March/April 2015 | issue 52 | free
inside | Local news | What’s on | Features | Puzzles | Pubs and restaurants
www.rg10mag.com
Yippee, it’s springtime This is my favourite part of the year, when I can ditch the thermals and gloves, wonder at the new life budding in the neglected garden, get out on the golf course more often, and not have to hose down muddy dogs after every walk. I enjoyed some new experiences recently: talking about marketing to the GSCE Business Studies class at the Piggott School, attending the launch of The Robin’s Nest Gallery in Wargrave and going to the Cancer is a Drag charity cabaret night in Twyford. Gift ideas aplenty, entrepreneurial ideas aplenty and rude ideas aplenty – no prizes for guessing which way round! We catch up with local charity Building for the Future who opened Our House last year. Style expert Karen Xavier has advice for spring cleaning the wardrobe. We proudly bring you an update on ‘our’ Twyford Comets football team, the U21 Rovers. And we learn about a national helpline set up by a Twyford mum to help the families of children affected by bowel and bladder dysfunctions. Our article on defibrillators in the last edition led the scheme coordinator for the local Community First Responders group to get in touch. This enabled us to bring you information about the activities of this vitally important voluntary service – please get involved if you can. Enjoy the start of spring and don’t forget to spoil any mothers in your life on 15 March. We’ll be back with a cracking May/June edition by the end of April. In the meantime, I wish you a happy Easter.
Contents Community pages 28–29 30–31
Local news What’s on
Business 36
TVP Business Forum
House and garden 8–9 37
Twyford Windows Twyford Tradesmen Together
Life 13 16–17 21 24 27 33 46
Finance: Tax planning opportunites Twyford CharitiesTogether: Building For The Future Health: Wargrave and Twyford Community First Responders Easter: Church services Twyford Comets: U21 Rovers Style: Organise your wardrobe this spring Charity: JOSH
Puzzles 20 42 43 44 48
Children’s page Su doku, Honeycomb, Step on it Crossword Wordsearch, Lineup Solutions
Food and drink 51 52–53
Recipe: Flan de queso Pubs, restaurants and cafés
Index 54
March/April 2015 Issue 52 Advertiser information RG10 is a bimonthly publication reaching 7,000 homes and businesses in Twyford, Ruscombe, Charvil, Hurst, Wargrave and Knowl Hill. Copy deadline for pre-booked advertising is 1st of previous even month. rg10 also offers screen based advertising at Twyford Surgery and an online directory at www.RG10mag.com. Sign up to newsletter for special offers at www.rg10mag.com.
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Disclaimer Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this magazine is accurate, the publisher cannont accept liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from any cause. The publisher does not endorse any advertiser featured. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the publisher.
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Floor Store
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local business
Twyford Windows
Love your home this spring there are now calls for Kevin to become ‘Mr Christmas Tree’ on a permanent basis. His day job, however, is all about offering the best advice to homeowners, supplying top quality windows, doors, conservatories and roofline products, and providing the unbeatable customer service that has helped to build the strong reputation enjoyed by Twyford Windows across a wide area.
Ruscombe (exterior) Kevin Brown and his partner Paloma, the couple who own Twyford Windows, are very much part of village life. New to the area six years ago, they have become well known as active supporters of many community events and popular members of the local business scene. Like many fellow members of Twyford Village Partnership, they are keen to ‘put something back’ by working together with other organisations for the benefit of the community as a whole.
Kevin and his team supply the latest ‘A’ rated energy efficient products and use only FENSA registered installers. They are also very knowledgeable about current Building Regulation standards. It is not just new-builds that have to comply with increasingly stringent energy saving targets; any house being sold has to be rated for energy efficiency, and a purchaser’s solicitor will need evidence of compliance for any replacement glazing installed since 2002.
This has led to their involvement in just about everything from the Fun Run to the Donkey Derby, not to mention numerous local sports clubs and other associations. Kevin and Paloma also have a sense of humour, as demonstrated by the name given to their rather beautiful cat, Coco Loco, who now stars in their business advertising. Last year Kevin offered to relieve Twyford Village Partnership of the responsibility for providing the main Christmas tree – and to do it properly! True to his word, Twyford Windows sourced and sponsored the wonderful tree that graced Bell Corner and stayed upright and illuminated all through the festive season, which has proved somewhat of a challenge in the past. Needless to say local people were very appreciative of this generosity of spirit, and 8
Composite door
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An engaging new feature on the Twyford Windows website enables those thinking of a new front door to have a go themselves at creating different looks before even making an appointment. Those considering adding a conservatory to their home are guided through the many options available before their choice is brought to life through computer aided design. The photos included in this feature show real examples of local projects completed by Twyford Windows. As we enter spring, it’s the ideal time to decide whether this is the year to enhance your home by upgrading your windows and doors or experiencing the transformative effect of having a conservatory in your life.
Conservatory photos by ABL Photography
v Composite doors from just £850 your new composite door’ link on our website) v Save up to 30% off windows roofline and conservatories v Free upgrade to A rated energy
v Window and door repair specialists v (Registration # 34935) v Proud supporters of Twyford Village Partnership (www.twyfordvillagepartnership.co.uk) v TVP Business of the Year winners 2011 v As Coco Loco says ‘a purrfect choice...’
Kevin Brown Twyford Windows 11 High Street Twyford RG10 9AB 0118 934 4600 Ruscombe (interior)
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TWYFORD ANNUAL PARISH MEETING Will be held at St Mary’s Church Centre on Wednesday 22nd April 2015 at 8.00 pm This is YOUR meeting come and join in ! AGENDA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 23rd April 2014 Matters arising Parish Lands Report Planning and Amenities Report Financial Report Borough Council matters Chairman's Review of the Year Questions from the floor Roy Mantel Chairman of Twyford Parish Council
(Parking is very limited - please use Polehampton Car Park in the High Street and walk via St Swithin’s Court and Chapel Row.) 10 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
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finance
As we draw to the close of another tax year…
Tax planning opportunities available to investors by Twyford resident and Independent Financial Planner Robin Yeadon It's NISA in an ISA
profits and therefore the amount of tax and National Insurance paid.
On 1 July 2014 the annual savings allowance increased to £15,000 for New ISAs (NISAs) and is due to rise to £15,240 on 6 April. There is now no longer a distinction between Cash and Stocks & Shares accounts, meaning that the full allowance can be held in a cash NISA. Savers can also transfer previous years’ ISA savings between Cash and Stocks & Shares accounts.
Individuals who incur a High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge could benefit by making a pension contribution. For those earning between £50,099 and £60,000 per annum a pension contribution could reduce their income, regaining their entitlement to child benefit.
