Retry Village Eye Oct 14

VILLAGE

October 2014

FREE Lifestyle magazine for the RG7 area

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ere at Village Eye HQ we are delighted to bring you October’s issue in what must be one of the warmest starts to Autumn that we have seen in a long time.

Whopper!

Let’s hope it stays dry (and preferably warm!) for the children’s activities taking place over the October Half Term. Of course, we have the Mortimer Scarecrow Trail but there is also the new skate park at Theale to try out, as well as the Hallowe’en activities at Wellington Country Park - though I understand much of their activities are under cover - just in case!

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KEEPING IT

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And you’ll see that there’s more Hallowe’en and Firework fun coming up at The Fox and Hounds in Theale too. Yes, get the 8th November in the diary, get your costume dusted off and get ready for a fantastic night out with hog roast, fireworks and music.

And, as we start to embrace the change of season, we also see a change in seasonal food. We’ve got a delicious recipe for you to try this month - a warming chicken madras curry (p31). Mmmmmm!

Eye Eye

The more mature members of our community will like what they see on p.24 as we celebrate Silver Sunday.

Recent thought suggests that 80 is the new 60. What do you think?

Is your wardrobe ready for Autumn? Whether it needs a lift or a complete overhaul then why not visit our stylish cover sponsors this month? - Parkway Shopping in Newbury. Take a look at pages 8 and 9 for a preview of what some of their stores can offer this season which includes exceptional collections from Jigsaw, Mint, Velvet, Joules, Debenhams, Fat Face, H&M, Accessorize, Monsoon and more.

Motoring fans are being treated twice over this month! Jack Worboys is back with his most recent car review, but this month is a review with a difference as he looks at classic cars. So if you’ve always fancied owning a classic MG or Capri (!) then turn to p.23 to find out more about the things to think about when making a purchase.

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Girl Power

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In EyeTech this month we are looking at Hybrid vehicles. In particular, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. This Petrol Hybrid Electric Vehicle has really impressed our Eye Geek - and you can read his full story on p.4.

You will see a big change in regular columnist Megan’s piece this month too. As regular readers will know, Megan has been offering us the teenage perspective on a wide range of topics. She has been writing for us for over 3 years now and much as we love her articles, her outlook on life is becoming less ‘teenage’ as the years go by. So this month, we are delighted to welcome Megan as our New Beauty Editor and look forward to her contribution reviewing various creams and potions to keep us all looking gorgeous!

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As ever, we extend a huge thank you to all of our readers, advertisers and contributors for helping to keep business local. Please remember to mention Village Eye when responding to any advertisement or featured business within this magazine. :)

October

EYE

Hellen & The Team

Community News - 2

Property Pages -18

Hybridysation! - 4

Jack Drives... - 23

Skin Hydrators - 6

Silver Sunday - 24

Test your finances - 11

Theale Green School - 28

Extra Spicy

32

Party Time!

Reading

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A4 to Newbury

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Thank you to all our contributors this month:

Editor:

Hellen Shaw

Lyn Hannawin, Jenny Manders, Peter Stephens, Mike Fulford, Mark Penston, Andy Piggott, Mark Penston, Buddy Rhaman, Keely Gallager, Megan Curtis, Judith Pine, Jack Worboys, David Gregory, Carline Gatrix & Simon Blomfield.

Sub Editor:

Jackie Stuart

Advertising:

Karen Sebright

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. *Not including stock images - advert release fee charged.

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To contribute, advertise or let us know your news - please call the team 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

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THE SCARECROW TRAIL IS BACK! The Mortimer Scarecrow Trail, now in its 5th year and going from strength to strength, has become a familiar fixture on the calendar in local homes.

This year’s Scarecrow Trail runs from Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November and the theme is Science Fiction and Fantasy! So whether you are a Harry Potter fan, a Jedi or a lost boy then this is the Scarecrow Trail just for you.

All you need to do to join in the fun is to pick up a map from Dad’s Shop or Budgens then get on your walking shoes, bike, scooter or roller skates to find the scarecrows all around the village! Trail maps are available

from Wednesday 22nd October and cost just £1 each. This year each map will have a £1 voucher to redeem against certain goods in Budgens, who are sponsoring the Scarecrow Trail.

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Proceeds from this year’s trail will be helping to fund Mortimer Village Partnership initiatives and projects in the local community.

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The prizes for the top three scarecrows and the drawing of the trail competition winner will take place at a prize presentation on Sunday 2nd November at Mortimer Fairground Community Centre.

Young people in Theale now have a place to skate!

A fantastic new skate park has been built close to the play area in the recreation ground on Englefield Road It’s suitable for scooters, skateboards and BMXs and it caters for all ages and abilities.

Best of all, it all came about because the Parish Council listened to the voices of the young people in the village when they approached the Parish Council explaining their need for somewhere safe to ride their scooters. When the children were invited to a parish council meeting, 17 of them went along and gave a presentation.

Building a skatepark fitted in with the parish plan, which identified the need for more sports and recreation facilities.

Funding for the £45,000 project came from a number of sources including Theale Parish Council, Vibrant Villages, Parish Plan grant, Englefield Charitable Trust

developer contributions (S106), The Veolia Environmental Trust and West Berkshire Council’s Members n y Fund.

It was a real community project Theale with the youngsters fundraising Berkshire, RG7 5AN for benches and litter bins at the .johnlbankysolicitors.co.uk skatepark with a sponsored scooter ride at Theale Green School, and parents added to the money raised by selling refreshments. Councillors, Neighbourhood Wardens and the neighbourhood police team were there to show their support.

Theale Councillor, Alan Macro, told Village Eye that there has been a stream of people complimenting the skate park - young and old alike - saying what a great facility it is for the children. “Some have even been saying that it’s the best thing the Parish Council have ever done!” says Alan.

Let’s get skating!

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eye

ARE THESE THE LARGEST PUMPKINS IN BRITAIN? D

On Community

eep in Spencers Wood, on an unassuming allotment, retired scientist, Mike Nunn has been quietly cultivating two giant pumpkins.

His interest was first peaked in growing enormous fruit on a trip to the USA in 2009. Having seen the size of the pumpkins in an Ohio festival he thought it would be interesting trying to grow one that size for a local show.

He ordered seeds from a special pumpkin seed website, and soon had deliveries from continental Europe and the USA. Now, each day he tends to the 30ft by 30ft pumpkin patch, adding a mixture of water and his “pumpkin tea” – a unique recipe of horse manure, wood ash, the comfrey herb plant and other secret ingredients.

The pumpkins have been putting on an impressive 15lb a day and weigh more than a couple of baby hippopotamuses.

Mike has already picked up prize money for top ten finishes at the national Autumn Pumpkin Festival in Southampton and is hoping that he may be in with a chance of winning a national championship this month.

Mike with his enormous Pumpkins!

Photo courtesy of Get Reading

But the world of pumpkin growing is fraught with danger!

To reach the 500lb target, the hot weather needs to hold. A sudden downpour could cause the pumpkins to swell up and crack. Stem breaks are also common and if Mike’s pumpkins suffered a stem break before the competition it would put the whole thing in jeopardy.

After the competition, both pumpkins and their seeds will be auctioned for an armed forces charity. Village Eye would like to wish Mike the best of luck with the competition!

Nativity’s Leading Light Fades

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We were sorry to hear that Pat Eastop MBE, leading light in the Arts and cherished Director of the Aldermaston Nativity Play, passed away last month after a short illness.

FENCING

She directed the angels and the shepherds for an astonishing 57 years. She was also founded the West Berkshire and North Hampshire Open Studios Scheme, creating a directory of artists and their work places.

She chaired the committee for 26 years. For three decades she taught art and design at Theale Green school, becoming head of the department. She also chaired the governing board at Ecchinswell Primary School! She was devoted to the Aldermaston Show and judged the crafts section for many years.

