Village Eye Mortimer/Burghfield/Theale/Tadley Issue

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VILLAGE

eye

Best Regional Lifestyle Magazine

2019

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THE FOX

PAGE 6

Issue 92 September 2020 reaching 11,500 households

UK Southern Business Awards

NEW BEGINNINGS

TM

Local peosipnlees, s local bu

We’re expanding Hiring!

PAGE 17

Win A Romantic Autumn Break for two people!

At Wokefield Estate

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Winner Best Regional Lifestyle Magazine

12

2019

16 10

BACK TO SCHOOL

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29 40

34

IS YOUR CHILD READY? 32

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LIKE US TODAY & STAY UPDATED LOCALLY

4. Community news Who do you know in our Community News round-up?

We’ve been finding out all the news around the villages to make sure we keep you up-to-date!

9. Eye Mask?

A warm welcome to Amelia Baird (AKA Bug), our new Beauty Columnist who is talking lashes which will make your eyes ‘pop’ this autumn as we all cover our faces in public spaces!

14. How British Are You? Can you spot your own character traits? We certainly did here in the office!

22. On the Move with David Cliff If you are thinking of moving house and would like to be settled

by Christmas, now is the time to start looking. Do any of these properties tick your boxes?

24-31. Pink Pages Electrician? Roofer? Windows?

Whatever you are looking for, check here first! All of our advertisers are following PHE guidelines and wearing PPE when necessary.

33. To Prune or not to Prune?

Oakland Tree Services are on hand to bring you some advice on when to prune your trees.

As always, we’d like to extend a big thank you to our readers, our advertisers and our contributors. Please mention Village Eye when contacting our advertisers. See you in October!

Helle n & the Team xx Septem

UK Southern Business Awards

Winner

ber 2020

Best Regional Lifestyle Magazine

2019

FREE

reaching

the area’s favourite Lifestyle Magazin e

olds

11,500 househ

Our second fabulous competition gives you the chance to win a romantic autumn break for two people at the delightful Wokefield Estate. If you turn to page 10 you can find out all about how they are re-opening and what is currently on offer there. The building and the grounds make it a beautiful place to spend your leisure time, so do check it out.

Here at Village Eye HQ, we are on the look out for new team members. If you have what it takes, turn to p.17 to see if you’d be a good match for us.

VILLAGE

39. At The Flicks This month our film reviewer, Rob Barnes, has got back to the cinema post-lock down and reports back his thoughts on new release An American Pickle, starring Seth Rogan.

What a treat we have for you…no less than four competitions to enter and one of these is brought to you by our cover sponsor this month, the Fox & Hounds pub in Theale. Not only are the new management team, Chris and Sean, offering every reader a free dessert (see p.6 for details), they are also offering the chance to win a Sunday lunch for four!

You are also in with a chance of winning a course of three relaxing massages courtesy of RE:YOU and a free round of golf for the kids at The Knights Realm. As we always say, you’ve got to be in it to win it, so get entering!

Issue 92

21. Gas Safety Week It’s Gas Safety Week during September and, with carbon monoxide poisoning an everpresent danger, Tadley Heating Services brings you some tips to stay safe.

September W Contents

elcome to our September issue of Village Eye magazine!

eye

THE FOX

PAGE 6

L to ovingl all y di these st r villagibute es! d

/villageeyemagazine

NEW BEG

INNINGS

TM

Local people, local business

We’re exp an i ng Hirindg!

Win A Break Romantic Aut for two peop umn le! ld Estate

PAGE 17

At Wokefie

SCOUT

&

WIN A COU ABOUT RELAXIN RSE OF G MASSAG ES

Burghfie

Issue 92

ld Commo THEAL E Ufton Nervet n | Burghfield Village | Alderm | Beech aston | Hill | Mortime Padwor r | Theale th | Pambe | Spence r Heath 2020.indd | Tadley 1 rs Wood | Silchest | Baughu er | Sulham rst | Three Mile Cross stead | Bramley 1

September

19/08/2020

The Village Eye is brought to you by Pinktomato Ltd, a local, independent creative design and marketing company. All content within the publication is copyright of Village Eye. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

All dates, times, URL’s and telephone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. Registered Address: Butlers Lands Farm, Mortimer, RG7 2AG

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Member

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Editor: Sub Editor: Advertising: Beauty: Motoring: Film Buff:

Hellen Shaw Jackie Stuart Lindsey Barker Amelia Baird Jack Worboys Rob Barnes

Gardening: Finance: Philosophy Teen Stuff:

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news - please call the team 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

13:51

Jordan Curtis Mark Penston Chris Evans Beckie Edwards

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Burghfield

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FOND FAREWELL LODDON REACH Here at Village Eye magazine, we are keen to pay tribute to a fellow local publication, The Loddon Reach magazine, which recently announced closure. We know first-hand how much work and effort goes into producing, managing and delivering a community magazine and want to give a nod to the team who worked so hard over the last twelve years on Loddon Reach.

From the current Editor, Amanda Tripp, to the

original Editor, Gillian Steedman and Guest Editor, Joan Woodroffe, from Louise Ogden, Advertising Manager to the many volunteers who contributed huge amounts of time. The Editorial Team: Amanda Tripp, Rev. Paul Willis, Rev. David Little, Jane Watkins, Barbara Stanley, Mary Sangster, Hayley Sheridan, Andrew Oughton and also the volunteer Management Team: Jess Dye (Current Team Leader), Kim Slater, Andrew and Trudi Oughton (Past and Current Treasurers), Karen Eaves, Tarnya Lansley and Jane Watkins, who has organised the many distributors, as well as all the distributors and the volunteers who delivered the Magazine.

It really was a well-oiled machine and the magazine will be missed by the local community.

Dream Doors Foodbank We all remember the beginning of lock down and the food shortages that came with it, but when Adrian and Lesley Wallace, owners of the Dream Doors kitchen showroom in Thatcham, went to nine different shops to buy a loaf of bread, they felt moved to try and make a difference.

Lesley and Adrian set out with the mission that if they could persuade just one person to donate just one item to someone else who needed it, they would have made a difference.

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They started their campaign with just one tin of soup and by 30th July the Dream Doors team had contributed an astonishing 10,170kg of donations to the West Berks Foodbank.

This roughly equates to donating over 1000 people with enough food for a week or, to put it another way, 21,357 meals.

‘We have made many special new friends during this time,’ said Lesley, ‘and have truly appreciated the huge amount of support shown to us via everyone’s horn beeps, little notes left in bags of donations, and the amazing group of volunteers who stepped up to help out with the doorstep initiative.’

Four and a half months later, Dream Doors have now handed over their legacy to the West Berks Foodbank. By encouraging local businesses to take donations, and embracing the FOYD ‘Foodbank On Your Doorstep’ campaign, it is hoped that West Berkshire will benefit even more in the future as the scheme continues to grow.

Well done to Lesley & Adrian, and everyone who donated, for making a small but real difference to someone when they needed it.

OH NO IT ISN’T Our friends over at Anvil Arts have been forced to postpone their pantomime this year. Producer Martin Dodd, at UK Productions, said “Christmas won’t be Christmas without pantomime and it is with deep sadness that we are having to make the decision to postpone our award winning production of Beauty and the Beast until next year. I know what a central part the pantomime plays in so many families' Christmas, and we are always very grateful that so many people turn out year after year to support the amazing Anvil and enjoy our Christmas show. However, in the light of the prevailing conditions, we do not feel that we will be able to safely provide the high quality production that everybody has come to love and expect, and we would be doing everyone a disservice if we had to scale it back. Regrettably therefore, together with Anvil Arts, we have had to come to this decision. However, will panto be back next year? …oh yes it will! ...And we very much look forward to seeing you all again.”

Anyone who has bought or reserved seats for Beauty and the Beast will have their tickets automatically transferred to the same date for next year's performances, so there is no need to contact the box office. Oh no there isn’t!

eye ity News Commun

Six year old Tyler lives with his family in Burghfield and relies on his specialist ‘off-road’ wheelchair on a daily basis.

After several repairs, the chair became unusable so friend-ofthe-family, Claire Hellery, took it upon herself to reach out to the local community to help raise money for a new one.

Tyler was born with a rare chromosome disorder which means he has complex medical challenges and learning difficulties. He had an incredibly hard start to life - taken from his biological parents at birth, he had major heart surgery when he was three days old. He was in hospital on his own for a month, which has caused long lasting emotional trauma.

He is reliant on tube feeding, has unilateral vocal paralysis, heart problems, weak muscles and sensory processing difficulties.

Eleanor, Tyler’s mum, explains, “He came to us when he was 16 months old, with severe developmental delay. We were told he may never walk or talk, but through love, hard work and most of all his incredible determination he has made remarkable progress. Despite all his challenges Tyler is a smiling, caring, affectionate boy whose courage is an inspiration to us all. We feel incredibly lucky to have him in our lives. He is our son, and Beth and Eddie’s brother – as much a part of our family as if he had been born to us.”

DECLAN’S DIVINE INTERVENTION

Tyler’s wheelchair is fundamental to his development, and connects him to the community around him. It lets him play in the woods, go for walks to see the horses and join in with his friends. When he gets tired, the chair lets him stay involved with what’s going on.

He struggles to cope with his emotions, so a therapeutic walk in the woods is the best way to help him. The family love taking long walks and bike rides using the chair’s tow attachment, keeping Tyler involved in family days out and engaged with new sights and sounds.

Fundraiser, Claire Hellery, posted the story on Facebook and simply asked,”Can you help us get new tyres for Tyler?” The response from the community was overwhelming.

