Village Eye Jan-Feb 15 by immags

VILLAGE

Issue 35 January/February 2015

FREE

Lifestyle magazine

for the RG7 area and beyond

eye TM

AT WILLINK IN 2015

GETTING BACK INTO SHAPE

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO AT L’ORTOLAN!

SO, YOU WANT TO BE A STAR ON TV...

JAMIE OLIVER’S COMFORT FOOD

This month’s cover sponsor.

Is itHMOT time again?

January/Febru

VILLAGE

for the RG7

ary 2015

eye TM

FOR TWO WIN A MEAL ! AT L’ORTOLAN

TO BE SO, YOU WANT TV... A STAR ON R’S JAMIE OLIVE COMFORT FOOD

KEEPING IT

AT WILLINK IN 2015

GETTING BACK INTO SHAPE

A big thank you to Legacy Leisure, our cover sponsors this month, better known locally as The Willink Leisure Centre. How lucky we are to have such a thriving leisure centre on our doorstep! From swimming, to gym, from Zumba to Bodycombat, they really have something for everyone so turn to pages 8 and 9 to find the right activity for you and let's get active in 2015!

6 30 33

| Busin LOCAL News

This month’s

ess | Sport |

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO AT L’ORTOLAN

appy New Year and welcome to the very first Village Eye magazine of 2015. We’d like to extend a very warm welcome to our new Tadley and Baughurst readers as we go through 3,000 new letterboxes in the area for the first time ever, bringing our circulation to 11,000 homes from Spencers Wood to Theale to Mortimer and now, to Tadley! To celebrate, we have teamed up once again with Michelin-starred L'Ortolan restaurant in Shinfield to offer our readers the chance to win a very special 'Rhone Valley Wine Lunch' on us! Flick to page 6 for full details on how to enter this fabulous competition.

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nt s | Entertainme1 Health | Home

6 13 PUCKER UP!

Talking of getting active, you may have seen 30 Santas taking to their bikes the weekend before Christmas. This was all part of The Santa Cruise, which celebrated its ten year anniversary this year, raising funds for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. To celebrate the anniversary, the Air Ambulance was flown in to Burghfield amid a festive fete with mulled wine, mince pies and music, to see the Santas off on their bikes (or in one case, a sleigh!) as they went from pub to pub around the area collecting money and spreading festive cheer. Their target was a massive £20,000 and with the support of local television, local businesses and local people, we are pleased to announce that the target has been reached. What a fantastic achievement and well done to all involved.

HANKY PANKY

We are delighted to welcome Jamie Oliver to the magazine this month. Everyone's favourite cheeky chappy joins us on page 33 with a delicious recipe for 'Blushing Spaghetti Vongole' which features in his current book 'Jamie's Comfort Food'. Yum! It’s all about those simple, delightful guilty pleasures everybody loves. Why not get your saucepans out and give it a go! If cooking isn't your thing and you'd prefer to be cooked for, then why not try out The Iron Duke in

WIN A Stratfield Saye? Joining us as a new advertiser this month, the team at Village Eye can vouch for the DIAMOND! quality of the food served, as well as the hospitality that you'll be shown there. Our regular columnists bring some great variety this month. Megan's beauty column is all about the lips, 35

so 'Pucker Up' and take a look at page 13 for top tips on balms, lipsticks and glitter! On the financial front, Mark Penston overviews the headline items which have brought changes for 2015, and our legal experts, Rowberry Morris explain Power of Attorney and the different options available. Getting more kids to code or program has been a cause célèbre for the technology industry for some time and with schools now including coding on the curriculum, this month our monthly technical column Eye Tech takes a look at simple and fun electronics projects that can be undertaken at home. It may start with a blinking LED light, but where could it take you?

Let's not forget that Valentine's Day is just around the corner – a chance to treat your loved one. So whether you're looking for beauty treatments or somewhere nice to eat, you'll find some great suggestions within the pages of the mag this month. Enjoy! As ever, we extend a huge thank you to all of our advertisers and contributors for helping to make Village Eye the area’s favourite local magazine, and please - if you are responding to any advert or feature, don’t forget to mention the magazine to them! Until next time...