Remember that within a NISA investment growth is virtually tax free, as is any income taken, and does not have to be declared on a tax return. Contributions can be either as a lump sum, by regular contributions or a mixture of both. If you don’t have any ‘new’ money to invest you could ‘Bed and NISA’. This is the practice of transferring investment funds or shares into a NISA, thereby giving the investment more tax efficiency.
On a cautionary note, be aware that this year’s end of the tax year falls over the Easter weekend so don’t leave it too late! In the next edition of RG10, I will cover the changes to pensions in more detail. However, if you wish to discuss this article or have any questions regarding your pensions, investments or life insurance then please feel free to get in touch.
Pensions – financial planning Pensions are still the most tax efficient form of financial planning and with the new pension reforms due in April investors will have more freedom in the way that they access their pension pots. With some clever financial planning, pension contributions could help the following types of investors reduce their tax liabilities. Self employed, higher rate or additional rate tax payers can all reduce their tax bills by making pension contributions. Small business owners can elect to make ‘company’ contributions on behalf of the employee, as in many cases they are one and the same. These contributions have the effect of reducing the company’s
3 Chalfont Court Chalfont Close Lower Earley Reading RG6 5SY T 0118 987 6655 or 07818 48 77 54 E robiny@blueskyifas.co.uk W www.blueskyifas.co.uk BLUESKY Chartered Financial Planners is a trading name of BLUESKY Independent Financial Advisers LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England no. OC363366.
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twyford charities together
Building For The Future
Welcome to Our House The charity Building For The Future was founded in 2007 by a group of mothers of disabled children. Between them, they had a dream of raising enough money for a community centre for disabled children and their families. The centre needed to be fully accessible and to provide as many activities as possible so that it could cater for the widest range of disabled children as possible. The charity carried out various consultations with as many parents and carers as it could reach, to find out what would really work best for the families and what their children needed.
the floor in the sensory room to chat to the families playing there, and Prince Edward made sure he took the time to talk to every family as well as meeting our other guests. It was also a great opportunity to thank all those wonderful local people who have helped us so much. We could never have done it without them.’
Unveiling the plaque
Meeting the children
The centre, named Our House, was finally opened in May 2014 by the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Charity Chief Executive Jane Holmes said: ‘It was an absolutely magical day and a fitting culmination of seven long years of hard work. The royal couple were brilliant and made sure they engaged with all the children who came. The Countess of Wessex thought nothing of kicking off her shoes and crawling across
The building has a sensory room, a soft play area, a computer pod, two play spaces, and a chill-out room for disabled teenagers with a television, CDs, an Xbox as well as many other computer games. As far as many parents with older children are concerned, the fully accessible changing room with an adult-sized changing bench really sets Our House apart.
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As Jane explains: ‘Lots of families with older children need changing facilities such as just don’t exist in most public places. Parents end up either not changing their children or having to lay them on the floor. And who wants their child to lie on the floor of a public loo? At Our House we cater fully for all ages.’ Since opening, the centre has welcomed close to 250 families onto its books. Most of the families are from Wokingham, but also Reading, Maidenhead and Bracknell as well as from much further afield. Currently seven groups working with disabled children use the centre on a regular basis, with new enquiries coming in weekly. The centre itself provides monthly Saturday Clubs for physically disabled children and one for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It also runs drop-in sessions during the school holidays, physiotherapy classes and a youth group for disabled teenagers.
Jane says: ‘We are really proud of all our activities but really want to provide more. So many families have come to us asking for drop-in times after school, but we currently don’t have the manpower to run them.’ At present the centre is run entirely by volunteers, all of whom are parents of disabled children themselves. Volunteers are always needed to help run sessions at the centre, but also to assist with fundraising efforts. The centre relies entirely on donations, with no funding from statutory services, so every offer of financial help is always gratefully received. Jane explained: ‘The centre needs £24,000 a year to run. Of course it would be great if we could exceed that, because we could then provide more activities. A single Saturday Club costs £150 and of course, on top of activity expenses, we have to pay rent, rates and bills. With over 250 families using Our House – many of them with more than one child – it is clear to see how much this centre is needed.’
Wokingham Borough Mayor UllaKarin Clark with the youth club
If you can offer any support for Building For The Future and Our House, please email Jane Holmes on jane@bftf.org.uk or call 07967 105842. www.bftf.org.uk Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements
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health
Wargrave and Twyford Community First Responders weekends, and others are retired or work from home, which allows them to provide cover during the daytime.”
Have you ever thought about developing a set of lifesaving skills and using them to make a difference in the community where you live? If so, becoming a Community First Responder (CFR) may be for you.
Potential new responders complete an application form directly with SCAS and, if successful, they are allocated a training course. Training normally takes place over one weekend, when recruits receive full training in basic life support, including the use of an AED and other lifesaving skills. The course also covers other important topics, such as personal safety and how to use the pager system that dispatches the CFR.
CFRs are local volunteers who are dispatched by the ambulance service to respond to 999 calls in their community, along with a regular ambulance. The Wargrave and Twyford CFR group is actively seeking new members in the surrounding area to join their team. The intention is that, living locally, the CFR can be in a position to arrive quickly to the most serious of calls, such as cardiac arrests, and deliver potentially life saving interventions. When on duty, the CFR carries a pager that allows ambulance control to track their location and dispatch them when needed. CFRs drive to incidents in their own cars, under normal road conditions – the emphasis is on serving the community that they live in and their locality relative to the patient. An ambulance is always dispatched to the calls that CFRs attend.
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a Community First Responder should visit the ‘Get Involved’ section of the SCAS website and also look for the CFR downloads, which include the introductory booklet below.
