Surrounded by Christmas lights, the ice rink has a magical feel that will get the whole family into the festive spirit. Make a day of it and enjoy a delicious hot chocolate and a snack at the ice rink café. There are even some very special skating evenings lined up: • Disco on Ice offers fun for the whole family with complimentary mulled wine for the grownups and glow sticks for the kids. The Ice Bar will be open all night and hot food will be available to purchase. • Festive Family Fun Night with a magic show and dinner is one not to be missed! Enjoy a welcome drink and mince pie on arrival and expect a fun filled evening of unlimited skating, a family magic show, unlimited rides on the carousel (under sevens only), games on the ice rink, a BBQ meal and dessert plus a goodie bag for children to take home. • New Year’s Day Skate – the perfect way to start the New Year!

Frosts’ real ice rink is open seven days a week, until Sunday 4 January 2015. Sessions last 45 minutes, ticket prices for standard skating are: Adult and toddler (under 4) - £14.99, adults - £8.99, children (under 16) - £7.99. -Disco on Ice: 7 - 10pm on Friday 19 December - £14.99. -Festive Family Fun Night: 5 - 8pm on Sunday 21 December, £100 for a family of four, £30 for an individual ticket. -New Year’s Day Skate: Adults - £12, children - £10, adult only - £8.99, child only - £7.99.Newport Rd, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8UESaturday 29 Nov 2014 to Sunday 4 Jan 2015

Contact telephone: 0800 954 9484.Call to check latest times or cancellations.www.frostsgroup.com

Small Works - Art ExhibitionAn exhibition of ‘Small Works’ of art by local Artists. We hope that the community will benefit from being presented with imaginative art. 20% sales goes to the Library.

Free Entry. Library opening times: Sunday and Monday Closed Tuesday 9:30 - 19:00 Wednesday 9:30 - 13:00 Thursday 9:30 - 17:00 Friday 9:30 - 17:00 Saturday 9:30 - 14:00Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End SL8 5SX, Buckinghamshire SL8 5SXToday to Saturday 3 Jan 2015

Contact telephone: 07896 973 768Call to check latest times or cancellations.curbiart.co.uk

A Photographic Story of Hemel HempsteadStories of Lives: Stories of Nations by Lynda Sargent Lynda has the viewpoint that the story of a nation is made up of the thousands and millions of stories of individual lives. Every person and every place has character and through the lens of her camera, Lynda endeavours to capture the value of that character. She has photographed life in the Balkans and the Middle East, and more recently has turned her lens locally to capture the character of Hemel Hempstead. You can view her work at www.lyndasphotography.com.

Tuesday 2 to Wednesday 24 December FREEOld Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 3AEToday to Wednesday 24 Dec 2014

Contact telephone: 01442 228091Call to check latest times or cancellations.www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Ashridge Christmas TrailJoin us for a stroll through the woodland discovering more about Winter and Christmas time at Ashridge and complete some of the 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 on route. Follow your map, answer the questions and return to collect your sticker reward.

Ashridge Visitor Centre Hertfordshire HP4 1LXSaturday 1 Nov 2014 to Wednesday 31 Dec 2014

Contact telephone: 01442 851227

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate/things-to-see-and-do/

CHRISTMAS TIME!

The Chiltern and Langleys Magazine 7

9am – 11amOpen Days

Photography as individual as youPortraits . Editorial . Events . Corporate .

CommercialProducts . Musicians . Actors . Producers .

WritersProfessional Photographer for over 20 years

Tring studio07747 025 361

[email protected]

Book during your visit and save £260

23rd Jan & 12th Feb 2015


THEATRE

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is set for a New Year to remember with Spring 2015 offering award-win-ning musicals, foot-stomping live music shows, spine-tingling drama and an exciting programme of family-friendly theatre shows.

There is much in store as the theatre looks forward to its 5th year including including classic musical Any-thing Goes, thought-provoking drama with the Na-tional Theatre’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and one of the greatest plays of the last century, Arcadia by Tom Stoppard. Willy Rus-sell’s captivating and moving musical Blood Brothers returns to prove why it’s still one of the most-loved musical productions, and for fans of Monty Python ( or those just seeking a good old laugh), be sure to catch the multi-award-winning Spamalot when it gallops on to the stage (to the sound of banging coconut shells!) Oh What A Lovely War sees Wendi Peters (Coronation Street, Rutherford and Son,

White Christmas) and Ian Reddington (Eastenders and Coronation Street) appearing in the legendary musical which has been revived to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One, and then Tony Award’s ‘Triple Crown’ winner for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book comes to town with the irre-sistibly charming Avenue Q – complete with highly entertaining puppets!

