VILLAGE

Issue 68 May 2018 Circulation 11,000

eye

FREE

Lifestyle magazine

for the RG7 area and beyond

CELEBRATION TIME AT the

Elm Tree & youâ€™re all invited!

? Are you in it yet

win

TOM JONES TICKETS !!

SIR JOHN MADEJSKI

WHY MEN SHOULD BE LIKE HIM

The

ElmTree Beech Hill

OUR MAY COVER SPONSOR

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CAR

? Are you in it yet

SERVICING & MOT PEOPLE

My my my... Look what we’ve got for you! 14

£40 MOT

Your local WHILE-U-WAIT MOT* Testing Station

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4. Community news Who will

you spot? We’ve been out and about rounding up all the local ‘goings on’ for your delight. We Also have 50 family tickets to this year’s BOX KART BASH to give away!

9. Happy Birthday Bridle

Happy Birthday to Theale’s High Street’s Bridle Eye Care who are celebrating 10 years - and the good news is... you’re invited!

10. Men’s Health Check

Prostate cancer is an easily detectable condition with a great outcome if caught early. You chaps would be mad to miss this free health check.

Is technology passing you by? Don’t get your Alexas muddled with your Apples - read this.

20-33. Homes, Trades & Services Need a new home,

The change of season is evident with the numerous fetes, fairs, outdoor activities and events bursting out of the pages. There’s lots for children, too. Check out the May half term Greatest Showman singing workshop, local rock hunting and, of course, our brand new family-friendly music festival taking place in Padworth over the late May bank holiday.

25. Garden Party Season

We’re also lending our support to local resident, Warren Smith (trainer of celebrities on The Jump TV show) who is undertaking a gruelling cycle challenge across the mountains of Europe to raise money for life-changing charity RugbyWorks. More on pages 18/19.

plasterer, builder, gardener, solicitor, roofer... or even a house to use them in? Look no further than our pink trades and services pages to ﬁnd local, reliable professionals.

At long last the weather is improving enough for al fresco dining - and drinking! Here we have some musthave gadgets to make your garden party go with a swing.

We have a special treat for you this month with not one but two Knights of the Realm making an appearance! With Tom Jones tickets up for grabs, and an invitation from SIr John Madeski, make yourself a cuppa, kick back and take a few moments and enjoy this month’s offering.

0118 933 2338

37. At The Flicks It’s the latest Spielberg blockbuster after sixteen years away, but does Ready Player One hit all the right notes? 42. Obscure British Sports We look at the most quintessentially British and sometimes more downright bizarre summer pastimes.

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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, they appeciate the feedback! Have a great May!

w: www.spratleys.co.uk Circulation 11,000

We could not be more excited that Sir Tom Jones is coming to play Engleﬁeld House this spring. And here we give you the chance to win tickets!

17. Pod Confusion?

Issue 68 May 2018

14. Win Tom Jones tickets!

May Contents

warm and sunny welcome to May’s issue of Village Eye magazine. At last, we have been enjoying warmer days and what better way to enjoy them than in a sunny pub garden? Our cover sponsors this month, The Elm Tree in Beech Hill, not only have a beautiful garden in which to enjoy their food and drink, but they are also celebrating their birthday too. Happy Birthday to The Elm Tree!

CELEBRATION TIME AT the

eye

Elm Tree & you’re all invited!

Service | MOT | Repairs | Car Sales A you

it y?

TOM JONES TICKETS !!

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, URLʼs and telephone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. *Not including stock images - advert release fee charged. Registered Address: Butlers Lands Farm, Mortimer, RG7 2AG

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Editor: Hellen Shaw Sub Editor: Jackie Stuart Advertising: Zahra Willis Beauty Editor: Megan Curtis Motoring: Jack Worboys

Film Buff: Finance: Careers:

Rob Barnes Mark Penston & Rob Starling Claire Desai

KI SIR JOHN MADEJS LIKE HIM WHY MEN SHOULD

KEEPING IT LOCAL

News | Business | Sport

The

ElmTree Beech Hill

OUR MAY COVER

SPONSOR

t | Health | Homes | Entertainmen 1

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

Helle n & the Team xx

60/62 Victoria Road | Mortimer | RG7 3SG

*by appointment 3

50 FREE FAMILY TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY!

Sunday 24th June

The Burghfield Box Kart Bash is back - and promises to be even bigger and better this year! Last year the event attracted over 4000 spectators and this year we are expecting more... Which means a whole lot more cash for all of the amazing charities the event supports! This is where you come in... Last year we had 80 volunteers who made this happen... But as you can imagine, a charity event which is now bigger than Donald Trumps stupidity - needs as much help as possible to make it happen. So, we are appealing to you all, our lovely readers to help. We are looking for 160 people (each to do a four hour shift) on the day (then you can stay and enjoy the fun!) We need volunteers for many things including anything from working behind one of the four bars we have, marshalling, crowd control, merchandise distribution, tickets and general course helpers. Bottom line? We need you!

LITTLE MISS INVENTOR By Beatrice age 5

We have some very talented youngsters among us. Beatrice Candy from Tadley who is just five years old has recently won a national competition with the Little Inventors organisation to design a safety device for Mr Bump. The contest, in conjunction with The Mr Men Team was held to celebrate the launch of their new Little Miss Inventor book. Children aged between three and seven were tasked with designing something to help Mr Bump avoid accidents. Beatrice designed ‘air bandages’ which would cushion him against bumps and tumbles. The five winning inventions were redrawn in the style of the book and Beatrice’s entry will now feature in an upcoming Mr Men Little Miss book. How fantastic is that? Well done Beatrice!

Please don’t be shy! Please step forward (maybe with a friend or family member) and sign up now to help on the day - it’s more fun than you think! In return, we are offering the first 50 people to sign up through our link a free family ticket so that they can enjoy the event for free. You’ll also be given a free Box Kart baseball cap Can’t say fairer than that, can we. Thank you on behalf of the Santas!

CLAIM YOUR FREE TICKETS NOW AT: WWW.VILLAGEEYE.CO.UK/BOXKART

AWASH WITH LOVE!

was apparently given to his Franchisor back in January, but news of this notice did not filter to Flamur until the beginning of April. When local car wash owner Flamur Bajrami put a simple post on a local chat group asking people to sign a petition to help him save his business from closure, he had no idea just how much love and loyalty his customers had for him and his team of six hard working car washers... Having been based at Dobbies Garden Centre for the past five years, Flamur and his franchise of ‘Handy Andy Cash Wash’ team have built a reputation of being among the best in the business when it comes to car cleaning. In Flamur’s plea for help, he explained that as a franchisee, he’d been given just a few week’s notice of the centre’s intention not to renew their lease at the site, as they needed the space for redevelopment. This potential closure would not only mean the loss of a popular service but also the loss of livelihood for him and his team. The notice

Customers and supporters signed the petition in their droves, racking up over 600 signatures, with supporting messages in under a week. Flamur told us he is very touched by the outpouring of support he is being shown by his many happy customers who really do not want to see this service disappear. The car wash is used by an average of 300 people a week - most of whom then go on to spend money in the garden centre, its shops and cafe whilst they are waiting. A spokesperson for Dobbies said: “To help ensure that we maintain a safe and effective operating environment, it is with regret that we had to serve notice on our existing car wash provider in January 2018 and at present do not have plans to replace this service.”

whilst he secures an alternative location to site his car wash. Requiring only around the equivalent of eight car parking spaces, they will need a water supply and electricity. With Rosebourne, a brand new large garden centre due to open in Aldermaston in the summer - we may even see Flamur taking his 300 customers a week to them! The new centre will include a vibrant gift department, a fully stocked garden nursery, table service restaurant and a Food Hall packed with fresh, seasonal produce from local suppliers. They will also be recruiting for around 100 staff positions soon - watch this space!

So what now? It seems that the car wash will remain until at least June, but Flamur is hoping for a short term lease at Dobbies

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ANYA EVANS,

unity on comm

TOTALLY RUTHLESS!

ere at Village Eye, we’ve followed local girl Anya Evans’ musical theatre career since she first started out. Now a full-time performing arts student at Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, her current role in cult musical theatre comedy, Ruthless the Musical is earning her the respect of critics.

We first reported on Anya when she won the role of little Cosette/young Eponine, starring alongside Alfie Boe in Les Miserables aged just 7. Since then she has also appeared in the West End as Alice in Matilda the Musical, as well as touring A Christmas Carol and Annie (as ‘Annie’ alongside Lesley Joseph playing Miss Hanagan).

Now Anya takes the lead role of Tina Denmark in cult musical comedy, Ruthless the Musical which has recently opened at Arts Theatre, Covent Garden. The show is a satire of the world of ambitious show children and their pushy parents, producers and press agents. This time, Anya is working alongside Dancing on Ice judge Jason Gardiner - who performs the role of Sylvia St Croix in drag, much like a panto dame - and ex-Corrie star and double Olivier Award winner Tracie Bennet. What a fantastic cast! Rather than being starstruck, it appears that Anya is holding her own and has been finding herself the star attraction. At a recent red carpet event, she found herself in demand for selfies with celebrities, but this time it was them doing the asking! Both Joe McFadden and Duncan from Blue were in the queue.

