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19 March 2012

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Business Forum

Local restaurateur taps business brains

Photo of Abdul Mukith

Abdul Mukith has been the proprietor at the Spice Cottage restaurant in Tring Road, Wendover for the past 5 years and, for the first time, he is seeing a shift in his business because of the economic climate.

More people are opting for takeaway meals and that business is booming but fewer people are making a night out at an Indian restaurant their weekly treat.

Abdul wants to take advantage of that change by inviting local businesses to give him their recommendations on how he can bring light takeaway food to them at lunchtime.

The Spice Cottage already delivers to people at home but Abdul thinks there is a market for his outdoor catering – Abdul is the chef as well as the owner – but he wants to hear the ideas of his customers in Wendover and businesses in the surrounding area.

“I was thinking of a Tiffin type arrangement,” said Abdul. “I recognise that people want something light at lunchtime and that many people want, or need, to stay in their offices. Providing a light Indian Tiffin of rice, dal, curry, vegetables, chapatis or spicy meats would break the tedium of sandwiches and crisps.”

Abdul’s position reflects the wider picture for Indian restaurants across the country. The trade magazine Spice Business, suggests that every week 2.5 million customers eat in one of 10,000 restaurants making the industry worth £3.6 billion.

But the business is changing not only because of the economic situation but also because of a shortage of chefs and a lack of innovation.

Abdul, a Bangladeshi, who prides himself on his cooking, produces four special dishes each with its own ingredients – Lamb Chop Bhuna, Duck Tamarind, Garlic King Prawn and the marvellously named Mumbai Flame.

“It is true that people tend to stick to the same dishes. Chicken Korma, Madras and Passanda are very popular and Chicken Jalfreezi is probably the biggest selling dish. Maybe by ordering for lunch people will experiment more.” says Abdul.

In the meantime, the Spice Cottage – very popular with RAF Halton – will continue to support the local community. The restaurant raises money for the hospice at home charity Iain Rennie and The Grove, and for national charities such as Cancer Research and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Abdul’s son was treated at Great Ormond Street, so he has a special affection for the Hospital and is organising a fundraising dinner on Friday, March 23 which will be attended by the Mayor of Wendover and David Lidington MP.

57 Tring Road Wendover, Buckinghamshire HP22 6NU  01296 625 202


Logo of No 2 Pound Street

A dream come true…buy wine and cheese online from No2

March 2012 sees No2 Pound Street ~ Wine & Food launch its online sales.  This eagerly awaited addition aims to keep your shopping experience fun yet hassle free.

Since opening its doors in August 2010 No2 has gone from strength to strength, winning the coveted title of Best New Retailer at the British Cheese Awards 2011 as well as a host of other awards commending the deli range and the team behind the scenes.

The latest feather in the cap for the shop is the development of the online sales.  You will be able to sit in comfort at home, work or on the train home and search the range of award winning British deli produce and scrumptious wines.  Initially this will be an extended shopping list and you will be able to collect your ready prepared shopping from No2 at your preferred time of delivery in the Wendover area.

You could simply order a couple of cheeses and a bottle of wine for supper, organise a hamper for a romantic picnic (or the rugby..!), join the monthly cheese & wine club or cater for a party with deli platters and a mobile fizz tap.  The sky is the limit…..

To buy online visit www.2poundstreet.com.

But to launch this service in style we would like to tantalise you with a competition to win a wine & cheese box worth £75, e-mail: shop@2poundstreet.com quoting WENDOVER NEWS COMPETITION by 31 March 2012 (T&C. Prize available for Easter, only eligible for addresses in England).


Time Marches On at The Chiltern Brewery and The Farmers’ Bar at the King’s Head

Logo of the Chiltern Brewery

You’re in for a real treat this year if you like your special limited edition ales and the first in The Chiltern Brewery’s series for 2012 kicks the year off in style. The simple title ‘Porter’ belies a beautiful dark draught beer of this type brewed with six malt and wheat varieties for a truly satisfying taste. The beer is so called because of its popularity with street and river porters in 18th Century London and is launched following the great success of the recent celebration of Porter and Stout beers at the Kings Head in Market Square, Aylesbury.

Never ones to rest on their laurels, especially in an Olympic year, the brewing phenomenon that is George and Tom Jenkinson will be releasing their second limited edition ale in March. Draught ‘Pearl’ is a beautifully balanced brew bursting with spring freshness. That’s not all however. To mark the wonderful occasion of 60 years since the accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll to the throne there will be a special diamond Jubilee bottle ale launched at the beginning of April: a truly prestigious beer for this landmark Royal occasion. This will be followed by a draught Jubilee ale at the end of April. Wow!