Thanks to local people’s amazing generosity, they raised enough money in a single evening to fund his outdoor wheelchair. The family was completely overwhelmed. They posted, “You’ve done it!!! Thank you! You lot are awesome!

Last night was incredibly emotional. I just can’t believe that the target was reached in just one evening. I joked about needing to win the lottery.

This is far, far better because it comes with so much love and warmth.

care of family, friends (and friends of friends) and a whole community. This has turned a catastrophic week into a celebration! Thank you everyone but especially Clare Hellery who has made this happen.”

Updating the post, they told the community that they had raised slightly more than the original target, but that this would go towards a new lightweight self-propelled wheelchair which Tyler would need by the end of the year.

With so much money being donated from the initial appeal giving them a surplus, they posted in an update,

How amazing that a little boy who had such a rough start now has the love and

When Declan Watts took to Facebook to express his sadness and frustration at the ongoing vandalism in the church grounds of Holy Trinity in Theale, he really didn’t expect such a heartwarming community response. He posted, “Something needs to be done about the antisocial behaviour and criminal damage and one way to nip this in the bud would be to install security cameras so that we can catch the culprits in the act. It will hopefully also deter further vandalism to the church and grounds.” He went on to say, “

“Imagine if we could fully fund the second chair, and solve Tyler’s wheelchair needs for years to come…”

I think you can probably guess what happened next. At time of writing, the fund is over £4250 (of a £5,500 target) and still growing and we have every faith that the Burghfield community and local network will be smashing this new target out of the water, too.

Amazing stuff.

If you’d like to donate, please visit: gofundme.com and search Tyres for Tyler.

Giggle time!

Our favourite loc al social media post of the mon SARAH POLLAR th: D > BURGHFIE LD COMMUNIT Y “War

ning ahead especially for for next term, librarians ....”

Anything that you can donate to the cause will be truly appreciated and if we are lucky enough to hit the target and have money left over the excess funds will go on repairs the damage caused to the bell tower door, the outside tap in the grave yard and any other work required to the church and grounds.” Amazingly, from a £200 target, the locals raised an astonishing £1360. Well done, Theale! This has meant that, not only has CCTV been fitted, a number of other outstanding jobs around the church have been tackled, too. Well done Declan!

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

5

the

HOUNDS

&

IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT! READER

Offer Mentio n V i lla you bo ok a ta ge Eye when ble & Houn ds on a at The Fox in Sept ember ny Sunday and free de ssert o enjoy a n us!*

The Fox & Hounds in Theale has always been a well-loved local pub.

Not only is it blessed by its location on the edge of the beautiful Hosehill Lake nature reserve great for walking off that Sunday roast! - the garden is lovely, the food has always been good and, a few years back, the pub became a leading local venue for events and entertainment.

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The previous management team made headlines for being super dog-friendly and it’s great to know that the new team are dog lovers, too, bringing their own dog, Bear, on their journey from Bristol.

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk * One with every main course purchased.

Before moving to Theale, Chris and Sean were running The Crown Inn in Tolldown, Bristol and they have been with the brewery, Wadworth, for five years. They bring with them experience, enthusiasm and a clear vision for The Fox & Hounds now it has reopened. There certainly are exciting times ahead.

facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

The team is keen to put the pub firmly back on the local entertainment circuit and have been busy planning which tribute acts and comedy nights to bring in, as well as bringing back FoxFest, launched by predecessors, Daryl and Katie, so that they can bring the Fox & Hounds back to it full glory. Who doesn’t love a bit of live music?

Community is important to Chris and Sean, too, and they are very keen to build relationships with local charities. They have always supported local fundraisers where they can, offering the pub as a venue and promoting the fundraising events on their social media, so if you are involved in a local charity, do pop by for a drink and say hello.

Equally, Chris and Sean are keeping - and growing - the pub’s reputation for amazing food. Having sampled several of the dishes on offer, the VE team can heartily recommend The Fox & Hounds for their food offering. You can expect high-end pub food, with a gastro twist.

Apart form the Sunday dinners, which are fast becoming legendary, some of the popular dishes this summer have included a Cobb Salad, Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Curry and a selection of

mouthwatering homemade soups. Oh, the steaks are pretty good as well! Definitely worth checking out next time you are heading out to eat.

In fact, Chris and Sean are offering every Village Eye reader a free dessert when they book a Sunday lunch for four in September so why not get online and book that in for the family now?

eye

Win Sunday Lunch!

ENTER OUR FABULOUS COMPETITION TO WIN A FAMILY SUNDAY LUNCH & A BOTTLE OF WINE FOR 4!

SEE PAGE 32 FOR ENTRY DETAILS!

foxandhoundstheale.co.uk

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To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

07774 004331

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Now that face masks have become mandatory for those visiting shops and supermarkets in England and face coverings have become part of the new ‘normal’, sales of eyelash and brow products - the only parts of the face likely to see the light of day during daily errands - have soared. So I thought, for my first column, I’d give you the lowdown into how you can enhance your own window on the world, make your eyes ‘pop’ - and rock that mask!

Mask available in various

ENHANCE YOUR NATURAL LASHES I have always been sceptical of lash serums; it was too good to be true!

That was until I discovered uklash. The powerful serum targets brittle lashes and is packed with vitamins that just did all the work for me. What’s even better than having naturally long and thick lashes?

Well its how easy it was to use. All you need is one swipe day and the results speak for themselves. I would highly recommend that you invest in a lash serum if you prefer simple and natural lashes.

MAKE YOUR EYES ‘POP’ WITH MASCARA I haven’t always been the biggest fan of mascara; it would always be too clumpy and never hold its volume. Then I ‘borrowed’ my mum’s Bad Gal Bang mascara by Benefit cosmetics and it really changed the game! If you are struggling to find mascara then I would give this a try.

MY FAVOURITE STRIP LASHES Eye shape and size varies from person to person, so strip lashes often intimidate often people. However, Doll lashes have just about every size and style you can imagine. Once you master the application process ( I recommend duo lash glue and some tweezers) it becomes effortless and it can really enhance a natural look to something much more. If you enjoy getting glam or have an occasion coming up then strip lashes are absolutely perfect for you.

What’s better is that they come off whenever you fancy with little hassle.

lipstick shades at www.pos

hmask.com

FAKE IT: EXTEND, EXTEND There are so many styles of lash extensions. They all last for up to a month. If you have ever had them then you will agree that they are addictive, are easy once you have had them done and don’t need much maintenance on a daily basis.

You wake up in the morning – and they’re done!

They vary in price range and can be expensive but so worth it and convenient for those who like a glam look on a tight schedule. If you are interested in getting them done I would go for a classic lash Classic for natural looking lashes or go for Russian if you are looking for extra length with lots of volume. Always speak to your Russian Lash Technician beforehand about the look you want to achieve so you get the best results possible.

Although eyelashes don’t mean everything, it is nice to find something that suits you and something that boosts your confidence! Stay safe and keep wearing masks.

Bug x

Bug ’s Beauty 9

They’re back!

WOKEFIELD ESTATE Wokefield Estate, like all other hotels, was forced to close its doors in March, but they are bouncing back and have been welcoming golfers and guests since they re-opened back in July.

Set in 250 acres of Berkshire parkland, Wokefield Estate is a truly stunning mansion house hotel originally built in the 1560s. Of course, there have been many renovations over the years, including a £20 million restoration just recently, but you can still feel and see the history all around.

The team at Wokefield Estate has been busy during its closure. Next time you visit, you will see that the outside area has been revamped during lock down.

They’ve even added a new outdoor pizza oven for those balmy late summer evenings. The new area looks stunning and will delight anyone who is eating or drinking al fresco.

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Why not take some time out and enjoy what Wokefield Estate has to offer? You can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea - on the terrace or inside - any day of the week, or enjoy a drink at the 1560 bar on a Friday or Saturday evening. ‘The Avenue’ offers the perfect meeting place for coffee with friends or colleagues, too.

For those who prefer to be active, the golf course continues to be a draw and, in these impressive grounds, it’s easy to see why. There really is something for everyone.

The team has carefully crafted a range of new safety measures to make sure every moment of your visit is a safe one to enjoy. From meticulous deep cleaning of bedrooms to thoughtful social distancing measures, they offer all the reassurance you need before and during your visit.

Golf

Afternoon Tea

Autumn Escape If you want to get away or have family or friends visiting and need somewhere for them to stay, Village Eye readers can now enjoy overnight accommodation in the Mansion House with dinner in the new 1560 restaurant from just £139 per room per night based on 2 people sharing!

Book online at:

www.devere.com/wokefieldestate using promotion code VEYE.

Wokefield Estate Golf Club is a 6,996-yard, par 72 championship course that is designed to USGA standards. The 18 hole course offers elevated tees, streams, lakes and bunkers to test your skill. There is a range of corporate & society golf days and membership options on offer, along with golf break packages from one night with a round of golf, to a three-night stay with unlimited golf.

The new fully floodlit golf academy opened last year is very popular and is open from 7am -9pm. £5 for 50 balls and loyalty cards available

Special Society Offer

The most popular package for any society looking for superb golf and a hearty feed.

This package includes: • Tea and coffee upon arrival • Bacon baps • 18 holes of championship golf • 1- course meal • 1 in 16 FREE Winter (Nov - March): £28.50pp Summer (April - Oct): £32.50pp To book or for more information please call 01189 334000

W in

A ROMANTIC WINTER BREAK FOR TWO AT WOKEFIELD ESTATE!

Subject to availability.

Enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea in the beautiful surroundings of the Mansion House at De Vere Wokefield Estate. A delicious variety of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones accompanied by our wide range of traditional and contemporary teas. Village Eye readers will benefit from a 20% discount off the regular price (£19.95 per person).