But it must be remembered that this level of celebrity doesn’t come easily. Anya has shown a tremendous amount of dedication and focus over the years, and so has her family who are alongside her at every step, no doubt making their own sacrifices along the way to support Anya’s career. Anya’s mum Lisa told us, “Anya works very hard to achieve her goals. Her motto is “you have to believe to achieve”. Her father, Stuart and I are extremely proud of her amazing career at such a young age and her strong work ethic, but it has to be said, it is quite gruelling on the family, with trips into London most days and sitting in coffee shops waiting for her while she performs. We’re particularly proud of her younger brother Aidan, who is her biggest supporter and never moans about the upheaval!“ And Anya is clearly impressing those that matter in casting circles.

Wars, Black Swan) and Britney Spears of 90s pop stardom, had their career boosted after playing this role off Broadway we wonder... where might it take this talented young girl from Burghfield?

In ‘The Stage’ publication, Anya has been hailed as ‘a great performer, tap dancer and singer – a triple threat of the future.” Both Natalie Portman (Star

You don’t have to be a Farmer to be a Young Farmer!

WHY NOT JOIN one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK dedicated to young people who love the outdoors The Berkshire Country Fayre, held on 29th May this year, helps to raise money for the Berkshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs. You don’t have to be a farmer to be a Young Farmer. Young Farmers offers a very varied programme of events to all of its members who are aged between 10 and 26. If you are interested in travel, crafts, agriculture, rural activities, personal development and sports, then Young Farmers could be for you. If you are interested in joining Berkshire Young Farmers contact Georgie Perry on 01635 500872 or 07917 714640

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ce er vi or S ome, e d h ra a T amily, Need your f arden? ) for ar or g 26-33 c es pag (See t keeping orge n’t f the o D PS: ention ou to m when y Eye ll them! ca

it local

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Jim & ‘Team Elm Tree’ invite you to celebrate their 5th birthday with them!

ElmTree Beech Hill “I can’t recommend it highly enough and wor�hy of the 5 star reviews! See you again Elm Tree.”

“Hoorah for The Elm Tree!!! I’d forgotten how good a roast dinner could be! Delicious and beautif�lly presented.”

“Food was out of this world and the staﬀ made you feel at home. A good night is when you are in a comfor�able place and can f�lly relax, The Elm Tree achieved this in a hear�beat!” into summer, itʼs time for them to present a lighter menu. The new menu will have an assortment of classics as well as the very best the sea has to offer. At time of writing, the new summer menu is due out any day and is bound to encourage you out onto the decking to enjoy the summery dishes, a cool drink and, of course, take in the stunning view.

tʼs now been ﬁve years since the Elm Tree burst back on the scene under new management - and was embraced by the residents of the sleepy Berkshire countryside once again! The Elm has held many guises over the years but it would seem that in its current form it has truly caught the interest and appetite of the locals for its food and drink alike. The cuisine has improved steadily since it opened under Jim Kimber & Jem Dance back in 2013 with Head Chef Andrew Peach now bringing an experienced hand to proceedings. Andrew and his team put together hearty traditional fare through the winter, but now that weʼre stepping

The lunch and evening menus offer up different options, but the core ethos behind everything is the same – fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked with care. The menus have always held true to their British roots but with subtle hints to overseas inﬂuences. This nod to other cuisines keeps both customers and the chefs on their tip toes!

Jim is the face of the business, though we are sure if quizzed on this heʼd tell you he has a face for radio! His knowledge of food, beer and wine have proved invaluable over the years as well as his energy and love for the trade - which has all helped to drive the pub on from success to success. Jimʼs team always offers welcoming, attentive service and has really brought its unique skills to the pub. Ryan is an excellent barman with a great understanding of all things liquid – even, somewhat begrudgingly at times, the non alcoholic elements! Alex is a brilliant front of house with a calm manner and welcoming smile whose love for the personal side of running a pub is evident. The wine list has been revamped of late – with Majestic wines taking on the mantle of supplying the pub. They now use the Verre De Vin wine preservation method which makes for a mouthwatering 20 plus wines by the glass. This allows the Elm to offer an array of wines to suit any palate and marry closely with the dishes being lovingly created by Andrew and his team in the kitchen.

The self appointed Gardener and coowner, Jem, has done a brilliant job making the outside space inviting and comfortable, with the annual ﬂash of purple Petunias trailing the walls as you walk up the decking. Jem has brought with him a wealth of knowledge of the trade, providing a steadying hand in the day-to-day running of the pub. Indeed it was his foresight that brought about the partnership arising at the Elm – and since he lived opposite for many years he rightly saw an opportunity to bring the venue back to its glory days.

Welcoming You, Whatever the Occasion

Join in with the celebrations!

The team at the Elm Tree are planning a whole weekend of birthday celebrations in June - and you are all invited! Get the date in your diary now and pop down to sample a mixture of mouth watering dishes and ﬁne wines which will be available aplenty. And at the time of writing, we understand there will be live music across the weekend too - check out their website for full details: FRIDAY 15th June On the Friday there will be a celebration of the Elm Treeʼs menus from their opening day to now - meals that have become ﬁrm favourite signature dishes will all be available. SATURDAY 16th June On the Saturday, Jim and the team will be hosting an all day bbq (weather pending!) with live music & celebrations. SUNDAY 17th June In case you need reminding, this is Fatherʼs Day, so get booked in now to treat him to one of their legendary Roasts. You can be sure that the team will be pulling out all the stops to make sure that his special day is just that!

www.theelmtreebeechhill.co.uk The Elm Tree | Beech Hill Road | Beech Hill | RG7 2AZ

0118 988 3505

The

ElmTree Beech Hill

Love Megan x

Where to buy

rtain tie backs cu r fo n ke ta is m They could be me many times) but statement . (it’s been said tothis summer and I’m obsessed in re a earrings

NO HASSLE

TASSEl

These were the ﬁrst pair of earrings that got my collection started. Coming in at £2 from Primark (what a bargain) these feel really comfortable in my ear and are such good quality for the price. They also come in other colours such as black and bright pink. These are a spring/summer must!

Next time you’r head into P e out shopping, rimark if yo u to try a pa ir for a sup want er cheap price, but a lso Look, Topsh check out New op & Access orize if you’re wa nting to sp end a little bit m ore. It’s als o worth visit ing www.misg uided.co.u k

Another variant of statement earrings are ones that are tassels with hoops. For under £5 at from New Look you really can’t go wrong.

Best Buy! My all time favourites are these from New Look (£5.99) which I have and love. They go with every outﬁt and the gold plating makes them feel more expensive than they are!

spray tanning 5 1 £ £20

rom* nts/p e d u St

in the comfort of your own home

Adul

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

Single tans, Groups & pre- prom Discount offered for group bookings Call Lisa on

07776 146104 facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

*prices include travel to your home within 5 mile radius of Mortimer

Megan’s Moments On Beauty

Red Disc Tassel Earrings: Misguided £8.99

hey make such a great addition to my spring/ summer wardrobe, I now can’t go a day without them! I initially wasn’t sure but as soon as bloggers started to rave about them and they appeared in shops I knew I had to have them. They are the perfect accessory and can really add a pop of colour to an otherwise plain outﬁt. I either style them with my hair down and a bright lipstick or with my hair pulled back into a low bun so that they really stand out. What I love is the fact that they are fairly inexpensive so it’s easy to play around with them and also try them out to see if they suit you, without spending lots of money! I’ve picked out a few of my favourites so you can see the different styles and colours that you can get.

@villageeyemag

uesday 22nd May is a very special day for Bridle Eye Care. It marks ten years to the day that Cheryl Bridle opened her very own Optometry Practice.

Cheryl outside Bridle Eyecare with Practice Manager Helen Mudge

After twenty years or so working for other opticians, Cheryl decided that the best way to practice Optometry to a standard she was happy with (and to work with up-to-date equipment for the best possible job) was to open a Practice of her own, which she did on 22nd May 2008. To mark this impressive ten year anniversary, Bridle Eye Care will be hosting an Open Day. The open day will take place on - you guessed it - Tuesday 22nd May 2018. Ten years to the day that Bridle Eye Care ﬁrst appeared on Theale High Street. Feel free to pop in any time between 3.30pm until 7.30pm to celebrate with them! Cheryl and her team have put together some lovely treats, including party bags for guests, a fabulous birthday cake and balloons. There will be a rafﬂe in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association - a worthy cause to donate to, and some fabulous prizes to be won! Guests

at the party can cast their vote in the ‘Look Cool in Specs’ competition in which children from the local primary school have been competing by submitting a photo of themselves looking cool in specs! Join them & celebrate on 22nd Talking of cool specs, Cheryl has also invited a representative from Sunspec along to launch the Maui Jim collection of designer sunglasses. So if you fancy a browse, 22nd May would be a great day to pop in. Bridle Eye Care would like to take this opportunity to thank their customers, family and friends for their ongoing support as they celebrate this business milestone together.

BRIDLE EYE CARE

eye On local Businсs

Celebrating 10 years as your Local Independent Optician

FUN DAY OPEN DAY Tuesday 22nd May

3:30-7:30pm Party bags Cake Balloons Raffle Designer Glasses Sale

0118 930 2312 www.bridleeyecare.co.uk ﬁnd us on THEALE High Street

Eye Tests | Children’s Eye Tests | Glasses & Sunglasses | Designer Frames | Contact Lenses 9

Make it a Thing &

eye h on Healt

Be Like John 10

When BBC presenter Bill Turnbull recently announced the devastating news that he had incurable prostate cancer, it shook his world and that of his family, friends and colleagues. Speaking to his former colleague and presenter Sian Williams , Bill told her: “Well, it’s stupid, really. I’m cross with myself. I wasn’t aware there was something going on inside me. “Maybe if I’d got it earlier and stopped it at the prostate, I’d be in a much better state.” Prostate Cancer UK say that the disease has now overtaken breast cancer to become the country’s third biggest cancer killer. 11,819 men now die from prostate cancer in the UK every year – the equivalent of one man every 45 minutes. This compares with 11,442 women who die from breast cancer. However, while more women are learning to check their breasts, many men still don’t know how the screening process for prostate cancer works, and many are still too embarrassed or simply blasé to get themselves checked. Bill Turnbull bravely says he won’t let the cancer define him but now urges other men to get checked. It’s well proven that early detection and treatment may vastly increase your chances of survival.