Draught beers are, of course, served in pubs across the local area including The King’s Head in Aylesbury, but are also available in the fabulous Brewery Shop in Terrick. Here you can see all the lovely bottled beers and chandlery products, including many food items made with the beer. The draught beers are available in 2 and 4 pint cartons, the popular new and very smart 8 pint box and up to a 72 pint firkin. More details at www.chilternbrewery.co.uk. The shop is open until 7pm every Friday with beer tasting on the first Friday of each month from 5pm.

Finally just a reminder that the Brewery tours at 3pm on Fridays and Saturdays are ‘new and improved’ and offer a lovely insight into the brewing process and the history of The Chiltern Brewery, with beer tasting and delicious nibbles. Booking essential please, on the website or 01296 613647.

Twitter @chiltern­_brewer  and @kings_head


Ivan Cammack Optometrist

Photo of Ivan CammackHave you been to the newly refurbished Ivan Cammack opticians? It's lovely and bright showing off all those new frames to really good effect at 23 High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU. Jackie, Ivan and all the team are there to help you.

 



Local Businesses: Wendover Celebrates needs your support

Wendover Celebrates Logo

Wendover Celebrates is a group of like-minded Wendover residents who have come together to ensure that the people of Wendover have their chance to celebrate the Jubilee and the Olympics on 4 June. We are a charity and have applied for registration with the Charities Commission. Our aim is to put on an event for the whole community to enjoy.  Local groups, charities and businesses will be able to showcase their work in a variety of ways and use the day as a fund-raising opportunity.

Much work has already gone into this, but we need your help. We want to put on a memorable day for everyone, and this costs money.  We have started from scratch and gained grants from Wendover Parish Council and the Lionel Abel-Smith Trust among others.  We would like you to consider making a donation to Wendover Celebrates to show your support for the event and for the wider Wendover community.

If you own or run a business, there are sponsorship opportunities for you to consider. For business sponsorship please visit our website at www.wendovercelebrates.org.uk. and click on the ‘Sponsors’ button on the front page for more detail and how to donate. If you think you can help us in other ways we would love to hear from you, again via the 'Contact Us' page on the website.  Wendover has a wonderful history of carnival days; please help us to bring this day of fun and celebration back to our village bigger and better than ever. Thank you.


A Cheerful Bird has landed

A new venture, called 'CHEERFUL BIRD PRODUCTIONS' is now involved in putting on musical entertainments in Wendover to raise money for local charities.  Last year it was responsible for two highly successful events, 'A Summer Serenade' in July and 'Trumpets and Other Things' in December.
The aim of the events is not just to raise money but to offer some slightly unusual entertainments with a very broad appeal and to use, where possible, artists with a local connection.

The next event will be on 15 April, a Sunday afternoon, at St Mary's Church and will be 'Drop Another Hat' - a homage to Flanders and Swann.  The entertainment will last an hour and will be provided by Mike Bernstein and Colin Stevens who have received excellent reviews for their show all over the UK. Afterwards, tea and cakes will be on offer for donations to the St Mary's Fund.  Details of this event will be in the April issue.



Mind & Body

Do you need to relax and de-stress? Why not consider regular Reiki sessions?  Reiki is a gentle hands on/or off non invasive complementary therapy that can help with deep relaxation working alongside orthodox medical healthcare.  Experience increased energy levels,  a deep sense of peace and well-being encouraging positive personal choices i.e. improving diet, devoting time for rest or leisure.

Want to give it a try? Louise Page is a Reiki Therapist and Reiki Teacher with over 14 years experience. She had experience as a paid Reiki therapist in Cancer services at University College London Hospital for 3 years, and is offering Reiki Taster sessions for only £15 for 30 Minutes!  Or you can experience a full 1 Hour session at the reduced rate of £30 (usually £40).
To find out more please contact Louise on 01296 696285 /Mob. 07742 184 819       www.wendovermetatherapies.com

If you have the self motivation to cycle, power walk, run, or visit local woods and it’s time to shift those unwanted pounds,  the internet provides many links to local activities or trips whether you feel like a day out, weekend in Wales with family or friends or want to try outdoor swimming. If the dark concerns you, there are running and cycling groups and good advice on routes, how to be safe. The Aylesbury Cycling Campaign is a really useful reference http://www.bucksinfo.net/aylesburycyclingcampaign/ Or you can check out www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com.  Exercising outdoors can burn up to 30% more calories and will entail some work on uneven terrain, so your body has to work harder and utilise more muscles. Maybe it is time to get the layers on and explore the outdoors.  Cat Booker.

For fitness assessments, exercise/ weightloss/ nutrition programs:  07595 358565 or cat_balance@hotmail.com