To make a booking, contact the Reservations team on 0118 207 7471 and quote Village Eye

The experienced team at Wokefield plan everything to perfection. Whether it’s your wedding reception, your ceremony or both, your day will be as individual, exciting and memorable as you have always dreamed. The Mansion House can cater for anywhere between 60 to 250 guests*.

Getting Hitched?

From intimate Civil Ceremonies for 60 guests to Wedding Breakfasts for up to 250 - larger parties can be held in the sophisticated Terrace Suite offering versatility as well as stunning panoramic views of the surrounding parkland.

Its elegant country house decor will add charm and character to your special day. Weddings can take place in their modern building, Wokefield Place, offering

versatility as well as a beautiful blank canvas to create your own unique day. Alternatively, their beautiful lawns which can cater up to 500 guests provide the perfect area on which to place a marquee for your wedding. It’s a backdrop that makes Wokefield Park one of the most picturesque wedding venues Berkshire has to offer.

To arrange a viewing or for further information, please contact the weddings team on 0118 207 7471 *Subject to Government Restrictions

Win A Romantic Autumn Break for two people!

We are giving away an overnight stay with breakfast in the Mansion House with dinner in Restaurant 1560 for 2 people!

To enter, visit www.villageeye.co.uk click on the competition tab and answer the following question: What is the name of Wokefield Estate’s restaurant?

Entries close midnight 30th Sept. T’s & C’s apply

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

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“It’s clear that Eleos Care knows how to care, manage and keep individuals at the centre of all they do” Sue Ross - Daughter of Client

package. This is useful not only to keep care relevant when people’s needs, and abilities change but results in happier clients who see it compliment – rather than invade or interrupt – their lives. In practical terms this means that Niki and her team go beyond the boundaries of traditional care services. Just this week, the team have organised dental technicians and plumbers to attend client’s homes, helped with housework, assisted with personal care, washed hair, sanded and painted a wall and cooked meals!

Niki said, ’When I’m told that a client can no longer do something, I always like to ask, why? What has changed?

Do they need more time? Does something need to be adapted? Often we can find a way.’

‘One really simple but effective technique we use to help clients, without them feeling dependant on having to ask each time, is to give them a notebook, where they jot a quick note of the job they want completing and that’s our To-do list for the next visit. Some clients refer to us as their carer, for others we’re their PA!’, says Niki.

HOW TO RECEIVE THE BEST CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME

‘Sometimes we help connect a client to a company or organisation that they might struggle to find on their own.

We work with adults with learning disabilities as well as elderly clients, and we’ve dispensed with clinical-looking uniforms for a friendlier style.’

As well as achieving high scores with clients, Eleos Care places great importance on job satisfaction. From recruiting using a selection method, based on personal values to find the right people, she pays carers above average wages, and encourages ongoing training and professional development. ‘Retaining great staff over the long term is a key aim of the company – care is a vocation and not just a job.’, she says.

People are living longer nowadays due to advances in medicine and diet, so as we get older home care is something more of us need to think about, and it’s important to choose a provider carefully.

Meet Niki Marshall. Niki is on a mission to deliver care differently. Her aim is to involve clients from the outset building their care package, making sure it’s heavily focused on them as a person. Niki views care not as a fixed product that is delivered off-the-shelf, but as an opportunity to help people continue to enjoy their lifestyle – with help in any areas its needed – adopting more of a personal assistant role. Even the regulator – the Care Quality Commission – have called her approach ‘innovative and cutting edge’.

Care is an unfamiliar world for most people – how does it work and what are the costs?

Eleos Care are available for an initial informal chat any time – give them a call to see how they can help you!

www.eleoscare.co.uk hello@eleoscare.co.uk 0118 449 2456

Niki’s company is Eleos Care, and their approach is based around the Dutch Buurtzorg care model, where they manage care much more closely within a tight-knit group, with the team promoting overall wellbeing as a complete

Mortimer

* NHS referrals are accepted from all West Berkshire GPs - just ask!

Physiotherapy practice MUSCLE/TENDON STRAIN?

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ESTABLISHED FOR 15 YEARS, YOUR LOCAL PRIVATE PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC. NOW ACCEPTING NHS REFERRALS (NHS REFERRALS ACCEPTED FROM WEST BERKSHIRE GPs)

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Tel: 0118 933 3896 Text: 07951 840643

ONLINE & VIDEO CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE NOW www.mortimerphysio.co.uk info@mortimerphysio.co.uk

and...

Relax /reyoumassage

eye Win

Before Lockdown, popular local massage therapist, Fiona Nunn of RE:YOU had just celebrated her first anniversary in her new premises in Grazeley.

She had plans, big plans - to make a song and dance about the fact that her fledgling business had, in the space of a year grown from nothing to over 60 regular clients.

WIN A COURSE OF RELAXING MASSAGES HOW TO ENTER

Then of course, we all know what happened next. Shut down, mothballed and waiting for clear instruction as to when and what a business like hers needed to do to be able to return safely. Fortunately, from August 1st, Fiona has been able to reopen fully, and her regulars couldn’t be happier.

For your chance to win this relaxing prize, visit www.villageeye.co.uk & answer the following question:

Naturally, there’s PPE as you’d expect, and yes, there are also fewer appointments than there were before because the treatment room requires a deep clean between each client - but the top-notch expertise Fiona demonstrates in both relaxing and therapeutic massage is a welcome return to the area.

which birthday?

A: Third B: Second C: First

If lockdown has locked down your muscles and they need a bit of sorting out, Fiona is most definitely your lady!

Fiona has kindly offered our readers the chance to win a course of three 60 minute Therapeutic Massages and an Indian Head Massage to one lucky local! To find our more or to make a booking call Fiona Nunn: 07940 785472

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

Q Before lockdown, RE:YOU celebrated

Closing date for entries is midnight on 30th Sept and full Ts & Cs are available on our website.

Re:You Massage Therapy facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

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What it’s really like to be

BRITISH eye Giggles

UR IF YOU DON’T NOD YO

HEAD AND SAY “Y

TRAVEL

• Worrying you’ve accidentally packed 3 kilos of cocaine and a dead goat as you stroll through “Nothing to declare”.

• Being sure to start touching your bag 15 minutes before your station, so the person in the aisle seat is fully prepared for your exit.

• “Sorry, is anyone sitting here?” – Translation: Unless this is a person who looks remarkably like a bag, I suggest you move it.

• Repeatedly pressing the door button on the train before it’s illuminated, to assure your fellow commuters you have the situation in hand.

• Saying “anywhere here’s fine” when the taxi’s directly outside your front door.

14 14

. THE CHANCES ARE EP’, I’VE DONE THAT..

THE SHOPS

H!

- YOU’RE NOT BRITIS

rglar and d like a bu n u ro a g in reep in. op, then c them aga iend in a shan to avoid seeing fr a to llo e e exact • Saying h hind anything you c ing with th th e m e so b r g fo hidin ying e after pa on to leav si is rm e p r fo out saying • Waiting ange with h c t . c e g xa n e a ch the ething with pay for som to le b a n • Being u at’s right”. to assure “I think th cashpoint, the wait is e th t a rs e and r fing for money pping you • Loudly ta e that you’ve asked the queu hands. r y enters out of you one nearb neck. e m so s a your iolently away so v lly dislocate • Looking that you accidenta their PIN

GENERAL GOOFINESS

COMMUNICATION! • Being unable to turn and walk in the opposite direction without first taking out your phone and frowning at it.

• Deeming it necessary to always stride across a zebra crossing Imagining you’re recreating the cover of Abbey Road.

• “I’m off to bed” – Translation: “I’m off to stare at my phone in another part of the house”.

• Changing from ‘kind regards’ to just ‘regards’, to indicate that you’re rapidly reaching the end of your tether.

• Punishing people who don’t say thank you by saying “you’re welcome” as quietly as possible.

• Staring at your phone in silent horror until the unknown number stops ringing.

• Hearing a recording of your own voice and deciding it’s perhaps best never to speak again.

• Realising you’ve got about fifty grand’s worth of plastic bags under your kitchen sink.

• “You’ll have to excuse the mess” – Translation: I’ve spent seven hours tidying in preparation for your visit.

• The relief when someone doesn’t answer their phone within three rings and you can hang up.

AT HOME

• Filming an entire fireworks display on your phone, knowing full well you’ll never, ever watch it again.

I had to clean my house for 2 hours just to tell guests “sorry for the mess”

MORE GOOFINESS • Running out of ways to say thanks when a succession of doors are held for you, having already deployed ‘cheers’, ‘ta’ and ‘nice one’.

t Emily Ameliag, rnrorr

• Indicating that you want the last roast potato by trying to force everyone else to take it.

• Being unable to stand and leave without first saying “right”.

• Not hearing someone for the third time, so just laughing and hoping for the best.

• Mishearing somebody’s name on the second time of asking, meaning you must now avoid them forever.

• Leaving it too late to correct someone, meaning you must live with your new name forever.

TEA!

• The overwhelming sorrow of finding a cup of tea you forgot about.

• Turning down a cup of tea for no reason and instantly knowing you’ve made a terrible, terrible mistake.

• Suddenly remembering your tea and necking it like a massive, lukewarm shot.

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

15

l e m a r Ca le App ka Vod

eye Food & Drink

September is Apple season. They’re everywhere this year - it really looks like a bumper harvest! Once you’ve made pies, crumble and had a bash at a tarte tatin, how about having a go at this simple but delicious recipe

Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 1 large apple (or two small) peeled, cored, diced 2 cups (about 500ml) vodka Equipment: Heavy bottom sauce pan 1.5 pint mason jar Bottle with lid Peel, core and dice a large apple (or two small) and put into a 1.5 pint mason jar.

