A Truly Family Christmas
Buckinghamshire Life|November 2017

With the harvest in, the farming Hodges at Steeple Claydon are gearing up to greet us in the festive season.

Sandra Smith 
A Truly Family Christmas

THE countdown to Christmas has started so dare I ask how much progress you’ve made? Let me guess; you’re putting off the annual loft rummage for fairy lights and baubles? Yep, thought so. What about this year’s cards – still debating between snowy country scenes or iconic city images? Me too. And are we all dithering over where on earth we stored last December’s left over wrapping paper?

Don’t worry, just because our organisational skills are being tested is no reason to miss out on a visit to a rustic venue bursting with festive merriment. In fact, it might be the perfect place to pick up some essentials. In case you’re in any doubt, here’s a flavour: a log cabin overflowing with seasonal gifts, Rudolph’s Retreat café, the fragrant scent of pine needles and some of the most famous reindeer on the planet.

Tempted? I knew you would be. So come with me, and bring your families, to Claydon Christmas Tree Farm, a treat guaranteed to fill everyone with the magic of this special time of year. Harvests may be in, but here more hard work is underway.

“Dasher has always been leader of the herd,” creator of Steeple Claydon’s Christmas extravaganza, Ingrid Hodges, enthuses as we head toward a corner of a barn where reindeer are tethered with festive red harnesses. “He’s eight years old now and I completely trust him. Dancer is my female, then we have Comet, Cupid and Vixen.”

Their antlers (from which you can gauge age) are covered in a velvet-like fur which I’d love to touch. But these gentle animals, although unfazed by humans and blessed with a curiosity to know what’s going on, aren’t keen on being stroked.

Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av Buckinghamshire Life.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av Buckinghamshire Life.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIFESe alt
Now Domestic Goddess Mary Shares Secrets
Buckinghamshire Life

Now Domestic Goddess Mary Shares Secrets

Karen comes clean: she’s never sure whether it’s a job for disinfectant or bleach… but knows lemons go in gin and tonic.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2017
Let Battle Commence
Buckinghamshire Life

Let Battle Commence

If you suspect people are using our countryside for illegal hare coursing, make sure they are reported to police.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2017
Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Buckinghamshire Life

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

Yes or no, we’ll begin… with the tale of a chair which relies on the skills of people across our counties including Wycombe furniture experts.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2017
Christmas In...Newbury
Buckinghamshire Life

Christmas In...Newbury

Lanterns, late night shopping and tracking down the reindeer: it’s all happening in the West Berkshire destination for seasonal days out.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2017
Take a Staycation in Our Beautiful Counties
Buckinghamshire Life

Take a Staycation in Our Beautiful Counties

Days out and breaks along The Ridgeway or beside our rivers and canals support rural tourism – and, best of all, it’s on our doorsteps 

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2017
Shall We Dance?
Buckinghamshire Life

Shall We Dance?

It’s never too late to learn, as NICOLA SWANBOROUGH discovered when she joined one of NOCTURN’s adult contemporary dance classes for beginners

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2017
The Botanist, Marlow
Buckinghamshire Life

The Botanist, Marlow

Prepare for hidden treasures and that a gorgeous décor is somehow outshone by dishes arriving at the table, 

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2017
When Your Name's in the Frame
Buckinghamshire Life

When Your Name's in the Frame

‘What do you know about a man called Scaramanga, 007?’ M asks James Bond. We know perhaps a little more, courtesy of Sunningdale School

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2017
Chiltern Rollercoaster
Buckinghamshire Life

Chiltern Rollercoaster

Follow Steve Davison as he heads to Stokenchurch  for a longer walk – with shorter option – through some picturesque rolling Chiltern countryside.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2018
  The Winning Wedding Formula
Buckinghamshire Life

The Winning Wedding Formula

Berkshire and Buckinghamshire couples are invited to attend the 2018 edition of Bride: The Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse from March 10-11.  

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2018