Turfing- Hedging – Garden Maintenance – Borders

Mrs Eastop was made an MBE in 1998 for her services to the nativity play and community in Berkshire.

Patrica collecting her MBE with husband Geoff

The Aldermaston nativity play is all set to continue this year, though it will, of course, be tinged with sadness at the loss of such a remarkable woman.

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To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

3

Hybridysation Noun: In biology, the process of combining different varieties of organisms to create a hybrid

Or - to put it in motoring terms - How to get a company car with hardly any tax impact to your benefit in kind, put the expenses (legally) against your company and doing something green at the same time whist driving a really beautiful and well made new car...

So why this article ? A few years ago I looked at getting an electric car. There were two main driving (pardon the pun) reasons. The initial one was about doing my bit for the environment and going green, the second was financial. There have been some studies that say electric cars are actually worse for the environment, but in the round I think it comes out just in their favour looking at the entire lifecycle. So let’s park (another one) the environmental argument even though it is a very important factor. With the price of fuel going up dramatically over the past few years and lots of incentives (many from the government) to go electric, I thought surely there must be a benefit not just to the environment but to my pocket too.

Until recently, the options available to me were not viable - I didn’t want a tiny little electric car with no range and I couldn’t afford a Tesla. I needed something more substantial, with seats for all the family and good load space. There was nothing on the market (I am not a fan of the Prius), so I simply kept what I had (my trusty 96K 4 litre Jeep - yes a fuel guzzling monster tank.)

Then, around two months ago when I saw an advert for a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - They describe it as the game changer.

I thought really? A 4WD that’s environmentally friendly? That has to be rubbish... completely compromised - let’s take one for a test drive. I will be honest and say that, for the first time in my life I can admit to being driven (and another) to actually purchase something directly from an advert on’t telly - or at least own up to it.

So I did. I test drove the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Petrol Hybrid Electric Vehicle) - and it was like nothing I was expecting at all. A really solid drive, great space, nice looking and well manufactured car. A proper 4WD car, with all the electronics and fittings you would anticipate in a petrol or diesel version. It is refined, and with the £5K incentive from the government you’ll received when buying one - is works out to be exactly the same price as the Diesel equivalent Outlander. Yes, you sacrifice 2 seats where the two electric motors and batteries are, but keep enough seating space comfortably for 5 adults and lots of luggage. Now, Im not going to write a review on the car, there are lots of others that can do that (indeed, we understand that our very own resident Motoring columnist will be reviewing the car

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TECH

eye

by Eye Geek

in full in a future issue - but until then - there are plenty on-line to choose from). All I can say is that I thought the car was fantastic, ticked all the boxes - so I ordered one.

But hang on a minute... When you think about car ownership do you really ever own a car? Unless you’ve purchased a car outright, you pay back a finance agreement or loan every month only for your beloved vehicle to depreciate. As we have a company, I thought that I’d investigate the possibility of leasing rather than buying. What stopped me before was the ‘Benefit In Kind’ costs of a company car... So I enquired with an old friend of mine Richard Glew who knows a thing or two about these things - he happens to own Thames Valley Leasing and has been in the trade for over 20 years.

It turned out that the financial incentives for me were very favourable. I found out that all of the lease costs can be written against my company, together with some of the VAT as well as the insurance, maintenance etc. For the person taking the car as a company car there is only 5% Benefit in kind, compared to usually about 25% - so that tax impact is minimal. With this vehicle there is NO road tax, NO congestion charge, and plenty of places to charge for free and sometimes park for free. But heck - if you run out of electrons you still have a 2 litre petrol engine. I worked out that I could have a new car leased for three years at less cost than I was already paying out in petrol to run my Jeep each month.

I leased one - and it arrived in July. British Gas installed a charging point for me at home (That was free too - however at time of writing I believe the government incentive has now been withdrawn and it will cost you £115 to have one installed - but that’s still a small price). I am also turning our electricity at home over to Economy 7 so that the cost to charge the vehicle is as low as possible (I’ve worked it out to be about £1.00 for every 32 miles! Happy? Yes I am.

Finally, as a favour to Richard whose invaluable expertese helped with the leasing of this vehicle to our business, I promised that I would give the readers his contact details. So, if you would like to discuss how to lease cars personally or via a company, why not get in touch with him at Thames Valley Leasing 01344 206 223 or richardglew@thamesvalleyleasing.com

Follow us on facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

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A SPECIAL AUTUMN TREAT!

S

ight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don’t know the best way to look after our eyes. National Eye Health Week aims to change all that.

eye

Vision really matters.

This annual awareness week, usually held during the last week of September is a national campaign run by professionals in the Ophthalmic industry aimed at highlighting how regular eye examinations are fundamental for healthy living.

And, having just taken part in the UK’s fifth such awareness week, we spent some time with Cheryl Bridle from Bridle Eye Care in Theale to understand the importance of looking after your eyes... One of the most surprising things we learned is that not only can an eye examination detect potential problems with your vision it could potentially save your life!

By looking inside your eyes, an optometrist can spot signs of serious health problems – diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, brain tumours, and can even indicate an increased risk of a stroke.

Many people think that a sight test is just about checking whether your vision needs correcting with glasses or contact lenses and put off going for a check up because they think they can see perfectly well [thank you very much].

But, this is not the case and, as we’ve discovered, there are other important reasons to have a regular sight test.

includes the detection of eye conditions” explained Cheryl.

“Many of these, if found early, can be treated successfully, avoiding potential sight loss.”

Irrespective of age, having an eye examination is an important health check for your eyes. It’s just as important as visiting the dentist or your GP for a check up. Optometrists will be able to tell you how often you need an eye examination too. Though, as a general rule, people should have an eye check-up every two years even if you they have had no problems with vision or wear glasses.

At this point though, it is worth noting that if a condition has been diagnosed previously by an Ophthalmologist, then these check-ups may be required sooner. ‘It is also important to highlight that regular check ups are even more important where eye or health problems run in the family.

Did you know?

1.8 million people in the UK are living with sight loss. For 53% of these, a simple sight test and new spectacles could really help. A sight test can also detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, and other health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure - many of which can be treated if discovered soon enough.

If you haven’t had a eye health checkup recently, now is always a good time!

“A sight test is a vital check on the health of the eyes and

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Combination/ Oily Skin If your skin, like mine, can be very temperamental, one minute it’s soft and supple, the next it’s dry yet strangely oily oily, then look no further than the Clinique Dramatically Dif Different Moisturising Gel. This absolute beauty of a moisturiser is yellow in colour which glides onto the skin perfectly perfectly, I can really eally feel it hydrating and moisturising my face. What’s even better is that it acts as an amazing base for applying makeup, making foundation blend into the skin beautifully beautifully.. I am totally in love with this moisturiser and I think it is perfect for oily and combination skin in the cold winter months, ensuring that your skin does not become dry whilst minimising the oiliness found in the t-zone area ea of the face. For £17.50 it is on the pricey side… but the gel-like consistency of the product oduct means a little goes a long way way,, and it seriously does, my bottle has lasted me 7 months!

Normal Skin

Hydrating

Beauty Bea Eyes

Hydration is absolutely key thr throughout the autumn and winter months (I know, where did the summer go?) and know this applies to all skin types, oily oily, dry, sensitive, ageing and young. For the past few years I have tried and tested various moisturisers, both high end and street to try and find the perfect high str one which would make my dry and dull weather wor worn skin become fresh and awake….so not much to ask eh?

Megan’s Moments

Only recently have I discovered the wonders and benefits of using an eye cream daily and a little really does go a long way! One of my favourites is The Miracle Worker by Philosophy, which is tinted and quite thick, making it a good base for applying make up underneath the eyes. Personally, I feel that this can be used on any skin type, not just ageing, and I can’t comment on it reducing wrinkles! However, it definitely covers the dark circles and I do feel like my make up looks more radiant when applied over this eye cream. If you are looking to invest in an eye cream that will reduce the signs of ageing as well as making you look more glowing and radiant, then definitely look no further than this!