Full training is provided by South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), with CFRs undergoing regular refreshers to maintain their skills. While the type of calls that responders are sent to vary broadly, there are some categories that are not suitable, such as Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs). A CFR carries a number of pieces of vital equipment, including an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and oxygen. People from all walks of life become Community First Responders, so a medical or healthcare background is not necessary. Due to the fact that the Wargrave and Twyford scheme operates a flexible rota system, there are opportunities for anyone who is prepared to give some time. Neil Robertson, Scheme Coordinator for the Wargrave and Twyford group explains: “Our ultimate aim is ideally to provide round the clock coverage – which is where the concept of people coming from all walks of life works really well for us, as different groups of people can cover different times throughout the week. Some responders have young children and prefer to respond in the evenings rather than
The Wargrave and Twyford group is keen to hear from anyone who lives or works in the area and is prepared to get involved. Neighbouring groups may also be recruiting. For more information visit the SCAS website or contact the CFR team, who will put you in touch with your local group. SCAS CFR team – 0800 587 0207 www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk
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Passionate about boating
Val Wyatt Marine
NEW MOORING AVAILABILITY FOR 2015 The transformation of Val Wyatt’s marina continues with 16 brand new moorings this Spring, creating a unique opportunity to join this friendly, family run marina with community at its heart. A few spaces are still available for boats up to 36ft. Contact us to find out more. 01189 403211 - info@valwyattmarine.co.uk Willow Marina, Willow Lane, Wargrave, RG10 8LH Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements
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Holy Week and Easter Services 2015 Palm Sunday – 29th March 9am 10.30am 10.30am 10.45am 7pm
Holy Communion Worship for All Morning Worship Procession & Family Eucharist Twyford Singers performance
St James, Ruscombe St Mary's, Twyford Twyford URC St Nicholas, Hurst St Mary's, Twyford
Maundy Thursday – 2nd April 8pm Holy Communion
St Nicholas, Hurst
Good Friday – 3rd April 10.30am
Twyford URC
10.30am 11.30am 2pm
Service of Reflection followed by Hot Cross buns and coffee Worship for All Family Service ChattaBox children's activities Holy Hour
St Mary's, Twyford St Mary's, Twyford St James, Ruscombe
Easter Day – 5th April 8am 9am 10.30am 10.30am 11am 6pm
Holy Communion (BCP) Easter Communion Easter Communion All Age Family Communion All Age Festival Communion Easter Evening Prayer
St Mary's, Twyford St James, Ruscombe Twyford URC St Mary's, Twyford St Nicholas, Hurst St James, Ruscombe
www.THRU-Christ.org.uk is the online home of St Mary’s Twyford, St Nicholas Hurst, St James Ruscombe and Twyford URC
Church Office St Mary’s Church Centre, Station Road, Twyford RG10 9NT 0118 934 4792 office@thru-christ.org.uk
JJ & SJ Plumbing Ltd Prompt, polite and professional plumbers ●
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twyford comets
U21 Rovers update
How are ‘our boys’ getting on this season? maintain morale amongst players and bond the new Team Rovers. The under 21 category has a wider age range than younger teams, with players from seventeen to twenty-one years old playing in the same side. This creates some interesting strategy in methods of play, particularly with some of the younger members who can demonstrate great speed. It also gives the team a solid base of players that should be able to play together for a few years. Team manager Mike Thompson has been in touch to update us on the Rovers’ progress. As reported in our September/October edition last year, the previous under 18 team sponsored by RG10 had moved up to play in the under 21 category, boosted by a fresh intake of players replacing those leaving to work or study away from home. We’re happy to be able to continue sponsoring Rovers in their new U21 category this season. According to Mike, it was touch and go for a while: the original plan had been for the remaining players to merge with another U18 team and continue playing under the South Chiltern Minor League. However the SCML decided there were insufficient teams to support an under 21 division. In the end, thanks to good links with clubs in surrounding areas, Mike was able to recruit new members from disbanded teams in Woodley, Wokingham and Hurst and register Rovers to play in the East Berks Football Alliance (EBFA) U21 division. By the end of September Mike could count on some twenty-six players (including those only able to commit part-time due to work or studies). This meant the manager could field a team up to the maximum sixteen per fixture and maintain the Rovers’ philosophy of being as fully inclusive as possible, giving playing opportunities to all team members. Since the departure of coach Jay Shambrooke, head coach Brian Rogers has been joined by Lee Oates. New to the club, Lee has proved to be a great success, working alongside Brian to build and
The 2014/15 season got off to a great start, with Rovers winning their first match against Purley Jubilee and following that up with another win against tough competitors Ascot United. Just before we went to print news came in of even stronger victories in their rematches against Purley Jubilee and Warfield AFC. Nevertheless, Mike acknowledges it is always going to be difficult competing against the stronger teams who may have been playing in higher level divisions in the past, especially when Rovers have undergone so many changes. Most important to him is to ensure all his team get to play football without compromise, keep fit and have fun, and help the club maintain the consistently high level of fair play that it is known for. As Mike says: ‘The Rovers’ motto has always been Triple F (Football, Fitness, Fun), but now we are scoring many more goals and winning some good matches. What’s more, I’m really proud that we are currently top of Division One in the Respect League. ‘I’d just like to add my appreciation for the support received from RG10 over the past year, which has not only benefited Rovers but also helped to raise the profile of Twyford Comets Football Club as a whole.’ You are most welcome, Mike, and thanks for the update! Good luck to Rovers for the rest of the season. www.twyfordcomets.com www.eastberksfa.com Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements
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Cancer is a drag This was the title of the fundraising evening organised by Twyford resident Ian Wisdom on 7 February at the Duke of Wellington. He discovered beforehand that there is actually a charity by the same name that supports men who have been affected by cancer and their families – see www.cancerisadrag.org. Cancer Is A Drag kindly agreed to let Ian use the name for his event, so a donation of £100 was made to the charity. Ian’s alter ego Gina Tonic and outrageous cabaret star Linda Bacardi presided over an evening of live music, comedy and karaoke. A few pub regulars were brave enough to turn up in drag as well. Live acts were Dave King, Cazz Can and the Grumpy Old Man. Everyone entered into the spirit of the evening, buying raffle tickets and helping to raise £550 towards Orchid Men’s Cancer Charity. To learn more visit www.orchid-cancer.org.uk. Orchid also benefits from the annual beer festival organised by Ian, which this year will be held on Saturday 13 June. For full details nearer the time visit www.twyfordbeerfest.co.uk.
works in partnership with Twyford Village Partnership's health and wellbeing group to help those in need to acquire motorised mobility equipment. By reaching out to the community the foundation has been able to help various people become more mobile and improve their quality of life. If you live in Twyford and Ruscombe and are in need of assistance, don't hesitate to contact the DBCF by emailing info@dbcf.com or visiting the website www.dbcf.com.
Twyford and Ruscombe Cricket Club The cricket season starts at the end of April and Twyford and Ruscombe Cricket Club is looking for new talent to join the ranks. The club runs two adult sides: a competitive league side, which plays on Saturdays, and a friendly Sunday side. The climax to the season is a club tour over the August Bank holiday. The league runs from May until August, while the Sunday season runs from April to September with games every weekend. Senior nets sessions are held from 8pm to 9.30pm every Tuesday from 10 March until 21 April at Reading Blue Coat School. For more information about Senior Nets email Mark Higgins at higgy7776@gmail.com. The club also has a flourishing youth section, running teams at under 9 and under 11 level, as well as providing qualified coaching to boys and girls from Year 1 and above.
The David Brownlow Charitable Foundation
Junior nets sessions are held from 4pm to 5.30pm on Saturdays from 7 March until 18 April, also at Reading Blue Coat School. To find out more about youth cricket contact Nic Downes on 07785 738655 or email downes2010@gmail.com.
The DBCF is a registered charity committed to enhancing the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities where there is an element of disadvantage. The foundation takes a special interest in the areas of Twyford and Ruscombe, and is always delighted to hear about local charitable projects that may benefit from its support.
