Thatcham Connections - Issue 37 by Ursula Aitken

Delivered free to 7,500 homes and businesses in: Ashmore Green, Cold Ash, Curridge, Hermitage, Midgham, Thatcham, Woolhampton and Yattendon

Issue 37

September-October 2012

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WELCOME T: 0118 9886070 E: ursula@ thatchamconnections.co.uk W: thatchamconnections.co.uk A: Stable 5, Gra Gravvelly Bridge Farm House Grazeley, Reading, RG7 1LG

Contents Sudoku

Book Review

Childrens’ Challenge

Wordsearch

Codeword

Calcudoku

Recipe

I do hope you have had some relaxing holidays since I last wrote.

Beauty Boost

The Olympics were compelling - and on a sporting theme I am delighted to welcome Cullinghood Equestrian Centre to the magazine. To be able to ride at Cullinghood - in beautiful countryside - scarcely more than half an hour‘s drive from Thatcham, offers a wonderful opportunity - and one you may well want to take up. See pages 23 and 25.

What’s on in the Community

Spot the Difference

Olympic Quiz

Handy Numbers

Answers

Editor: Ursula Aitken

Printer: Warwick Printing Co Ltd

Dear Readers Welcome to issue 37.

We also welcome the Barn Partnership once again, pages 11 and 15. It is very encouraging to see local businesses develop and expand like them. Another innovative and enterprising business which has taken my attention is Mole Farm Apple Press on page 57. It is a brilliant idea. If you enjoy apple juice and have surplus apples in your garden needing a home, you need look no further.

The front cover photograph has kindly been supplied by The Cullinghood Equestrian Centre

On page 46 you will see Face First Clinic. I am bringing this to your attention as the clinic is offering a massive (and nowadays that is rare!) 50% discount on bookings received by Christmas. I am not forgetting the many tradesmen and others who form the basis of this magazine - plumbers - builders - electricians - plasterers - handymen gardeners etc - and many more - the list is long. I have used several advertisers just lately and have been invariably impressed by them. Do give me a ring if you would like a specific recommendation. I am not going to mention the period that our next issue will cover although not a surprise it could, at the least, give you quite a shock! By the way, we are expanding our distribution again for Christmas - up to 8,000. Please see page 60 as our distribution team needs to expand. All best wishes

P.S A little update: starting at the head of the household, DH (darling husband) is coming down to earth again after his sailing holiday (and the weddings!) DD is settling down seriously in London with her husband. DS is working hard in the Middle East - but now his wife has left England to be with him - hooray! It’s been an eventful and very happy last few months...

DISCLAIMER Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it’s editorial contributors can accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other case. Thatcham Connections

does not officially

endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

NEXT ISSUE - COVERING November - January 2013 - Copy - ready for print - deadline 12th October at the latest. Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

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EASY

SUDOKUS

HARD

Each 3x3 box, as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 60.

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Gardner Leader Probate. includes valuations of her property, bank and building society accounts together with any other investments. You will also be required to obtain a valuation of her personal possessions. As your mother’s estate is over the current inheritance tax threshold of £325,000 you will need to consider if there will be an inheritance tax liability. You are therefore required to complete an inheritance tax account IHT400. This is a tax account requesting personal details of your mother together with details of all of her assets and liabilities (including evidence of the valuations). Part of the inheritance tax liability must be paid on applying for the Grant of Probate. This can sometimes cause difficulties if insufficient cash funds are available. You being the executor must sign the tax account.

Lucy Samara Solicitor at Gardner Leader, discussed probate and answers common questions relating to probate. My mother has died leaving a Will naming me as sole executor. I have been informed that I need to obtain Probate to administer her estate. My mother was a widow with an estate of £350,000. What is Probate? A Grant of Probate is very simply a legal document giving the executors the authority to deal with the deceased’s assets. There are three different types of Grant: 1.Grant of Probate. Issued to one or more of the executors named in the will. 2. Grant of Letters of Administration (with Will annexed). Issued when there is a will but there is no executor named, or when the executors are unable to apply, or do not wish to be involved in dealing with the estate. 3. Grant of Letters of Administration. Issued when the deceased had not made a will How do I obtain a Grant of Probate? Firstly, you need to ascertain the value of your mother’s estate as at the date of death. This

Seeing as your mother was a widow it may be possible for you to make use of the transferable nil rate band available from your fathers estate thus potentially increasing the nil rate allowance to £650,000. You will be required to make a specific application to HM Revenue & Customs together with details of your late father’s estate (ie his Grant of Probate), his death certificate and their marriage certificate. You will then need to apply for a Grant of Probate by contacting the Probate Registry to arrange a personal interview with the Registrar. Solicitors are able to make the application by post and will receive the Grant within ten working days of making the application. What do I do when I receive the Grant of Probate? You will be able use the Grant to sell the property, close the bank accounts and cash in any investments. Ultimately, you will be able to distribute the estate to the beneficiaries. Can I instruct a solicitor to obtain the Grant on my behalf? Yes, I would be happy to guide you through what can be quite a complex and timeconsuming process. For more information please contact Lucy Samara on 01635 508154.