Jan/Feb EYE

Spratley’s, the family garage will keep you MOToring with our hassle free local collection & delivery service or courtesy car Hellen & The Team x provision... Or, if you’d prefer, a lovely cup of tea while you wait. Community News - 2

Mark Penston - 16

Helping of Raspberry Pi - 5

Property Spotlight - 19

Best Sleep Apps - 11 Getting Married? - 12

Jamie Oliver’s Valentine’s Your local MOT Power of Attorney - 27Testing Station Comfort Food! Jack Drives... - 39 Professionally trained, experienced technicians and MOT testers eye deliver Same day, on site MOTs* Free courtesy cars* Village Eye is currently hand Free local collection and delivery* delivered to most homes and businesses coloured in pinkWhile you wait appointments on the map. Our current circulation is 11,000 Value Service and MOT from £149* Reading

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Advertising in the Eye is very cost effective, both in print and online. We can even complete your artwork for you too (for free*) Please call us for details 0118 907 6200

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A huge thank you to all our contributors this month:

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60/62 Victoria Road | Mortimer | Reading | RG7 3SG

Village Eye. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates, times, URL’s and telephone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. *Not including stock images - advert release fee charged. PINKTOMATO Value service suitable for vehicles outside of their manufacturer’s warranty period, up to 2.2 litre, excluding 4x4 and LCVs; includes semi-synthetic oil and oil filter. Fuel filter and spark plugs at additional cost. Value service may not be suitable for all vehicles. Subject to availability. Conditions apply.

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WINNERS? OH YES THEY WERE!

Congratulations to Tania Mayes and her family who won a family ticket to see Aladdin at The Anvil in Basingstoke in our Pantomime competition.

Swedish Traffic Jam, Ya?

The family from Tadley thoroughly enjoyed the show and Village Eye had arranged for them to meet the cast after the performance, too.

C The cast included Keith Chegwin, much-loved TV personality and Katie Ashworth from the CBeebies show I Can Cook. Dad, Tom, told us, “Our son was in awe because he’d been watching Katie that morning on CBeebies and there she was in front of him! It was a great show.” We’re so pleased that the Mayes family enjoyed their competition win. Look out for more competitions in this month’s issue too. We’ve got a meal for two at L’Ortolan (p.6) up for grabs, the chance to win a real diamond on p.35 and, a six month supply of pet food with Oscars to give away (p.14) Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it and the winner could be you..! Swedish Furniture Shop Interviews PLEASE TAKE A SEAT, YAA !

an you believe that it was back in September 2011 when Village Eye first started reporting on the speculation that the Swedish giant Ikea was coming to town. Who would have thought that it would take four years perhaps more? - for those plans to come to fruition. Ikea bought the site back in 2009 and planning permission was then granted in 2012. There may be some concern from local residents about the impact on local traffic, but most people were delighted to see the old derelict retail park finally demolished this year. Roger Cooper, IKEA Calcot, Reading, project manager said, “Since receiving planning permission for an IKEA store in Calcot, Reading

in 2012, we‘ve been busy working on detailed plans for the new store.” These new plans have now been submitted and they hope to start building this year. The revised plans are for a two-storey 31,845 sq m (342, 776 sq ft) store over two floors with 984 parking spaces. A three-storey building had originally been planned - and permission granted - but plans have been revised following an IKEA review of their store format, assessing the optimum size for new stores and the evolution of customer shopping habits. Research showed that a two-storey format had been most successful and still provides customers with the full product range and services. There have been some concerns from local people about the road layout on the approach to Ikea and the amount of additional

traffic that the roads will need to cope with once the store opens. The new plans show a dedicated slip road from the M4 motorway to the store, which the planners believe will be enough to relieve congestion, but some local residents don’t agree and are envisaging the levels of congestion that you see in Bristol and Wembley. Fans of Ikea are well used to sitting in their vehicles, waiting for their Swedish meatballs and tea lights so perhaps the store at Calcot will be no different. It still remains to be seen. Whether you are keen for the Ikea store to open, concerned about the project or sitting on the fence, there is still no date for the store opening, so we will all need to wait a bit longer.