If you are a lover of a spa-like feel from your skincare products, then look no further than the Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for normal/combination skin. If there is any brand of skin care products that never cease to amaze me, it’s Liz Earle, all of their products are absolutely worth the price tag. The moisturiser smells so pure and natural and blends so nicely into the skin, afterwards you’re left feeling refreshed and awake – just like you’ve visited the spa!

If there are any products I can recommend for getting rid of blemishes and acne and that would give your skin a well needed revitalised boost no matter what age, it is Liz Earle.

Just one week after purchasing their Hot Cloth Cleanser my skin was completely clear – and that never happens!

As if you don’t already need more tempting, the moisturiser is packed with natural ingredients such as borage and avocado oil, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Again, the price tag is a little hefty at £19.50, but a little does go a long way, and trust me, it will be one of the best skincare purchases you make!

Ageing and Dry Skin If you are looking for a moisturiser that will transform your ageing complexion into a youthful and more radiant one then look no further than the Dr Organic Intensive Daily Treatment Day Cream*. This moisturiser is extremely nourishing and rich, which I found unusual for a daily treatment. However, I tested this moisturiser on a few people other than myself and found that it works absolute wonders not just on ageing skin but for very dry skin too. If I had a day where my skin felt tight and dry, just popping some of this moisturiser onto my face instantly gave my skin a wake up call, which is why I think it is perfect for applying during the winter months when your skin really needs a boost! Even on my young skin, this moisturiser left my skin feeling firmer and more awake, definitely something I wasn’t expecting! Also, for the price of just £8.19 I am seriously impressed with the glass packaging, making it look far more expensive than it really is.

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Any products marked with an * have been sent to me, but my opinions remain my own.

For any enquires or suggestions for products to review and test out then do not hesitate to contact me by email: megan@villageeye.co.uk

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parkway shopping newbury setting the tone for autumn-winter style

Parkway offers an exclusive range of top fashion & lifestyle brands in a historical environment right in the heart of Newbury. Located just off Northbrook Street, Parkway is anchored

by John Lewis at home and Debenhams, membership alongside a mix of high street stores and unique boutiques. So whether you are looking for the latest AW 14 fashion, food or gifts make sure to visit us here at Parkway Shopping, Newbury.

a whole Parkway sets the tone for this year’s Autumn / Winteryou story trends with exceptional collections from Jigsaw, new Mint unning the Velvet, Joules, Debenhams, Fat Face,outH&M, Accessorize, of planes – sky diving for

Monsoon and more. Expect a mixture of luxurious knitwear, contrasting sparkle and vibrant autumnal colours to dominate Thaning became the oldest the collections. This is the season for rural chic meets glamour.

the English Channel at a sprightly 73 saying it “exhilarated dipping starting

Did you know that this October is Silver Sunday Month? Silver Sunday is an by Milton Foundation, it celebrates the value and knowledge they while combating loneliness and isolation. eading . Silver Sunday takes place on ganisations put on ganiser Bev e some of the most social and friendly of seems leading e the generation born their fectionately known as the “Silver Pound” – it is estimated that last year our ‘Senior Shoppers’ accounted for 47% of UK Beat the chill with this Fat Face soft cotton blend half neck knit. It has a great placement knitted pattern, big branded buttons and ribbed collar and cuffs £50.

Teamed with Slim Raw Selvedge Jeans £55

f up for the eplaced rather than the d&

Perfect for the party season ahead, this Razan Dress from Monsoon oozes opulence with fawn-coloured satin, topped with metallic golden lace, and e signing scattered with radiant pearl beads £149.00

ules too. their total pension pots in one lump ge in Ferrari sales. with Sir Stirling racing cars to the public at 85 years of age 8

Joules Womens Crew Neck Cable Knit Jumper £59.95. Cropped Fudge Chinos £49.95.

Gainsborough Leather Brogues £99.95

This season’s chic felt fedora from Accessorize will give your look a sophisticated edge. This version is cut in the classic shape, with a matching grosgrain ribbon trim in a bow effect, with a gold-coloured metal bar at its centre £29.00. Sangria Jacquard Blanket Scarf £25

Fresh from the H&M Studio Collection is this short dress in glossy velvet with a beaded yoke, 3/4-length sleeves with beaded and sequined embroidery. Availabile now at their Parkway Store £99.99

Open Monday to Saturday: 9.00am - 6.00pm Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm Park at Parkway 1st hour £1 & £1.50 all day Sunday (valid between 8am - 6pm)

Set to open in Parkway – late October!

NB. Extended trading hours for Cafe Rouge, John Lewis at home & Debenhams.

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eye

Community On Leisure

Silchester Roman Dig Closes James W Fisher Property Maintenance

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Picture courtesy of Reading University

F

or 18 long summers, this quiet corner of Hampshire has resounded to the sound of tapping, scraping, and sloshing. But sadly, this summer was to be the last in the current ‘Dig’.

The excavation of Insula IX at Silchester, where more than 4,500 archaeology students have learned their trade, has now finished, relegated to the history books.

Professor Mike Fulford, who has been excavating at the site for 40 years set out to find out: when the town was built and by whom, and when it was abandoned and why. And, after all of these years, the first part of that has been pieced together.

The town was at its height in the Iron Age, in the

century before the Romans arrived in AD 43. One of the major towns in England, Silchester townsfolk traded in grain, metalwork, hunting dogs, and almost certainly slaves, to pay for luxury imports including jewellery, glassware, delicate pottery from France, olive oil and wine.

Then, in the sixth century the town was very deliberately abandoned and the reason why remains a mystery.

The enigmatic Roman town, still marked by the outline of original town walls forming a 1.5 mile circuit, will continue to be enjoyed by walkers and sightseers though we shall certainly miss the familiar sight of the archeologists next year.

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The

Fox & Hounds

PRESENTS

Halloween &

Fireworks Come and join us for this years combined event Fancy Dress Theme - Dead Famous Firework Display Live Music with Ghostly Tales Hog Roast

Spriggan Mist

Mulled Wine Free Entry

SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER

Come and join us for our joint Halloween and Bonfire Night Party, with fireworks from 8pm and live music and ghostly tales by Spriggan Mist from 9pm onwards. We also have a hog roast and you can gulp that down with mulled wine and mulled scrumpy. Doors Open at 5.30pm and food is served from 6 until 9.30pm. Make sure you wrap up warm and get here early to secure your spot! FREE ENTRY

The Fox & Hounds, Station Road, Theale, RG7 4BE Tel. 0118 930 2295

visit us at www.foxhoundstheale.co.uk & like us on facebook www.facebook.com/foxandhounds & follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/foxhundstheale 11

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12

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on Business & Finance

eye

Time to Test your Finances! with Mark Penston

Independent Financial Advice • Investments • Pensions & Retirement Planning • Inheritance Tax Planning • Long Term Care • Mortgages For an initial consultation call Mark Penston on:

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

3 Chalfont Court, Lower Earley, Reading, Berks, RG6 5SY BlueSKY Independent Financial Advisers LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Your home is at risk if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage or other loans secured on it.

Need help with your Computer?

ABComputers is a local IT support company based in Burghfield. We are here to help you resolve your PC or Laptop Repair problems at sensible and affordable rates.

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has recently decided to keep the base rate of 0.5% at it’s current level. But the writing is on the wall for increases in the coming months. The slow release media are preparing us for this and it would seem to be a matter of not ’if’ but ‘when’. The aggregated market view would seem to indicate that rates will go up around the end of the year and increase up to a ‘norm’ of 2% by 2016. That’s an increase of 1.5% and if fed through to borrowers then could make a difference of about £190 per month for someone with a £150,000 mortgage.