In a saucepan, pour in the sugar and water and cook on medium high heat until it reaches a light amber colour.

DO NOT STIR. Just let it hang out and melt together and bubble away. Once it reaches the colour of caramel CAREFULLY pour over the apple mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Fill up the jar the rest of the way with vodka (about 500ml) It may take more or less depending on how much room the apples take.

Let it sit in the fridge for three days. Open, drain and enjoy!

Want to give it as a gift? Pour it into a pretty bottle, add a label/tag and you’re good to go! It’s so simple, so delicious!

16

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

We’re expanding Hiring!

Now that things are beginning to get back to (err) normal, we’re resuming our pre-COVID plans to share the community love and expand the area’s favourite award-winning community lifestyle magazine into new geographical areas with a number of new titles.

About time too, many will say - exciting times!

As such, we have two immediate roles to fill...

EXPERIENCED MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE We are currently seeking an ambitious pt-ft (tbd), driven and passionate media sales executive who can grow, impress and progress, within our small and exciting company. The role will largely be phone-based and the successful candidate's principal task will be selling advertising solutions to sole traders, SMEs and ‘locallybased’ larger organisations across the West Berkshire, North Hampshire and South Oxfordshire region. This will require the ability to continuously seek and identify new sales leads and the confidence to turn cold leads or prospects into new clients for Village Eye’s varied range of promotional solutions.

ABOUT YOU. You are fun to be around, outgoing, and will have a proactive positive outlook. You’ll be a great self-starting team player and ‘buzzing’ with ideas. You will have the spark and passion to work collectively to achieve big things! Ideally, your background will be in media sales, but if you’re good at what you do and you have a proven track record in other areas, don’t let that stop you applying... It’s the personality we seek - people buy people, first and foremost.

WHAT WE’LL GIVE YOU When you work with us, you’ll receive a fair and attractive basic rate with a targeted, generous uncapped commission. Working from an idyllic location in the Berkshire countryside, we will provide everything you need to make your role a success. We’re not a huge corporate, so we’re not offering cars, phones and expensive incentive trips to Mexico - but what we can offer is a fun and vibrant environment to work in; a job which doesn’t give you the Sunday night blues and an opportunity to grow as we do.

A chance to really be happy at work.

If you think you’d be a good fit and would like to come and join our growing happy team, to find out more, please email a copy of your CV and tell us a little bit about yourself. We’re all ears.

Hellen@villageeye.co.uk Strictly no agencies

eye it Be a part of

WARNING Advertising in this magazine will

ava *Lim ite il d O ab Au CTO ility f bo tumn BER or ok /W tak ings inter b en no eing w!

Grow your BUSINESS! LOW COST LOCAL

ADVERTISING THAT WORKS To find out more or book your adverts, call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk www.villageeye.co.uk

INTERNSHIP GRAPHIC DESIGN, ADMIN & SOCIAL MEDIA 30 hrs p/w (hours flexible) We are all about creating opportunities here at the Eye. If you’ve just left Uni and are finding that the current crisis has put an unexpected barrier in the way of your future career in the creative/ media industry, then we’d like to offer you some valuable experience whilst you’re waiting for the job market to recover.

YOU’LL HAVE: Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign & Photoshop essential) Artistic imagination, flair & drive Knowledge of social media platforms An understanding of Wordpress Great communication skills A sense of humour Willingness to roll your sleeves up and get on A reputation for making a mean cuppa A means of transport to get to us (we’re rural) IN RETURN We’ll provide you with a solid ‘gap year’ of supported experience across a gambit of media platforms. We’ll pay your expenses and a fair sum to cover your weekend fun... As an awardwinning magazine, we’ll give you the opportunity to expand your print design experience and gain valuable skills in administration, communication and learn about being a team member. We also own and run a full TV studio which will occasionally provide our successful candidate with experience in the world of film and TV. To apply, have a bash at creatively redesigning this job spec and above advert and email it to hellen@villageeye.co.uk telling us a little bit about yourself.

/villageeyemagazine We’ll keep you updated on social at:

www.villageeye.co.uk | 0118 933 3311

17

Make provision for the things you love (with a little help from us)

Fewer Babies, More Saving….

S

aving is of course something we all do. Even if it is perhaps not a conscious activity we are all likely to be a member of our workplace pension or at the very least paying National Insurance contributions and thus accumulating a State pension. (As a slight aside, you can check the State pension you have accrued at https://www.gov.uk/check-statepension and if you haven’t got a full State pension you can pay extra in to get one, which in most cases represents good value for money.)

Many of our clients come to us to ask about saving for the future, particularly for retirement. It’s a bit of a minefield trying to work out

world and its resources and it may indeed help reduce poverty in some parts of the world. This potential good news should also come with some warnings of how the economy might behave if fertility predictions become a reality.

Zoom & Socially Distanced Face to Face appointments available

Although a complex subject, one factor to consider is what is called the ‘age dependency ratio’.

Simply described this is the ratio of working people to non-working people. Working people pay the bulk of tax revenues which support, amongst other things, the retired.

A potential problem here is that if people are living longer in retirement (partly assisted by

Personalised Financial Planning

For an initial consultation call us on:

0118 987 6655 info@blueskyifas.co.uk www.blueskyifas.co.uk

BLUESKY Chartered Financial Planners is a trading style of BLUESKY Independent Financial Advisers LLP which is authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.’

I T

A S

A

S E R V I C E

BUSINESS & HOME COMPUTING SPECIALIST local | reliable | affordable

what you have, what you need and if you have enough and I’d like to think that we’ve got pretty good at helping clients understand all this and helping them make changes where necessary.

I recently read some research about falling global fertility rates.

Researchers at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics have showed that since 1950 global fertility rates nearly halved to 2.4 in 2017. This figure means that the average number of children that women are giving birth to is 2.4 and if the number falls below about 2.1 then the population will start to fall. Indeed the Institute’s projected figures are that fertility rates will fall to 1.5 by 2100.

Some might suggest that the fall in fertility rates is great news for the

18

ever more expensive healthcare) and there are less people working to pay taxes then the books may not balance. Increasing taxation and State retirement ages are strategies that we are already seeing but expect more measures as the age dependency ration worsens.

The summary of this is that the Social Security system introduced in 1945 to protect us from ‘cradle to grave’ may fall short of its intention.

Understanding and taking ownership of our own financial futures is now of increasing importance. It’s time to plan and not rely on others.

Mark

Mark Penston is a Partner & Chartered Financial Planner at Bluesky

Need Help With Your Computer Issues?

We Can help with: • PC Issues & Performance • Data Recovery & Backups (Local & Cloud) • PC, Server & Software Support – Remote & Onsite • Hardware & Software Installations, Repairs & Upgrades • Virus, Malware & Ransomware Removal, Protection & Prevention • Network Support (Wireless, Routers, Switches, Cabling) • New Equipment Purchases • Project Management, Consultancy & Advice • Mobile Device Support

Contact Barnaby at IT As A Service Ltd 0118 997 7300

info@it-aas.co.uk

/itasaserviceltd

07766 443311

www.it-aas.co.uk

@itasaserviceltd

NO FAULT DIVORCE On

8th June 2020, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill passed through the Commons by 231 votes to 16, having already passed through the House of Lords in March. This is arguably the biggest change in the law relating to divorce for nearly half a century.

The current law is governed by the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, which only allows couples to divorce within the first two years of separation if one party can show that the other party has either committed adultery or their spouse had behaved unreasonably and one of these factors led to the end of the marriage. The new law, which is expected to come into effect in Autumn 2021, will take away any need to place ‘blame’ on either party for the breakdown of the marriage.

In recent years, lawyers have worked hard to try to reduce conflict in the divorce process, by encouraging clients to include very mild examples of behaviour in their divorce petitions.

However, in the recent case of Owens, a husband successfully prevented the divorce proceeding, by challenging the seriousness of his wife’s allegations against him.

This forced lawyers to cite more serious allegations to ensure that divorces were successful, which has undoubtedly led to more acrimonious divorces for couples, already in a difficult situation.

Under the new law, couples will be able to proceed with a divorce based solely on an agreement that their marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Critics suggest that making the divorce process easier may lead to more divorces. I truly hope that it will result in less conflict at the outset of the divorce process, so that the parties can focus on the issue of caring for any children of the marriage, finances and coming to terms with the heartbreak of the relationship itself breaking down.

Julie Gallimore offers a fixed fee consultation for £180; meetings can be held using Telephone, Zoom, Skype orTeams.

Tadley Office Sherfield House Mulfords Hill Tadley RG26 3XJ TEL: 0118 981 2992

Reading Office 17 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7SB TEL: 0118 958 5611 E: info-reading@rowberrymorris.co.uk

E: info-tadley@rowberrymorris.co.uk FREE car park at rear of office

Offices also at Richmond and Staines WEB www.rowberrymorris.co.uk

Do you need HR Advice?

IT’S A STRANGE TIME AT THE MOMENT. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN NEED OF SOME FRIENDLY, EXPERT CONFIDENTIAL HR ADVICE, WE CAN HELP.