BE A MAN ABOUT IT Every year, the Lions Club of Reading and Circle Hospital Reading provide a FREE PSA blood test to as many men over 45 as they can. Their aim is to make the local community aware of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and offer free prostate PSA screening blood tests. They are inviting all local men over 45 or those who are younger and have a family history of prostate cancer to go along to the Circle Hospital Reading on Saturday 12th May 2018 to learn more about prostate cancer and take a PSA blood test. EASIER THAN YOU THINK For the last six years they have been working with a number of trained phlebotomists, to provide simple prostate cancer screening events. The test is not what many men fear either... After taking a simple blood sample on the day, the sample is sent to a specialist laboratory for analysis and the results conveyed directly to every man taking part with their own individual results. Your results letter will be coded red, amber or green and will provide advice on next steps to take, if any. You are reminded that by definition, the test is only an indicative one and you are strongly urged to follow up with your GP if advised to do so. Very occasionally the result could be normal even though your prostate is abnormal and you should seek advice from your GP if you have trouble passing urine. WHO ‘S INVITED? The Lions Club and Circle Hospital are inviting all men over the age of 45 and men over 40 who have a family history of prostate cancer to pop along. They are also asking those

Reading Lionsʼ John Mack & Sir John Madejski invite you to Make it a Thing! who are going on the day to help spread the word and encourage friends, family and colleagues to join them too. Maybe even sneak in a swift half on the way back. Make it a ‘thing’. Sir John Madejski is supporting prostate cancer awareness too - and they invite you to join them on Saturday 12th May 2018 at the Circle Hospital Reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and take the simple PSA blood test. DOES IT TAKE LONG? You’ll need to allow 30 to 45 minutes for registration and the test although this may take longer at busy times. Whilst consent forms are available at the testing centre, you can save time on the day by visiting www.readinglions.org.uk where you can download one beforehand.

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

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST The test is free of charge to all men attending and is funded by Reading Lions Club. The cost of holding an event of this type is approximately £40,000, largely due to the cost of the laboratory analysis (based on 2000 tests @ £20.00 per person). Any donation by you on the day or by clicking the ‘mydonate’ button on their website will be gratefully accepted and will help fund and expand this vital work.

Make it a Thing!

Sat 12th May

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11 11

Financial advice... Do It Yourself Outsource? Business & Finance

eye

t seems reasonable that on occasion potential clients pose the question - and I’m paraphrasing here: “Why should I pay you when I could do my financial planning myself”. After all, Google anything financial and you’ll be swamped with information that would help you on your way. Although much of it is accurate (but not all), the skill is to find what is actually relevant to you and how to take action. So if you do have the time, desire and inclination to work through your own financial planning needs then I think you could get to a reasonably good place by surfing the internet. This is particularly true if you are looking for what I’ll call a ‘commodity’ - life cover, a pension, ISA or other investment that you are happy to manage yourself. There are numerous websites with good functionality offering well priced ‘commodities’, and we have clients who retain some of their own investments to ‘play with’ themselves. However, many people just don’t have the time or inclination to do this, and will appreciate that financial planning isn’t just about products or commodities. Working out what you need and how it should be arranged and monitored takes the DIY bit to another level where you need to understand the principles of financial planning, tax and trust law, investment and pension legislation etc.

The Italian Job! The Tuscan Fiat 500s

This month I am going to take a side-step away from reviewing cars and review a driving experience instead . I recently visited Florence and spotted a guided tour out into Tuscany in a convoy of classic Fiat 500s. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and thought it would be worth sharing! The tour was run by a company called Walkabout, with the tour sometimes referred to as Italian Wheels. After a quick introduction to the controls of the car and a welcome by the guide we were handed our keys and headed out to the cars. We jumped in and spent a good while getting the seat belts adjusted; now I really do appreciate the modern seatbelts that spring back by themselves! To my surprise the engine started on the dot and after a few lurches I’d got my head around the feel of the clutch pedal. The office is near to the edge of town so

We have seen a number of well-intentioned efforts to start the process of DIY financial planning, but very few examples of a coherent financial strategy that is regularly reviewed and updated. We see unnecessary income tax and inheritance tax being paid, investments that are inappropriate in terms of risk and tax efficiency, and a general lack of awareness of how the long term financial picture might look.

Until we decided to outsource our marketing and accounting, we just didn’t know what we didn’t know! I think there are parallels here to outsourcing financial planning. Working with a financial planner will not be right for everyone, but for others it can save time, money and a great deal of frustration.

We spend time with our accountant reviewing our business performance and with our marketing company considering how to improve our client experience. We tried doing our own accounts and marketing ourselves once and ‘managed’, but it took time and energy that could have been spent more productively elsewhere.

there were only a few small, busy streets to deal with while re-mastering the art of clutch control. From the office we crossed the river and climbed out of the town, winding up a treelined road draped over the side of the hill. After a short climb we appeared out of the trees at the foot of the steps to the church of San Miniato al Monte, overlooking the entire city of Florence. Here we parked up and had a quick history lesson on the church. From the church we headed up over the hill, past Galileo’s villa, using a tight and steep winding road through the olive groves. Another quick stop at a viewpoint on the far side of the hill for an introduction into Tuscany and a little background on the Chianti wine that comes from the region. Many great roads followed with some real fun driving. The sun was out which no doubt helped the experience as we cruised through the countryside with the sunroofs open and the windows down. The Fiats, to the credit of the Walkabout team, were impeccable in their reliability. Italian engineering has come on a long way. I wouldn’t expect a modern Fiat brake pedal, for example, to move a couple of centimetres to the left when the clutch is depressed. The brakes also required a lot of force at the pedal for not a whole lot of

stopping power. Given the size of the cars, the unassisted steering was still nice and light and the gearbox was surprisingly precise and easy to use. I believe our car had 14bhp from the tiny engine mounted in the boot. The final stop on the tour was Walkabout’s cookery school where we would get to try traditional Tuscan food and Chianti wine, sitting with a view back to Florence in the distance preceded by rolling tuscan hills. The food and wine was amazing and the view was perfect as the afternoon sun blasted across the hills. Once we’d eaten we dropped back down the hill into Florence and back to the office. My girlfriend, Megan from Megan’s Moments, plucked up the courage to have a go at driving the last bit. She did an amazing job given that this was the first classic car, first left hand drive car and first foreign road she has ever driven. She very quickly remembered which side of the road to drive on too! I couldn’t recommend this tour enough to all but the most nervous of drivers. The roads are quite tight and can be busy, and the cars do take a moment to master. Having said all that, the guide was very good at clearing our way through traffic and stopping the convoy safely to wait for someone stuck at a

Mark

Mark Penston is a Partner & Chartered Financial Planner at Bluesky

red light. There wasn’t a point in the tour where we felt unsafe. The information was useful, but not too much. The scenery was amazing and the food was perfect. This is something that not a lot of people think of doing when on holiday, but I will definitely be searching for similar experiences going forwards!

Jack

Jack worboys

Drives...

Reversing the signs of ageing without going under the knife

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email: tam247pcsupport@gmail.com Freephone: 0800 228 9138 Cedar Gables, Meadow Park, Sherfield-on-Loddon,RG27 0DH

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

oing under the knife to get that longed-for look is becoming less and less popular. In fact, there were 44%* fewer female facelifts last year than the previous year. But does that mean women are no longer bothered about the ageing process? “Absolutely not” says Aspire Clinic’s Director, Jenny O’Neill. “There are so many more non-surgical solutions available these days that don’t have the costs or recovery time associated with surgery. The advancement in techniques and technology means that the results of non-surgical cosmetic procedures are now comparable to the results following a surgical procedure.” And the real game-changer in the anti-ageing market can be seen in the form of the new Sweetheart Facelift. Gone is the need for surgery with this new procedure that uses fine-thread contour therapy. The threads are made from the same material used in cardiac surgery, so are very safe and long lasting. Fine-thread contour therapy gently lifts and tightens loose skin, reduces jowliness and creates a lovely facial arc, giving you back a youthful heart-shaped face. Gently placed under the skin, the threads will lift and provide a supportive structure that defies the effects of gravity and ageing. Fine-thread contour therapy is also great for brows, cheeks, jowls and neck area. Results can be seen immediately, and will continue to improve over the following three months, with the results lasting up to two years. “In all my years in aesthetics, I’ve never seen a treatment become so popular. We are consulting so many people that have seen their friends have it done. The instant results and the comfort of the treatment are a real draw, along with the fact that it is about five times cheaper than a surgical facelift. And having tried it out myself, I for one can vouch for its success!” continued O’Neill.

FREE CONSULTATION DAY Before threadlift

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.’

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

After threadlift

Aspire Clinic at Madejski Stadium is holding a Sweetheart Facelift Consultation Day exclusively for Village Eye readers on Thursday 24th May With amazing eventonly offers including a £300 discount and a complimentary luxury facial worth £99 with any treatment booked and paid for on the day. To book your free consultation, contact: 0118 931 3575 or info@aspireclinic.com. *Figure taken from British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

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When

It is unusual... Sir Tom is coming to town!