The Waterside’s packed line-up of the best come-dians on the circuit to a host of for-one-night-only specials, means from Noel Fielding to Brendan Cole, Tim Vine to Russell Watson, Dara O Briain to Anton & Erin and opera love story, La Traviata to Purveyors of Cool, The Rat Pack Vegas Spectac-ular Show, there’s something for everyone. Music madness also strikes with a programme of top-class tribute acts from the Simon and Garfunkel Story, The ELO Experience, Songbird: The Music of Eva Cassidy and Killer Queen to name a few. The stage

2015 IS SET FOR A PACKED OFFERING OF MUST-SEE ENTERTAINMENT


also welcomes From The Jam with Nine Below Zero in an exclusive and intimate show featuring The Jam bassist Bruce Foxton and Russell Hastings, before Radio Clash and Neville Staple Band perform an all-hits set in March. Add to the mix the Essence of Ireland, knock-out dance with Richard Alston Dance Company and respected singer/songwriter Clive John in The Johnny Cash Roadshow and the offering is plentiful.

Young theatre fans are spoilt for choice with the ever-popular musical Joseph and the Amazing Tech-nicolor Dreamcoat and the much-loved Dr Seuss book The Cat in the Hat to the nation’s favourite bear, Sooty and The Fantastical Story Factory where young audience members decide the story. There’s plenty to keep junior theatregoers occupied as the venue welcomes brand new children show presented by Half Moon Theatre as part of the Open House Programme. Curious invites 0 – 3 year olds to enjoy an imaginative show followed by interactive play,

whilst Up in the Attic and Big Red Bath offer fun-filled stories for children aged 3 years and above. Open House Family Theatre Club also continues to welcome families in the Second Space, so be sure to pop along for free theatre workshops and to unleash your creative spirit.

Back by popular demand is Silver Wheels Roller Disco, offering different sessions to suit every skate enthusiast, and keep your eyes peeled for the must-see Bravo 22 Company Buckinghamshire Legacy Project; a piece of thought-provoking theatre pro-duced by ex-military wounded, injured and sick service personnel.

The theatre’s Second Space boasts brand new musi-cal comedy Showstopper! created from scratch with the help of audience members with unpredictable and hilarious results, Richard Herring brings his latest rib tickler Lord of the Dance Settee and John Challis makes his Waterside debut with Only Fools and Boycie, an intimate evening revealing all the secrets of his showbiz career. The Waterside’s Live-Screen programme and monthly Comedy Clubs are also back this Spring – full listings available at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury.

Book now for this sensational spring season at Ayles-bury Waterside Theatre. Call the Box Office on 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/ayles-bury (bkg fee)


RAGS TO RICHES APPEAL


Aylesbury Waterside Theatre are launching their Rags to Riches Appeal in aid of local charity, Florence Nightingale Hospice on Mon 1 December. Running throughout this year’s traditional family pantomime, Cinderella until Sun 4 Jan, the appeal urges audience members and anyone wishing to have a pre-Christmas clearout to donate unwanted items, including shoes, clothing and accessories. The donated items will be given to the Florence Nightingale Hospice for their retail shops.

Supported by star of the show Suzanne Shaw who is playing the Fairy Godmother in this year’s pantomime, the appeal will collect unwanted items which can be sold at the charity’s retail outlets.

Suzanne Shaw said: ‘I am delighted to be backing the Rags to Riches Appeal. I know the theatre works closely with the hospice and that they recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, so what better way to continue the celebrations than with a festive appeal. I hope the people of Aylesbury and beyond

dig deep and clear out their cluttered wardrobes – it’s a good excuse to make space for all those Christmas pressies!’

The appeal has received lots of local support with Thame business Media Ace providing the artwork for the appeal and Aylesbury company Your Party Bunting printing the bunting and signage free of charge.

Sue Jenkins, Executive Director of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity said: ‘I would like to say a very big thank you to the team at the Waterside Theatre for their fantastic support of Florence Nightingale Hospice. We really hope the local community gets behind this wonderful Rags to Riches Appeal, which in turn will help raise vital funds to support palliative care for families affected by life-limiting illness on our doorstep.’

The charitable offering doesn’t stop there. Bucket collections are being held after all performances of Cinderella raising money for both Florence Nightingale Hospice and children’s charity When You Wish Upon A Star.


WINTER @WATFORDCOLOSSEUMSanta and the Christmas AdventureSat 29 – Wed 24 December Various Times

Do you believe in Santa Claus? If so, join us for a fun filled show at Watford Colosseum this Christmas. The adventure takes place at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole. The Reindeer Sat Nav is programmed, the toys are piled high on the sleigh and Santa is ready to go when suddenly… chaos strikes! Rudolph is missing and the Elves are up to no good. Will Santa ever deliver the presents to all the boys and girls?! Santa needs some help from all the good boys and girls in the audience to help him find his way.