EMPLOYEE SERVICES: Process & Procedures Redundancy Entitlement Redundancy Process Exit Agreement Advice Work/Life Balance Options Furlough Advice CV Writing & Critique

CORPORATE SERVICES Restructuring Redundancies Employee Development Furlough Advice

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

07900 693448 or sharon.beardmore@outlook.com

facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

19

LAFFORD & LEAVEY LTD ARROWHEAD ROAD, THEALE, READING, RG7 4AZ Tel: Reading (0118) 9303333 Fax: (0118) 9323707 Email: lafford.leavey@btconnect.com

Windows - Doors - Orangeries - Conservatories UPVC or Timber

One of the leading window, door and conservatory installers in Berkshire, offering free quotations and advice from a company with a formidable reputation spanning 50 years. Choose from a wide range of products in a style and finish which will suit your budget and needs, we are only a phone call away.

20

Gas Safety Week:14th-18th September

keeping the nation safe!

TADLEYG HEATINES SERVIC

Gas Safety Week 2020 is taking place across the week of 14th September and, here at Village Eye, we’re keen to support it! What’s more important than keeping our community safe?

B

adly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning, as you cannot see it, taste it or smell it. By taking care of your gas appliances properly you are taking care of your home and your loved ones.

We got in touch with a local Gas Safe registered engineer, Phil Capel of Tadley Heating Services, to ask him for his advice on how to keep your gas appliances safe. Here’s Phil’s top tips for staying Gas Safe: Check your gas appliances every year. Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Tenants – make sure your landlord arranges this. You can even set a reminder so you don’t forget at StayGasSafe.co.uk.

Check for warning signs that could indicate your (or others) appliances are not working correctly. Signs may include lazy yellow /orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out and too much condensation in the room.

Know the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm and make sure your friends and relatives have one too. Check they are marked EN50291 and display the British Standards’ Kitemark.

Look out for friends and relatives. Some people may be unable to arrange their own gas safety check or may be unaware of what they need to do to keep safe.

Boiler Repair

If your boiler or central heating is not working we can assess and repair it using top quality branded parts and components.

New Boiler Supply & Installation All new gas boiler installations performed to the manufacturers instructions.

Boiler Servicing

Using state of the art combustion analysers we can service your boiler and help you comply with all necessary gas safety regulations.

Help your loved ones by ensuring that they have their appliances checked and serviced regularly.

Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. You can find or check an engineer at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

Check your engineer is qualified for the type of gas work you need doing e.g. natural gas, domestic boiler. You can find this information on the back of their Gas Safe ID card and on the Gas Safe Register.

Tadley Heating Services cover a while range of gas services, from new domestic boiler supply and installations to boiler and central heating repair and boiler servicing. As you would expect, Phil and his team use the latest state of the art combustion analysers and you can be sure that they will help you to comply with all the necessary regulations. With over 15 years of experience, Phil really is a safe pair of hands, so if you are thinking of replacing your boiler or you would like your boiler serviced, contact Tadley Heating Services for some Gas Safe advice.

TADLEY HEATING SERVICES Call Phil Capel on:

07760 759318 0118 466 1235

/tadleyheatingservices www.tadleyheatingservices.co.uk 19 Hamble Drive , Tadley, RG26 3UN

21

Mortimer Views over Superb village location This 5 bedroom family home sits amongst lovely gardens of circa 0.4 acre and situated on a lovely tucked away road.

Offering versatile accommodation over two floors with the added benefit of a self contained annex.

• Circa 3191sq.ft • 5 bedrooms, 4 receptions • 36ft family/games room • Kitchen and utility room • Parking for many cars • Circa 0.4 acres • EPC rating E

£900,000

Burghfield Common Flexible family home

Full of character and charm this detached 4 bedroom home offers fantastic accommodation for the modern family.

• 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • Dressing room to master • 5 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Enclosed rear garden • Gated frontage • EPC rating D

£875,000 contact our mortimer office: phone: 0118 467 7999 email: mortimer@davidcliff.com visit: davidcliff.com

22

A selected member of The Guild of Property Professionals

Offices also at Wokingham, Binfield and Park Lane, London

what’s

property of the month

new Shinfield Jardine Meadows A stunning new development of just 5 detached homes.

These homes are currently under construction with completions due from this summer. Please contact us for more information and to register your interest.

• Select new development • Just 5 detached homes • Lovely tucked away location • Currently under construction • Guided tours available

from £575,950

Burghfield Common Superb village location

Mortimer Home with the wow factor

£745,000 • 4 Double Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 4 Separate Receptions

• Garage and Car Port • Electric Gated access • EPC rating C

Riseley Charming Victorian Cottage

£529,995 • 3 Double Bedrooms • Stunning Kitchen • Family Room/Study

• Fitted Oak Kitchen • Beautiful Bathroom • EPC rating E

• Large Conservatory • Updated and Improved • EPC rating D

Bramley Extended family home

SOLD • 2 Bedrooms • Open Plan Living • Two Receptions

Mortimer Flexible living space

SOLD • 2/3 Bedrooms • Refitted Kitchen • Dining Hall

Tadley Private rear garden

£375,000 • 3 Bedrooms £239, 500

• Living Room • Dining/Family Room

• Garage and Parking • South Facing Garden • EPC rating B

• Garage and Driveway • Private Rear Garden • EPC rating D

SOLD • 2 Double Bedrooms • Shower Room • Living Room

• Kitchen • Conservatory • EPC rating E

23

Pink Pages: Trades & Services

MTJ Plastering We’ll get rid of unsightly ceilings & walls

Roller Garage Doors Centre

✓✓ Fully insulated ✓✓ Custom made & British built ✓✓ Free no obligation quotations ✓✓ Best Price Guarantee ✓✓ Free 7 year motor warranty

Fitting Garage Doors since 1995

FREE

7 YEAR MOTOR WARRANTY

T. 0118 981 7300 Roller Garage Doors Centre (Part of Access and Security Systems Ltd)

Before

Manufactured by SWS UK

www.rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk

After to request a free quote, or to discuss your requirements, contact us today. We'll be happy to help.

11 New Street | Strafield Saye | RG7 2EN

Whether you're looking for a newly plastered ceiling or external rendering, we provide a wide range of plastering services.

With more than 18 years of experience in plastering, you can expect the highest standards and an excellent finish every time.

www.mtjplastering.co.uk info@mtjplastering.co.uk

07789 902 091 0118 933 2121

Berkshire Design Build Ltd

& telephone: 07836 751 072

email: davidling007@sky.com | 31 Longworth Avenue, Tilehurst, RG31 5JU

www.trustedtraders.which.co.uk/businesses/berkshire-design-build-ltd 24

11,500 copies, 17 local villages, estimated 32,000 readers - monthly!

To advertise, call 0118 933 3311

eye

Not going on holiday now? Spend this summer in a beautiful garden instead. Your beautiful garden.

Our Services Include Garden design | Lawn treatments Regular garden maintenance | Garden clearances Hedge trimming | Weeding | Patio & Jet washing Weeding | Planting | Garden tidy ups Small tree work | Gates/fence work | and more...

A t ec

j ro

tp

n ce re

“Jordan, I just want to say that your team were the most professional and competent we have ever used. The garden makeover you did has changed our lives and it didn’t cost as much as we thought it would either.

I will recommend you to all my friends. Thank thank you, thank you!”

L Hayward

www.gardenmaintenanceberkshire.com Phone: 07500 905908 Email: CurtisLandG@gmail.com

29

UPVC & Aliminium: Windows - Doors Conservatories - Facias - Soffits & Guttering For a friendly, no obligation chat about your windows, please call:

0118 930 5757

Windows & Doors

www.tailormadewindows.co.uk

Windows & Doors

REGISTERED IN ENGLAND: UNIT 2 JAMES LANE, BURGHFIELD, RG7 1NB

Registered office: Field Close, Burghfield Common

Registered in England: Tailormade Windows & Doors of Berkshire Ltd. Unit 2 James Lane, Burghfield, RG7 1NB

Please mention Village Eye when responding to adverts.

Windows & Doors - Berkshire

25

Pink Pages: Trades & Services

James W Fisher Property Maintenance

PAINTING & DECORATING With our extensive range of facilities and FREE services, can you afford to go anywhere else for your vehicle maintenance needs?

SERVICING MOT TESTING DIAGNOSTICS MECHANICAL REPAIRS MOT TESTING TRACKING / ALIGNMENT WHILE YOU WAIT TYRES / BATTERIES / EXHAUSTS TYRES ALL MAKES FREE COLLECTION / DELIVERY

AIR CON

SERVICE & REGAS

All interior and exterior decorating, carpentry and small building work.

25 years experience.

CONTACT JAMES TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION. No job too small:

OFFICE: 01189 831246 Mobile: 07766 646430 Email: info@jwfisher.co.uk www.jameswfisher.co.uk The Forge, Reading Road, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3BL

COVID-19 UPDATE During this period of uncertainty, we will be offering a free of charge collection and delivery service for your vehicle.

Each vehicle will be picked up with the minimum contact.

Keys will be fully sanitised before returning.

Payment can be made via the phone or BACS HYGIENE: Hand sanitiser & disinfection wipes at all stations.

Reorganising and disinfection of all workspaces.

All employees encouraged to follow all hygiene protocols recommended by the World Health Organisation.

All vehicles sanitised upon completion before being returned.

SUPPLIERS We are in daily contact with our suppliers to ensure we can supply and fit to all makes & models. We also have dedicated staff available to pick up and drop off your vehicle.

0118 970 2222 www.mendemmotors.com 4, Stacey Industrial Park, Silchester Rd, Tadley RG26 3PY

26

Short & long term secure storage for home or business Open 7 days a week 8am – 8pm Easy access, all on one level Security alarms, CCTV cameras and 24 hr surveillance 0118 982 0788 e: tadley@barn-store.co.uk

www.barn-store.co.uk

11,500 copies, 17 local villages, estimated 32,000 readers - monthly!