So borrowers should ‘test’ their mortgage affordability.

There has already been a rush to fixed rate mortgages, which are not necessarily cheap options but do create certainty. I do not mean to scaremonger, but I remember mortgage rates of 15%, albeit not for long, but it can happen and be wary of those who say it can never happen again! Fixing at 4 to 5% (for example) seems cheap when compared with 15%!

So borrowers will lose out but savers will gain. Those cynics amongst us will suspect that mortgage rates will go up before the rates for savers.

I’ve something else to tell you this month too... I note that another item of ‘slow release’ news is the news from HMRC that if they don’t like the way you have tried to avoid inheritance tax, they’ll charge the tax anyway and before death. Charging inheritance tax before death seems a worrying development but reflects the Government’s intention to raise money in ever ‘creative’ ways. It is a reminder that although the headlines of our country’s debt have faded, the issue remains and must be dealt with.

Mark

ABComputers will visit you at your home or office to make an initial assessment of the problem, and aim to complete the work on site. However, if it proves to be more cost-effective to take the PC away, we will collect it, carry out the work at our premises, and return it to you at no additional cost.

• • • • • •

PC Repair, Laptop Repair/Troubleshoot Hardware PC Repair, Laptop Repair/Troubleshoot Software Virus, Spyware and malware removal Recovery of deleted data, and transfer of data PC & Laptop Security Installation and setup of new PC's and laptops

W H A T A B O U T

M O R T A G E & T A X R I S E S ?

0118 983 2467 Andre@abcomputers.org.uk

www.abcomputers.org.uk

Mark Penston is a Partner and Chartered Financial Planner at Bluesky Independent Financial Advisers.

13

eye

Time to

WINTERIZe your windows?

Homesn& Garde s

A

s the night’s draw in and the temperature starts plummeting, thoughts naturally turn to winter and the colder months ahead; But is your home ready? You may have noticed a bit of a chill in the air this month or perhaps you’re putting off turning your home heating on due to the huge rise in home fuel bills, either way - now could be the perfect time to start thinking about improving the energy efficiency (and comfort) of your home and thermally efficient, energy saving double glazing is a good place to start.

So, are your current windows energy efficient? Whether you’re living with original timber or steel framed windows, featuring single glazing or perhaps first generation uPVC double glazing, not all windows are created equal and with recent advances in uPVC frame and glazing technology, modern uPVC double and even triple glazing windows can make an enormous difference to the thermal efficiency of your property.

You may be surprised to learn that it is common for approximately 60% of household heat-loss in the home to occur via single-glazed windows – that can amount to a huge (and costly) amount of energy loss which could be avoided by fitting energy saving double glazing. Even if you already have double-glazing in your property, ask yourself how recently it was installed? If it’s first generation double glazing, perhaps installed 10-15 years ago there’s a good chance that you could very well be throwing money out of the window (excuse the pun) as in all likelihood it won’t be nearly as efficient as its modern counterparts.

So, how much could energy saving double glazing actually save? This largely depends on what your current windows are made from and how thermally efficient they are; for instance if you have original steel windows fitted which were a popular window frame choice in the 1950’s and you are looking to upgrade to A-Rated uPVC double glazing then you could be looking at an energy saving of as much as 60% – equivalent to saving approximately £321 per year on your heating bills!

New windows can save you £321per year on your heating bills!

If you are reading this and wondering if new or replacement double-glazed windows will be a good investment for the future, there are a number of things you can do to ensure that your new double glazing lasts the test of time and represents great value for money: Firstly, always look for a company that can offer you an independent 10 year insurance backed guarantee as standard: that way you can always be sure that your windows are covered should there be a problem and you can continue to enjoy many years in an energy efficient home with total peace of mind.

It is always wise to use a FENSA Registered double glazing company as this scheme offers the homeowner protection should there be an issue with the product or quality of installation.

Finding the best double glazing company for your budget and comparing prices is nowadays is easier than ever. With easy access to the internet, finding and comparing prices for double glazing is simple... In the first instance though, we’d recommend considering keeping business local. Using a reputable local company can pay dividends when it comes to ensuring you receive a high quality product combined with a professional service (local companies will bend over backwards to ensure that their local customers are happy - as much of their business relies upon their reputation) - some are also happy to match like for like quotes (As with any product or service, it can pay to get a couple of comparable quotes). National companies spend a fortune on television ad campaigns to try and get you to buy their products or services at a ‘fraction of the usual cost’ - but sometimes (though not always), these seemingly too good to be true offers carry hidden charges. Whichever company or route you choose, may your new windows look great, keep your home warm, and help to save you £’s this coming winter.

No Signal? we’ll fix it

TV signal problems? We can help!

Contact Toby on 07737 784 244 for a free quotation or email: info@bluebanana.tv • • •

14

Digital Television Aerials Radio Aerials, (DAB and FM) Sky HD & Freesat

• • •

Multiroom systems European satellites TVs mounted on walls

• • •

www.bluebanana.tv Home cinema systems IRS Systems Hidden cables

• •

Repairs to existing systems, Domestic and Commercial Work undertaken

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

* Subject to availability, Terms& Conditions apply

15

CATKINS Covered fresh air pens Insulated & heated cabins (personal inspections welcome)

Plasterer?

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18 Chestnut Close | Theale| RG7 5DF

07789 902 091 0118 988 7590

Tadley Pet Supplies

You name it - we sell it!

For a competitive, no obligation quotation please call:

07789 902 091 or 0118 988 7590

Why Pay More?

NOW OPEN! NEW ANIMAL SECTION • Tropical & cold water fish • Birds • hamsters, gerbils, rabbits & guinea pigs More information on facebook: Tadley Pet Supplies 16

Threeways, Silchester Road, Pamber Heath

0118 970 0296

Established 27years

Need a Good, Local

BOARDING CATTERY

0118 981 9996 www.tadleypetsupplies.co.uk 4-5 THE FORGE (next to Tesco’s) HEATH END ROAD, BAUGHURST, TADLEY

New to Theale Village

0118 932 3355 Call us for

CUSTOM MADE BLINDS - CURTAINS & SHUTTERS Soft, comforting, cosy. Our delightful selection of fabrics will help you create the perfect home.

Stylish, elegant and beautifully crafted our range of solid wood blinds delivers a real touch of class for your home

Nuview Blinds | Kennet Weir Business Park | Theale | Berkshire | RG7 4AD | 0118 932 3355 17

Theale 0118 930 3133 Burghfield Common 0118 983 3897 Tadley 0118 9810494

Property of the Month Wellington Gardens Bradfield Southend Four Bedroom Detached Family Home

Theale office

A rare opportunity to purchase this 4 bedroom detached house located in the highly desirable village of Bradfield Southend. Sitting on a good sized corner plot the property forms part of an exclusive development of 8 homes.

With four bedrooms including the master, dressing room and ensuite ensuite, this property benefits from generous room sizes throughout the accommodation and feels both light and airy. This property also has a double garage and south westerly facing gardens.