To kick off the 2015 season, on Saturday 11 April the club is hosting a fun-filled evening of equine action at 1st Twyford Scouts HQ. Bring your family, friends and neighbours along for food, drink and six races for just £15 each. Tote betting available (please bet responsibly!), and also an auction and race sponsorship. If you are able to donate auction items or sponsor a race, please get in touch with Simon Burr at spburr@gmail.com.
One of its ongoing initiatives in Twyford and Ruscombe is the Into Mobility Project. The DBCF
For more information visit www.twyfordcc.org.uk.
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Happy Hours Pre-School’s Big Build
Festivals
The third annual Big Build Family Fun Day on Saturday 21 March promises fun for all the family, with games, children’s tombola, raffle, craft table, face painting, cakes, hot dogs and more – plus a guest appearance from none other than Bob the Builder!
The Wargrave Village Festival is back this year, with over two weeks of non-stop activities running from 10 to 28 June. First held in 1975, it’s been held in alternate years ever since. It has reached comfortable middle age as a hugely successful social and cultural celebration that raises many thousands of pounds for local good causes (over £51,500 in 2013).
Funds raised will go towards Happy Hour Pre-School’s campaign to replace or significantly refurbish its old prefabricated building located in the grounds of Polehampton Infant School.
Twyford Singers Easter concert Twyford Singers Easter Concert will take place at 7pm on Palm Sunday, 29 March, at St Mary’s Church in Twyford. This year the concert is based on European Romantic church music with the Fauré Requiem as the highlight. This requiem lasting just 35 minutes was written for a mixed chorus and two soloists (soprano and baritone), and is performed in Latin. The most famous aria is Pie Jesu. The choir will also sing works by Bruckner and Durufle. Tickets can be bought in advance for £7; please call 0118 934 5985. Tickets will cost £8 on the evening.
Songs from the Sixties Local choir music teacher and choir director Suzanne Newman has a new four-week course running from late April. It’s a chance for women to join together and sing some great songs from the 1960s including California Dreamin', Stand by me and On Broadway – all arranged for two-part female voice choir. The course costs £30 and runs from 8pm to 9.30pm on 20 and 27 April plus 11 and 18 May at Charvil Village Hall. There’ll be another course with a similar structure running in June, this time for jazz standards. Places need to be booked in advance: please call Suzanne on 0118 934 0589 or email her at suzanneynewman@btinternet.com.
This year’s theme is Mad Hatters of Wargrave, in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The programme includes something for everyone, with absoluately everything covered: plays, boats, dances (including Strictly!), gardens, fun run, church, magic, sports, local history, live music, walks, quizzes, bridge, food, comedy, crafts … you’d better see for yourself at www.wargravefestival.org.uk. Ticket day is an event in itself! On Saturday 25 April, dedicated festivalgoers will start queuing from the early hours at Wargrave Recreation Ground, where they will bond over hot drinks and bacon butties before buying tickets for their chosen events. As for this year’s Henley Festival from 8 to 12 July, the first announcements have been made regarding the line-up and ticket sales opened in late January. On Thursday 9 July the Floating Stage will be commodored by Lionel Ritchie, followed by Who Got Rhythm on the Friday – an orchestral Gershwin Spectacular. The full programme will be available from the end of February on www.henley-festival.co.uk.
community pages
What’s on March
Wed 11 and 25 Knit Wits 14:00–16:00 Knit and crochet at Wargrave Library
Sat 28 Feb–Sun 1 Mar Henley House and Garden Show 10:00–18:00 Sat, 11:00–16:00 Sun Henley Town Hall and Market Place, Henley
Fri 13 Rhymetime 10:30–11:00 Songs and rhymes for babies up to 18 months at Twyford Library
Sun 1
Fri 13 2FM Breakfast Club 7:15–8:30 Business networking at the Golden Cross, Twyford
St David’s Day
Mon 2 Author book group 14:30–15:30 Twyford Library
Sun 15
Mothering Sunday
Mon 2 and 16 Wargrave Writers’ Forum 10:30–11:30 Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave
Mon 16 Twyford and Ruscombe Women’s Institute meeting 14:00–16:00 Visitors welcome, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford
Mon 2 Monday Bookworms 14:15–15:15 Book group at Wargrave Library
Mon 16 Woodclyffe Book Group 17:30–18:30 Reading group at Wargrave Library
Mon 2 and weekly Storytime 16:00–16:30 Stories and rhymes for under 5s and parents at Wargrave Library
Mon 16 Charvil Parish Council meeting – www.charvil.com 20:00 Charvil Village Hall
Mon 2 Hurst Parish Council meeting – www.hurstpc.org.uk 19:30 Hurst Village Hall committee room
Tue 17
Tue 3 Reminiscence Club 10:30–12:00 Discuss memories of days gone by at Twyford Library
St Patrick’s Day
Tue 17 Knit and Natter 14:00–15:00 Drop in for knitting and a chat at Twyford Library Wed Woodley Farmers’ Market 9:00–13:30 Woodley town centre
Tue 3 Thames Valley Police ‘Have Your Say’ 14:00–15:00 Meet the neighbourhood policing team, Waitrose car park, Twyford
Wed 18 Fruit preserving course 9:30–16:00 advance bookings only, Waltham Place
Tue 3 Ruscombe Parish Council meeting – www.ruscombeparishcouncil.co.uk 19:30 William Penn Room, Loddon Hall, Twyford
Sat 21 Thames Valley Orchid Society show 10:30–16:00 Hare Hatch Sheeplands
Wed 4 and 18 Crafts and Laughs 13:30–15:30 Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave Wed 4 and weekly Charvil Art Group 19:30–21:30 Jubilee Hall, Park View Drive North, Charvil
Sat 21 Happy Hours Pre-School Big Build 12:00–14:30 Family fun day, Loddon Hall, Twyford Sat 21 Daffodil walk 14:00 Advance bookings only, Waltham Place
Wed 4 Folk Music Workshop 20:00 Loddon Hall, Twyford
Sun 22 Sunday Club – www.ageconcerntwyford.org.uk 14:00–17:00 Offering older people company, tea and a good film at The Twyford Centre, Polehampton Close
Thu 5 Hedgelaying course 9:30–16:00 advance bookings only, Waltham Place
Mon 23 Twyford and Ruscombe Art Group 14:00–16:00 Still life: St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford
Thu 5 and 19 Carers’ Coffee Mornings 10:30–12:00 For all carers and those for whom they care, at The Twyford Centre
Tue 24 Twyford Parish Council meeting 19:45 Loddon Hall, Twyford