To advertise, call 0118 933 3311

Garden Garden Maintenance Garden Buildings Grass Cutting Gutter Clearance Household Decorating Basic plumbing Household Repairs

eye

Fence Maintenance Hedge Cutting Patio Cleaning Leaf Clearance Autumn Preparation Fully Insured Competitive Rates

07568 570802 or 0118 405 0031 /handyhomesgardens

Complete Bathroom & Kitchen Installation An independent family owned and run business with almost 30 years of experience of delivering the highest level of craftmanship for the supply, installation and design of quality kitchens,bathrooms, ensuite bathrooms and wet rooms in North Hampshire and West Berkshire.

aFree Design & Consultation aDisability Bathrooms - Our speciality a Highly trained, qualified craftsmen Call in or contact us, we are happy to help and give our expert advice

18b Mulfords Hill, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 3JE

0118 981 3777 tadleybathrooms@aol.com www.tadleybathrooms.co.uk

Please mention Village Eye when responding to adverts.

27

Pink Pages: Trades & Services

ASHLEYS

ASHLEYS

REMOVALS & STORAGE 0118 983 1311

REMOVALS & STORAGE BIG ENOUGH TO COPE BUT SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE

Pest Control

CALL YOUR LOCAL REMOVALS COMPANY ON

Pest Control Control Services 0118Limited 983 1311

738950 or 0778 7535014 Control Services 07850 Limited

PACKING - STORAGE - REMOVALS - RELOCATIONS - PIANOS

ASHLEYSREMOVALS@BTCONNECT.COM

We are local family company of 20 years WWW.ASHLEYSREMOVALSANDSTORAGE-READING.CO.UK specialising in the discreet removal of:

We are local family company of 20 years Wasps, Hornets, *Bees,of: Rats, specialising in the discreet removal

Mice, Moles, Woodworm, Ants, Fleas, Flies, Moths, Bed Wasps, Hornets, *Bees, Rats, Mice, Moles, Bugs, Beetles, Cockroaches, Rabbits and more

Woodworm, Ants, Fleas, Flies, Moths, Bed SAME DAY ATTENDANCE CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Bugs, Beetles, Cockroaches, Rabbits and more BPCA Members - RSPH Certified - Fully Insured SAME DAY ATTENDANCE

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

01635 250 852

BPCA Members - RSPH Certified - Fully Insured www.control-services.co.uk * Please be aware Bees should only be treated if really necessary.

We are a Burghfield-based company with 25 years01635 experience of professional 250 852 control & removal of:

Wasps, Hornets, Rats, Mice, Moles,www.control-services.co.uk Woodworm, Ants, Fleas, Flies, * Please be aware Bees should only be treated if really necessary.

Moths, Bed Bugs, Beetles, Cockroaches and more...

07557 737434 BPCA MEMBERS - RSPH CERTIFIED - FULLY INSURED info@control-services.co.uk www.pestcontrolberkshire.com AS FEATURED ON

QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS BY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

SAME DAY ATTENDANCE

DO YOU DREAM OF A NEW KITCHEN? by simply replacing the doors and worktops THE UK’S # 1 KITCHEN MAKEOVER EXPERTS.

• Trusted reputation

EST. 1999

• Huge choice of doors, worktops appliances, sinks & taps • Free planning & design service • Door swaps to full kitchens – tailored to your needs

RE

BEFO

Covid-19 - Our showroom is open on an appointment only basis. Home appointments are available on request. Social distancing & hygiene regulations are implemented in our showroom, on appointments and during installations.

Social icon

Rounded square Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

AVERAGE SCORE

9.98/10

28

®

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Visit our Showroom: 86-88 Chapel Street, Thatcham, Berks EST.RG18 19994QN Free Parking VISIT at rearOUR SHOWROOM NOW. CALL LESLEY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ON:

01635 867336

11,500 copies, 17 local villages, estimated 32,000 readers - monthly!

To advertise, call 0118 933 3311

CLEAN

eye

Clean House Services is a small friendly team with over 10 years of cleaning experience.

HOUSE SERVICES

We offer the highest standard of Domestic and Commercial services using professional cleaning equipment and products

We are always happy to offer a quote, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Domestic cleaning Office cleaning End of tenancy cleaning Carpet cleaning

Upholstery and rug cleaning Hardfloor cleaning Ironing services Spring cleans, one off & much more

Call: 0759 362 7139 info@cleanhouseservices.co.uk

Andy ’s Tiling & Plastering

PLEASE CALL FOR A QUOTE

07952 517 246

creativeconstruction.eu@googlemail.com

(Theale Based)

Any kind of wall & floor tiling. Also, Painting & Decorating If you urgently need a Gas/Heating Engineer in Berkshire, look no further than Theale Gas. Call us today on: 07979 542998

GOING BACK TO WORK?

WHO DO YOU TRUST WITH YOUR BELOVED PET?

Experienced Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Service • • • • • •

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GasSafe registered Heating Engineers offering a wide range of plumbing and heating services, including fixed price boiler installations, boiler replacements, fault finding, servicing and repairs.

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day n u S n i W us! n o h c n Lu

eye

Weekends at Are you looking for a family-friendly pub & restaurant? The team at The Fox & Hounds, Theale have gone all-out to cater for families and they also allow well-behaved pooches - so why not pop over and try it out? You’ll find a pretty safe and secure garden, mouthwatering dishes and a selection of great drinks too! Situated next to Theale lakes, The Fox and Hounds lends itself beautifully for a leisurely after lunch Sunday- stroll in one of Berkshire’s best beauty spots!

ENTER OUR FABULOUS COMPETITION TO WIN A FAMILY SUNDAY LUNCH & A BOTTLE OF WINE FOR 4!

To enter, visit www.villageeye.co.uk and answer the following question: Chris & Sean have recently become the new Managers...

But what is the name of their friendly Dog? A: Bean B: Boris C: Bear

READER OFFER!

Mention Village Eye when you book a table at The Fox & Hounds on any Sunday in September and everyone in your party can enjoy a free dessert on us!*

wwwfoxhoundstheale.co.uk

* One with every main course purchased.

Competition closes midnight 30th Sept. Ts&Cs apply

PARTY@

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Are you looking for something different for an upcoming celebration or birthday party? How about a sleepover experience your child will never forget. Let us provide you with a COVID secure easy stress free service providing individual tents and decorations along with a choice of many great activity packs to suit all themes and budgets.

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Based in Mortimer, we cover a 50 mile radius from RG7

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Most people like to leave their trees and hedges alone across the spring and summer months so as not to disturb nesting birds, but after a full summer of new growth, there may be some trees in your garden needing attention this autumn.

A CUT ABOVE THE REST

time to time and check your work.

eye HOMES

But before you get the ladder and the chainsaw out of the shed to tackle your trees, you may want to consider getting in the professionals.

Tree surgery is dangerous and shouldn’t be carried out by just anyone.

As well as working with potentially lethal equipment such as chainsaws, more often than not, you’re also dealing with diseased trees, which It’s important to get this can bring additional work done before they dangers. Tree branches start to bud in spring, but when is the best time to get are much heavier than you started? When we checked may think, too. Falling branches can be extremely in with Sam & Rachel heavy and hazardous to Cole of Oakland Tree others. Smashed cars and Services for their advice on pruning trees, they told caved-in roofs because of falling branches and their us, “If you want to prune unpredictable behaviour is in the autumn, wait until not uncommon. trees drop their leaves and are dormant—usually Oakland Tree Services October or November. have more than 14 After leaf drop, you can see the tree’s structure and years of experience and identify disease and insect they have a long list of delighted customers - both problems more easily.” commercial and domestic.

As you would expect, they Some pruning jobs can carry full insurance and be quick and easy, such safety certificates, which as shrubs and roses. It’s are listed on their website: easier to understand the www.oaklandtreeservices. shape and structure of co.uk the plant whilst it has no leaves. Stand back from

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GET YOUR CHILD READY

BACK TO SCHOOL At time of writing, the UK has been promised a full return to school for children of all ages in September, perhaps at the expense of pubs and restaurants, though that remains to be seen. It is hard to gauge the full impact that the closure of schools and the pandemic as a whole is having on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Most parents and children (even if they don’t admit it!) will be looking forward to a partial return to normality when schools go back, but if you have worries about your child, it is always a good idea to speak to your school

so that they can be aware and give your child the support they need.

Pupils’ experiences of the lockdown period will have been very varied. For many, it will have been a safe and enjoyable time. For some, it will have been an anxious time or even a traumatic time. Schools and teachers are always ready to support their pupils through challenges that they face in life, but right now these challenges will be amplified, so here are some things that you can do to support your child and your school.

eye Win!

eye TECH

Enter our fabulous competition to win

A Family Ticket

to play at the Knights Realm in Basingstoke!

Embark on your quest at the Knight’s Realm - 18 holes of mini golf, with an adventure around every corner!

Start talking - Your child might have worries about

returning to school. You can explore these with your child and help them think of ways to manage their worries.

Create space for talking in different ways, such as going on a walk together or baking together – it may be easier.

Sleep routine – Help your child return to their normal sleep routine in the weeks before school starts again. Routines always slip a little in the summer holidays, but getting back into good habits in plenty of time will really help with the transition back to school Talk about school – Start to talk through the daily routine

that your child was once so familiar with. It doesn’t have to be a conversation about worries. You could start by asking what they will want to do at lunchtime, does the PE kit still fit and so on.

Share Your Own Tips – Children learn by example,

so tell your child what you do when you feel worried: reconnecting with friends before returning, doing regular exercise or using breathing techniques. Why not share your own worries and feelings about returning to work and how you are managing these feelings?