£650,000

£240,000

£275,000

Theale office

Padworth

Theale office

• Ideal first home

• Period property

• 2 Bedroom property

• Desirable village location

• Real extension potential

• South facing garden

• Garden

• Off road parking

• Allocated parking

• Extension potential

• Village location

Theale

£320,000

£290,000 OIEO

Theale office

Theale office

• Village location

• Desirable village location

• 4 Bedrooms

• 3 bedroom semi detached

• Off road parking

• Garage and driveway parking

• Garden

• Lounge/dining room

Padworth

• Gas central heating

• Double glazed windows • Canal within walking distance

Burghfield Common Theale

£360,000

18

• UPVC double glazing

£380,000

Theale office

Calcot

• Downstairs bathroom

Theale office

• 4 Bedroom detached house

• 4 bed detached

• Off road parking

• Ensuite to master

• South facing garden

• Refitted kitchen

• Countryside views

• Garage and driveway

• Gas central heating

• Enclosed rear garden

• Double glazing

Aldermaston

• Separate dining room

Burghfield Common Mortimer Burghfield Village Aldermaston Wharf Beenham Midgham Woolhampton Sulhamstead Beech Hill Aldermaston Theale Bradfield Stanford Dingley Baughurst Tadley Ufton Nervet Spencers Wood Little London Brimpton Padworth Silchester Tutts Clump Tidmarsh Bradfield Southend Englefield Pamber Heath

www.parkersproperties.co.uk

Property of the Month Victoria Road Mortimer Burghfield Common office

We are pleased to offer this four bedroomed Victorian detached family home situated in the heart of Mortimer. Within a few minutes walk of its many shopping facilities, this property retains many original features and has been thoughtfully extended over the years to offer well proportioned accommodation throughout. With a garage and plenty of parking, this propety also boasts a generous sized 90ft enclosed rear garden. Viewing is highly recommended.

£715,000

£540,000

£750,000

Burghfield Common office

Burghfield Common office

Mortimer

• Charming Character family home

• 5 Bedroom detached

• Adjacent to open fields with views

• Much Improved throughout

• Attractive large S. facing Garden

• 3 Bathrooms

• 4-Double Bedrooms, replacement Bathrooms

• Lounge, Dining room and Conservatory

• 24ft x 15ft Lounge & family room

• 90ft rear garden backing onto woods

• Recently re-decorated, original features

Burghfield Common

Burghfield Common office

Burghfield Common office

• 4 Bedrooms

• Chalet Style Home

• 24’7 Lounge, separate Dining Room

• Four bedrooms

• Fitted Kitchen/Breakfast room

• 21ft Lounge

• Conservatory with air-con

• Separate Dining Room

• En-suite and family Bathroom • Convenient village location

• Master with Ensuite

Burghfield Pamber HeathCommon

£330,000

• UPVC double glazing • No onward chain

£297,000

Burghfield Common office

Burghfield Common office

• 3-Bed Detached bungalow

• 3-Bedroom semi

• In need of re-modernisation

• Lounge & separate Dining Room

• 47ft wide Gardens

• Fitted Kitchen built in appliances

• Garage alongside

• Re-fitted gas central heating

• Gas central heating

Burghfield Common

• Quiet gravel lane

£395,000

£475,000

Burghfield Common

4 Bedroom Period Home

• Vacant possession

Burghfield Common

• Landscaped Garden • Garage alongside

We’re here for your every move...

19

consultation

12 Races

In 12 Months!

At time of writing, Simon Blomfield, Manager of Ufton Court Adventure will be preparing for his 8th adventure race in as many months. This race will be his second “Tough Mudder”, a race designed by British Special Forces to challenge the toughest of the tough! So what’s all this in aid of?

Simon has set himself the challenge of participating in 12 adventure races in 12 months to raise funds for facilities and equipment for Ufton Court Adventure (Ufton Court Educational Trust).

This new woodland residential centre provides opportunities for local disadvantaged students to experience new and challenging activities ranging from woodland/bushcraft skills to outdoor pursuits, all with the purpose of raising aspirations.

If you would like to support Simon, just visit www. uk.virginmoneygiving.com/12races12months

showroom “Spratley’s of Mortimer” following last year’s sell-out. The event featured Steve Grant, Rebecca Garcia, Sammy Millard and Amy Jewell playing a varied repertoire of traditional and contemporary solos and duets. This year all proceeds went to The Brain Tumour Charity. and the organisers would like to thank Spratley’s for making this event possible.

Buoyed by positive feedback on last year’s inaugural Music Festival, Mortimer Music Live’s small band of volunteers were keen to deliver some more events for 2014.

Back in July, Mortimer Music Live teamed up with MVP (Mortimer Village Partnership) to present “Planet Abba” on the evening of the Mortimer Fun Day. The band was really authentic and engaging, as the sight of over 400 people dancing and singing testified. The organisers were delighted at positive comments both on the night and around the village afterwards.

yroll

MML’s next event is their increasingly popular “Open Mic Night” at The Horse and Groom, Mortimer on Saturday October 18th from 7.30pm. Musicians of all types are welcome – just turn up. Amplification will be provided!

More recently, Paul and Julie Spratley offered to host another Classical Guitar event at their car

ber

octo 18th

20

apply

m

7:30p

Girl Power

Eye on careers

eye

Women are now app roaching gender balance in science, w ith women being nearly 40 per cent of science professionals and sc ientific researchers, but they make up on ly 6.9 per cent of engineering profess ionals.

There is significant change afoot within the STEM (science, technology, engineering or maths) industry. What is it? Girl power!

Yes, the tide is certainly turning with more girls than ever going into these professions which is a welcome change when the Social Market Foundation reporting an annual shortfall of 40,000 STEM graduates.

Girls are finally feeling empowered to study the relevant subjects at school and build successful careers in STEM industries which is vital for our economy to be able to draw on the whole UK talent pool and not just the chaps!

WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) is an organisation established in 1984 with the mission to push the presence of female employees in these industries from 13% to 30% by 2020 and so far, they seem to be doing a great job.

Together with schools and businesses the group wants to encourage even more girls to choose a career in science or technology, and to raise awareness of the different career paths and types of organisations that they could work within.

This should increase the number of girls taking science ‘A’ Levels and STEM apprenticeships which in turn should increase the talent pipeline going into the STEM workforce with the hope of more women taking senior roles and board appointments.

To continue the drive in change across Berkshire, UTC Reading has worked in partnership with the WISE campaign to set up a WISE hub and have a number of activities planned across the academic year. Hub members Thames Water, Kier and Peter Brett Associates are organising a challenge day where girls have to plan and build a town including the water supply, key infrastructure and transport links. Similarly, Fujitsu and CGI UK will be working with primary schools to finalise a coding project that will allow teachers to deliver the new IT curriculum in a fun and engaging way.

Companies with more women on their boards were found to outperform their rivals with a 42% higher return in sales, 66% higher return on invested capital and 53% higher return on equity.

Joanne Harper, Principal of UTC Reading said: “Girls should feel empowered to study and build a career in technical industries, and we believe that by engaging with them at primary school age there will be more awareness of the opportunities available.”

Girls aged 14 and upwards who are interested in studying computer science or engineering in high-tech facilities can find out more at UTC Reading’s taster event on Tuesday 7 October, 5.30-7.30pm at their campus on Crescent Road. To book a place or to find out more visit www.utcreading.org.uk

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

Tuesday 7th Oct 5:30-7:30pm

21

Go green and recycle

this Halloween...

Remember to recycle your pumpkin and food waste in your green bin

For more information visit: www.westberks.gov.uk/waste

22

Go Green

this Halloween!

It’s not just ghosts and witches that can be scary at this time of year, but also it’s scary to think about all the extra rubbish that Halloween festivities can generate including pumpkins sweet wrappers, packaging and costumes.

Follow our tips to enjoy this late autumn tradition without creating so much rubbish and have a GREEN HALLOWEEN! 1 million pumpkins are sold in the UK every year and 99% of them are used to carve scary jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. Most of these pumpkins end up straight in the bin after 31 October being completely wasted!

Love Pumpkin Soup…Hate Waste!

Don’t waste your pumpkin this Halloween…turn it into yummy pumpkin soup for the whole family to enjoy! For our delicious pumpkin soup recipe and more recipe ideas for using up your pumpkin this Halloween, visit www. lovefoodhatewaste.com - And don’t bin those pumpkin seeds you scoop out either; they can make a tasty snack or plant them to grow next year’s terrifying creation.

When you’ve finished with your pumpkin don’t forget to recycle it in your green wheelie bin or compost it in your home composter. If your compost bin is dead and buried, visit www.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 444 to get a discount on a new one.