This new magical

adventure filled with songs, nursery rhymes and stories promises to be the Christmas treat you won’t want to miss. A truly unforgettable experience which includes the magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience – a guaranteed white Christmas at every show! As an added Christmas treat, all of the good boys and girls in the audience will meet Santa after the show and receive a special present of their own. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the magical moment when your little ones meet Santa Claus for the very first time! Come and join the fun and help Santa at Watford Colosseum!

Moscow City Ballet – The Nutcracker & Swan Lake

Swan Lake – Sun 21 December 3pm and 7:30pm

The Nutcracker - Mon 22- Tue 23 December 7.30pm Wed 24 December 3pm Moscow City Ballet is currently at its outstanding artistic best – winning new invitations to perform internationally. Their productions of Tchaikovsky’s ‘big story ballets’ are the essence of Russian culture - composed, choreographed and premiered in Russia.


The Nutcracker - Mon 22- Tue 23 December 7.30pm Wed 24 December 3pm

Swan Lake is a signature piece of their entire repertoire. The orchestra, choreography, interpretation, beauty and outstanding virtuoso performance win repeatedly rave reviews and sell out attendance. Moscow City Ballet’s interpretation of the world’s most romantic ballet is magnificently brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s most well-loved, haunting score. The Nutcracker is an original interpretation of the eternal seasonal favourite. Artistic Director Smirnov-Govolanov’s version has an innovative freshness to the choreography, and the beauty of the interpretation wins rapturous audience responses, making this an unmissable festive treat for all the family. Seeing performances by Moscow dancers never fails to add that magical ingredient of Russian soul.

Sam BaileyTue 27 January 7.30pm She stole the hearts of a nation in X Factor and her debut album The Power of Love is the triumphant

soundtrack of a woman who dares to keep on dreaming. Now you can see X Factor winner Sam Bailey live at Watford Colosseum. Sam blew away millions of TV viewers on the X Factor and won fans across the board, counting Gary Barlow, and Sharon Osbourne amongst her biggest. Since winning the former prison officer has experienced dreams becoming reality; including an incredible No. 1 with her single ‘Skyscraper’, supporting Beyonce on her current tour, performing with her idol Michael Bolton at the National Television Awards and now her own headline tour. “I’ve been performing since I was 15 but I never got to where I wanted to be. Then real life, needing to pay bills, marriage and children happened and you just put everything on hold. X-Factor gave a woman like me a chance. It gave me my confidence back, it gave me music back, and this is for all those people out there who believed in me!”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Tue 10 – Sat 14 February Various times Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s “Amazing”, “Superb”, “Wonderful” and “Brilliant” production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door. Joseph bursts on to the stage at Watford Colosseum – so book your tickets now and be part of the magic!


Coat £64.99 Dress £59.99

FASHION


Jumper £24.99 Sweater Vest £17.99 Skirt £17.99 Rucksack £19.99


Red embroidered dress £545 Escada at House of Fraser

Gold mesh box clutch £45 Untold

FASHION


Black boucle shift dress £65 Therapy

Red lips clutch £225 Lulu Guinness

Oval crystal earrings £18 Mikey at House of Fraser


FASHION


Gtech AirRam hits No.1 spot as UK’s best-selling vacuum!Sarah May ReviewsI was very excited to try out the Gtech Air Ram, could it be as marvellous as the advert portrayed it to be?

The Gtech Air Ram comes in a small box, which is very different from my last vacuum cleaner. It is easy to assemble, the handle clicks into the base and the battery slots in to the back of the handle. It is a lot sleeker and smaller than my old vacuum. The dirt is compressed into two bales in the base. It says the filters should be washed once a month in warm soapy water. It looks more like a carpet sweeper than the ordinary vacuums we are used to. It is very light and has a carrying handle half way down the handle; carrying it between floors is so much easier, with my old one it was so heavy and bulky I would often get bruises carrying it up the stairs. It is a lot quieter than my old vacuum cleaner too.

It charges for 4 hrs to get a full power and can be charged for an hour for an extra charge. Having no wires when vacuuming makes it so much easier; I don’t think I could go back to one with a cable now. There are no more hard to reach areas that the cable just won’t stretch to and as the handle bends right back you can vacuum under chairs easily. The Gtech Air Ram works on all floor types with no need to change the setting, it glides across lino really easily and then back on to carpet.

I have really put it to the test, my children decided to spread glitter all over their bedroom floor and it picked it up really well. In the few months I have been using it I have had to cut hair off the brush a

couple of times; it does mention this in the instructions and has an indent that you can cut along. At first I found it a bit annoying, but I actually feel like its picking up more of the hair that goes on the floor. The bales are easy to empty and all the dust goes straight in the bin, in comparison to my old vacuum cleaner, I would have to vacuum the mess when emptying the vacuum cleaner.