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P.C. DECORATING Paul Coulson

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Tel: 07771 610230 or 01635 201835

• • • •

We have many cats seeking loving homes especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed For further information contact 01635 200111 Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment www.newbury.cats.org.uk

Local Painter and Decorator with 8 years Experience All types of decorating undertaken including plastering & wallpapering Call now to arrange a FREE No Obligation Quotation No job Too Small

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults Ballroom, Latin American and Sequence Dancing. All abilities welcome from ‘two left footers’ with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style. Classes held in Thatcham & Cold Ash.

School of Dance

01635 580930

For all your soft furnishing and sewing needs Curtains, blinds, pelmets and alterations. Fabric choices and advice available

Contact:

Judy Connolly

07747 634556

www.1stepahead.info

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www.indigodesign.co.uk

g{x UtÜÇ ctÜàÇxÜá{|Ñ Many readers who drive along the A 4 f r o m T h a t c h a m towards Reading will have noticed activity at Brooks Farm, just at the end of the Beenham Dual Carriageway by The Winning Hand Pub.

business. The new site of over 1350sqm gives The Barn Partnership the perfect opportunity to move forwards. With great interest, we will all watch this space ! See also page 15.

Local Business man Andrew Taylor and his team at The Barn Partnership have recently moved in and transformed the redundant farm buildings into their new workshop and offices. This exciting development has taken place due to planned expansion of the Email: info@thebarnpartnership.co.uk Tel: 0118 9714400 www.thebarnpartnership.co.uk

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Book Reviews:

Books

See also Reshape page 27

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ÖâtÄ|àç {tÇw vÜtyàxw Oak framed buildings

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Email: info@thebarnpartnership.co.uk Tel: 0118 971 4400 www.thebarnpartnership.co.uk

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The Evil Weevill - By Pippa Greenwood

Garden Feature

The vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is notorious, especially for gardeners who concentrate on pots, and always feature in any gardening poll of ‘top pests’. Both the adults and their grubs do damage, but it’s the innocent looking grubs that give the vine weevil its bad reputation. They’re an immensely successful pest; there are only females and each one is capable of laying about 1,000 eggs during the summer. Now that they’re being controlled successfully commercially, they’re perhaps less of a problem to gardeners than they once were but if you have them in your garden, whether you like it or not, you probably need to get to know them better. How Do You Know You Have Vine Weevils? The adult vine weevil is just under 1cm long, matt black with tiny gingery brown flecks on its wing-cases. They’re a classic weevil shape with elbowed antennae and a phenomenal ability to grip on to nearly any surface; a brilliant feature as, despite the wing-cases, these pests cannot fly, so rely on their climbing to access the foliage on which they feed. You’re likely to notice the notches around the leaf margins before you see the weevil itself. They tend to feed in the evening or at night, usually doing most damage on the lower, most accessible leaves. The young stage weevils or grubs are about 1cm long, creamy white in colour and often curled into a ‘C’ shape, with no legs but a gingery brown head. You’re likely to find them in the compost or soil, usually close to the roots or tubers that they’ve been feeding on. They eat the roots, burrow in to tubers and on woody plants may even eat the tissues at the stem base and on larger roots. Unless you’re removing a plant from its pot, or digging one

up you’re unlikely to notice the grubs; it is when a plant suddenly starts to wilt or die, or you realise that something is no longer firmly rooted that alarm bells should begin to ring. What Do Vine Weevils Attack? Vine weevils will attack nearly any plant you try to grow, particularly in containers, probably because it’s easier for them to move through compost than garden soil. They’re a greater problem on perennial plants and those with fleshier roots or tubers. Alpines, cyclamen, primulas, fuchsias, hydrangeas, begonias, rhododendrons, euonymus, and strawberries seem to be particularly prone to attack. The adult beetles emerge mostly between March and May, but also at other times in greenhouses. The eggs are tiny and dark brown, each less than 1mm diameter and are placed close to a suitable host plant. The eggs hatch to produce the creamy coloured grubs which feed and grow until they reach full size. The grubs pupate in the soil or compost where they have been feeding and within the pupae, if you look carefully you can see adult features developing – the antennae, the legs and the wing pads are often clearly visible. The adults then appear, start to feed and lay eggs. What Can You Do? Try to avoid getting vine weevils in the first place. Check plants carefully for foliage damage and check the roots before you introduce anything new to your garden.