Don’t be in the dark!

While trick or treating, use rechargeable batteries in your torch. They will last much longer and reduce waste at the same time. Even better, try a wind up torch that doesn’t use batteries at all!

Treats without the trick!

Look for treats that are waste-free like fruit and homemade biscuits, or reusable toys like colouring pencils and puzzle books.

For more information on recycling services visit www. westberks.gov.uk/waste, contact Customer Services by email: customerservices@westberks.gov.uk or telephone: 01635 519080

Jack worboys

Drives...

CLASSIC CARS!

This column will vary slightly from normal in that I’ll be talking about classic cars, giving a general insight into the driving and ownership experience. In fact now is the ideal time to be looking into classics; their popularity in spring and summer means buying in the Autumn and Winter months will save a lot of money.

My history with classics lies with MGs. In the past my Dad has owned a couple of Midgets, and last summer he bought a 1967 white MG BGT. I had very little technical knowledge at the time, so I worked at a couple of classic car garage and am now putting this knowledge and experience to use rebuilding an old engine. We also took the BGT on a road trip last summer, with plenty of drama along the way, which you can read about in the online article.

Classic cars offer a very different ownership proposition to modern cars, not just in how they drive, but in the work involved in keeping them in good condition. There is a gulf of difference between driving a modern and classic car, in my opinion the driving experience is more involving in a classic. You are literally more connected with everything, the car buzzes, shakes and feels alive and the skinny tyres means you always feel busy behind the wheel. There is no doubt it is a physical experience, and makes you realise how much is done for you in a modern car. On top of this, every classic car feels special and makes other road users smile, something the average forecourt appliance could never achieve.

One of the imperatives when getting into classic cars is to surround yourself with people that know what they

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

are doing. This gives you a bank of information and spare hands to fall back on if you get stuck. Luckily there is no shortage of classic car owners that are happy to offer a hand and meeting them couldn’t be easier; there is a vast range of car clubs in the UK, most commonly catering for a single car make.

If you haven’t worked on

cars before, buying a car in good condition is the best idea. Even on well sorted cars there is always something to do if you look hard enough. Plus, if you don’t have the skills or knowledge to do bigger jobs yourself, bills can add up quickly so it’s important to do lots of research if planning a project car.

If you need any help, JC Motorwise are happy to offer advice and can be found at www.jcmotorwise. co.uk.

So, a classic car can be a lot of fun and a great addition to your driveway, especially if, like me, you are of the engineering mindset. If, after checking my online article, you still aren’t sure whether one is for you, see if you can have a test drive or speak to owners about their experiences because not everyone will be drawn in by the old charm of these machines in the same way I have been, like my girlfriend, for example...

You can read my full review on this and other vehicles at villageeye.co.uk

23

eye

Family & Leisure

Green Fingers?

If you have green fingers (or aspire to) why not pop along to the Burghfield and District Horticultural Society to hear their guest speaker this month?

Tim Butler from Lavender Fields in Hampshire will be talking about the history and the growing of lavender. Tim will also be bringing along a selection of their luxury products for the attendees to try - and buy if they wish! Already this year they have had some fascinating speakers ranging from Rosie Hardy of Hardy Cottage Garden Plants, who this year won her 19th gold medal at Chelsea; Richard Bisgrove, who lectures internationally on Garden Design; Becca Flintham, an environmental educationalist, and also Timothy Walker, who is director of the Oxford Botanical Gardens who had the audience chuckling with his tongue-in-cheek talk on “How to be a 21st Century Gardener!”

SUNDAY OCTOBER 5TH

Meeting on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August and December) at St Oswald’s Church Hall, Burghfield at 7.45pm for an 8pm start, attending costs just £3 - where you’ll also be able to find out more about the society .

If you’d like to find out more, please contact their membership secretary by email: membership@BDHS.co.uk

A

ccording to Martha Stewart the US Lifestyle Guru, there’s a whole new lease of life waiting for us in our senior years. And you might probably have to agree? Every day there’s some new story or other of our sprightly seniors putting us to shame; running the London Marathon or throwing themselves out of planes – sky diving for charity.

In fact just this very month, South African Otto Thaning became the oldest person to swim the English Channel at a sprightly 73 saying it “exhilarated him to the point of tears”. Our eyes were moist just thinking about dipping a toe at Dover seafront this time of year. Locally here in RG7 we’re starting to celebrate our Silver ‘super heroes and their active life style too.

Did you know that this October is Silver Sunday Month? Silver Sunday is an annual day of fun and free activities for older people across the UK. Led by The Sir Simon Milton Foundation, it celebrates the value and knowledge they contribute to our communities while combating loneliness and isolation.

Everyone can get involved, whether that’s organising an event, spreading the word, or simply attending an activity. Silver Sunday takes place on 5th October 2014 and across our area individuals and organisations put on events to celebrate. Burghfield will be hosting a party afternoon at the BCSA Club in James Lane put on by TiM (Together In Mission). Organiser Bev French told us “Our older people are some of the most social and friendly of our citizens – I can barely keep up with them myself!”

And despite the doom and gloom financial crisis in recent years, it seems that our current generation of mature mavericks are the ones to be leading us out of the recession. The baby boomers who were the generation born between 1945 and 1965 still have significant spending power from their state and private pensions. Affectionately known as the “Silver Pound” – it is estimated that last year our ‘Senior Shoppers’ accounted for 47% of UK Households spending or a wapping £320 billion pounds!

SILVER SUNDAY

They used to say that 50 was the new 40. Apparently, now in 2014 - 80 is the new 60!

24

This clearly doesn’t reflect the belief that all senior residents do is live off beans and play bingo. Quite the opposite. Over 50’s are signing up for far flung adventure holidays in ever increasing numbers. The days of the one week coach tour of Lake District Tea Rooms is fast being replaced by charity adventures in the jungles of Borneo and Brazil rather than the concrete jungles of Bradford and Bournemouth (PS, we still like Bradford & Bournemouth).

Further recent announcements by the UK government to relax pension rules from April 2015 will super-charge our seniors to even greater heights too.

Over 55s will soon be able to access their total pension pots in one lump sum and newspapers speculate we will see a sudden surge in Ferrari sales.

Of course, you must check all this out for yourself, but with Sir Stirling Moss still demonstrating Classic racing cars to the public at 85 years of age - maybe 80 is the new 60 after all!

Mrs. Bland’s Infant & Nursery School and Garland Junior School Burghfield Common

Learning th

Creative Curriculaum

rough play

Visit us anytime V

• • • • • •

r Forest S

chool

Free nursery from the age of 3 Forest school 'Good' OFSTED rating Garland Junior School New creative curriculum Specialist sports & music coaching Funzone before and after school club

www.mrsblands.westberks.dbprimary.com

Tel: 0118 9832332

Enjoying ou

www.garland.westberks.dbprimary.com

Tel: 0118 9832776

Mortimer

Physiotherapy practice

Is your child due to start school soon?

Mortimer St. John’s CE Infant School now have spaces available!

Would you like your child to attend a warm welcoming school where nurturing and learning are key to educating your child?

BACK OR NECK PAIN?

Set in the heart of Mortimer Village with close links to St. John’s church with parallel classes where your child can mix well with other children.

SPORTS INJURIES?

A well resourced, bright learning environment that will engage your child’s imagination.

MUSCLE/TENDON STRAIN?

We foster a love for learning that will set your child on the right path for the rest of their learning career.

POST OPERATIVE REHABILITATION? * NHS referrals are accepted from all West Berkshire GPs - just ask!

Tel: 0118 933 3896 Text: 07951 840643

www.mortimerphysio.co.uk info@mortimerphysio.co.uk ESTABLISHED FOR 15 YEARS, YOUR LOCAL PRIVATE PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC. NOW ACCEPTING NHS REFERRALS (NHS REFERRALS ACCEPTED FROM WEST BERKSHIRE GPs)

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

We employ warm, caring staff who genuinely care for the wellbeing of your child.