There are no attachments with this vacuum cleaner, which means the dusty edges and skirting boards can not be cleaned properly; it does pick up larger bits of dirt against the skirting board, but the dust needs more. To add attachments to this product would compromise the design, manoeuvrability and


lightness of the product, so they have a smaller hand held vacuum instead; the Gtech Multi. The Gtech Multi is a hand held vacuum that has all the attachments we have come to expect on our vacuums; crevice tool, brush nozzle and an upholstery tool. The crevice tool is stored in the handle, which is really handy. You can send off for an extension brush for free too, which is really useful if you have trouble bending down to do the skirting boards. There is a light that shines as you clean and allows you to see what needs to be picked up. The Gtech Multi has a flexible hose that helps to reach tricky areas.

I loved these products, the ease of use is great and the amount of dust they pick up is fantastic and one of the best things is my husband even enjoys vacuuming with them.

I have used the Gtech Multi on the stairs, which was much better than a normal vacuum cleaner, no cord to trip over and no massive vacuum cleaner to manoeuvre on the stairs. It is great for reaching cobwebs and along the edges of door frames with the extension nozzle. The brushes on the end of the ordinary nozzle and the extension nozzle help pick up a lot of hair; with me and two daughters with long hair this is really useful.

I have also used the Gtech Multi in the car; no cord makes it easier and the results are just as good as when I used my big old vacuum cleaner. It is also easier to get into the tight areas in the car; the flexible hose is best for getting under the seats and pedals.

For me the only drawback of the Gtech Multi is that you have to keep your finger on the switch to keep it on; in my opinion there should be two options, one to leave it on and one to keep it on with your finger.

I loved these products, the ease of use is great and the amount of dust they pick up is fantastic and one of the best things is my husband even enjoys vacuuming with them. I would say if you are looking to completely

change your vacuum, you will need to get both products, but they are well worth it. Once you have vacuumed without cords, there’s no going back.

Gtech Air RamAdvantages

Cord freeGreat cleaningEasy to emptyLightEasy to manoeuvre around the house

DisadvantagesNot without maintenance No tools unless you buy both products

Gtech MultiAdvantagesEasy to use on stairs, cars and in awkward spacesGreat for getting dust up high

DisadvantgesYou have to hold the button


Flatpack2go to storms Britain with its new range of luxury designer beds...

Flatpack2go, a leader in quality flat-pack furniture is set to storm Britain with its new range of luxury designer beds. The new collection includes contemporary beds made from the finest faux leather with sprung slated bases that can be purchased in various sizes and styles to define any bedroom. With early bird prices starting at a mere £224.99 the new selection has already gained a lot of attention and continues to go from strength to strength. You can view the full range of products at: www.flatpack2go.co.uk

Madrid Designer LED Bed Black

INTERIORS


Madrid Designer LED Bed White

Seville Led Designer Bed


A Classic Collection- French Bedroom Company 2014

Branching Out Gold Console Table £395.00

Delphine Shabby Chic Dressing Table £725.00

Georgia and the team at The French Bedroom Company (www.frenchbedroom.co.uk) have a collection of over 500 products, which just keeps growing! This online interiors boutique specialises in exclusively created, high-end home furnish-ings and accessories and has been voted one of the UK’s coolest brands for 2014.Here’s just a small selection of what they have to offer:


Palace Ballroom Ceiling Light £260

Provencal Column Upholstered Bed £1250.00

Self-Framed Cheval Mirror £195.00

Swarm Cushion by Adam Slade£85.00

Sylvia Silver Chest Of Drawers £819.00

Quatrefoil Side Table£220.00

INTERIORS


Rarely is more pressure applied to a cooking performance than at Christmas - unless you happen to be a contestant on Masterchef, that is. Fundamentally, it is not the most complex of culinary tasks, but with such high expectations, it is worth taking measures to ensure you get it just right.

Get The Best Equipment

Like with most things in life, the quality of the tools you use will impact on the quality of the finished result. Although this may involve a relatively large investment, it will make cooking throughout the year a more pleasurable experience, too. A high-quality and decent-sized roasting tin is a must and, on top of this, it is worth having a quality peeler, carving knife, gravy separators and turkey basters.

Not only will quality equipment help to ensure that the quality of the food is of a high standard, but it will also remove some of the stress. When you have a cupboard full of parsnips and potatoes, for example, the last thing you want is a poor quality peeler. It can also be crucial to ensure that you have enough tin foil and baking paper far in advance, as these often run out as Christmas approaches.