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the area must be kept constantly moist, so that the nematodes can move through the compost to attack the grubs. They enter the grubs’ bodies and produce a bacterial infection which kills them. The nematode As vine weevils cannot fly, making barriers controls need to have a soil or compost is relatively easy. Put a ring of non-setting temperature of 5-21C and you’ll have the glue around the rim of containers as this best effect if you use them during should prevent the female from reaching September. the compost surface to lay her eggs. Similarly a gritty mulch may reduce the Visit the new products area on Pippa’s number of eggs that are laid and hatch. website www.pippagreenwood.com for Try creating miniature moats around the a great selection of products - signed legs of greenhouse staging, by standing copies of Pippa’s books, Grower each leg in a bowl of water. Vine weevils Frames, cloches, pop-up plant cloches, can’t swim and won’t be able to access the raised bed kits, delightful terracotta plants provided the staging doesn’t touch herb planters and wall plaques, the sides of the greenhouse. Nemaslug and other natural pest I’m a fan of the biological nematode controls and lots, lots more! You can controls. They’re available from mail order also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and suppliers (including receive a free ebook on organic www.pippagreenwood.com) and some gardening. seed catalogues and are applied as a compost or soil drench. To work effectively Buy plants only from reputable sources. Avoid re-using compost in containers as it might contain grubs or eggs, which are impossible to spot.

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Thornford Road Crookham Common Newbury RG19 8EL All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times Viewing welcome by appointment. For further details please ring:

01635 268544 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

As you will see from our website, we offer a very full range of activities including a ‘regular riding scheme’ for those who cannot afford - or otherwise unable to have a pony or horse of their own - but would like to be taught horse management as well as riding.

Cullinghood Equestrian Centre is As an additional incentive, why not get calling all riders - and those who 20% off your first riding lesson? Our would like to learn to ride! centre is part of the ‘Lets Ride We pride ourselves in offering Campaign’ trying to encourage all of sensitive tuition to nervous riders as us to RIDE. Please also quote well as expert tuition to the more Thatcham Connections. advanced rider. Our riders are aged between 4 - 70+ We are situated just outside years so why not build your selfPangbourne in beautiful countryside, esteem and keep fit - but above all, allowing us superb hacking and enjoy and have superb FUN with the school facilities. experience we can give you? Herons Farm - Pangbourne RG8 8QA. 0118 974 5228 www.cullinghood.co.uk www.letsridevoucher.co.uk please see advertisement on page 25.

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Karen Tyler-Trillo

After a lifetime of loving, caring for and owning pets and with a farming background, Karen has turned her attention to the welfare of animals in a professional capacity. Karen will visit your pet and look after him/her with much loving care. Whatever your pet may be, Pet Angels UK are here to offer a variety of fully insured services. Not only is your life made easier - and you have peace of mind when you are out or away - but also this ensures no stress for your animal. These services include: Dog Walking, Pet Feeding, Pet/House sitting, Basic pet grooming in your home. Also, Pet Taxi and Dog Midwifery.

In addition to the services already mentioned, Karen and her team are also happy to water plants, pick up post and carry out basic house security checks at your request. One-to-one Clicker training for your dog is also offered with an experienced trainer. Pet Angels UK Services are expanding all the time - to include Pet Portraits and provide accessories. Please have a look on their website for more information: Readers who mention seeing this ad will be given a 10% discount on their first booking. Karen is also an accredited microchipper

Your local friendly Pet Service Tel: 01635 881 891 or 07876 785312

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www.petangelsuk.co.uk

A Community based fitness club for all!

Do you want to lose a few pounds? keep fit, and have fun doing it ? Come to Reshape - just the place to Get Fit and lose a few pounds doing it.

Frank Hutchins Hall Thatcham What do we offer? Tuesday Attack & Tone 7pm Tuesday PumpFX 8pm We also run Bootcamps Running for Softies

Train the Body Train the Mind Personal sessions and much more! Don’t Delay contact Rob Now on 07710 726424 - 01635 865382 http://reshapeofthatcham.com *M

*F FR IT EE TI NG *

E A FR E SU E RI NG *

SMART BLINDS & SHUTTERS

SHOWROOM HIGH ST, THATCHAM

• • • • • • •

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service

We are a local family business Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600 www.smart_blinds.net

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FEATURE: Thatcham Connectionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;- Challenge Page

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Cold Ash Football Club continues to grow!