Thu 5 and weekly Bridge group 14:00–16:00 Tutor led session at Wargrave Library Thu 5 Twyford Townswomen’s Guild AGM 14:15–16:30 St Mary’s Church Centre, Station Road, Twyford
Thu 26 Pots and Pinot evening 18:00 Adult pottery painting with wine at HaaHoos in Twyford Thu 26 Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association talk 20:00 Gardens of Scotland: St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford
Sat 7 RSPB guided walk 9:30–12:30 Meet in the main car park, Dinton Pastures
Fri 27 Springtime fun for under 5s Stories, rhymes and crafts 10:15–11:00 Twyford Library and 14:00–14:45 Wargrave Library
Sat 7 Saturday Storytime 10:30–11:00 Stories, rhymes and crafts for under 5s and parents at Wargrave Library
Sat 28 Craft Market – www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk 9:00–16:00 Hare Hatch Sheeplands
Sun 8 Friends of Lavell’s Lake bird walk – www.foll.org.uk 9:00–12:00 Meet in the Sandford Lane car park, Woodley
Sat 28 Hurst village spring clean up 9:00 volunteers meet in Hurst Village Hall car park
Sun 8 Maidenhead Farmers' Market 10:00–13:00 Grove Road car park, Maidenhead
Sun 29
Mon 9 Twyford and Ruscombe Art Group 14:00–16:00 Life painting with model: St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford Mon 9 Twyford and Ruscombe Local History Society 20:00 AGM in Piggott School Library, Wargrave Tue 10 Twyford Tuesday Reading Group 14:30–15:30 Themed book discussion at Twyford Library
Palm Sunday
Sun 29 Shabbytique brocante fair 10:00–16:00 Sale with 25+ stalls of vintage, upcycled or handmade goods at Neville Hall, Milley Road, Waltham St Lawrence Sun 29 Twyford Singers Easter concert 19:00 St Mary’s Church, Twyford Sun 29 Legendary Twyford Blues session 20:30 Featuring Jive Alive plus special guest at the Waggon and Horses, Twyford
30 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
April Wed 1 and 15 Crafts and Laughs 13:30–15:30 Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave Wed 1 and weekly Charvil Art Group 19:30–21:30 Jubilee Hall, Park View Drive North, Charvil Wed 1 Folk Music Workshop 20:00 Loddon Hall, Twyford Thu 2 and 16 Carers’ Coffee Mornings 10:30–12:00 For all carers and those for whom they care, at The Twyford Centre Thu 2 and weekly Bridge group 14:00–16:00 Tutor led session at Wargrave Library Thu 2 Twyford Townswomen’s Guild meeting 14:15–16:30 Talk: Shadows on the Wall St Mary’s Church Centre, Station Road, Twyford Fri 3 to Mon 6 Easter weekend Also school holidays to 17 April Sat 4 RSPB guided walk 9:30–12:30 Meet in the main car park, Dinton Pastures Sat Saturday Storytime 10:30–11:00 Stories, rhymes and crafts for under 5s and parents at Wargrave Library
Mon 13 Hurst Parish Council meeting – www.hurstpc.org.uk 19:30 Hurst Village Hall committee room Mon 13 Twyford and Ruscombe Local History Society talk 19:30 Reading Post 1945: Piggott School Library, Wargrave Tue 14 Twyford Tuesday Reading Group 14:30–15:30 Themed book discussion at Twyford Library Wed 15 Woodley Farmers’ Market 9:00–13:30 Woodley town centre Wed 15 and Thu 16 George and the Dragon starring Rapunzel 10:00 and 12:30 Enchanted Players show for children at Hare Hatch Sheeplands Thu 16 Knowl Hill CAMEO 15:00–16:00 Come And Meet Each Other at Knowl Hill Village Hall Sat 18 Bluebell walk 14:00 advance bookings only, Waltham Place Sun 19 Sunday Club – www.ageconcerntwyford.org.uk 14:00–17:00 Offering older people company, tea and a good film at The Twyford Centre, Polehampton Close Mon 20 Wargrave Writers’ Forum 10:30–11:30 Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave Mon 20 Twyford and Ruscombe Women’s Institute meeting 14:00–16:00 St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford
Mon Monday Bookworms 14:15–15:15 Book group at Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave
Mon 20 Woodclyffe Book Group 17:30–18:30 Reading group at Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave
Mon Author book group 14:30–15:30 Twyford Library
Mon 20 Charvil Parish Council meeting – www.charvil.com 20:00 Charvil Village Hall
Mon and weekly Storytime 16:00–16:30 Stories and rhymes for under 5s and parents at Wargrave Library
Mon 20/27 and 11/18 May Songs from the Sixties 20:00–21:30 Singing course for female voices, Charvil Village Hall
Tue 7 Reminiscence Club 10:30–12:00 Discuss memories of days gone by at Twyford Library
Tue 21 Knit and Natter 14:00–15:00 Drop in for knitting and a chat at Twyford Library
Tue 7 Thames Valley Police ‘Have Your Say’ 14:00–15:00 Meet the neighbourhood policing team, Waitrose car park, Twyford Tue 7 Ruscombe Parish Council meeting – www.ruscombeparishcouncil.co.uk 19:30 William Penn Room, Loddon Hall, Twyford Wed 8 and 22 Knit Wits 14:00–16:00 Knit and crochet at Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave Fri 10 2FM Breakfast Club 7:15–8:30 Business networking at the Golden Cross, Twyford Fri 10 Rhymetime 10:30–11:00 Songs and rhymes for babies up to 18 months at Twyford Library Sat 11 Twyford Cricket Club open evening Fun equine action at 1st Twyford Scouts HQ, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford
Wed 22 Twyford Annual Parish Meeting 20:00 all welcome at St Mary’s Church Centre, Station Road, Twyford Thu 23
St George’s Day
Thu 23 Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association talk 20:00 The Wildlife Trust, Arboretum and farm birds at Woolly Firs: St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford Sat 25 Craft Market – www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk 9:00–16:00 Hare Hatch Sheeplands Sun 26 Shabbytique brocante fair 10:00–16:00 Sale with 25+ stalls of vintage, upcycled or handmade goods at Neville Hall, Milley Road, Waltham St Lawrence Sun 26 Legendary Twyford Blues session 20:30 Featuring Jive Alive plus special guest at the Waggon and Horses, Twyford Tue 28 Twyford Parish Council meeting 19:45 Loddon Hall, Twyford
Sun 12 Friends of Lavell’s Lake bird walk – www.foll.org.uk 9:00–12:00 Meet in the Sandford Lane car park, Woodley
Wed 29 Bread making course 9:30–16:00 advance bookings only, Waltham Place
Sun 12 Maidenhead Farmers' Market 10:00–13:00 Grove Road car park, Maidenhead
Thu 30 Pots and Pinot evening 18:00 Adult pottery painting with wine at HaaHoos in Twyford
Sun 12 Twyford Tennis Club open day 14:00–17:00 King George V Field, Twyford
Thu 30 to Sun 3 May Reading Beer and Cider Festival Kings Meadow, Reading
Mon 13 Twyford and Ruscombe Art Group AGM 14:30 to include mini exhibition, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford
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WE ARE MOVING NEXT DOOR!