eye travels

RK NEW YO 2

PARIS

OTE LANZAR

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

Thank you to Village Eye readers for sending in your pictures. This month, we have Geoff Church in New York , Willink’s Body Combat Instructor Ricardo Stuart in Paris, and Amy and Ollie from Mor timer who took their copy of Village Eye with them up a volcano in Lanzarote over the break! If you are going away, don’t forget to pack your copy, take a snap and sent it into us at hello@villiageeye.co.uk

facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

eye On Community

Calling all parents. Ok, so we know it’s January - but we really couldn’t wait until the next ‘festive’ issue to publish these pictures along with a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of the Village Eye Readers, Businesses, Elves and Sponsors who supported the Santa Cruise 2014. Between you and the thirty or so Santas on their festively decorated bicycles [ahem, Reindeer] and the Santa Shoot held at Wokefield Park, you’ve helped to reach the 2014 £20k fundraising target we’d set for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance (TVACAA). Over 1000 of you turned up in Burghfield Common a week before Christmas to provide a hero’s welcome to the Air Ambulance and its crew who dropped in to start the 2014 cruise. Now, normally, the helicopter doesn’t make these sort of ‘stops’, but as this was the 10th Anniversary of the event, TVAA wanted to make an appearance to mark the occasion. Kate Martin, community fundraiser for TVACAA, said “This Cruise has grown into one of the most important events of the year for us. As it was the 10th anniversary, they wanted to go big so we booked the helicopter which came in on the day - and what fabulous community spirit we witnessed!”

SANTA CRUISE £20K TARGET ANTICIPATED THANK YOU READERS!

With glorious sunshine, blue skies and unusually mild temperatures associated with Christmas, the Air Ambulance stayed for over two hours, joining in with the Reindeer Games, prize giving, Santa Tug-ofwar and of course, meeting the generous crowd. The event was so well attended - the Santa’s even made it onto the Meridian News that afternoon! Ms Martin said: “A lot of families wanted to come and have a look at the helicopter and have their pictures taken. “It was a really good event. It went very well and was really well received and I think they will raise just over £20,000 for us this year which will nearly take them up to the 100K mark. “They are all really committed and I think they’ll find it hard to do better next year.” But we will readers... With your help! If you would like to be a Santa in 2015 (or are a business and would like to get involved), please drop VE Santa a line now and the Santa’s will contact you later on in the year. hello@villageeye.co.uk

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Pride of Reading Congratulations to local resident, Sarah Smith who recently picked up a Pride of Reading award on behalf of Home-Start Reading. Sarah, the manager of HomeStart Reading, was delighted that the dedicated work of its volunteers over the past 30 years had earned them the Charity of the Year award 2014.

Home-Start helps young families going through difficult times and delivers support, friendship and practical help. This helps parents to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children and widen their links with the local community. Collecting the award alongside Sarah Smith were Mike Lucas and his partner Jeanette who are one of the families supported by the charity. Mr Lucas said: “For us as a family their support has been invaluable. We wouldn’t be where we are without their help.” The Pride of Reading awards are hosted annually by Reading’s very own TV Personality Chris Tarrant at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre at Madejski Stadium.