We offer a creative, fun curriculum to bring learning to life and to inspire your child.

You are warmly invited to come and take a look around. Please contact the headteacher.: Nicola Sumner

0118 933 2242

Don’t forget to mention Village Eye when responding to any advert or feature...

25

WILLIAMS

Reading Metal Recycling

CHIMNEY SERVICES

Alloy. Batteries. Braisery. Brass.Copper. Copper Tanks. Car Radiators.

Dirty/Irony Alley. Electric Motors.Elements. Gun Metal. Household Wire.

Lead. Iron. Low Amoured. Old Rolled/Clean Alloy. Stainless Steel.

Williams Chimney Services is an established, professional family run chimney sweeping Business.

Experts in metal recycling We accept everything from small domestic jobs to full factory clear outs. We are a Licensed waste carrier based in Burghfield.

Services we offer: •

A complete clean sweep service. Making sure your chimney or flue system is clean and efficient.

•

We protect your home from soot by sealing the appliance and using specialised vacuum.

•

Smoke test and Draw testing

•

Bird and vermin nest removal

•

CCTV inspections

•

Cowls and bird guards supplied and fitted.

•

We can supply you a wide range of caps cowls and bird guards. a fitting service is also available.

•

Advice on fuel types

Demolition Site Clearances We can come and collect your scrap from site or you can bring your scrap to us and use our 50 ton weighbridge!

Get ready for the winter

Residential Scrap Metal Drop in your scrap metal from home, old copper pipes, washing machines, power cables etc. We will pay you top prices.

from £45 per sweep to Village Eye readers

How often should your chimney be cleaned?

Smokeless coals: At least once a year, Wood: Once a season when in use Bitumous coal: Twice a year, Oil: Once a year, Gas: Once a year

We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in solid fuel, gas and oil appliances. Using the latest and most up to date equipment to make sure you and your appliance are safe and working efficiently.

Web:

www.williamschimneyservices.co.uk

e-mail:

mail@williamschimneyservices.co.uk

T Tel:

Weirside Green Lane Burghfield Bridge Industrial Estate Reading RG30 3XN Mon-Sat 8am-6pm

01189 712367

Pl

(Opposite the Cunning Man)

Pro

0118 9500 470 0781 3443 763 www.readingmetalrecycling.co.uk

tinum

plumbing and heating

New Line Sheds

If you need a local (Burghfield-based) reliable plumbing and heating company, we are here to help.

Garden Sheds. Garden Workshops. Summerhouses.

Chalets. Bespoke Rooms. Playhouses

WE MANUFACTURE

• • • •

Installations Servicing Emergencies Fully Insured

For a competitive quote, please call us on:

Tel (24hrs): 07907 268074 E: info@platinumplumbingandheating.co.uk

• • • • • • • •

Over 50 years experience.

A family run business.

We us wood from renewable sustainable Over 50 years experience. managed forest.

Over 70% of our sales come We do not use chipboard or plywood.

Bolted assembly. from recommendation Mention this advert and receive a free wood Bespoke design available.A family run business treatment on every shed Helpful and friendly staff. purchased!

We us wood from renewable Value for money.

sustainable managed forest We do not use chipboard or plywood.

Bolted assembly Bespoke design available

0118 971 2245

www.newlinesheds.co.uk

Padworth Saw Mills, Rag Hill, Padworth, Reading, RG7 4NU 26

Our Great Outdoors Forest Schooling

At Jubilee our aim is to inspire and motivate children to become confident independent learners.

With a strong emphasis on our outdoor ethos we encourage children to learn actively using our own, private, 53 acre site. Our nursery includes a large on site paddock as well as a fully working farm and a wooded area complete with stream. All this, combined with professional trained members of staff, makes for the perfect setting for Forest School learning.

Here at Jubilee Day Nursery we care for children from 3 months to 4 ½ years and we make sure that everyone, regardless of age, have the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful surroundings.

For example, our baby’s first experience of the woods is when they are taken in their buggies to go for walks, this quickly progresses to toddling around in the bluebells in the spring and jumping in the stream, in their wellies, in the summer.

When the children are old enough they are shown how to build fires so when the weather isn’t quite so warm we can sit around the camp fire.

Forest school learning is the natural next step for Pre School children in their learning process. Our qualified Forest School leader, Emma, progresses the children’s outdoor learning even further. Taking small groups of children and shaping opportunities to explore and discover their natural environment. She provides opportunities for them to learn self-risk assessment, develop selfesteem and begin to negotiate new tasks and complete new challenges. The free flowing activities enable children to choose which activity they want to participate in, whether it is building dens with friends, using tools safely to whittle sticks (with practitioners), or by using the surrounding environment to create art.

To find out more please contact us by: Phone: 01189 701 600, Email: info@jubileedaynursery.co.uk or by visiting our website: www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk Paddock View, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG7 4JD

Established since 1984,

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eye Visits...

dysation

Theale Green School Riding on the success of the impressive summer examination results, Theale Green School has had a fantastic start to the new academic year.

T

his summre’s set of results show how effective the hard work of the staff and students has been. Results at GCSE level rose by an impressive 12% from 2013 and at A level, 28% of grades were A*-A and 78% of grades were A*-C. During the summer break, the building entered the first phase of a major overhaul. The whole front of school has had new windows and most of the classrooms at the front have had a facelift. The next phase will carry these improvements around the school building.

Under the leadership of Dr Sally Beeson, the new head teacher, the whole school is working with energy, enthusiasm and optimism.

Students are in a smart new uniform which they are wearing with pride reflecting a real desire to do their best. With all this in place, the school is anticipating an excellent year ahead.

Theale Green’s new head teacher Dr Sally Beeson and some of her ‘talented’ students.

wnership a y This talent was in abundance in the hugely successful e summer production of ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolorleasing Dream coat’ which was Head of Music, Mr Henderson and In Head of Drama, Mr Lambert’s last performance in the school. iend Continuing to develop this thriving talent, the school are hese planning a new production in November –ymore details Leasing andwill has been be available in the next issue. y Our community is important to Theale Green and the school en are playing their part in the Theale World War I Centenary events with students putting on displays and dancing. ell as They are also planning major commemorative events for all car ed students and member of the community on Armistice Day on his November 11th. harge, and plenty Another highlight on the school’s calendar is the annual But ol Christmas Concert, which will be held this year in the ee beautiful surroundings of Bradfield College. The school un would like to extend a warm welcome to the community to join them at this festive event. a Theale Green is very proud of their students’ achievements er at and is committed to providing the best integrated, rounded w been and dynamic education they can for all their students. If you but have a child due to start secondary school in September 2015 home and would like to find out more about this ‘talented’ school, w then please call 0118 930 8535 32

The school year started with a visit from Commonwealth and European Champion, Adam Barrett, a former student of the school. He delivered inspiring talks to the students with a view to encourage and develop the exceptional talent the students have.

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

28

o astic,

helped hat I o t 44 206 223

Teddy loves keeping warm with Calor in Mortimer.

Your local supplier for Gas, Solid Fuels, Appliances & Autogas.

01189 332363

Visit Reading Calor Centre, Brunel House (Mortimer Station) Station Road, Mortimer, Reading, RG7 2AB 29

IL IS BACK! Need a Solicitor?

Contact John L Banky Solicitors

Have you tried us yet?

Open daily for lunch & dinner

A traditional and friendly law firm based in Theale, just off Junction 12 of the M4 offering a professional approach over a comprehensive range of Legal Services.