Twyford Veterinary Clinic Opening times: Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Saturday 8.30am-1pm Address: 45-47 London Road, Twyford, RG10 9EJ. Tel: 0118 9349934 twyford@activevetcare.co.uk
Twyford Surgery has expanded! We are now excited to be able to offer the following services: • Vet consultations and nurse clinics by appointment • Fully equipped surgical theatre • Dental treatment • Ultrasonography and radiography • Free parking on site • Hospitalisation on site • Dedicated, local out of hours team overnight and at weekends • Microchip and pet passport service
Please ring the surgery for further details and look out for our open day!
32 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
style
Organise your wardrobe this spring by style expert Karen Xavier How did you get on in the sales: did you take any of my advice from the last edition of RG10, or did you add to your already bursting-at-the seams wardrobe by buying more garments that don’t co-ordinate with your existing clothes? Research has found that most women wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time – shocking, isn’t it? Many have their favourite garments that they wear daily, yet continue buying items that look like clothes they already have but don’t wear. It boils down to them thinking they need something new or they haven’t got anything to wear, but if they just knew how to co-ordinate garments from their existing wardrobe they would have far more outfits than they realise. Think how much money they could save by adding just a few new key pieces to bring to life many previously unloved items in their wardrobe!
The retain pile This is for clothes that you can hang back up. Mostly they will consist of the 20% that you keep going back to and wearing. These clothes are probably in a colour that suits your skin tone, the style is flattering and when you wear them you feel fantastic and receive compliments.
Top Tips - How to organise your wardrobe The key to a successful wardrobe sorting session is to take everything out one section at a time and consider each item honestly, asking yourself if you wear it and whether it flatters you. It’s a bit like weeding the garden, pulling out the old and tatty plants and enhancing those left by adding a select few new ones, which can have a transformative effect. Make three piles of clothes for reject, recycle and retain. The reject pile This is for items that you know you should no longer wear because they are too tatty, unsuitable, stained or out of date. Get rid of them: they are creating clutter and confusion in your wardrobe. The recycle pile This is for clothes that would suit someone else much better! I am always amazed at the number of garments I find in clients’ wardrobes that either have shop tags on them still or just don’t fit any more. They are probably good quality but don’t suit them because the colour, style or cut is wrong, or they bought them in the sale but have never worn them. Don’t keep these clothes: give away to a friend or sell through a dress agency to get some money back! This can be a difficult process, and where involving a personal stylist can bring the most benefit.
The wardrobe weed will give you more clarity enabling you to see where the possible gaps are. You can now make a shopping list of garments you need as opposed to just buying what you feel like (not another black top!). For example, those smart navy work trousers that fit you so well could work on different occasions if only you bought a round neck top with a fabulous print and some accessories to bring them on trend. This spring, while the sun is shining, get those windows open and get weeding to make the most of your wardrobe and make it work for you!
Karen Xavier is a former TV stylist and fashion researcher, now offering her expertise as a personal stylist, wardrobe planner and colour consultant in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Find out more at: www.style-works.co.uk Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements
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34 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
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twyford village partnership
Business Forum Aims Help local businesses • • • •
work together share best practice reduce marketing costs increase trade
Provide and support community events • • • •
Donkey Derby Fun Run Living Advent Calendar TVP Christmas Fayre
Put something back into the village, working with • • • •
parish councils churches schools charities
Initiatives Health and wellbeing • Helping carers • Supporting older residents • Getting the village active Twyford Charities Together, who share best practice, run joint events and raise awareness • • • • •
Age Concern Building For The Future Daisy’s Dream The Piggott School Camp Mohawk
Shop local campaign: Spend it in Twyford • • • • •
authentic businesses many owner-managed personal service great value high level of trust
Business Forum organiser Gordon Storey, direct line: 07802 951966
www.twyfordvillagepartnership.co.uk
Twyford Living Advent Calendar The Living Advent Calendar was even better last December, with 24 days of lovely events held in the run-up to Christmas. Highlights included Christmas carols at Bridge House by Colleton School and the Age Concern Christmas Lunches with Theresa May MP as guest of honour on the final day. We estimate that about 10,000 people attended the various events, helping to raise over £10,000 for local good causes. Business Forum 2015 The first meeting of the year on 23 February sees us presenting our plans for activities in 2015, based around all our successes last year. To mention just a few of the early priorities: 1. Piggott School business mentoring project The mentoring project is now in its second year and already progressing well, with ten pairs of GCSE Business Studies pupils in year 11 writing business plans for new start-up ideas for the village. Each plan is mentored by a TVP business forum member to guide them through the process, culminating in the best six going through to a Dragon’s Den style final in late April. This will be hosted once again by Interserve, with prizes for the winners kindly donated by Millgate Homes. In the meantime three of our members have taken turns appearing in the classroom to talk to the students about marketing (Nikki Ochtman from RG10), business finance (Rob Yeadon from BlueSKY Chartered Financial Planners), and presentation skills (Deborah Simmons from Quest Coaching). 2. Working towards a Dementia Friendly Community Good progress has been made on Twyford becoming a ‘Dementia Friendly Community’. Waitrose have agreed to take a leading role in the project and are now in the process of updating their staff on the plans. We have about eight other businesses signed up to help, and St Mary’s and St Thomas More churches are also involved. We are preparing for Dementia Awareness Week 18–24 May, when we will hold meetings to take the whole initiative forward. 3. Twyford Comets sponsorship All Comets teams are being sponsored by TVP business members this season, bringing much needed revenue into the club. Peter Kelly, Chairman of Twyford Comets, said: ‘It is great to have so many local businesses involved in our club and helping us fund new initiatives.’ 4. Family walk in Loddon Nature Reserve We are planning to have a family walk around Loddon Nature Reserve on 23 May, starting in the morning from the Duke of Wellington in High Street, Twyford. The reserve is managed by BBOWT (Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust), who will be organising mini events including a quiz on the way round for the children. The event will finish back at the pub for prizes and a much needed drink for everyone! More details will be available in the next edition of RG10 and on our website www.twyfordvillagepartnership.com.
36 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
Twyford Tradesmen Together
01288 331805 or 07958 762226
JJ & SJ PLUMBING LTD Gerry Jones Tel 0118 903 4020 Mob 07973 173872
Call Andy Ward 0118 348 6040 07957 386008 Design, Construction and Maintenance
twyfordlandscapes@gmail.com
Traditional Decorations have helped transform our house – with great ideas, outstanding quality work and a friendly and reliable approach.