The Club welcomes and encourages boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 17 to join them and to enjoy the many benefits the Club can offer, including: sport - fun and friendship. The Club has recently been awarded a prestigious grant of £5,000 from the Football Foundation. Great news! The grant will allow Cold Ash Boys & Girls FC to form new mixed teams of both boys and girls at under--7age group for the next two sessions, the under along with providing training for coaches and volunteer helpers of the teams. Steve Bartlett, Club Secretary, commented: “We would encourage as many local young players as possible to come along to share in the benefits that it will bring to them and hopefully their parents or guardians”. See also page 35

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See page 60

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BUCKLEBURY

CONSTRUCTION Established 25 years

• Extensions • Groundwork • Driveways and Patios • Painting and Decorating • Alterations & Refurbishment • And many other aspects of building projects

01635 860253

07767252485

“We have recently built the extension to Bucklebury Memorial Hall” Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

CODEWORD

Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.. See answers p60

18 20

13 5

18 18

11 2

20 13 21

12 16

18 8

11 13

18 13

3 6

3 5

21 8

3 17

2 22

16 13

9 19

13 21

14 3

5 12

24 20

8 8

8 18

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01635 868 318

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Non-caustic. Ovens, hobs, extractors and microwaves cleaned.

: 01635 818080 www.ovenclean.com

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Geoffrey Church & Co FUNERAL DIRECTORS

For a personal and dignified service at all times …

∗ Personal Service - 24 Hours ∗ Private Chapels of Rest ∗ All types of Memorials, supplied and

Calcudoku Fill each cell with a number from 1-6. No number can be repeated in any row or column. The numbers in the heavily outlined set of squares (cages) must combine in any order to produce the target number in the top corner, using only the mathematical operator specified: +, -, x or /. Numbers can be repeated within a cage, but not in the same row or column. See page 60.

fixed

∗ Pre-payment Funeral Plans available ∗ Enquiries welcome THATCHAM

HUNGERFORD

Churchgate, The Broadway Tel: 01635 868444

48a High Street Tel: 01488 686830

TADLEY 48 Bishopswood Road Tel: 0118 9814420

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Bernies Hair & Beauty Barn

Kennet Holme Farm Buildings, Bath Road, Midgham RG7 5UX Telephone: 01189 713 562

Kim Jones

With 8 years beauty experience, Kim delivers a high quality service in all of her treatments. This is supported by extensive product knowledge including Dermalogica, Bio sculpture, Jessica manicures and pedicures, Fake bake tanning, Crystal clear microdermabrasion and Hot stone massage.

Free File and polish when you book a Fullbody Spray tan.

07717 507839

email: revive_beauty@yahoo.co.uk

Helena Dowling Helena specialises in colouring, cut & blow drys and hair up for a unisex clientele. Helena also delivers a high quality result in wedding hair. 25% off cut and blow dry price when booking in for any type of colour, with this advert.

Mobile - 07788639832 , email - helenadowling007_@hotmail.com

Karen Hackwood RGN

Face First Clinic now at Bernies (please see opposite page) “Enhance the beautiful you” with non-invasive treatments such as: Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox), Dermal Fillers, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion - and skin needling. Call Karen on 07917 890510 to book your FREE consultation www.facefirstclinic.com for more information.

Janie Perry

Relax to Revive (please see opposite page)

“Choosing the natural path to health” with Nutritional Therapy, Iridology, Reflexology and Yoga. These natural health methods work with the body enhancing well-being and may aid current health issues; including digestive disorders, joint aches and pains, problems with sleep and energy levels. Visit www.relaxtorevive.co.uk for further information or email: janieperry@relaxtorevive.co.uk

Call Janie on 01189 834470 and receive 10% off your first appointment ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

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Recipe:

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Diana Wortelhock (MCFHP MAFHP)

Foot Health Professional

HOME VISITING PRACTICE (Newbury/Thatcham/Surrounding Villages)

All your routine footcare needs: • Toenail Cutting and Filing Thickened Toenails • Corns/Callus/Hard Skin Removal • Cracked Heels • Verrucae • Fungal Nails • Diabetic Feet

Telephone: 01635 41095 Mobile: 07901 825633 Email: foremostfootcare@btinternet.com Some evening and Saturday appointments available