Sarah Smith receiving a cheeky hug from Pride of Reading host Chris Tarrant

eye

Health & Leisure

ew Year has rolled in and your New Year’s Resolutions are well underway. You’re proud and thriving with the lifestyle changes you have successfully made. Really? If that’s the case then be proud, be very proud, for you are one in a million. For the rest of us, it goes something like this: How is your weight loss going? Yes, yes, I know. There were lots of left over Quality Streets, wine and mince pies to eat up, so you haven’t really started properly yet. But you’re still going to do it, aren’t you. Yes. Just two words of warning - Valentine’s and Easter. Doh! And healthy eating? See above. Doh! It’s OK though, because you’ve also vowed to be much better with money this year, haven’t you? And you can do that right away. Well...once you’ve paid off the Next catalogue, paid your Dad back and sorted out the credit cards from Christmas. Doh! Let’s not beat ourselves up about the fact that New Year’s Resolutions are a distant memory (if we attempted it at all). After all, the idea of making New Year’s Resolutions is unrecognised in lots of countries in Latin America, Scandinavia, Asia and Eastern Europe. Who are we to argue? And of course, the gloomy month of January is just the wrong time to make these changes. Making excuses? No! The figures prove it. Failure rates are ridiculously high on New Year’s resolutions, so the odds are against us to start with. Repeat after me: I am not a failure, the odds are against me. Let’s put our New Year’s Resolutions behind us and start afresh with this year's self improvement. So, what shall we give up for Lent?

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TECH

BITS AND BYTES Have you ever wanted to make something electronic ?

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

inter is a really magical time here at the cold and frosty outdoors. There is nothing Jubilee Day Nursery. It begins when the they love more than wrapping up warm and being outdoor Christmas Lights get switched outside searching out frozen cobwebs, crunching on in early December, a fantastic their boots on frozen leaves and pretending to be display including a large Father Christmas, LED puffing dragons! The children often walk to the Snowmen, Penguins, Polar Bears, Toy Soldiers woods in winter time to feed our animals too – and and even Trains. The children love seeing the they even help break the ice when the duck pond lights twinkling in the evening and early morning gets frozen! darkness. It could be just for fun, or perhaps you have a need that doesn’t off part the shelf. This month I will look If for yousomething would like your childexist to be of this at designing youralso ownlook electronics Be brave - we will start really simplyon justaturning on and This time of year we forwardprojects. to a very amazing learning experience part-time or off an LED. Woohoo! special event in our winter calendar; our Winter full-time basis please contact one of our nursery Wonderland Walk. Where allneed ourthechildren’s managers. It’s well recognised that we next generation to develop and become great engineers and designers - indeed, parents, siblings grandparents us on programming into their curriculums. We need children today to grasp schools haveand now included codingjoin and simple a walk through our farmland, downwiring to our Calland Lesley on 01189 701needs 600 to develop more engineers - and quickly, some basics of electronics beyond up a bulb a switch. The UK privatebefore woodland area, affectionately knownnational as Email info@jubileedaynursery.co.uk or three children and none of them we lose our projects and ultimate wealth to the Far East entirely. I have Roughwood. There we sing carols and Christmas Visit our website www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk have been taught how to code at school - so let’s see if we can generate some interest and fill in that gap. Songs around our Christmas Tree. There is hot chocolate, coffee and mulled wine so everyone can Call Sian on 01189TM 834 018 lackfestive of simple effective design tools was why the Raspberry Pi was invented. enjoy The a crisp winter’s evening. Email info@jubileegems.co.uk or Enter now, a tiny computer that you can integrate with hardware and write software applications. It stimulates the mind and allows anyone to learn Visit our website www.jubileegems.co.uk how to write basic code and design circuits. The designer of the Raspberry PiTM did so because he asked a family friend Disney’s Frozen is our theme for this years Winter Wonderland Walk. Lets to hope it’sa career cold enough for what they wanted do as after school. The friend said “A game developer”. He said “Cool - What do you write Olaf and his friends. games in at the moment?” - The answer was Playstation. The ‘wannabe’ developer had no idea how to get started. They had never written a programme nor had any tools or idea on how to do so. Hence he developed the Raspberry PiTM. I will January and February offer Pi a TMfantastic write more about thealso Raspberry later but for now here is something even cheaper to get you started with electronic opportunity for the children at the nursery to projects and programmes... explore

Welcome to the ardUino It’s a little circuit board that you connect to your computer (Mac or Windows). It comes in kit form and there are lots of modules you can purchase for it. There isn’t much of a learning curve - but there are lots of tutorials on the website. There is also the Arduino development software that runs on your computer - this is where you write your actual code.