Prepare Early

Rather than frantically rushing around the supermarket at the last minute, it is worth writing your Christmas menu, along with a list of ingredients, long in advance. This will ensure that you don’t forget, or miss out, any vital ingredients.

You can also choose a starter, or desserts, that you can prepare in advance. This will reduce stress on the day. It also means that, if you are creating something slightly experimental for the first time, you can make

mistakes and it’ not the end of the world.

It is also worth giving your kitchen a thorough clean before the culinary madness begins. Everyone works better in a clean and organised space. If you start with a clean slate, there is less chance of everything becoming completely disorganised before the end of the festive period.

Order Your Turkey Early

Turkey is eaten more because of tradition, than as a genuine preference. It is not the best meat, and thus it is even more important to ensure that you get a quality bird. As anyone who has left it too late before knows, there isn’t an endless supply of quality turkeys. You don’t want to be frantically running around at the last minute, only to get your hands on a tiny bird. There are many websites where you can order a quality turkey well in advance.

Get Some Support

Although your partner or children may not be the most gifted in the kitchen, it is often the simple things that become time consuming. Don’t feel like Christmas dinner has to be a solo mission. No-one will begrudge you requesting a little support. This can make you feel more at ease too. Turn some music on, have a little glass of wine - not too many - and allow the dinner to take care of itself. After all, by this stage, with all of the preparation you have put in, you should be all set to produce a masterpiece.

One last bit of advice is to remember that no-one ever complains about having too much food at Christmas. Make a feast, and if it’s not all eaten up on the day, it will be sure to disappear rapidly over the next couple of days.

FOOD

How To Get That Christmas Dinner Just Right


“Don’t feel like Christmas dinner has to be a solo mission. No-one will begrudge you requesting a little support.”


TurkeyIngredients . Serves: 24 . 1 large whole turkey, neck and giblets removed . 500g coarse salt . 125g butter, melted . 2 large onions, peeled and chopped . 4 carrots, peeled and chopped . 4 stalks celery, chopped . 2 sprigs fresh thyme . 1 bay leaf . 250ml dry white wine

MethodPrep:30min › Cook:4hr › Extra time:12hr30min › Ready in:17hr

1. Rub the turkey inside and out with the coarse salt. Place the bird in a large stock pot, and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator, and allow the turkey to soak in the salt and water mixture 12 hours, or overnight. 2. Preheat oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4. Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brine mixture. 3. Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting tin. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme around the bottom of the roasting tin, and cover with the white wine. 4. Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 74 degrees C. Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the bird to stand about 30 minutes before carving.

CHRISTMAS MENUALLRECIPES.COM

WITH THANKS TO

FOOD


Ingredients 2 oranges 2 (750 milliliter) bottles red wine 1 (750 milliliter) bottle white wine 1 (3 inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced 3 cinnamon sticks 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/3 cup brown sugar, or to taste 1/4 cup brandy (optional)

Method1. Use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from the orang-es in strips, being careful to remove only the orange part, leaving the pith behind. Then, juice the oranges into a large, heavy-bottomed pot.2. Pour the red wine and white wine into the pot with the orange juice. Place the strips of orange zest, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and brown sugar into the pot with the wine mixture; stir to dissolve the sugar.3. Cover and heat over medium-high until heated through, but not boiling, reduce the heat to me-dium-low and heat for an hour or longer to bring all of the flavors together. Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar, as necessary. Strain and serve hot with a splash of brandy, if desired.

HOT SPICY WINE

Cranberry, Orange and Almond Mince PiesIngredientsServes: 24 200g cold butter,cubed 400g plain flour + some for dusting 100g ground almonds 100g golden caster sugar zest of 2 oranges 2 tbsp orange juice 100g frozen cranberries 400g jar of good quality mincemeat handful flaked almonds 2 tsp icing sugar, plus dusting 200ml creme fraiche

MethodPrep:15min › Cook:20min › Ready in:35min 1. Whizz the butter, flour and almonds in a food processor until the butter has disappeared. Pulse in the sugar and half of the orange zest. Add the orange juice and keep whizzing until a rough dough comes together. Tip onto worktop and press together and shape into a smooth disc, kneading once or twice if you need to. Chill for 15 mins (can be chilled for up to 3 days, or frozen for much longer).2.Scatter some flour on to worktop. Roll out the dough to about the thicknes off a £1 coin. Using an 8cm cut-ter, cut out 24 circles and put into 2 x 12 hole cupcake tins.3. Heat oven to 200C. Mix cranberries and mincemeat, then spoon in to cases. Scatter with flaked almonds.4. Bake for 18-20 mins until the pastry and almonds are golden.5. Dust lightly with icing sugar. Add the remaining orange zest and 2 tsp of icing sugar into creme fraiche and add a dollop on to pie when serving.