Stay Positive – It’s important to stay positive and know

that this situation won’t last forever. Why not make a list of the things you have missed and check them off as and when restrictions are lifted as something to look forward to?

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To enter this competition, visit:

www.villageeye.co.uk

and answer the following question:

Knights Realm in Basingstoke have how many holes on their course?: a: 9 b: 10 c: 18

Tel: 01256 350054

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Basingstoke Golf Centre & Knights Realm Adventure Golf West Ham Leisure Park Basingstoke RG22 6PG

KnightsRealm

Competition closes midnight on Sept 30th. Full Ts & Cs at www.villageeye.co.uk

eye

Coombe View is located on Penstowe Park near Bude, Cornwall and sleeps five. In ‘normal times’ the holiday park offers an in-season bar, restaurant and entertainment, with a fitness centre and indoor pool open all year round. There are some restrictions currently in place, as you would expect, but facilities are starting to open up again, so do check which facilities are open when you enquire. The property also benefits from access to Sky Sports and Movies.

LEISURE

be m o o AC iew V hA t i y r holideaak?

W e m m u ok a br or the s

f bo waitinsge before you t you’ve been u o y e r a r A just wh to dispe crowdsay have founding for… look We m

There are breath-taking views along the miles of coastal paths, long sandy beaches nearby at Sandymouth, Bude and Widemouth and plenty of golf, cycling and fishing in the area, too.

Within an easy drive you will find National Trust properties, Port Issaac (where Doc Martin and recent blockbuster movie, Fishermans Friends was filmed), The Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Eden Project, Boscastle and Tintangel.

After a busy day, you can relax with a glass of wine on Coombe View’s patio and watch the sun set over the sea… perfect.

For more information and booking: rogerseward@sky.com 07469 969595 READER OFFER Book a holiday between 1st October 2020 and 28th May 2021 and receive 3 nights for £210, 5 nights for £290 or a full week for £345! (Sorry, no pets). Just mention Village Eye when you enquire.

P&H Cleaning Services Seven Days a week One-Off ‘Spring’ Cleans Competitive Rates Regular Cleans Locally Based Before/After Party Cleaning Domestic, Office & Commercial Insured, Experienced & DBS Checked Flexible & Trustworthy General Cleaning References available End of Tenancy Cleans Fully COVID Secure Ironing (collection & delivery!)

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eye tion

GIVING PUPILS A HEALTHY RETURN TO SCHOOL Schools are planning full returns for September, but it still won’t be what we would call ‘normal’.

Over the summer, local schools, including Pangbourne College, have been grappling with risk assessments and complicated guidelines to safely welcome students back.

And, we know there is more uncertainty to come: we don’t know what will happen with public exams next year, or when some team sports will be able to resume, or when our singers and instrumentalists can start playing together again.

One thing we are very aware of is just how hard the lockdown (and the uncertainty) has been on the mental health of teenagers and young adults.

“Looking after the mental health and wellbeing of our students was a top priority during the school term, particularly when everything was virtual,” says Caroline Bond, Deputy Head Pastoral at Pangbourne College, “we made sure that our tutors, houseparents and teachers were keeping a close eye on who was struggling emotionally or with loneliness. This support will continue when our pupils are physically here or at the other end of a computer.”

Educa

THE HEADMASTER, THOMAS GARNIER,

says: “Pangbourne is, above all, a people place.

We are known for our warmth, our individual support, and our community feel. We aim to offer a well-rounded education which allows pupils of all abilities to achieve their academic potential and gain qualifications of which they are proud.

We also focus on personal development, in particular the development of students’ character and confidence.”

We offer entry for girls and boys at Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form. We are both a day and boarding school, with flexible boarding options ranging from four nights per week to full boarding. Book in for a visit or for one of our upcoming (socially-distanced) open events to come and see for yourself!

If you would like to come along with your son or daughter to take a look around, we are holding a number of Autumn Open Events. Please see below for dates.

WHAT MAKES PANGBOURNE SO SPECIAL?

Sixth Form student Jen says: “The amazing support from my tutor and housemistress, the relationships we build with teachers (who somehow just know when we need a little extra support), the values that go with everything we do, and the friendships I’ve made and which I know will last for a lifetime.”

Parent Maggy says: “It is not a big school, but it has a huge heart and a real sense of community. The kids all know each other, not just in their year groups but between year groups, and that really helps them to look after each other. And parents, staff, families all get opportunities to get to know each other really well.”

The Independent Schools’ Inspectorate (ISI), in its November 2019 full inspection report, says: “the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent,” and “the quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.”

Autumn Open Events

(Bookings Essential): Saturday 19 September - all Years welcome, especially Year 9 entry Saturday 26 September - all Years welcome, especially Year 9 entry Saturday 10 October - Year 7 entry Open Morning Friday 13 November - Sixth Form Taster Day

TO BOOK: Email admissions@pangbourne.com or Visit www.pangbourne.com

36

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Now taking registrations

Fun is an essential ingredient at Green Park Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

Fancy Rocking Out? “Excellent nursery. Attentive and caring staff. Lots of activities. Fabulous menu. My 1-year-old son has a blast and I have absolute confidence in the staff and the quality of care to leave him at the nursery full time.”

Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk

Please call 0118 931 3115 or email greenpark.nursery@childbase.com Green Park Day Nursery and Preschool, Green Park Business Park, 200 South Oak Way, Lime Square, Green Park, Reading, RG2 6UQ

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU www.childbasepartnership.com

Quality tuition at affordable prices Fun and exciting dance classes Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street, from 2 - yrs to adults Gymnastic Dance Musical Theatre Course from 5 yrs

Singing, Drama, Street Dance

Free trial lessons available To find out more, please contact Louise on 01189 868000

info@allstardance.co.uk www.allstardance.co.uk

Berkshire’s fastest growing music school is once again running rock sessions, but it’s not just for kids!

The Rock Project Berkshire now has 13 schools in and around the county, including Burghfield, and since extending its offering to grown-ups in the form of an adult “Rock School” back at the beginning of 2017, the popularity has been so great over the past 2 years - they are running the courses again. With their autumn course starting in September, bookings are now being taken!

Harmeet Nandra who runs The Rock Project Berkshire said: “We had been inundated with requests from parents and other adults saying “I wish there was something like this for me’.” “We are very excited to be running the sessions for adults at Burghfield again.” Like the sessions for 7-18 year olds, the adult classes take place at St. Mary’s C of E Primary School in Theale Road, focusing on drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and vocals. The adult sessions, which are aptly called “Encore”, are 90 minutes long and tutored by professional working musicians.

Harmeet added, “Encore is an opportunity for adults to do something for themselves, pick up a new skill or re-invigorate an old hobby that’s been put aside for too long. It’s also a great opportunity to make new friends with a similar interest.”

Children’s sessions are two hours long, with primary school-aged students taking part in the junior sessions, while the senior group is for those in secondary school. The Rock Project Berkshire also has Encore sessions at its Windsor, Woodley, Tilehurst, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Sandhurst and Fleet schools. A number of bands have developed from a number of these schools.

To book a free taster or for more information, please go to: Classesin:Burghfield|Theale|Mortimer|Silchester|Thatcham|Tadley|LowerEarley

www.berkshirethrockproject.com or call: 07747 443155

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eye tion Educa

Jubilee Day Nursery holds special graduation ceremony for its preschool children Celebrating in style with caps, gowns, cake and ice cream!

Pre-school children at Jubilee Day Nursery celebrated finishing the final term of the year with their very own sports day and graduation ceremonies.

Jubilee Day Nursery, located in Padworth, created a day to remember for their families and children, all whilst adhering to strict Covid-19 guidelines.

Proud parents watched on as their little ones competed in a range of traditional races, before graduating in their caps and gowns.

Each child received a framed picture and medal, which was followed by a wellearned celebratory cake and ice cream!

Jubilee Day Nursery has a highly regarded reputation for outdoor learning. With over 60 acres of private woodland and a working farm, babies and children from 3 months to 5 years of age learn through engaging, hands-on experiences which are sprinkled with imagination and magic every day!

For more information please contact: Jubilee Day Nursery - 0118 970 1600 www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk

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eye

At the Flicks

on the Movies

with Rob Barnes

He revels most in the role of the highly strung and heavily bearded Herschel, complete in tweed suit and thick Eastern European. More on home turf is his portrayal of the laid back and affable Ben, prone to bouts of self-doubt and denial. But compared to his better known roles in the likes of The 40 year Old Virgin, Knocked Up and The Interview he brings a sincerity and light of touch deftness rarely seen before.

A heartwarming concoction preserved in the values of family, faith and forgiveness You can always tell a passion project from the usual Hollywood fare. Often quietly quirky they either hit you in the feels or miss the mark completely. I’m pleased to report that the lighthearted, generational comedy An American Pickle lands firmly on target. Based on a short story by ‘Saturday Night Live’ writer Simon Rich, Seth Rogan stars opposite himself in this charming two-hander about family and faith with a heart of gold.

We begin in the fictional Eastern European village of Schlupsk in 1921. Proud

Jewish labourer Herschel Greenbaum (Seth Rogen) spends his days digging ditches and dreaming with his pregnant wife Sarah (Sarah Snook) of making it big. Years of toil are rewarded when they move to America, in search of the simple luxuries in life - soda water and gravestones. Here he picks up a job in a pickle factory bludgeoning rats, but one day the rodents round on him and he accidentally falls into a vat of pickles. No one notices and no sooner than the lid is sealed the factory is promptly shut down and condemned to ruin. 100 years later in modern day Brooklyn two boys investigate the derelict building and get the shock of their lives when they discover a perfectly preserved Herschell. After a

series of science experiments and research he meets his only surviving relative, great grandson Ben Greenbaum (Seth Rogen), a frustrated app developer who happens to be the same age. They hit it off and all goes well in adapting to the modern world until Herschel discovers his beloved graveyard plot has been left to ruin and is now home to a gratuitous advertising billboard. In the name of family honour and pride he vows to earn enough money to destroy it but it’s not long before his actions jeopardize his and Ben’s livelihoods and with it their precious family ties.