TOM ' JONES office called, we were speechless!

Oh, & we also have a Signed Photo and a pair of Front Block Tickets at his July concert in Reading to give away! The Village Eye office phone rings... “Hello, this is Tom Jones’ office here. He is sorry he has been unable to call you personally but as you know he has been very busy with The Voice, and now he’s just about to jet off to America to start a tour”. Editor: [picks jaw up from flaw] clears throat, says ‘err, hello’ and listens... You see, as superstars go, we think you’ll agree that they probably don’t come any bigger than Sir Tom. So when we heard that he was coming to town and got in touch with his team to see if he wanted to have a chat with us - never in a million years, did we expecting to hear a thing. “Tom is really looking forward to playing ‘Reading’ at last”. Fresh from his recent win with Ruti on this year’s series of The Voice, at 77, Sir Tom doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. In fact, we think he just gets better! Complete with his new hip, Tom will be visiting Reading this summer as part of a tour of Stately Homes. Celebrating a music career that spans over five decades, Sir Tom will perform at Englefield House on Sunday 8th July, as part of a series of concerts at some of the country’s most beautiful venues. His management told us that he’ll be performing all of the favourites - and we can’t wait! “ We know you’re running a competition to win tickets to his concert in July, so he’s asked us to send you a signed photo to add to the prize” Yes. please.

So what do we know about Sir Tom? It’s well documented that the Welsh can ‘belt them out’. But just how did a young man from ‘The Valleys’ become one of the

worlds most recognisable music icons? As a boy, Sir Tom had tuberculosis, which saw him bedridden for around two years. This convalescence meant he had little to do during that time other than to listen to music.... which is where it all began. Marrying his childhood sweetheart Melinda in March 1957, shortly after they had their only son, Mark. To support his young family, Jones worked various jobs including in a glove factory and in construction. In the evenings he played at various pubs and clubs to top up his income. Then in In 1963 Tom became the lead singer of a small local band ‘Tommy Scott and the Senators’. It was at a gig in The Top Hat, Cwmtillery, where his first Manager, Gordon Mills spotted the singer and signed him up. After Gordon passed away in 1986, Jones’ son Mark stepped into the fold and has managed him ever since. Although his first single in 1964, “Chills and Fever”, didn’t chart, the follow up “It’s Not Unusual”, became an international hit after offshore pirate radio station Radio Caroline promoted it - instantly propelling him to superstardom. Since then, he has sold over 100 million records with thirty-six top 40 hits in the UK and nineteen in the United States. There is only one word to describe him. Legend. Now, Sir Tom is the proud owner of many a musical prize, a Silver Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement and a Knighthood from Her Majesty The Queen in 2006 – but did you know he once won best actor at the Golden Globes? The singer picked up the gong at the 1970 ceremony in the best actor

in a TV musical or comedy category, for his show This Is Tom Jones. He’s also appeared - as himself - in a number of TV programmes and films, including Mars Attacks!, Fresh Prince of Bel Air and The Simpsons, and has even turned his hand to acting, playing Dick Turpin in an episode of 1980s TV show Fantasy Island! He’s sung with pretty much every legend in the music industry too: Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Robbie Williams - even Elvis! He’s covered songs by Prince, Leonard Cohen, Lenny Kravitz, Beatles, Ram Jam, Eric Clapton, Otis Redding, Van Morrison and Engelbert Humperdinck... The list goes on. Sir Tom has huge plans penned into his diary for the rest of the year too. In addition to his upcoming USA and UK tours, he’s also revealed that he’ll be performing for the Queen at her upcoming birthday party - and is preparing to take any request that comes his way from the monarch! “Does he fancy a set at The Sunshine Festival, Marvellous or even at Burghfest then?” we ask. “Unfortunately not, he’ll still be on tour!” Never mind. We tried.

eye eye

win

Want to win a pair of front block tickets & a signed photo of Sir Tom? We have a signed photo and a pair of Front Block Tickets for his concert on 8th July in Reading to give away... If you’d like to win this exciting prize, visit www.villageeye.co.uk click the competition tab at the top of the page and answer the following question: Where will Sir Tom be performing on July 8th? a) Engleﬁeld

b) Mapledurham c) Wellington

Good Luck!

Closing date for entries is midnight on Thursday 31st May. The winner will be picked at random and notiﬁed by telephone on Friday 1st June. Competition entry limited to one per person over the age of 18. Winner agrees to a picture being published in a future issue of the magazine.

Tickets for Tom’s Engleﬁeld Estate concert on Sunday July 8th can be found at www.cuffeandtaylor.com/events/tomjones/ To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

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ARE YOU IN BUSINESS?

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Remember... If you keep doing what you always do, you will always get what you’ve always got. 16

Dream Big.indd 1

27/03/2018 16:46

TECH eye by Eye Geek

DON’T SHOUT AT ALEXA

SHE’S A QUEEN, DON’T YOU KNOW! With Amazon leading the way, smart speakers are the new must-have gadget. If you’re not already familiar with what a smart speaker is, it is an audio speaker that you can talk to and interact with, like many of us already do with our smartphones. Connected to the Internet, it can answer questions, tell you the latest news and weather, play music and control smart home gadgets such as heating, air conditioning, lights and switches. Like regular speakers, smart versions come in various shapes, sizes and prices. Before purchasing, consider your budget and where you want to put it in your home. Size has an impact on audio quality, so if you want to play a lot of music then it will be worth spending a bit more on a bigger model, such as the Apple Homepod. And if you like a co-ordinated home, consider if the design fits in with your décor. Some come in a set range of colours, while others have interchangeable covers.

Do you already use various Amazon and Google services, particularly for music streaming? You will need to be signed up to a compatible music player. Smart speakers can be used to control smart home products like lightbulbs and, again, you will need to check if your system is compatible. AMAZON ECHO 2 (£89.99) AND ECHO DOT (£49.99) The Echo 2 is much better value than its original (which would have set you back £149.99) It’s smaller, better looking, cheaper and also has a removable shell so you can change its appearance, too. The Echo Dot is half of the price of the big Echo and is probably the best choice for most people. The only difference is that the built-in speaker isn’t great, but you can plug in your own hi-fi or use a Bluetooth speaker. Alexa is genuinely useful and great fun.

GOOGLE HOME (£129) AND GOOGLE HOME MINI (£49) The Google Home is the best smart speaker in terms of a balancing price, design, sound quality and features. Google Assistant is impressive and if budget was no option then the standard Google Home offers significantly better audio quality than its rivals. If budget is a consideration, most people will be quite satisfied with the Google

sounds and how it operates. However, Siri’s voice is quite robotic compared to its rivals and you’re limited to Apple’s music services. The HomePod can control your smart home gadgets, but only if they’re compatible with HomeKit. All of which means that if you’re happy to live in Apple’s bubble the HomePod is a great purchase.

Home Mini for everyday conversing with the Assistant and although audio quality is lower, you can connect a Bluetooth speaker, so there’s a workaround for this. Google Assistant gives Alexa a run for her money, despite its fewer ‘skills’. Nevertheless, at £49 it’s a no-brainer. APPLE HOMEPOD (£319) The HomePod feels polished in its design, the way it

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

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eye

SKI

Leisure

BIKE SLAM

When local man, Warren Smith recently visited Village Eye HQ to tell us what he’s going to be getting up to this summer, we couldn’t wait to share his story with our readers, and what a story it is!

Until last year, Warren’s ‘normal’ was enjoying high-speed, death defying ski runs at his ski centre, but following a serious motorbike accident here in Newbury, his year-long convalescence - and the support he was given by friends in Mortimer - has led him to take on an epic challenge for a charity that changes lives. It was at the end of May 2017 that Warren had his bike accident. As a high level ski-er, downhill speed is well understood by Warren, but a front tyre

blow out on his bike - at less than 50mph - saw him hit the tarmac in a big way. He suffered a number of injuries and was told he had a lucky escape, coming away with ‘just’ a broken hip, torn knee cartilage and a shoulder tendon tear. After a full week at Basingstoke General he was back on his feet, albeit with crutches. He told us, “I’ve had plenty of crashes on skis at that speed, but a bike crash is a whole different world. Hitting the snow is a luxury compared to hitting the tarmac. It took a lot of surgeries to get my body back to sport.” And going back to sport he is... Warren is taking part in the Dallaglio Cycle Slam challenge. Warren is well aware how gruelling a challenge it is, as he has taken part before - before his accident. It has taken

him a full year of operations and physio to get back to a reasonable level of fitness. He told us, “I’m looking forward to the 2018 Slam but will definitely be apprehensive on the mountain descents.” This epic cycle challenge takes on the French and Swiss Alps - passing through Warren’s home town ski resort of Verbier - Italian lakes and stunning scenery of Slovenia and Croatia. There will be twenty core riders (including ex-Wham frontman and avid cyclist,

Andrew Ridgeley, and Lawrence Dallaglio himself) and over 150 stage riders, who will cover several thousand kilometres and climb tens of thousands of metres. The challenge will start in mid-May, a year since Warren’s accident.

Charity Golf Day

In aid of

“I definitely wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for the help and support of my neighbours in Mortimer. There were several people in the village - Ian Gilby in particular - who really helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. Not just physically, but mentally too. Without them I wouldn’t be in a position to do this event. I also need to say a big thank you to the guys at Pedalon in Tadley for helping with the rehab training bike.”