Tring winter walk

START: The Forge car park, High Street, Tring HP23 5AH DISTANCE: 4.2 miles

Easy walking on paths and lanes, with c130m of ascent over the length of the walk

TERRAIN:

Leave the car park via the main entrance and turn right along the High Street. Take the second left up Akeman Street to the T-junction at the top. Turn right and then immediately left into Hastoe Lane.

1. Go under the flyover and after a fewpaces turn right onto a concrete tracksignposted to Stubbings Wood. The trackbecomes a path that runs parallel to themain road. After c200 metres bear leftuphill, keeping to the right of a hedgerow.At the brow of the hill look back to seethe fine views over Tring and beyond.Keep climbing, cross the next field andthen along the edge of a wood. Followthis path all the way to the top of the hill.For a short distance it enters and exitsthe wood, while maintaining the samedirection. In the wood turn immediatelyleft, follow the path uphill and at the fork,branch left. After a few paces, fork leftagain to exit. At the top of the hill, thepath passes to the right of a couple ofbarns and continues, to meet a lane.

2. Turn right uphill to a road junction. Here,turn left along Church Lane and TheRidgeway National Trail.

3. At the junction, cross to the other sideand turn left to use the grass verge upMarlin Hill.

4. At the top turn right through the barrierand into

Tring Park. The next section iscalled King Charles Ride and in winterhas extensive views over the Valeof Aylesbury. After nearly a mile theRidgeway turns right. Do not follow it,but continue ahead and down to a whitebuilding – the Summer House.

5. Follow the main path as it bends leftdownhill to the obelisk. Continue in thesame direction down to a kissing gate.Go through it and then across the openarea of the Park towards a footbridgeover the A41. Cross the footbridge andfollow the fenced path to a lane. Gostraight over on a path towards thetown. Where the path opens out, followthe wall round to the right and walkdown to the High Street. Turn right forthe car park. Please note that there maystill be building works at Point A on themap. If so, turn left along Park Streetand then right down Akeman Street toreturn to the car park.

WALKS


History and points of interestTring is a small market town lying atthe edge of the Chiltern Hills, where the Roman Akeman Street meets the ancient Icknield Way. Probably the most famous resident of the town was Lionel Walter Rothschild, whose family bought the Wren-designed Tring Mansion in 1872.

A Natural History Museum: Rothschild was a keen naturalist and built a private zoological museum. It contained one of the largest natural history collections in the world. In 1937 the Rothschild family gave the museum and its contents to the nation and it became part of the Natural History Museum.

B Stubbings Wood: A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and one of the best examples in Hertfordshire of ancient semi-natural beech woodland.

C Hastoe Village: Probably first recorded in the 13th century and most notably connected with the Rothschild family. On the right along Church Lane is the magnificent village hall built by the Rothschilds in 1898. It was featured in the September edition of Chiltern News. Nearby is the highest point in Hertfordshire, standing at just over 800ft.

D The Ridgeway and Tring Park: The Ridgeway has been described as Britain’s oldest road and is thought to have connected the Dorset coast to the Wash. Opened in 1973, it is now an 87 mile National Trail. Tring Park dates back to 1066. For centuries it was linked to the manor of Tring and eventually became part of the Estate. In 1937 the Rothschild family sold the Estate but kept the Park. When it

was threatened with development, it was bought by Dacorum Borough Council and leased to the Woodland Trust.

E The Summer House and obelisk: Both monuments are thought to have been designed by James Gibbs, who was also responsible for St Martins in the Fields. They are reputed to have been dedicated to Nell Gwynn who, local legend says, is supposed to have visited the Park with Charles II.

Courtesy of The Chiltern Society

CATHY COX

WALKS


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Spreading the news on New York

New York is synonymous with movies, fame, bright lights and fantastic shopping. In fact the list of things it’s well known for could go on for pages. So it’s not surprising that many people can talk with authority on the city that’s so good, as they song goes, they named it twice.

But what if you’re planning a trip and when it actually comes down to the nitty gritty of where to stay, great places to eat or even where the best shops are, you realise you don’t actually know that much detail? Where do you start?

Never fear. Help is at hand. British Airways has launched a website that aims to provide you with all the answers to plan the perfect trip. The site has details of numerous places around the globe. But the information on New York is pretty darn good.

The site offers ideas for activities in the Big Apple from cultural trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to afternoon outings such as the New York Official Heritage tour. And if it’s shopping you’re after then you won’t need to avidly watch Sex and the City episodes for research. This website can point you in the direction of New York’s flagship stores, including Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue.