You will need... 1. An Arduino kit (check out ebay or Maplins) they don’t cost much but do buy a complete kit. 2. A computer (Windows/ Mac) so you can use the software to programme the Arduino. (It’s programmed in C which is the most widely used programming languages. You can download this for free from arduino.cc 3. Open the Arduino software and go to examples, select “Blink”. 4. Then upload this code to the Arduino board. 5. You pop the LED and the resister into the Arduino - and hey presto - a blinking LED!

A programme is uploaded to the Arduino board where it will run stand alone (ie you don’t need to keep the computer connected). It’s a great way to start to learn about electronics, and programmes. I recently designed some software and a physical circuit that works with the Ok, so turning on a LED isn’t very exciting - but think Arduino to check when our TV cameras were recording what you could do once you get used to the kit and the in our studio. Now hen they are recording, my simpl Childcare Practitioners hundreds ofrequired fun examples on arduino.cc website. Think project turns all the door lights red automatically. of all the ways you could interface the Arduino to the Simple effective, useful and cheap. What’s more there Jubilee Nursery is looking newly qualified or apprentice to join our team. outside world.childcare Perhaps,practitioners you could design a cat flap that was nothing off Day the shelf to buy that didfor it, so I made sends you a text message when the cat returns home ! Or something. The Nursery has a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and set input a beautiful location offering a out complete package. youiscould in a pressure sensor to work the cats If you are looking to pursue a career in childcare but are qualified, contact us for details. weight andnot notyet allow it back in when it’s carrying a dead Let’s start gently - all we are going to do is turn on a LED

Enjoy helping children reach their goals?

by Eye Geek.

and make it flash. Contact Lesley on 0118 970 1600 or visit our websites to view our current vacancies.

Paddock View, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG7 4JD

BRADFIELD COLLEGE WIN

SPORTS COMPLEX l’Ortolan LUNCH FOR TWO AT

ver thought about relaxing in stylish and comfortable surroundings and enjoying exquisite contemporary French cuisine, exceptional service and a warm welcome?

dessert, and a glass of Rhone Valley Wine for £37.

As proud holders of one Michelin star and four AA rosettes, L’Ortolan is now credited as being one of the top restaurants in the UK!

Village Eye and L’Ortolan have teamed up to give one lucky reader the chance of winning one of these mouth watering lunches... Entry to the competition is free and remember, one of you WILL WIN! Please see the entry details below.

Conveniently located just down the road in Shinfield, L’Ortolan is housed in a beautiful listed building and offers a tempting variety of dining options for both business entertaining and social occasions.

The full Rhone Valley Wine Lunch menu and details of other mouth watering offers can all be found on their website. www.lortolan.com

Join us for delicious three course lunch with Chef’s appetiser and pre-dessert, and a glass of Rhone Valley Wine

NEW

In addition to their regular fine dining experience, diners can also enjoy a Chef’s Table experience – where 2-4 guests get to dine in the kitchen opposite the pass, choose a Private Dining option in one of their 3 private dining rooms, and even offer budding chef’s the opportunity to ‘train’ in their kitchen for the day with their exclusive Chef’s Experience Package (Always a great gift, for someone special!)

Fitness Suite and Studio

per person

NOW OPEN!

Come along and try...

Our new ﬁtness suite Even more classes and a dedicated spinning room

Dining at L’Ortolan costs less than you’d expect too! This winter, they are offering a Rhone Valley Wine Lunch, a delicious three course lunch with chef’s appetiser and pre-

Become a member...