The Slam! The Dallaglio Cycle Slam has been running since 2010 and raises money for Dallaglio’s RugbyWorks, a longterm skills development programme, based on principals of rugby, which gets teenagers, who have been excluded from school, into sustained education, employment or training. Excluded children are the most vulnerable; twice as likely to be in care, four times more likely to have grown up in poverty, seven times more likely to have a special educational need and ten times more likely to suffer mental health problems. 63% of the prison population were excluded from school at

some stage in their lives. Some say Rugby Works is about giving them a second chance, but for these young people, it’s often their first chance.

Join Warren Smith and Lawrence Dallaglio on 18th May 2018 for the Warren Smith Ski Academy Charity Golf Day at the stunning De Vere Wokefield Estate Golf Club. This fantastic day is in support of Dallaglio Cycle Slam where 27 core riders will cycle over 1,800km through the French and Swiss Alps, Italian lakes and stunning scenery of Slovenia and Croatia all in support of Dallaglio RugbyWorks.

The charity uses rugby as a hook, but the sessions help develop communication skills and discipline, guiding them onto a suitable career path over a three year programme. All RugbyWorks participants are exposed to employability taster days, workshops and placements that lets them aspire to positive, productive futures.

Team Entry £500 per 4 man team

PRIZES TO WIN Hole in one wins a Mini Cooper! 1st, 2nd and 3rd team prizes Nearest the pin prizes De Vere memberships to be won Beat the Pro for a pair of Voelkl skis

Enter NOW!

To find out more about the Dallaglio RugbyWorks charity visit:

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Breakfast on arrival - 9 – 10.30am Play from 10.30am till 3.30pm On course lunch (drink and burger/hotdog) Apres Golf Dinner/BBQ 4pm – 7pm

www.dallagliorugbyworks.com

Warren is no stranger to challenges!

Book Your Team Now! To book your 4 man team email

theteam@warrensmith-skiacademy.com Hosted by

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

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Theale 0118 930 3133 Burghﬁeld Common 0118 983 3897 Tadley 0118 981 0494 www.parkersproperties.co.uk

Property of the Month Hungerford Lane Bradﬁeld Southend 4 bedroom family home

Theale Ofﬁce

Set back from the road on a quiet lane, abutting fields and enjoying far reaching countryside views is this charming 4 bedroom detached house. Located at the edge of the village of Bradfield Southend the property is well placed to take advantage of all the region has to offer. There are miles of countryside walks and public footpaths on the properties doorsteps yet junction 12 of the M4 and the village of Theale with its mainline station serving London Paddington are only a 10 minute drive. The village itself has a pub & restaurant and a general store with post office. Built 30 years ago the property has been in its current ownership for the last 25 years and has been lovingly cared for during this time.

£830,000

£305,000

£550,000

Theale ofﬁce

• 3 bedroom terrace

• 5 Double Bedroom Family Home

• Garage

• Master with dressing area and en-suite facilities

• No onward chain

• Walking distance to station

• 21ft lounge/dining room

• Generous Gardens

• Close to local schools

Theale Burghﬁ Burghﬁ eldeld Common

• Extension potential

• Quiet Close Location

Theale Burghﬁeld Common

£389,950

£350,000 OIEO

Theale ofﬁce

Theale

• 4 bedroom semi detached

• Three Bedroom Detached

• Workshop

• Desirable Location

• Detached garage

• 24ft Living Room

• Open plan kitchen/dining room

• 35ft Rear Garden

• 4 piece bathroom

• Integral Garage

• Wood burning stove

Calcot

Theale ofﬁce

• 2 bedroom detached bungalow

• 4 bedroom detached

• South facing rear garden

• Ensuite to master bedroom

• 28ft kitchen/dining room

• Conservatory

• Large workshop

• Extension potential (STP)

• Extension potential

• Walking distance to train station • Private close location

• Driveway Parking

£340,000

£425,000

Aldermaston

• Unique opportunity

Padworth

• Ample driveway parking

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 20

Theale 0118 930 3133 Burghﬁeld Common 0118 983 3897 Tadley 0118 981 0494 www.parkersproperties.co.uk

Property of the Month Chervil Way Burghﬁeld Common Spacious 5 bed family home

£975,000

A ﬁve bedroom detached modern family home with substantial gardens backing onto woodlands. The property offers excellent size family accommodation with three reception rooms, conservatory, luxury ﬁtted Kitchen with breakfast room and utility. The property is tucked away in a quiet cul de sac within a short walk of local shops and amenities.

£635,000

£725,000

Burghﬁeld Common ofﬁce

Burghﬁeld

Burghﬁeld Common ofﬁce

• Overlooking open countryside

• Spacious accommodation

• Four bedrooms, two bathrooms

• Six bedrooms

• Kitchen & utility room

• Convenient cul de sac

• Three reception rooms

• Close to Wokeﬁeld Common

• Parking for numerous vehicles

• Walking distance of The Willink

• Double garage

Burghﬁeld Common

Burghﬁeld Common ofﬁce

• Quiet Hamlet location

• Beautifully renovated throughout

• High speciﬁcation throughout

• Open plan kitchen/living

• 22 ft living room & 17’ dining room

• Luxurious kitchen, bathroom and ensuite

• Stunning ﬁve piece bathroom

• Four bedrooms

• Three bedrooms • Mature 140ft rear gardens

Burghﬁeld Common

• No onward chain • Sought after & convenient location

£650,000

£400,000

• Beautifully ﬁtted kitchen/dining room

• Fitted kitchen / dining room

Burghﬁeld Common ofﬁce

• Living room overlooking gardens

• Spacious dual aspect lounge

• Master bedroom with en suite

• Master bedroom with ensuite

• Three further bedrooms

• Four further bedrooms

Burghﬁeld Common

• No onward chain

£300,000

£635,000

Sulhamstead

Burghﬁeld Common Ofﬁce

• Ample off road parking • Mature enclosed rear garden

• Garage & further off road parking

Burghﬁeld Common

• Walking distance to Willink

Theale 0118 930 3133 Burghﬁeld Common 0118 983 3897 Tadley 0118 981 0494 www.parkersproperties.co.uk

Property of the Month Cedar Close Tadley Detached Family Home

Tadley Ofﬁce

Offered for sale with no onward chain, this extended detached home is set in a desirable culde-sac within easy reach of Tadley centre which offers various amenities including doctors, dentists and library, shopping and leisure facilities, schools and regular bus routes to the larger towns of Reading and Basingstoke. Internally the property beneﬁts from double glazed windows and gas radiator central heating and comprises porch, entrance hall, cloakroom, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, lounge, part brick and UPVC conservatory, four double bedrooms with en-suite shower to the master and family bathroom. Externally the property occupies a generous sized plot with broad frontage giving extensive driveway parking, double width carport to the side with external access to a utility room and south/ south-west facing gardens to the side and rear.

£545,000

£550,000

£438,000

• Detached House

Tadley ofﬁce

• 4 Bedrooms

• 1 Reception Room

• 3 Reception Rooms

• 3 Bathrooms

• Kitchen/ Diner

• Kitchen/ Breakfast Room

Pamber Heath

• Garage & Driveway Parking

Tadley

£400,000

£390,000

Tadley ofﬁce

Tadley

Tadley ofﬁce

• Detached House

• 3 Bedrooms

• 2 Reception Rooms

• 3 Reception Rooms

• 2 Bathrooms

• Kitchen/ Diner

• Kitchen

• Driveway Parking

Tadley

Tadley ofﬁce

• Detached Bungalow

• Detached House

• 3 Bedrooms

• 1 Reception Room

• 1 Bathroom

• 2 Bathrooms

• Kitchen/ Diner

• Kitchen/ Diner • Garage & Driveway Parking

• Garage & Driveway Parking

£350,000

£395,000

Pamber Heath Burghﬁeld Common

• Garage & Driveway Parking

Tadley

• Garage & Driveway Parking

Rtals

www.parkersproperties.co.uk

Property of the Month 2 Priory Cottages, Beech Hill Three bedroom family home

Burghﬁeld Common Ofﬁce

A lovely two/three bedroom semi detached cottage situated in quiet yet convenient rural location with Mortimer railway station within one mile and easy access to M4 motorway at Junction 11. The accommodation comprises lounge, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, two/three bedrooms, gardens. Views over ﬁelds. Unfurnished. Available now.

£1,050pcm £925pcm Theale ofﬁce

(Tenant’s fees apply)

£695pcm

(Tenant’s fees apply)

Theale ofﬁce

• One Bedroom First Floor Apartment

• Two Bedroom Mid Terrace

• Freshly Decorated Throughout

• Reﬁtted Kitchen & Bathroom

• Close to Theale High Street

• Close to Theale Train Station

• Off Road Parking

• Offered Part-Furnished

Theale

• Available In June

£1,150pcm

Theale (Tenant’s fees apply)

Burghﬁeld Common ofﬁce

• One bedroom house • Garden

• Views over open ﬁelds

• Popular village location

• Refurbished throughout

• Off road parking

• Rural location

• Convenient for amenities

Burghﬁeld

£1,200pcm (Tenant’s fees apply)

(Tenant’s fees apply)

Tadley ofﬁce

• 3 bedroom terraced House

• 1 Bedroom house

• Lounge

• 1 Reception Room

• Kitchen/breakfast room

• 1 Bathroom

• En Suite Shower

• Kitchen with appliances

• Cloakroom • GCH & Double Glazing

• Unfurnished

£825pcm

Tadley ofﬁce

Tadley

(Tenant’s fees apply)

Burghﬁeld Common Ofﬁce

• Semi-detached house

Beech BurghﬁHill eld Common

• Available May

£900pcm

• Three bedrooms

• Light and airy house

(Tenant’s fees apply)

• UPVC Double Glazing

Tadley Burghﬁeld Common

• Parking

Mortimer

Physiotherapy practice Did you register an Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney with the Ofﬁce of the Public Guardian (OPG) between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017?