And if you’re planning to get a little carried away on the shopping front and are saving your dollars for a spending splurge, BA can also make accommodation suggestions and booking options such as the New Yorker Hotel, which is minutes away from Macy’s and a great budget option. Planning for your trip in advance is always beneficial, so the site also offers

tickets for guided New York shopping tours around the Soho and Nolita districts for people looking for something a little quirkier. This area showcases all the latest trends and innovative designer boutiques.

If that’s not enough shopping for you, then how about joining the ever-so-popular Woodbury Common tour? Only 50 minutes from Manhattan, this Mecca of designer outlets has some 220 stores all crammed with cut-price treasures. Shops include a Gap outlet, a Nike factory store, as well as Versace and Barney’s factory outlets to bag those bargains. Phew! This amount of shopping would put Carrie Bradshaw to shame. After you’ve finished mooching around the shops, you might fancy a bit of peace and quite. Heading to the Top of the Rock observation deck and quietly soaking up the sights of the city might just give you that. The deck is 70 storeys high and the panoramic views are unobstructed for 360 degrees. You can see all sorts from up there, including northern Manhattan’s landmarks - even the Statue of Liberty can be spotted in the distance.

After all that activity, your tummy may well be rumbling. New York is well known for good food and has over 20,000 eateries to choose from. Sound a little overwhelming? Well, before you panic and head to the nearest McDonald’s, the website contains a whole list of recommendations such as the Peter Luger steakhouse in Brooklyn - voted best steakhouse in New York for 23 years running. That’s not a bad pedigree is it?

For more information on New York and other global destinations visit www.britishairways.com/travel/holidays/public/en_gb.


Tirol takes to the piste for Winter Season

The wait is almost over as the new ski season approaches.

The Austrian Tirol region has already seen some snow and the glacier ski resorts on the Stubai and Pitztal opened at the weekend, with Kaunertal and Salden opening in October.

And this winter will see the opening of the Ski Jewel, connecting the Alpbach and Wildschanau valleys, new hotels in St Anton, East Tirol and Kappl, as well as investment in infrastructure and new direct flights from Manchester to Innsbruck.

The opening of the Ski Jewel is the conclusion of 11 years’ work to bring together the Alpbach and Wildschanau valleys, already well respected ski areas in their own right.

The Jewel will offer 145 km of pistes served by 47 lifts and, in conjunction with the existing Poeglbahn cable car from Inneralpbach, the new eight-person cable car to the Schatzberg, will see the region enter into the top ten of Tirolean ski centres.

The new Wildspitze cable car replaces Austria’s highest ski lift, the Pitz Panorama gondola, to take skiers and boarders more than two km in under six minutes to an altitude of 3340m to the Hinterer Brunnenkogel.

At the top station is Austria’s highest cafe, with breathtaking views of the Wildspitze at 3774m, the country’s second highest mountain and more than 50 surrounding Pitztal mountains over 3000m. The skiing area of Osttirol is less well-known to Brits and as an exclave of Tirol, shares no border with the main state.

Home to the Hohe Tauern National Park with the largest ski area being the Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei with 110km of pistes, the region this winter welcomes the opening of a new resort, the four-star Gradonna Mountain Resort.

Situated in an enviable position at the bottom of the slopes, the complex offers superb views of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain. Opening in December, the hotel brings together contemporary design with tradition - bedrooms are made of Zirben, a stone pine renowned for its therapeutic properties which should ensure guests get a good night’s


Tirol takes to the piste for Winter Season

sleep ready to hit the slopes in the morning!

Kappl is situated along the Paznaun valley and is located just before more famous big brother, Ischgl. The resort steps up a gear this season with the opening of the Zhero Fashion Hotel, offering 60 luxurious rooms, nine suites and five penthouse suites as well as a large spa, beauty and fitness centre.

St Anton am Arlberg led the way last season with the opening of new hotels and this winter sees the addition of the four-star Anthony’s Life & Style Hotel to the list of luxurious options on offer. Meanwhile, Inghams has a stylish new mountain lodge complex and specialist ski company VIP SKI has added St Anton for winter 2012-13 for the first time.

Ski Club Freshtracks has introduced an Austrian Off Piste Weekend in one of the best-kept secrets of the Tirol, Fieberbrunn which is famed for hosting the Swatch Freeride World Tour in and boasts some of the best snow records in the Kitzbuheler Alps.

And Neilson is launching a range of Snow Skills freestyle courses for adults and teenagers at the Vans Penken Snow Park in Mayrhofen, which was last year voted the best park in Europe.

Crystal Ski offers free lift pass for children up to 15 in all resorts of the Ski Welt (Sall, Ellmau, Scheffau, Westendorf and Hopfgarten) and a new flight from Liverpool to Salzburg for resorts in the east of Tirol.