A Beauty Boost

Calling all Women! In order to be ahead of autumnal blues, many ladies would do well to see how they can help themselves… just a little … it is unlikely that another will suggest this - but let’s be honest, some of us just need a beauty boost. Two areas that spring to mind which can be enhanced easily are the face and the feet. Our face says much - the eyes in particular - and if our feet are not in tip top condition, as we all know, it can well reflect in the face. If you feel that you are a lady who needs that bit of extra help, now is the time to do something about it. Consider not only making yourself a little more glamorous - but at the same time treat your feet to some pampering before thick tights and boots become part of our wardrobe again. I believe we owe this ’investment’ to those we love as well as to ourselves. ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

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Lady Painter & Decorator Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

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TREAT YOUR FEET

Tracey

Podiatry/Chiropody

The Newbury Clinic on Mondays Cedar Dental Care Thatcham on Thursdays Chapel Row Surgery on Fridays

Professional treatments for a variety of foot problems including: Corns/hard skin Ingrown toenails Diabetic feet Flat feet Thickened toenails Cracked heels

Mobile Hairdressing 07770 823283 I offer quality, personal, affordable hairdressing in the comfort of your own home at a mutually convenient time! I can travel to you in Thatcham and the surrounding villages.

Emma Barrow, Podiatrist BSc (hons) MChS HPC registered (no home visits)

Please call if you would like to make an appointment. Tel: 07770 823283

www.treatyourfeet.org 01635 299149 0776 5996772 treat_your_feet@msn.com

Email: Traceyblick@virginmedia.com Discounts available for double and group adult bookings.

From 10 September Ballroom & Latin American Dance Classes for

Beginners

School of Dance

Monday evenings Acland Hall - Cold Ash 7.307.30-9.00 01635 580930 www.1stepahead.info

Naomi House Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospice

Needs your help! We provide respite care and emergency support to life-limited children, young adults and their families from central Southern England. Please support us with fundraising or volunteering Call: 01962 843513 www.naomihouse.org.uk ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

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WHAT’S ON IN THE COMMUNITY: Naomi House Children’s Hospice Naomi House Open Day and Fete 15th September 2012 11 am - 4 pm Sutton Scotney SO21 3JE The hospices will be throwing open their doors and inviting the public to come along to look around the buildings and gardens, and enjoy a fun packed day for the whole family. A fleet of vintage buses will be available to transport people from the free park and ride at the Forest Edge Kart Club, Barton Stacey, SO21 3BF and take visitors to the stunning grounds of Naomi House. There are are lots lots of of activities activities during during the the day, day, with with highlights highlights including including a free free prize prize draw, draw, pony pony rides, rides, bouncy bouncy uncy There castles, a barbecue & cafe, birds of prey, dog display teams, clog dancers, and a children's interactive quiz around the hospices. Doors open at 11.00am and last entry is at 4.00pm Entry costs just £2 per adult, 50p for children and under 5s can visit for free. Last year’s event saw close to 2000 people make the trip to life--limited children and young adults from Sutton Scotney and look around the hospices which care for life across central southern England.

West Berkshire Community Hospital League of Friends Car Boot Sale - 23rd September 0900 to 12 noon. Cars £7 Vans £10 Held on the Hospital Car Park (By kind permission of Matron) refreshments available The League is aiming to raise £150,000 to buy instruments to equip a new scoping theatre at the hospital which will remove the need for patients to travel to Reading for certain forms of treatment. All proceeds from the boot sale will go towards the fund.

Please also see opposite page.

Thatcham Festival of Arts & Leisure 13th - 21st October 2012 www.thatchamfestival.info The twelfth annual Thatcham Festival of Arts & Leisure will take place from Saturday 13th October to Sunday 21st October 2012. The first day of the Festival will include the Thatcham Classic Car Show to be held on Dunstan Green; a Food Fair in the Parish Hall; St Mary’s Church Craft Fair; The Broadway Green packed with stalls; live music in the town centre; an open day at Henleys Allotments; and in the evening a talk by Nick Young on the History of Thatcham. See page 55. The Festival continues all week with FREE open sessions and workshops, musical and theatrical performances and exhibitions. The Hub, a new town centre learning venue, will be hosting activities all week. The final weekend welcomes the return of Kids’ Craft, an event for young families and a new feature to the Festival is the Apple Day on the Sunday 21st October, join us to have fun and celebrate this popular fruit. See page 55. fruit