We believe in providing a friendly, professional service and delivering excellent results at a fair price. We are proud to support the local community through our membership of Twyford Village Partnership.
We are a group of independent tradesmen serving RG10 and surrounding areas. We operate separately but have no hesitation in recommending each other’s services to our customers. No commission is involved.
Renovate
Why look any further?
|
Refurbish
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Restore
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38 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
BOCE
Developments
General building works, Renovations, Carpentry, Roofing, Brickwork, Tiling, Painting & decorating, Bathroom installations, fencing and more.
No job too small Professional & reliable - Reasonable rates - Free estimates - Fully insured - References and photos available
Robert Cox bocedevelopments@gmail.com
Home: 0118 934 3613 Mob: 07850 057249
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40 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
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Puzzled Pages...
42 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
Crossword
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It’s easy to have your message seen across RG10. Contact Nikki for further information t 0118 907 2510 m 07917 786249 e nikki@rg 10mag.com 44 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
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charity
JOSH Twyford mum launches new national helpline supporting families with children affected by bowel and bladder dysfunctions The Junior Ostomy Support Helpline (JOSH), recently launched by the Colostomy Association, is a free, confidential and 24-hour helpline set up to provide support for parents of children who have had bladder or bowel surgery resulting in a stoma or bladder augmentation. JOSH aims to fill a gap in the services available to families with these issues, with an estimated four children born each day in the UK who will be affected. All JOSH helpline volunteers are themselves parents of children with bowel or bladder dysfunctions allowing callers to speak to others who have experienced the same challenges as themselves. Every volunteer has been extensively trained by both the Colostomy Association and paediatric nurses, enabling them to provide emotional support, information and advice.
Children affected by these issues often experience isolation, embarrassment and bullying. Wendy Hetherington from Twyford, a Colostomy Association trustee, set up JOSH to help parents cope with the incontinence issues their children may have to deal with. As she explained, “Having worked with families affected with a stoma for over thirteen years, I knew there was a desperate need for a service like JOSH to support children through the daily challenges they might face. “One of the most commonly asked questions from parents was ‘Can I talk to another parent who has
dealt with the same issues I am having?’ Therefore, it was vital that JOSH be staffed entirely by volunteers who themselves have experienced many of the difficulties and issues that their callers are facing – from problems in school to arranging sleepovers.” Speaking about why he chose to volunteer for the helpline, JOSH supporter Neale said “When our son was born with bowel issues we really wanted to speak to parents that had been in a similar situation. When we heard of JOSH we realised that this was a great way for us to help others by passing on our experiences to those that may be going through the same situation.” JOSH is run through the highly-regarded Colostomy Association helpline, which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. The helpline is a much-needed source of information, advice and support for families affected by a stoma, bowel or bladder dysfunctions or incontinence.
JOSH helpline number – 0800 328 4257 The Colostomy Association was founded in 2005 by a group of dedicated volunteer Trustees, having originally started as the Colostomy Welfare Group in 1967. It is a national charity based in central Reading. There is a huge need for its services with over 120,000 people living with a stoma in the UK. The association provides life changing support in a variety of ways, including a 24 hour helpline, literature, quarterly magazine, website and patient visits. The association currently has over 19,000 supporters. www.colostomyassociation.org.uk
46 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
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47
Puzzle solutions
Crossword
Honeycomb
Word Search
Children’s page
Sudoku
Step On It MINDS FINDS FINES LINES LIMES TIMES
Line Up CARPET PETROL ROLLED LEDGER GERMAN MANUAL
48 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
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50 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
food and drink
Recipe
Apricot and passion fruit ‘flan de queso’ with spiced roasted pears
Flan is a popular Spanish custard dessert. This richer version with cream cheese is set off with a delicious combination of fruit flavours. Ingredients for 4-6 servings: For the flan: 120ml full fat milk 240ml double cream 100g full fat cream cheese 2 free range eggs 8 large moist dried apricots 1 tbsp honey One passion fruit 2 tbsp lemon juice For the roasted pears: 2 pears Pinch ground cinnamon Pinch ground ginger 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 300F/150c. 2. Place the milk and dried apricots into a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Then remove from the heat and leave to rest for 20 minutes to let the apricots soak up some moisture and become plump. 3. Prepare the passion fruit by scraping out the seeds into a sieve above a bowl, use a metal spoon to scrape the seeds against the sieve to remove as much of the juice as possible, discard the seeds and add the juice to the mixture.
4. Place all of the ingredients for the flan into a blender and blitz on full speed for 2 minutes until all of the ingredients are well combined and smooth, pass this mixture through a sieve into a jug and then use this to fill 4 ramekins (or 6 ramekins if you want smaller portions). 5. Place the ramekins into a large roasting tray and pour in enough hot, but not boiling, water to come halfway up their outsides. (This is called a bain-marie or water bath). 6. Place the bain-marie onto the center shelf of the oven being careful not to spill any water into the ramekins which will ruin the flans (a tip to make life easier is to place the baking dish with the ramekins halfway into the oven before adding the water to the dish). 7. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the custards are just set but still a bit wobbly in the middle. Remove the ramekins from the water and set aside to cool to room temperature. Chill until needed for at least 3 hours but preferably overnight. 8. When you are ready to serve the flans, prepare the roasted pears. Peel, core and slice the pears and place onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle the pears with the ground ginger and cinnamon and add the butter. Place into a preheated oven at 350F/180c for approximately 20 minutes until the pears are soft and the edges are turning golden brown and caramelized. 9. Spoon the roasted pears on top of the flans and serve. Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements
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food and drink
Local pubs, restaurants and cafés Twyford and Ruscombe