Last but not least, Monarch Airlines has announced several new winter routes, direct from Manchester to Innsbruck three times a week from December 13. The airline will also fly to Munich from Leeds-Bradford and Birmingham, serving the entire Tirol region, while a new service from Birmingham to Friedrichshafen allows convenient access to the resorts in the west, including the Arlberg region and the Ischgl- Paznaun valley.


7 alternative Christmas films

We know what it’s like. Around this time of year every magazine, newspaper and website under the midwinter sun begins churning out the same old lists, with the same old movies. It’s one lazy, seasonal gesture away from the feeling you get when supermarkets begin stocking stocking-fillers halfway into September.

Even as an adult, Christmas shouldn’t be boring, repetitive or routine though. It can still be full of magic, a little mystery and excitement. Not to mention a few surprises. In the true, childish spirit of the holidays then, here are ten seasonal flicks that don't follow the norm, from the outrageous and offensive to the downright bizarre.

Bad SantaDirector: Terry Zwigoff; 2003

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, Lauren Graham

Alcoholic, womanising, violent and obnoxious, a shopping-mall Santa and his Head Elf pull off daring heists each Christmas Eve, meaning we shouldn’t need to explain why this truly hilarious film made the grade.


The Thin Man Director: W.S. Dyke; 1934 Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O’Sullivan

Over the Christmas holidays, a husband and wife detective duo investigate a missing persons case, combining film noir with some rather screwball, festively-themed fun.

Trading Places Director: John Landis; 1983 Starring: Eddie Murphy, Dan Ackroyd, Ralph Bellamy

A well-heeled New York investment broker is framed for stealing, fired, ostracised, and then replaced with a streetwise conman from the ‘hood as part of a distasteful bet made by his bosses. Oh, and its Christmas.

Silent Night, Deadly Night Director: Charles E. Sellier Jr.; 1984 Starring: Lilyan Chauvin, Gilmer McCormick, Toni Nero

Nothing says Yuletide like a teen orphan and victim of child abuse dressing up as Santa to embark on a murderous rampage. Grisly horror stuff, it’s probably not the best film ever made.

wSanta Claus Conquers the Martians Director: Nicholas Webster; 1964 Starring: John Call, Leonard Hicks, Vincent Beck

OK, the clue is in the name here. A product of mid-20th Century paranoia, outer space types take off with St. Nick because there’s nobody to hand out presents on Mars. Yes, this actually happened.

The Hudsucker Proxy Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen; 1994 Starring: Tim Robbins, Paul Newman, Jennifer Jason Leigh

The Coens turn their hand to the kind of sentimentality associated with It’s A Wonderful Life director Frank Capra, as a strange invention goes on to be that year’s essential Christmas gift. “You know, for kids”.

Batman Returns Director: Tim Burton; 1992 Starring: Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito

Set in a snow-filled, wintry Gotham City, although the plot itself concerns hordes of missile-wearing hench-penguins hell-bent on taking over town, we challenge you not to feel festive whilst watching.

John and Jackie May run a small family business in Chorleywood that serves its local community and treasure their customers.

John and Jackie May have had a shop in Chorleywood for over 20 years. They started with a butchers shop and when the green grocers across the road shut they added a range of green grocery. When the shop next door became available they moved and were able to offer the full range of grocery, green grocery and butchery.

John makes all his own sausages and burgers from locally sourced producers. They offer fresh and frozen meats; with multi-pack freezer orders and special offers are usually displayed on the blackboard in the window. During the game season they offer a full range and if you have any special requests then John can usually source what you’re looking for.

Since the horsemeat - scandal trade has increased as customers can be reliably informed about the origins of their meat.

Over the years they have introduced a wide range of home cooked pies, pasties, quiches, sausage rolls, soup, meals, fruit pies and cakes. Jackie’s cakes have taken Chorleywood by storm; she has a selection

of loaf cakes, sponge cakes, brownies and flapjacks.

J and J May’s have 6 freezers of Cook’s meals, these are ready meals with quality ingredients that are cooked the way you would at home and not over processed like most prepared

meals. They have a wide range that includes different portion

sizes and some amazing curries and puddings.

John and Jackie do catering for local events which can range from platters of

sandwiches and nibbles to hot dishes to your

specification to a barbeque if required. Barbeque events

can be tended or supplied with sausages, burgers, chicken and

other barbeque treats.

They also sell sandwiches and salads made daily on the premises with their own coleslaw and wardolf salad. During the summer months there is a small range of bedding plants, vegetables and hanging baskets. All enquiries: 8 Main Parade Chorleywood Herts WD3 5RB 01923 283450

J & J MAY

chiltern and langleys winter 2014

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