BACK OR NECK PAIN? SPORTS INJURIES?

By Helen Greenwood

If so, you may be eligible to a partial refund of the registration fee paid from the OPG. The amount of the refund will depend upon when the application to register was submitted to the OPG, but you will also receive 0.5% interest. The claim must be made by the 31st January 2021. Further information is available at www.gov.uk/power-of-attorneyrefund or by telephoning 0300 456 0300 (option 6). If you have not made a Lasting Power of Attorney then we strongly recommend you do so. LPAs are documents that give the legal authority to those we trust to assist and support us in dealing with our affairs should we require help in the future.

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

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)

There are two types of LPA, the Property and Financial document and the Health and Welfare document. The former covers decisions about financial matters for example managing your bank accounts, investments, paying bills and collecting your benefits and pension. The Health and Welfare document covers decisions relating to healthcare, living arrangements and life sustaining treatment. If you do not have an LPA in place and you become unable to manage your affairs due to a loss of mental capacity, the Court procedure to appoint someone to take charge of your financial affairs, called a Deputy, is lengthy and expensive. In addition, you have lost the opportunity to choose for yourself who should act for you and it is unlikely that a Health and Welfare Deputy Order would be made. Please contact a member of the Private Client Team at our Tadley or Reading Offices if you require any assistance in claiming the refund of registration fee or to discuss the making of an LPA.

Tel: 0118 933 3896 Text: 07951 840643

Reg Charity No 300104

Reg charity No 300104

Berkshire

Country Fayre

Sunday 27th May 2018 Englefield Estate, Englefield, Theale, RG7 5EN By Kind Permission of Englefield Estate

9.00am until 5.00pm. Adults £7.50 Children & Concessions £4 Family ticket (2+2) £20, Under 5’s FREE Dogs on Leads Welcome CASH ONLY ON THE GATE

Berkshire Young Farmers Practical and Exhibition Classes

Tadley Office Sherfield House, Mulfords Hill, Tadley Hants RG26 3XJ TEL: 01189 812 992 FREE car park at rear of office

Reading Ofﬁce 17 Castle Street, Reading, Berks RG1 7SB TEL: 0118 958 5611 www.rowberrymorris.co.uk

Craft & Food Marquees Countryside Area Farms 2 Ewe Inflatables Bar and Food Main Ring Displays

Trade Stands Hounds Birds of Prey Ferret Racing Fun Fair Donkey Rides Dog Show Classic Vehicles Vintage Machinery/Tractors

For further information and details please call Lydia 07733 325110

berkscountryfayre@gmail.com

FUNK UP YOUR

Garden party!

eye

Giant Outdoor Blow Up Projector Cinema Screen Bring your favourite movies, cartoons and TV shows to the big screen in your very own back garden. Perfect for parties, sleepovers and entertaining guests,this inﬂatable movie screen can be assembled in minutes and will deﬁnitely impress your family and friends. The 6x4m Home System features a removable projection surface meaning you donʼt have to replace the WHOLE screen if surface gets ruined. If the surface gets dirty take it off and give it a wash. From around £125 Ebay

Spring is here at last. Time to get out into the garden and have a little fun. Here is our pick of some of the funkiest garden gadgets we’ve see this year.

Lazy Spa Vegas Hot Tub

La Hacienda Pizza Oven, Barbecue and Smoker - 3 in 1

So youʼve got the music, food, drinks, and a bunch of friends to share it with but somethingʼs missing. Thatʼs right. A Jacuzzi. Now despite what you might think, you donʼt need to be a millionaire to afford a ﬂashy hot tub these days. In fact, you can pick up a penthouse worthy inﬂatable spa for just a few hundred pounds. Bargain, we say! £364 (inc delivery) www.allroundfun.co.uk

A stylish and versatile outdoor garden oven that can be used as a smoker, pizza oven or BBQ. Featuring a stainless steel ﬂue with dampner, stainless steel split BBQ grill, cordierite square pizza stone, oven door with temperature gauge, lower fuel door with bafﬂe and lower storage shelf. For use with charcoal and untreated wood fuel. Items like this are great for giving you a reason to spend time in the great outdoors. Invite friends round during the summer for cracking barbecue times or just enjoy a good evening meal with the family under the sunset. It is time to get cooking outdoors! £189.99 www.argos.co.uk

Homes & Gardens

Funk up the Lights These three glass bottle solar lights, in blue, green and purple, are sure to create an impressive feature in your garden, whether freestanding on a table top, or hanging from the rustic rope handle attached to the top.

The integrated solar panels, one on each bottle, effortlessly and efﬁciently charge the lightsʼ rechargeable batteries in direct sunlight, which then power the lights. Once illuminated by the intelligent light sensor, the 10 warm white LEDs running along the discreet wire within each bottle, shine out through the colourful glass. Ebay £15.99

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“Lafford & Leavey, experts in bringing the outside - inside”

Windows - Doors -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.

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He nds, a t st ou e’ll w call ! m hi

L We are calling him too...

ey e

If you have a local business and want to get more customers, advertise in this magazine & reap the rewards. YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID! We’ll even do your artwork. To find out how we can help grow your business, just give us a call to find out more...

Call us on 0118 933 3311 email: hello@villageeye.co.uk www.villageeye.co.uk facebook/villageeye Please note that we operate a waiting list for some trades & services. To ﬁnd out more or to join this list, just call.

eye Be a part of it!

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Stairlifts

pictures for illustration purposes only

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Expert advice for individuals, families and businesses. Call 0118 951 6800 or email law@blandy.co.uk

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New Roofs Re Roofs Tiling Slating Flat Roof Moss Removal

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One of the Thames Valley’s leading law firms.

Threeways, Silchester Road, Pamber Heath

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What can I do for your Garden this summer?

Kite

Garden Services

No Job too Small If you don’t have the time or experience to take care of your garden and have it looking the way you would like, let this local, experienced gardener take the strain so you can sit back and relax this summer! Lawncare, mowing, digging, sowing, planting, weeding, pruning, minor tree surgery, sympathetic makeovers and soft & hard landscaping.

For a friendly quote and advice, please call Tim Sillince:

0118 988 7590 07768 764908

Fully insured with very reasonable rates.

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Plasterer ?

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Before

After

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Does your pup need a bit of pampering? We’ll love your pup as if they were our own and offer the following:

De-Shedding Hand Stripping

We also have our Pet shop where we proudly stock a full range of natural products that has no nasty chemicals or other ingredients that may not be good for our pets. We also specialise in Raw food and are a main stockist of Natures Menu products.

Call 0118 933 1245

Pristine Pups Ltd

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Dog Grooming & Pet Supplies

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Porches Soffi ts

Soffits

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Where quality, professionalism and value count

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Keep it local ! Trades & Services Pages. Don’t forget to mention Village Eye when calling! Keep it it local ! !Trades && Services Pages. forget toto mention Village Eye when calling! Keep local Trades Services Pages.Don’t Don’t forget mention Village Eye when calling!

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Keep it local ! Trades & Services Pages. Don’t forget to mention Village Eye when calling!

Windows Doors Bifold doors Conservatories & Orangeries Porches Soffits Fascia Guttering & Repair Service

James W Fisher Property Maintenance

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Castle Windows, Black Barn, Unit C, Fronds Park, Frouds Lane, Woolhampton, Berkshire RG7 4LH

Get new windows from us in 2018

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

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• • •

No Signal? we’ll fix it

www.bluebanana.tv

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

Home cinema systems IRS Systems Hidden cables

• Multiroom systems • Repairs to existing systems, • European satellites • Domestic and Commercial Work undertaken • TVs mounted on walls

TADLEY PET SUPPLIES

Free local delivery service! We Deliver!

You name it, we stock and sell it and probably for the best prices in the area. We provide FREE DELIVERY, have some great promotions and guarantee friendly service. You name it we sell it.Just call and ask!

0118 981 9996

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

READING

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. 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.

Recycling

WANTS YOUR METAL

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

0118 950 0470 / 0781 3443 763 Weirside, Green Lane, Burghfield Bridge Industrial Estate, RG30 3XN

Helping you achieve the lawn you’ve always wanted.

Lawn Fertilising

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WE’ll buy your SCRAP METAL! Mon-Sat 8am-6pm

www.readingmetalrecycling.co.uk

(Opposite the Cunning Man)

Phil Adshead runs Supagrass in the Hampshire and West Berks area. He has helped over 1000 customers improve their lawns, and has looked after the greens at two of the top 10 golf courses in the world including Augusta National. For a FREE lawn assessment and quote with Phil call 01256 461388 or email rbf@supagrass.co.uk

Keep it local ! Trades & Services Pages. Don’t forget to mention Village Eye when calling! Keep it local ! Trades & Services Pages. Don’t forget to mention Village Eye when calling!

Contact Toby on 07737 784 244

for a free quotation or email: info@bluebanana.tv

www.supagrass.co.uk

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Give your child a truly unique experience... With one of the most highly regarded reputations in West Berkshire, Jubilee Gems Nursery provides the very best mix of learning, discovery and play for children from 3 months to 5 years of age during term-time.