HELPING TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY WITH

“It’s good to talk……” The Charles Clore Day Therapy Unit based at the West Berkshire Community Hospital in Newbury specialises in supporting patients with life-limiting illnesses, and their families. They aim to offer support and advice to patients who have received a diagnosis of cancer and/or are undergoing or recovering from debilitating treatments. As not everyone is able to access the Charles Clore Day Therapy Unit during the day, Bradfield College is organising a number of evening meetings with the help of a health care worker and volunteers from the unit. These evening meetings are aimed at women under the age of 45, coping with cancer. If you know of any woman who might appreciate the opportunity to come along to discuss any queries relating to their illness and to have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee, with other women in a similar position, they are most welcome, as too are sisters, older daughters, mothers and good friends. The Support group’s meetings will be held in the Main College building on:-

Monday, 17 September 2012 from 7pm - 9pm Monday, 26 November 2012 from 7pm-9pm Venue: The Head Master’s Waiting room in the Main College Building. For further information please contact the Charles Clore Day Therapy Unit – Tel: 01635 273725 www.friendsofccu.org.uk or Bradfield College 0118 964 4500

NEED AN MOT? Cars, Mini Buses, Light Commercial Classes 4, 5L and 7

01635 876777 WE CAN HELP Free Collection/Delivery窶認ree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs. Subject to availability

BIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT

Price includes service parts, labour & VAT. Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

ONLY

ﾂ｣129

INCLUDING FREE MOT

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS....RECOVERY SERVICE

HALFWAY GARAGE

Unit 7 Pipers Court, Berkshire Drive, Thatcham

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

The Romans first brought the apple to Britain and how hard it is to imagine our landscape without the orchard or gardens without the apple tree. Nevertheless, if we let things continue the way they have in recent times, this, sadly, will be the reality. The arrival of cheap imported supermarket fruits – polished impostors with their EU imposed shape and size – has led to a rapid decline of many orchards with the loss of many old apple varieties.

The charity Common Ground, started Apple Day in 1990; it is now held every year on October 21st. Apple Day is recognized throughout the country with apple festivals, events, competitions – The Longest Peel – but mainly the day raises awareness of the fantastic British apples we do have. If you have more apples that you can eat, you can take them to Mole Farm to make pure apple juice (see page 57)

Local author, Dr Nick Young, has recently launched , his latest publication, Thatcham Then and Now. He has worked on other publications, however this is his first publication done on his own and with a major publisher, The History Press. The book consists of 45 pairs of photographs each showing a scene as it was in the past and today together with an account of the history of that location. There are 45 archive images alongside full-colour modern photographs, The book traces some of the changes and developments that have taken place in Thatcham during the last century. Accompanied by detailed and informative captions, the photographs reveal changing modes of fashion and transportation, shops and businesses, houses and public buildings, and, of course, some of the local people who once lived and worked in the area. Thatcham Family Bookshop are selling copies of the book and it is also available from the publishers, Amazon, and any good book store. The price is £12.99.

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

Spot the 10 differences - see page 60 for answers

THATCHAM & NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICES

plumbing / heating electrical / carpentry Specialists in plumbing and heating. We are registered to install and service all systems. We offer many other maintenance services, including:

• Electrical • Small Building • Carpentry • Installing bathrooms and kitchens We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs.

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289 www.plumbersberkshire.co.uk email: williams.ron@virginmedia.com Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll Meetings at Home/Business Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

Thatcham Connectionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Olympic Games Quiz

Answers page 60

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

ANSWERS: Solutions to Sudokus page 6

Get Paid To Exercise!

Answers to page 28 Missing letters: wings Magic number: 272 Answers to Quiz page 58

Solution to Codeword page 39 26

24 7

P S S

24 8

17 6

K E

15 8

26 6

22 6

N E

15 6 7

R E S

25 6 6

E E

26 6

15 8

U D S

O N

A W N

7 6

18 15

3 15

E Z

16 6

11 6 9

B E

26 4

19 6

M E

11 6

B E

1. Michael Phelps 2. Brazil 3. Cornwall 4. Norway 5. Adolf Hitler 6. Boris Johnson 7. Jamaicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8. Afghanistan 9. Three 10.The decathlon

22 8

25 3

N G 18

15 4

D E D

4 22 1 6 7

N V E S

Spot the differences p 56

Solution to Calcudoku page 44

We are looking for reliable people to deliver Thatcham Connections five times a year in the Kennet Heath area. Mature or young people could be suitable.

Good Rates Paid

Mouth changed, Bird on the car, sun, zipper gone, teeth missing, balloon, track missing, ladies hand, hair colour, pattern gone.