The film does occasionally veer into a ‘dramedy’ territory but this is first and foremost a comedy and so little time is wasted on the minutiae of the narrative. This serves the film well, it’s so easy to forgive the gaping plot holes for the punch of the more intimate and emotional beats of the story. And although painted with very broad strokes it’s hard not to ignore some parallels with Rogen’s religious roots. Ben’s grappling with his ancient jewish faith, so integral to the life of his great grandfather Herschel, is one such theme that is as relatable to him as many others in today’s world.

Part comedy, part caper, part drama ‘An American Pickle’ is a heartwarming concoction of a movie beautifully preserved in the values of family, faith and forgiveness. Well worthy of my first post lockdown cinema visit, this is definitely worth a watch.

The main draw of the movie is Seth Rogan who is just as convincing in both roles.

3.5/5

CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH: The Leaping Lion by Lucy Courtenay Brian is an excitable lion cub. His dad is the King of the Savannah, so a lot is expected of him.

He tries to be big and intimidating, like his dad. There is one thing that Brian loves doing more than anything else and that is playing leapfrog. He is the best in the savannah and is always searching for the next big thing to leapfrog over. So, when he tackles his biggest leapfrog ever and fails, he is mortified when all the other animals laugh at him. Humiliated he vows to never leapfrog again.

That is, until he learns that the Animal Olympics are going to be held in the savannah and leapfrog is one of the events! Can he pluck up the courage to compete and risk more humiliation? Will he make his dad proud?

This lovely short chapter book (92 pages) is perfect for young animal lovers, combining animal facts – such as the fact that female lions do most of the hunting – with a fun story. Who knows, maybe lions really ARE good at leapfrog?

by Willow Coby

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39

eye Leisure

SAFELY DOES IT...

THEY’RE

SCOUT & ABOUT AGAIN!

When my children were very small, I was given a bit of parenting advice by a more experienced friend. She told me that as your children grow it doesn’t matter what they are doing - as long as they are doing something. Keep them busy, she said. Keep them engaged and try and encourage them to challenge themselves and be a part of something bigger. Do this, and they will thrive. So, at the age of 6, I enrolled my eldest in the local Beaver Colony and never looked back. Nether did he.

As he moved up through the various sections, the life skills he acquired were unrivaled by any other club, class or play date he had. He finally left at the age of 18 when he moved away to University and when he left home, as a parent, I had no doubt that his independence and life skills were (in part) attributed to his time in Scouting.

You see, whether it’s Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or Explorers, your child is a part of, the entire ‘movement’ encourages its young people to think on their feet. See the big picture. Ignore the butterflies and go for it.

Welcoming all genders, races and backgrounds, in the UK every week they give almost half a million 6-25 year olds the skills they need for school, college, university, the job interview, the important speech, the tricky challenge and the big dreams: the skills they need for life.

And the best bit? They have an absolute blast along the way.

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In this area we are lucky to have such a thriving Scouting community. With scores of local groups, with over 1200 young people attending regularly.

Now, during lockdown, as you’d expect, regular meetings transformed into a plethora of creatively mastered online gatherings - It’s amazing what Scouting you can still do using Zoom!

Our local Beavers have been on virtual roller coaster rides, white-water kayaking, making cakes in mugs, having talks about rodents & reptiles, and making slime and learning magic tricks. Cubs have been growing celery, holding talent shows and 1st aid quizzes, learning sign language, making lava lamps, making archery bows from kebab sticks and even holding an archery challenge via Zoom! Scouts have been on treasure hunts, learning new knots, quizzes, making doughnuts, code breaking, and map reading.

Explorers have been completing escape rooms, quizzes and doing silly Taskmaster challenges...

But now that schools are returning, our local Scout groups are also getting back to a new normal in the form of safe face-to-face smaller groups outside in the autumn term. A welcome relief for our young people, who just want to get back to doing normal things with their friends.

If you are a parent and are yet to discover the world of scouting, read on, get in touch and get involved!

Beavers are young people aged 6 to 8 who: Master new skills and try new things. They have fun and go on adventures, make friends, and are curious about the world around them. They learn to help others and make a difference, on their own doorstops and beyond.

Every week, they gather in groups called Beaver Colonies to hop, skip and jump their way through lots of different games and activities – achieving anything they set their minds to, and having lots of fun along the way.

At10 1/2 Scouts gather in groups called Scout Troops to conquer the small task of changing the world. Alongside their friends, they master the skills that will help them weather the storms of life, and try things they’d never get the chance to do at home or at school - working with trained volunteers to achieve whatever they set their mind to.

Scouts seek out the answers to the big questions, and to the smaller questions that don’t seem to matter but really should.

Most importantly, they say yes more often than they say no whether they’re taking part in their first ever camp away from home, or writing their first line of code, or accepting the last of the toasted marshmallows.

ers ‘Swim At the age of 8, Beav ing a Cub is be up’ to Cubs... And learning in d an g all about growin ys. Here are small but mighty wa y get up to some of the things the s... with their friend

e For starters, Cubs lov . res ntu ve ad going on are y the er eth Wh racing down a river, telling stories by torchlight or falling asleep beneath the stars. Alongside their Pack, they spend as much time in the great outdoors as possible.

Explorers are a go-getting group of young people aged 14 to 18.

Together, they make up the fourth section of the Scouts.

Week in and week out, they gather in groups called Units to try new things. Being an Explorer is all about discovering the world on their own terms and making the most of what they have, wherever and whoever they are with.

HOW TO JOIN

They might build a den in the local park, or create an edible raft out moonlit of sweets, or go on a e. And ag hike through your vill ght not be even though they mi t Everest just ready to climb Moun ed to have yet, they’re guaranteon our own plenty of adventures ing a Cub doorstop, because be most of is all about making thever and what you have, where whoever they are.

TO FIND OUR MORE ABOUT JOINING IN WITH THE ADVENTURE, OR FOR DETAILS OF YOUR LOCAL GROUP, VISIT:

WWW.SCOUTS.ORG.UK

*One offer per household. Expiry date 31st October 2020

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41

PASTA,LOO ROLL & FLOUR WERE FIRST. NOW IT’S eye Leisure BICYCLES! Are our bike shops really running out of stock? We’ve all seen headlines suggesting that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, bike stocks are running low, along with stories of waiting lists for repairs and new supplies, but is it really that difficult to buy a bike?

Cycling is a positive lifestyle change and should be encouraged, but if you have come late to the party, you might be waiting a long time for a bike unless, of course, you can opt for a high end model which, at £2,000+ are still available to buy from some outlets.

Lockdown restrictions were announced in the UK on 23rd March, and the bicycle trade in this country saw an immediate uplift in sales.

Entry-level mountain bikes and hybrids were exhausted back in May and, because of such high demand and delays on manufacturing because of global lock downs, it is expected that stock will start to trickle through again this month when the 2021 stock arrives.

And it’s no surprise really. With enforced free time as a result of people being furloughed, cycling being a permitted exercise option and cycle shops being classed as ‘essential’ and therefore remaining open, it was a perfect combination for the cycling industry. On top of that, the excellent weather brought out even the most reluctant cyclist!

The desire to avoid public transport fed into this, which boosted the number of people commuting by bike. Evans Cycles said that it had seen “unprecedented demand” for bicycles and this high demand has been sustained.

Of course, you can always opt for a pre-loved bike. Even if local retailers are low on stock, you could try buying from Facebook Marketplace or Ebay. And with the government’s Fix your Bike Voucher Scheme, you can receive a voucher worth up to £50 towards the cost of repairing a bicycle and get it checked over to ensure it is safe to ride. Happy Cycling!

Visit your local bike shop: Rotec Cycles, 9 School Green Shinfield, RG2 9EE, 0118 988 7688

WHERE CAN WE TAKE YOU? Whether it’s a trip to the airport, a wedding or family event, a day of shopping, or you need a car to the centre of London, our highly skilled and trained, professional chauffeurs will ensure that you arrive in comfort, style and on time for a very reasonable price.

Taxi Services Personal Chauffeurs Corporate Services

Example Prices From:

Mortimer & Theale to: (other start points, please ask)

0118 466 0000

Local & reliable, please call us for a personalised quote or visit our website. bookings@cars4executives.co.uk

www.cars4executives.co.uk 42

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Heathrow £45 Gawick £80 Central London £95 --------------------------------Mortimer - Reading £18 Burghfield - Reading £15 Tadley - Reading £25 Aldermaston - Reading £18 Theale - Reading £15 Spencers Wood - Reading £15

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Your local WHILE-U-WAIT MOT*

Testing Station & Service Garage

MOTs from £30

MOTs

Batteries

Repairs

Vehicle Sales

MOTS £40

Diagnostics

Seasonal Checks

Servicing

Tracking

call or book online now:

0118 933 2338

www.spratleys.co.uk

Service | MOT | Repairs | Car Sales e: service@spratleys.co.uk

60/62 Victoria Road | Mortimer | RG7 3SG *MOT testing by appointment only.

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we can get you

moved in time to give Santa your

new address

think pink

now! and talk to us

for further information:

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phone 0118 467 7999 email mortimer@davidcliff.com visit davidcliff.com