Experts in outdoor learning with 60 acres of gardens, woodland and farm. Freshly prepared food

Funding available

For more information, to receive a prospectus and to come and visit, see our website:

www.jubileegems.co.uk

School Road, Padworth, RG7 4JA 0118 983 4018 info@jubileegems.co.uk www.facebook.com/JubileeGems 34

Mortimer St John’s May Fair Saturday 12th May

Why not pop along to Mortimer St John’s infant school on Saturday 12th May between 11am and 2pm. Entry is just £1 for adults and children go free! There will be lots of games to play, refreshments and stalls.

eye ure on Leis

Kennet Morris Men Sunday May 14th 8.00pm

The Four Horseshoes pub in Sherﬁeld on Loddon will host some traditional Morris dancing on Monday 14th May. Kennet Morris Men dance the Cotswold style of clog and will dance alongside guests, Mayﬁeld Morris.

Sun Shine Festival

Friday 25th -Sunday 27th May Padworth

Burghﬁeld May Fayre

Sunday 13th May 2018

The Hatch, Burghﬁeld Common, From 12:30 p.m.

Burghfield always puts on a cracking May Fair so put the date in your diary. Due to the success of the Bake Off tent at the Burghfield May Fair in 2017, it will be back this year, taking cake entries from both children and adults. There will be a dog show running too, with more prizes up for grabs. Dogs can be registered once the fair opens. Refreshments will be on sale throughout the day, with beer and tea tents available, as well as wine and Pimms. Hungry visitors can choose between a hog roast, visit the Burghfield Spices stand, or for those with a sweeter tooth, there will be ice cream vendors. A free bus service will be provided to the Hatch from the Three Firs Estate in Burghfield Common and will run between 10am until 5pm (NB no bus service between 1-2pm).

A brand new family tribute music festival. An amazing weekend for all is promised! For further information visit www.sunshinemusicfest.co.uk

Berkshire Country Fayre Sunday 27th May

Berkshire Country Fayre is set to be a perfect family day out! On Sunday 27th May there will be plenty for all ages from Vintage Machinery, Ferret Racing and a Dog Show through to Steel Band, a Fun Fair and Craft Stalls. Dining options will be plentiful with appetising food marquees, a hog roast and a licensed bar for essential refreshments! Running from 9am - 5pm.

affFAIR A very affFAIR British British British A very A very Picture courtesy of Get Reading

ed by Fayre has been enjoy The traditional May tim end of the ing rat leb Ce es. villagers since Pagan of sun, May Day was - and still winter and the return time. The tradition of the May is - a raucous and fun - raised g with the Maypole aro und Fayre is still going strnon nce d women to da rris for single young metwian Mo e! lov w ne a h ned wit ts. ten until they became en ale the alongside the of Dancers and the coconeutanshy rt sta the e rat eb cel Itʼs great to get outsidr! Hedreʼs a taste of some local me sum tish Bri at n to a gre Morris dancing - coming soo fetes and fairs - andvill age near you.

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

AffFAIR facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

Luckle HOUSE SCHOOL

Excellent Coeducational Day and Boarding School for 11 to 18 year olds

OPEN EVENING Thursday 7 June 2018, 6pm

OPEN HOUSE most Friday mornings, 9.30am Luckley House School, Wokingham

Tel: 0118 978 4175 Email: Registrar@luckleyhouseschool.org

www.luckleyhouseschool.org School transport available from RG7 area 36

At the Flicks

eye on Leisure

with ROB BARNES

Spielberg serves up a thrilling cinematic sugar-rush!

t’s been a while since an out-andout Spielberg blockbuster, sixteen years ago in fact with the fourth instalment of Indiana Jones and two years earlier with his take on War of the Worlds. Both failed to ignite the box office but his spark is back with this dazzling imagining of the Ernest Cline’s classic sci-fi novel Ready Player One. The story follows orphan teenager Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) who lives in the stacks, a city slum set against a dystopian backdrop of Columbus, Ohio in the year 2045. Its inhabitants escape their bleak and desolate lives in the OASIS, a virtual reality world created by the legendary programmer James Halliday (Mark Rylance). Here they take on the appearance of CG avatars, free to live, work and play in a fantasy playground limited only by their imagination and the in-world currency. Halliday’s final legacy is revealed after his passing when he challenges players to the ultimate Easter egg hunt. Their task is to track down three keys hidden deep in the program to claim the ultimate prize, full ownership of the game. Out to win control for himself is psychotic businessman Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn) leading an army of gamers and mercenaries who have infiltrated the virtual reality world. When Watts, aka ‘Parzival’ when in the OASIS, finds the first key it triggers a mass manhunt by Sorrento to discover his true life identity and eliminate him from the competition.

What’s refreshing about the movie is the precious little exposition or set-up before you get thrown head first into the action, or in this case the VR world of the OASIS. Before you know it you are engulfed in an exhilarating race sequence on the tail of swooping and craning camera moves that weave in and out of the CG mayhem, all to jaw-dropping effect. It really is a hell of a curtain raiser and the pace doesn’t let up until the final third of the movie. Spielberg has said this was his most difficult movie to make since Saving Private Ryan due to the technicalities of bringing this virtual world to life in a way that does justice to the authors original vision. The hard graft has resulted in a beautifully crafted popcorn movie with a perfect blend of adventure and wonderment. Yes,

Children's book of the MONTH

there’s little depth to the narrative and characters but the young and fresh-faced cast elevate the movie bringing a sense of charm and innocence reminiscent of the eighties classics such as E.T. and the Goonies. And Ready Player One’s references to the yesteryear do not stop there, another delight is the numerous homages to the pop culture of the 70s and 80s. There are too many to mention here and some even include Spielberg’s own films, but the most memorable - and worth the admission fee alone - is it’s recreation of classic scenes from The Shining. Its box office success proves that you don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy the thrills and spills of this cinematic sugar-rush. So why not lose yourself for a couple of hours and get onboard this roller coaster ride. 3.5/5

Beyond the Sky

by Dara O'Briain

Beyond the Sky is a book that is a mix between non-fiction and comedy. It tells the reader all about space but what makes it special is how Dara O’Briain manages to also turn it into a humorous book. Let’s stop talking about the author and let’s start talking about the book itself. Beyond the Sky informs you a lot about space including: the Milky Way, the stars, Black holes and the lovely weather on Jupiter (Yes, it is lovely because the toxic air on Jupiter turns rain into crystals – you wouldn’t want to be taking your morning stroll below it!). Reading the book will really increase your knowledge about space and you learn some incredible facts. The book’s blurb says it is hilarious and I would agree. It also informs you about how to become an astronaut, what it would be like to visit different planets and all you need to know about the universe we are part of. I would rate this book as 10 out of 10 because of all the work put into it and the outstanding finished product. If you like space and you are aged between 10 and 14, I think you would like it but this does not mean people of other ages cannot read and enjoy it – to be honest I think all ages would like to read Beyond the Sky.

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

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There is a better way... Join up and let us help you achieve your ﬁtness goals. Whether you want to improve your fitness, drop a dress size, become more active or simply play more sport, it’s tough trying to do it on your own. At Bradfield College Sports Complex, you can join like-minded people to swim, hit the gym, play tennis, or try one of our many exercise classes.

BRADFIELD COLLEGE SPORTS COMPLEX BERKSHIRE’S MOST WELCOMING HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB

Mortimer St. John’s CE Infant School Would you like your child to attend a warm, welcoming school where nurturing and learning are key to educating your child? A school set in the heart of the village

An education based on Christian principles

A well-resourced, bright learning environment

Warm, caring staﬀ

Creative, fun curriculum

We foster a love of learning

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

Visit us anytime.

“We Learn Together, Grow Together and Shine Together” Please contact the Headteacher: Nicola Sumner 0118 933 2242

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Last summer, Pokemon Go captured the imaginations of children all over the UK. Now, a more ‘unplugged’ treasure hunt craze is emerging - painted rocks!

eye

this village rocks!

his latest craze is creative, sociable, spreads a little happiness and is rapidly becoming a bit of a phenomenon among adults and children alike! It’s a very simple idea - you paint stones with a design and leave them in places to be found by others, such as parks or tourist spots. The motto among the community is ‘If you take one, replace one.’ Finders share their finds on social media and Facebook pages are popping up all over the UK as people set up groups in villages, towns and cities to promote the craze. We have lots on our doorstep. Mortimer Rocks, Burghfield Hide and Find Rocks, Love on the Rocks - Tadley/Baughurst and The Theale Rocks, to name just a few! The craze started in America when Megan Murphy, a Massachusetts woman, accidentally started the ‘Kindness Rocks’ movement three years ago when she scribbled a few inspiring words on a rock and left it on a Cape Cod beach. Now inspirational, hash-tagged rocks are popping up in at least seven countries and garnering millions of views on social media. “The project isn’t about rocks per se, it’s about connection,” Murphy said. “People find a rock, and they relate to the message on the rock. Then they connect with the fact that there is a human being on the other end of that rock, and they don’t feel so alone.”

It can be as simple as scrawling “Hope” on a stone and tossing it on the pavement on your way to work or as complex as painting a masterpiece on a rock and leaving it up for grabs.

How do I get involved? All you need is a few rocks, paints or permanent pens and a bit of imagination. Paint a design or write a positive quote on the rocks then hide them somewhere for people to find. Include your local Facebook group so people can share where they found your rocks.

What designs can I do?

Anything you can think of. People have made rock monsters, animals, cartoon characters or written inspirational quotes to put a smile on the finder’s face.

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

What makes it so fun?