Please contact

0118 9886070 for further information

Solution to Wordsearch page 36 Photography helps people to see

Berenice Abbott

What do you think makes Thatcham a great place to live? What would you like to see more (or less) of? Local residents recently took time to make their views count, by posting votes in Thatcham Vision's Ballot Box, which popped up in the town centre during the summer. This event was part of a series of consultations which aim to identify the issues that matter most to YOU and to

enable and encourage projects to be taken forward. The next step is to identify the 'hot topics' for a major community survey to be carried out at the end of the year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; keep an eye out for it coming through your door. The community survey will be officially launched during Thatcham's Festival of Arts and Leisure (FOAL) in October, so watch out for more details then! You can follow Thatcham Vision on Facebook, Twitter and online.

Web: www.thatchamonline.net

Email: tvpm@thatchamonline.net

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

HandyNumbers

Emergency Community Responders Police/Emergency Thames Valley Police British Gas Emergency Thames Water Emergency Southern Electric Emergency Royal Berks Ambulance NHS Royal Berks Fire & Rescue

0800 587 0207 Dial 999 0845 8505 505 0800 111 999 0845 9200 888 0845 770 8090 0118 9365500 0118 945 2888

Post Offices Cold Ash (last posting 4.20pm) Hermitage (last posting 4.30pm) Tesco, Northfield Road The Co-op, 54 The Broadway Woolhampton (Last posting 4.45pm) Yattendon (last posting 4.00pm)

01635 588300 01637 200276 01635 873251 01635 863223 01189713729 01635 201236

Schools Brockhurst & Marlston Downe House School Elstree School Francis Baily Kennet Parsons Down Infant & Nursery Parsons Down Junior Spurcroft Primary St Finians Cold Ash St Marks Cold Ash Thatcham Park C of E Trinity Whitelands Park Primary Yattendon Primary School

• • • • • •

Hospitals West Berkshire Community Hosp Minor Injuries Only Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading

Medical Practitioners Thatcham Medical Practice, Bath Rd Burdwood Surgery 01635 200293 Emergency Only 01635 200286 Out of Hours Doctor 0118 971 3302 01635 862188 Helping Services 01635 862121 A.A. 01635 862475 Cruse Bereavement Care 01635 866700 Newbury & District Cancer 01635 871541 Care Trust 01635 865925 Childline 01635 862600 PALS 01635 870950 Royal British Legion 01635 41373 RSPCA 01635 862517 Victim Support 01635 201397 Library

Chemists Boots, Thatcham Medical Lloyds Pharmacy, Burdwood Ctre Lloyds Pharmacy, Crown Mead Lloyds Pharmacy, Kingsland Ctre Term Dates 2012 -2013

Supermarkets Tesco, Northfield Rd The Co-op (24 hrs) at Texaco Garage The Co-op Broadway The Co-op Burdwood Centre The Co-op Dunston Park Waitrose, The Broadway Yattendon Stores

01635 864423 01635 868538 01635 863334 01635 869244

0845 0269402 01635 588300 01635 865052 01635 869701 01635 865011 01635 868113 01635 201236

01635 273300 0118 3225111

01635 867171 01635 868006 01635 866169 0118 9787811

0845 7697555 01635 523573 01635 31542 0800 1111 0118 932 3799 01635 867621 08705 555999 0845 30 30 900

Citizens Advice Bureau West Berks CAB, at Thatcham Health Centre Helpline for Carers Client Advice Line

01635 516605 01635 864245 0844 4779980

Travel Rail Enquiries Newbury Buses

08457 484950 01635 567500

Other Important Numbers B.T. Fault Line Fly Tipping, to report KATS Thatcham Connections Thatcham Photographic Club Vet: O'Gormon Slater Main DVLA Swansea

0800 800 151 01635 519080 0870 285 5289 0118 9886070 01635 865516 01635 868382 0300 7906801

Recycling Hermitage Garden Centre,

01635 200 442

(glass, textiles, books)

Kingsland Centre Car-park adjacent to Waitrose (paper, glass, mixed plastics, textiles, cans)

Household Waste Recycling Centre (opposite St Gabriel's School)

01635 866049

Mon: 9.30-5.00 Tues: 9.30-7.00 Wed: NOT OPEN Thurs: 9.30-5.00 Fri: 9.30-7.00 Sat: 9.30-12.30

Term 1 - Wednesday 5th September 2012 - Thursday 25th October 2012 (Holiday: Friday 26th October 2012 - Monday 5th November 2012) Term 2 - Tuesday 6th November 2012 - Friday 21st December 2012 (Holiday: Monday 24th December 2012 - Friday 4th January 2013) Term 3 - Monday 7th January 2013 - Friday 15th February 2013 (Holiday: Monday 18th February 2013- Monday 25th February 2013) Term 4 - Tuesday 26th February 2013 - Thursday 28th March 2013 (Holiday: Friday 29th March 2013 - Monday 15th April 2013) Term 5 - Tuesday 16th April 2013 - Friday 24th May 2013 (Holiday: Monday 27th May 2013- Friday 31st May 2013)