Buratta's at the Royal Oak .................. 0118 934 5190 www.burattas.co.uk The Duke of Wellington (Brakspear) 0118 934 0456 find us on facebook The Fat Fish takeaway.......................... 0118 934 5591 La Fontana Italian restaurant .............. 0118 934 2698 www.lafontanatwyford.com The Golden Cross........................ find us on facebook Gaylord Tandoori.................................. 0118 934 5511 www.gaylordtandoori-berkshire.co.uk Haweli Indian restaurant .................... 0118 932 0939 www.hawelitwyford.co.uk The Mita's Indian restaurant .............. 0118 934 4599 www.themitas.co.uk Ocean City takeaway............................ 0118 934 1384 Sebastian's Café .................................... 0118 934 4214 www.sebastianscafe.co.uk Thai Elephant restaurant...................... 0118 934 9651 www.thaielephanttwyford.co.uk
The Queen Victoria .............................. 0118 940 1693 find us on Facebook The Restaurant at Wyevale ................ 0844 288 5107 www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk The Sheeplands Café ............................ 0118 940 1600 www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk
Hurst The Castle Inn........................................ 0118 934 0034 www.castlehurst.co.uk Dragonfly Café ...................................... 0118 932 1071 The Elephant and Castle ...................... 0118 934 0886 www.theelephantandcastlepubhurst.co.uk The Green Man (Brakspear) ................ 0118 934 2599 www.greenmanhurst.co.uk The Jolly Farmer .................................... 0118 934 1881 www.jollyfarmerhurst.com The Wheelwrights Arms (Wadworth) .. 0118 934 4100 www.thewheelwrightsarms.co.uk
Waltham St Lawrence and Shurlock Row The Bell .................................................. 0118 934 1788 www.thebellwalthamstlawrence.co.uk
The Waggon and Horses...................... 0118 934 0376 www.waggonhorsestwyford.com
The Shurlock Inn .................................. 0118 934 9094 www.shurlockinn.com
Charvil
Wargrave
The Land's End (Brakspear) ................ 0118 934 0700 www.thelandsend.co.uk The Wee Waif (Greene King/ Hungry Horse) ...................................... 0118 944 0066 www.hungryhorse.co.uk
Hare Hatch and Knowl Hill
The Bird in Hand Country Inn.............. 01628 826622 www.birdinhand.co.uk The Horse and Groom.......................... 0118 940 3136 www.brunningandprice.co.uk The New Inn Spanish and Italian restaurant ................................................ 01628 822552 www.newinnknowlhill.com The Royal Oak ........................................ 01628 822010 www.theroyaloak-knowlhill.co.uk The Floral Café at Ladds Garden Centre........................................................ 07580 226061 www.laddsgardenvillage.co.uk
The Bull (Brakspear) ............................ 0118 940 3120 The Greyhound .................................... 0118 940 2556 Haweli Indian restaurant .................... 0118 932 0939 www.haweliwargrave.co.uk The Old Post Office café ...................... 0118 940 4800 find us on facebook The St George and Dragon .................. 0118 940 4474 www.stgeorgeanddragon.co.uk Spice Lounge Indian restaurant .......... 0118 940 4036 www.spiceloungewargrave.co.uk
Warren Row and Crazies Hill Hennerton Golf Club ............................ 0118 940 1000 www.hennertongolfclub.co.uk The Horns (Brakspear) ........................ 0118 940 6222 www.thehornscrazieshill.co.uk The Snooty Fox ........................................ 01628 825861 www.thesnootyfoxwarrenrow.com
52 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com
The Queen Victoria – new look, new management You may have noticed the external makeover given to the Queen Victoria in Hare Hatch, visible as it is from the A4. In fact anyone passing Blakes Lane can’t miss it, with its aqua green paintwork and fairy lights! The former Brakspear’s pub was bought privately last year and was closed for several months during refurbishment. It reopened before Christmas as a free house, with local landlord Gerry Brennan installed as manager. The interior has kept its charm but been spruced up: the open fire is still there for example, but the old carpeting has gone in favour of a nice wooden floor. The food is fairly traditional pub fayre plus a few Mexican dishes – offering enough choice to cater for most tastes without too long a menu. We’ve heard the chicken fajitas are good (others available: vegetarian, chicken and chorizo, or King prawn). The regular beers are Fuller’s London Pride and Rebellion IPA, supplemented with guest ales and a good range of everything else. The pub is open every day except Mondays from 11am to 11pm, with food served from noon to 3pm and from 6pm to 9.30pm. The fact it doesn’t close in the afternoon makes it a good choice for business meetings.
Special events at the Bird in Hand Kitty Mazinsky is a singer who specialises in all the timeless classics from the 1920s to the 1960s, ranging from upbeat swing numbers to cool, sweet ballads. You can see her perform at the Bird in Hand on Friday 20 March from 7pm. As always, St George’s Day on 23 April will be a very popular event at the Bird in Hand, so book early to enjoy the best English fayre around.
Mothering Sunday and Easter weekend Mothering Sunday on 15 March and Easter weekend from 3 to 6 April present perfect opportunities for getting the family together to celebrate with a meal out in one of our wonderful local pubs and restaurants.
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Index Arts and crafts 18 Art for Art’s Sake 45 BethyBoo Beads 12 HaaHoos Painting and Party Centre 34 The Robin’s Nest Gallery Beauty and wellbeing 50 Bella Beauty Boating 23
Val Wyatt Marine
Building services 39 Boce Developments 45 Bondright Roofing 34 South Build Roofing and Building 6 Twyford Roofing and Building Care providers 41 Bridge House 50 Gardiners Nursing and Homecare
Gardens and landscaping 15 AMB Landscapes 55 Clear Cut Tree Care 14 Hare Hatch Sheeplands 11 Primrose Nursery 47 Twyford Landscapes 22 Twyford Timber and Stone Health and fitness 2 Barnes Fitness 21 Community First Responders 15 FastTrack Fit Camp 40 Tai Chi for Wellbeing 39 Twyford Therapy Home décor and accessories 23 Country Mouse 40 Neptune Home Hotels 26
The Bird in Hand
Carpets and flooring 4 Floor Store
Music 32
Drum All Stars
Charities 16–17 46
Building For the Future Junior Ostomy Support Helpline
Churches 24
Painting and decorating 12 Cox Decorators 4 PB Decorating 37 Traditional Decorations
Ruscombe and Twyford PCC
Cleaning 35
Home is
Computer services 39 1-Fix 7 TW Computer Services 23 Village IT Service Councils 10
Twyford Parish Council
Pets 32 19
Twyford Veterinary Clinic The Veterinary Centre
Photos, pictures and video 34 Century Framing 50 Photos by Pennie Plumbers 7 25 47
ADD Plumbing JJ and SJ Plumbing S Green Plumbing and Heating
Domestic appliances 40 Domestic Appliance Care and Repair
Property maintenance 37 Twyford Tradesmen Together *
Dressmaking and alterations 25 Can’t Sew
Schools and tuition 25 Madelaine Kelly School of Dance 15 St Nicholas Pre-School
Electricians 45 PJC Electrical Services 5 Westgate Electrical Services Energy 11
Synergy EPC
Estate agents 1 Mullie Fashion 4, 33
Style Works
Financial advisers 13 BlueSKY Chartered Financial Planners 38 Josephine Blythe Food and drink 12 Binghams Brewery 53 The Bird in Hand 7 The Elephant and Castle 52–53 Pubs, restaurants and cafés * 53 The Queen Victoria
Security 11
Earley Locks
Self storage 19 Sheeplands Farm Sports and social 27 Twyford Comets Football Club 49 Twyford Tennis Club Windows, doors and conservatories 1, 8–9 Twyford Windows * Denotes grouping of several businesses
For more local services see our online directory at www.rg10mag.com
54 rg10 March/April 2015. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com