Not only is it fun to make and hide the rocks, it is great to go treasure hunting for them, too. Sharing pictures online of rocks you have made or found as well as clues about where they are hidden makes it a social project. Families are always looking for ways to get children out and about, so if you’re wondering if any colourful rocks have been left in local woodland, parks, along the canal or hidden on paths near you, why not go out for a walk today? Don’t forget to post your find on Facebook! Happy Hunting! Thank you to Brandon, Amelia, Alfie, Evie and Henry for sharing your local rock pictures with us - you rock!

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@villageeyemag

Tigers Roar!

on Education

Tigers Adventure Together

igers Day Nurseries have arrived on the scene in Theale bringing with them an inspiring approach to childcare. With their Thatcham and Swindon sites established and thriving, an expansion to Theale was a natural step. Tigers Theale Nursery takes children from three months to five years and offers convenience, flexibility and peace-of-mind for parents. Most importantly, Tigers delivers happy, fun-filled days in a stimulating, safe environment for children. As you would expect, the nursery team are rigorously checked, all are first-aiders and are highly trained to respond to each individual child’s development needs.

Tigers Day Nurseries has established its own Centre of Excellence, too. The Tigers Training Centre provides specialist childcare training for other local nurseries across Berkshire - as well as its own staff, of course! The training centre offers a wide range of courses, including some for parents. At the Theale Nursery, Tigers is investing in new rooms and technologies. Already in place is a system called iConnect. This online system enables staff to easily log a child’s progress and key developmental observations throughout the day. For parents, this gives a brilliant way of keeping in touch and seeing photos of your child taking part in their daily activities - all via a secure app. Parents can also use the system to make requests and pay fees. A new sensory ‘Bubble Room’ is in the process of being developed at the Theale nursery. Sensory rooms are a great place for children to escape to and unwind from a busy nursery room, especially the babies and toddlers and those with special needs. Instilling a calm and tranquil space enables children to relax and let their exploratory

minds evolve. This new room will have fibre optics, bubble tubes, glow in the dark tubes, florescent lighting and lots of touch and sensory play. Tigers are firm believers in encouraging the children to learn outside, too, so Forest School sessions are available to children at the Theale nursery. Forest School offers children regular hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment. The children achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem from Tigers’ qualified outdoor teacher. Outdoor learning activities include bug hunting, making hot chocolate around a camp fire, playing with

Tigers Day Nursery | Church Road | Theale | www.tigersdaynurseries.co.uk 40

logs and playing in lots of outdoor natural space. The sessions take place at the Thatcham site and the children are transported from Theale on the Tigers nursery mini bus. Are you currently considering childcare options? Why not give Tigers Day Nurseries a call to arrange a visit? A little person will be pleased you did... For further information about Tigers in Theale please visit www.tigersdaynurseries.co.uk or call 0118 930 3000

introducing a new FAMILY FESTIVAL!

25th-27th May

MAY 25-28, PADWORTH

eye on Leisure

Have you got your tickets yet for the areas’ hottest new must-attend event - The Sun Shine Music Fest which is being held over the last bank holiday weekend in May? The organisers have taken the best elements of all the festivals and combined them in to one fabulous event with something for everyone. There will be real ale and cider from award-winning breweries plus prosecco and spirits bars, and for the kids there’s a fairground and entertainment all weekend, plus all your favourite food stalls from around the country.

3 DAYS OF FAMILY FUN & LIVE MUSIC

Line up

The music lineup is rocking with headliners Katrina (Ex Katrina and The Waves), multi-million selling, British glam rock band, Doctor & The Medics, Dave Finnegan’s Commitments and rock & roll’s ‘greatest failure’ - John Otway! In support are some of the country’s favourite tributes to: Ed Sheeran, Duran Duran, Little Mix, Take That, Katy Perry, Coldplay, INXS and the awesome covers band Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes. After dark, the Silent Disco will keep the party going till the early hours. With ticket prices starting at £25 for adults, a special rate for teens and kids under 13’s free, we are sure the low cost will get you excited! VIP, Full weekend camping and campervan tickets are available too. This event will really be the highlight of your festival year, and will support of some great local causes too!

Tickets available from www.sunshinemusicfest.co.uk or ﬁnd them on Facebook!

A great read for a great cause

THE BOGSPROGGLER!

working at The Hurst Leisure Centre in The Tommy Keough is a self published author, also a children’s cancer charity, The Joe to s book Baughurst, who is donating proﬁts from his Glover Trust. We think that this lovely chap is destined for great things in the literary world... His first book, The Bogsproggler, is a fantasy story - written in the same vein as Lord Of The

Rings and Harry Potter. It is now available on Amazon. He started writing the Bogsproggler back in April 2015 as a way to help with depression - escapism to a beautiful fantasy world.

Set in the land of Dalanor, The story focuses on a creature called the Bogsproggler as he ventures out of his cave in search of a new home. Along the way, he meets all kind of interesting characters, some who will try to help and some who will try to hinder. Look out for an upcoming review in our regular ‘Children’s book of the month’ column soon!

Tommy is all about ‘giving a bit back’ too and makes a point of visiting poorly children in hospitals to read his story to them as often as the shifts at his day job permits. A recent trip to Southampton Children’s hospital (pictures can be seen on the Facebook/twitter/Instagram page for The Bogsproggler) Tommy told us, “Cancer is such a horrible thing and for these brave kids, it must be so hard to comprehend. If I can help them escape to a fantasy world for just a while and make them forget what they are going through, it means the world to me.”

It’s one of the most popular musicals on the silver screen with songs from the ﬁlm becoming an instant hit, such as This Is Me. Now you can join us for a one-day workshop inspired by the Greatest Showman. Come along and learn songs from the show in a fun and supportive environment. The day will start with a full vocal-warm up. You will be learning songs from the ﬁlm, working as a group and adding harmonies as well as learning storytelling and acting through song.

To Book your place visit: www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk/showman

The

Greatest Workshop ers welcome

Ages 7-16, beginn St John’s Hall, Mortimer

ly on only pp £2 £255 pp

The Greatest Showman HALF TERM Singing Workshop

Tuesday 29th May 10am – 3pm

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

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IT’S A BRITISH THING!

On Leisu

We look at the most quintessentially British and sometimes more downright bizarre summer sports.

hen you consider the quintessential British summer, it probably involves garden parties, canapés and…Cheese Rolling? No, you haven’t misread. Britain is home to some weird and wonderful sports over the summer months and offers some interesting alternatives to traditional summer sports and activities, like tennis and cricket... Why not try something new this year!

Croquet Croquet, as we know it today, swept across Britain in the mid 19th century. To emphasise its ‘Britishness’ games have been organised on ‘the white cliffs of Dover, the River Thames and at The View from The Shard’. Most importantly, the game lends itself to being played at summer parties and weddings, Prosecco in hand.

Rounders This school game has become a staple of British summer. The slightest hint of a warm weekend and we’re on the phone hurriedly organising a barbecue in the local park, with at least one attendee asked to bring a rounders bat and ball. The downside is that this game requires around 20 people to be worthwhile, so you may have to talk some fellow park goers in to joining you!

Tin Bath Racing The World Tin Bath Championships take place each year on the Isle of Man. Participants from as far away as the Antipodes take to the

Egg throwing Staged every June in the Lincolnshire village of Swaton, the World Egg Throwing Championships claims origins of as early as 1322, when a local abbot offered local peasants an egg every time they came to church. Today’s competitions include catching eggs hurled across the local river, as well as Russian Egg Roulette - choose from five hard-boiled eggs and one raw, then smash it against your forehead. Obviously.

water to race their baths over a 400m course. The winner is the first to finish – or, often, the competitor who just gets the furthest without sinking! Cheese Rolling! In the last weekend in May each year on the top of the very steep Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester, people gather with a seven pound hunk of cheese, to take part in the famous “Coopers Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake”. The aim is to race the cheese to the bottom of the hill, and

follow it any way they can. The first past the finish line at the bottom wins (the prize is the cheese of course)! The Chap Olympiad Forget Ascot, Henley, and so on. The top upperclass summer event is the Chap Olympiad, staged every July so rakish gents and stylish ladies can celebrate British eccentricity and sporting ineptitude in a spirit of surreal silliness. Joust astride Boris bikes and brandish furled brollies and briefcases, or tackle Beach Volleybowler, the Corby Trouser Press Challenge and Bread Basketball! This year’s Chap Olympiad takes place on Saturday 14th July, London. Visit www.chapolympiad.com Burghfield Birdman? Since 1971 The International Bognor Birdman competition has seen human powered flying machines vie for the longest leap over 100m from the pier into the English Channel. The annual contest involves people throwing themselves off the town’s pier in machines and various costumes in front 1000s of spectators. Some say that our very own ‘Santas’ should add these crazy antics to their annual repetoire of increasingly popular events... What’s that we hear? They have? 2019 you say? Best pop along to find out more then! www.burghfieldbirdman.org.uk

Enjoy a pint of Ale or a refreshing glass of Prosecco in our garden this summer!

The Hatchgate Open 7 days a week 11:30am - 11:30pm

The Hatch Gate Inn, Burghfield Village is a XV1th century inn with lots of character, serving a selction of mouthwatering traditional English & Indian food, it is a pub that welcomes everybody, with a large garden, ample parking and a play area for younger children.

0118 983 2059

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 933 3311

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Selling Homes & Castles for over 70 years...

If youâ€™re thinking of moving this summer, talk to us first!

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Published on Apr 18, 2018

Village Eye Issue 68 May 18

Published on Apr 18, 2018

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