•

All areas of conveyancing

•

Commercial Property

•

Wills and Probate

•

Contested Probate/Inheritance Claims

•

General Litigation

Experienced legal consultancy

For advice please call:

0118 930 4630

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

john@johnlbankysolicitors.co.uk

18a High Street, Theale Berkshire, RG7 5AN www.johnlbankysolicitors.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 538444)

P & H Cleaning Services • • • • •

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FOOD REAL ALES

Quality domestic & office cleaning General cleaning Spring cleaning/One -off clean End of tenancy/After party cleaning Ironing (collection & delivery!)

Seven Days a week Competitive rates 100% guarantee for a well done job Fully insured, expereienced Flexible and trustworthy References available All of RG7 covered

GREAT WINES

0118 970 0169 find us on facebook:

Red Lion Mortimer West End

Church Road Mortimer West End, Berkshire, RG7 2HU 30

Contact:

07787 174847 0118 988 9298

phcleaningservices@ live.co.uk

Extra Spicy Here at Village Eye, we love all curries – so to celebrate National Curry Week, we thought we’d bring you our version of one of our favourites - a spicy Chicken Madras Curry! If you’re not a meat lover then you can also enjoy a Vegetable Madras which can be made using carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnip or swede etc. The ingredients of a traditional Indian Madras recipe will change depending on what ingredients are available locally and also by the traditions of the chef or cook, so you will find lots of variety with this particular curry, but typically a madras curry has a reddish colour which comes from the red chillies and turmeric and a slightly sweet and sour taste that comes from the tomato and lemon, lime or vinegar. Our Chicken Madras Recipe is based on a Gordon Ramsey recipe which we’ve adapted slightly for a spicier palette and the ingredient quantities as listed are enough to make 4 portions.

Preparing the Chicken Madras Curry Cut the chicken into strips or cubes and put aside. Heat the oil and add the onions and cook until they start to soften which will be about 5 or 6 mins. Once the onions have started to brown add the chillies, the garlic and the ginger and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Then add the turmeric, cumin, coriander, curry leaves and chilli powder and leave to cook for a further minute or so. In that time, season the chicken you set aside earlier with the salt and pepper and add to the pan and cook stirring the pan until the chicken begins to go golden brown all over.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, one per person!

3 tbsp vegetable oil 2 onions, peeled and finely chopped 2cm fresh root ginger, grated 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped Sea salt and black pepper 400g ripe tomatoes, chopped 300ml water 1 tsp garam masala Coriander leaves, to garnish

2–4 red chillies, finely chopped (leave the seeds in if you like it hot!)

2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground turmeric 1–3 tsp (or more!) hot chilli powder 6–8 curry leaves Juice of half a lemon or lime (you can use vinegar here instead, but not both)

At this stage you’ll want to add the water and the chopped tomatoes and then bring to boil. Once the pan is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan stirring ever so often. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes and add more water as needed if it begins to stick or the sauce becomes too dry – remember to stir well if you do need to add water. At the end of the 30 mins, stir in the garam masala and leave uncovered for another 10 mins, again taking care not to let it dry out.

When the cooking’s finished and you’re ready to serve the chicken madras, garnish it with some coriander leaves (not the stalk!) and I usually have it with rice or a Garlic and Coriander Naan bread, although it’s equally as good with chips(!), a jacket potato or even and this is controversial…in a large Yorkshire Pudding!

Of course, if time isn’t on your side or if cooking simply isn’t your forte - then there’s always the local take-away!

free home delivery

on orders over £20 within 5 mile radius

Sunday Buffet 1-10pm Adults £8.95 Children £6.95 The Hatchgate INN, Burghfield

Burghfield Spices fine indian cuisine

0118 983 4040 www.burghfieldspices.com 31

eye

on Sport & Leisure

Christmas Party Nights at Bishopswood!

I

f you have just started getting your head around the fact that Christmas is only a small number of weeks away (yes, it really is), your attention may now be turning to arranging the annual get-together with friends or colleagues to celebrate the festive season.

What to do, where to go Set in the Beautiful Hampshire Countryside, Bishopswood Golf Course in Tadley is not only one of the finest 9 hole courses in the country - but also an excellent entertainment venue, housing a great restaurant too.

With tribute nights, race nights, weddings and celebrations held at the venue throughout the year - Christmas is their forte and, this December they are once again hosting their ever popular Party nights!

Their join-in party nights are just £29.95 per person and include a 3-course meal, coffee & mince pies, crackers, decorations and a resident DJ. Sit at a shared table, with friends, family, club members and/ or colleagues and enjoy good food, good company and dance the night away. With six dates in December for you to choose from, their party nights are enjoyed so much that customers come back again and again.

Feedback from previous years include “Great night, didn’t want it to end”, “Fantastic food and a great atmosphere”. The party evenings start at 7pm for a 7.30pm sit down meal with carriages arranged for midnight.

The venue also has a fully stocked bar offering all that you require, with their professional and friendly staff on hand to ensure that your evening runs smoothly.

If a party night is not your thing then how about booking for lunch or dinner during December instead. With their Christmas menu starting at just £19.95, Bishopswood can cater for tables of two all the way up to a group of 120 diners! We are told that the menu has been carefully selected by their Head Chef Lee Felton who has worked hard to ensure that there is something for everyone; and caters for all tastes and special diets.

Tables can be booked in their Sands Restaurant which is located on the first floor which provides stunning views over the golf course or in the Oak Room, which offers an ‘exclusive’ place for an ‘exclusive’ lunch or dinner for you and your guests.

For larger group sizes (30+) The venue is proud to offer their ground floor Amcrest Suite with its own bar and dance floor which provides stunning views over the golf course.

For further information or to make a booking, call Jennie on 0118 940 8600 option 2. Please feel free to contact her to discuss availability of your chosen date, or if you would like to pop over and visit to discuss your festive plans in more detail.

0118 940 8600

www.bishopswoodgc.co.uk

WE DISTRIBUTE THIS LOCAL MAGAZINE TO 8,000 BUSINESSES AND HOMES & PICK UP POINTS MONTHLY

eye ? u in it o y e r a

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We are now taking bookings for the November and Christmas issues... if you want to promote your product or service for the festive season please contact us at VE HQ as soon as possible!

“We are proud to have now helped over 300 local businesses to grow, ask us how”

0118 907 6200 info@villageeye.co.uk

The Village Eye is a privately owned magazine and bought to you by Pinktomato Limited, a local 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. To feature your business in this publication please call 0118 907 6200

You can sign up for our Aquazone swimming lessons at any time.

Priced from just 27.08 per month, and payable by direct debit, they provide the child with not only good quality lessons but also FREE SWIMMING! Contact reception today for more details.

Fro

m £ 15

Book Now! Camp e Adventur TERM F L A H R E OCTOB

Join us in the School Holidays for fun packed sports, games, swimming and arts & crafts!

This summer was one of our most popular Camp Adventures to date, with lots of children coming to swim, play sports, dance and show off their arts and craft skills. This October, on selected dates* we’ve teamed up with Outdoor Academy to bring you: A climbing wall, archery, frisbee golf, Mountain Bike Pump Track and laser clay pigeon shooting too!

Full Day: £22.50* Half Day £11.25*NEW at Willink!

Discount

When booking in more than one child only £16 per child per day

Camp Adventure will run at Willink Leisure Centre throughout the half term holiday. To find out more or book your place please call:

0118 983 4845

For more information and to book with y

*with WB Card, please call for timetable

willink leisure centre

leisurecentre.com

School Lane | Burghfield Common | Berkshire | RG733 3XP

The key to buying, selling or letting your home

Theale 0118 930 3133 Burghfield Common 0118 983 3897 www.parkersproperties.co.uk

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Burghfield Common Mortimer Burghfield Village Aldermaston Wharf Beenham Spencers Wood Beech Hill Aldermaston Theale Bradfield Stanford Dingley Padworth Silchester Tutts Clump Tidmarsh Bradfield Southend Englefield Midgham Woolhampton Sulhamstead Ufton Nervet And surrounding areas