Term 6 - Monday 3rd June 2013 - Wednesday 24th July 2013 (Holiday commences on Thursday 25th July 2013) In Service Day - Monday 5th September 2012 will be an INSET DAY for all West Berkshire Schools, therefore a non-teaching day. Children will go back in to school on Wednesday 5th Septemberursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 2012 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 61

INDEX: Accommodation to let Upper Lodge Farm 37 Accountant Accountability 11 Alarm - Security Yale 34 Amateur Theatrical Society KATS 2 Apple Press Mole Farm Apple Press 57 Barns The Barn Partnership 15 Beauty Boutique Angel Eyes 49 Blinds Reynolds Blinds 22 Smart Blinds 27 Boarding Kennels Foxhold 22 Builders Bucklebury Construction 38 Falkland Builders 8 A Thompson 45 Building Society Newbury Building Society 57 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 54 Pegasus 35 Carpenter/Joiner Ivan Ivanov 41 Liege Carpentry 57 Roger Fisher 10 Cats Protection Newbury Cats Protection 10 Charity The Newbury & Dist 37 Cancer Care Trust Children Including Babies GR Swimming School 29 Jubilee Jets Holiday Club 30 Jubilee Day Nursery 32 Monkey Music 29 Tatty Bumpkin 30 Swim School Waterworld 31 Chimney Sweep PC Dollin 10 Cleaning Cleansing Services 42 Just at Home 51 My Home 14 Computers Sarah Sladen 15 Curtains & Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 10 Dancing School One Step Ahead 10/51

Decorator A Brush above the Rest Lady Painter & Decorator PC Decorating Tony Fegan Dentist Dr Jeeves Doors The Doorman Drains & Drainage Cleansing Services Drain & Able Electrician Home Electrics RJS Electrical Equestrian Centre Cullinghood Fencing Crookham Sawmills Fireplaces The Fireplace Thatcham Flooring Laws Floors Florist Buttercups & Daisies Football Club Cold Ash Football Club Funeral Directors Geoffrey Church Gardening Services A4 Gardening Services AJC Services Buckingham Landscape Crookham Sawmills Garden Thyme JPH Forestry Kalehurst Mowers UK Salcey Arborcare Gas Specialists R&B Heating & Plumbing Guttering CD Guttering Handyman Peter Kirkham Martin Newman Hair & Beauty Bernies Face First Clinic Tracey Mobile Health Therapist Relax to Revive Home Improvements RPT Services Hypnotherapist Rob Donnelly Therapy

38 50 10 36 3 25 42 42 54 5 25 20 44 16 59 35 44 22 17 10 20 21 22 19 20 21 7 54 43 40 47 46 51 46 59 13

Internet Clothing Precious Bundle 30 Knitting Yarn Fest 50 Locksmith Cap Security 39 Locksmark 37 Memorials Newbury Memorials 35 Organic Foods Riverford 31 Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 10 Ovenclean 39 Pet Carer Pet Angels 26 Pet Shop Your Pets 24 Pest Control Control Services Limited 6 Picture Framer Inner Piece 27 Plasterer Synergy 59 Plumber AJ Bosley 7 Hayes Heating & Plumbing 54 Thatcham & Newbury 56 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 8 Podiatrist/Chiropody 49 Foremost Footcare Treat your Feet 51 Racket Stringing Thatcham Stringing Centre 10 Renewable Energy The Energy Warehouse 42 Restaurants The Coach & Horses 27 Roofers A Thompson 59 Sand & Gravel Rivar Sand & Gravel 20 Solicitor Gardner Leader 9/64 Tax Advice Tax Assist 57 Teacher, Primary 10 Storage - secure The Barn Store 8 Vet Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gorman Slater Main 23 Water Softener JM Softeners 51 Window Cleaner P.D.D. Services 56

R & B Heating & Plumbing Ltd

Your Local Gas Specialists ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) Mains Gas Oil Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly, caring and professional service R & B are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement Planned Maintenance Controls

General Plumbing Repairs

0118 9712954 or 07967728697 ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

Ursula Aitken

Thatcham Connections

Stable 5

Tel: 0118 9886070

Gravelly Bridge Farmhouse

email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

Grazeley

Reading

RG7 1LG