Includes gym, classes and swimming pool Available Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes from Find out more... 6th January. Maximum 6 people per booking

Competition Entry 0118 964 4600

Please call 0118 988 8500 or book a

table online quoting ‘Rhone Valley’ frontdesk@bradﬁeldcollege.org.uk www.bradﬁeldenterprises.co.uk 5 minutes from J11 of M4

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply go to Villageeye.co.uk, click the L’Ortolan tab and answer the following question:

How many AA rosettes do L’Ortolan now have? Entries must be made by midnight on Friday 27th Feb. The winner will be notified on Monday 2nd March. Rhone Valley Wine lunch for 2, can be taken Tues to Sat, expiry 31st March 2015

L’Ortolan, Church Lane, Shinfield, Reading, RG2 9BY

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Fifty Shades

There's lots to do for all the of family at...and other colours available in our selection of Valentine’s Bouquets The Willink in 2015

Red

In 2015, as well as offering a state-of-the-art gym, and an array of fun, fitness workout classes for all levels, we’ll also be running adult and child swimming courses. Split into three age groups (0 - 18 months,18 - 36 months and 36 months - 4 years), and run by ASA qualified teachers, these classes are designed to encourage both adult and child to become more confident in the water together. With structured games include singing, splashing races and much more, all aimed at developing each child’s swimming ability, these courses run back to back, to encourage more consistency with learning and development.

Zumba Cla

At Willink, there is more than just a swimming pool At Precious and gym. With a wide range of fitness classes and activities on offer, there is something to suit you’ll everyone Thymes, - with friendly staff to help you in every way.

sses

find a whole range of Flowers & Gifts COMING SOON INSANITY® After taking the make this world by storm in 2014 online and to on DVD, Shaun T’s intense total-body conditioning program is now available as a class! Valentine’s INSANITY’s high-intensity activity forces the special. body to work for longer periods of time at a

Body Combat

higher capacity than traditional workouts. As a result, people experience faster increases in cardiovascular fitness, and burn carbohydrates and fat more efficiently-as much as 1,000 calories per hour! Call for details.

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instructors, strike, punch, kick and kata your way through calories www.preciousthymes.co.uk to superior cardio fitness. ORDER YOUR VALENTINES BOUQUETS NOW BY PHONE OR ONLINE NOW & MAKE HER HAPPY!

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Legacy Leisure working in 46 Bishopswood partnership with your local authority Road

| Tadley | RG26 4HD

e AQUA AEROBICS class-goers do traditional workouts in waist to neck-high water in a swimming pool. The resistance of the water makes the workout feel far more intense, while the water cushions you from the impact. Some of the more cutting-edge classes use equipment such as webbed gloves to make the workouts tougher. YOGA If you are looking for a workout program that's easy to learn, yoga requires little or no equipment, and soothes your soul while toning your body. If strengthening your cardiovascular system, toning and stretching your muscles, and improving your mental fitness are on your to-do list, then this is the exercise for you. ZUMBAâ„˘ is one of the most popular group fitness classes in the world. Why? Because it's great fun. Each Zumba class combines dance moves inspired by samba, salsa, mambo and hip hop with classic moves from aerobics and martial arts, leaving you with a unique workout guaranteed to break a sweat and raise a smile. Ditch the workout - Join the Party! TOTAL BODY BOOTCAMP is an easy to follow high intensity class, alternating cardiovascular intervals with body conditioning excersises. The ideal way to burn fat, improve fitness and agility, increase muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. For a full list of classes, times and details of our adult and child swimming classes, please visit www.leisurecentre.com or call 0118 983 4845

WITH

JOIN OUR GYM

THIS SUMMER GYM - The Expressions fitness suite at Willink has been refurbished, with state of the art equipment from Precor to suit every users needs. Whether you are training for a marathon, or wanting to shift a few Christmas pounds, the gym has everything you need, and their dedicated fitness team will help you achieve your fitness goals. The gym also boasts a weight area to help supplement your workout.

Find us on

0118 983 4845

working in partnership with your Local Authority

School Lane | Burghfield Common | Berkshire | RG7 3XP

W y k n Pa WORTHINGTONS THE SALON

Each year the winter fades away to reveal the beauty of spring! This season, take the cue of spring and shed your winter blues. This springâ€™s hair colours are softer than years before, but still provide us with a multitude of choices. Warm shades of red, bold blondes and brilliant brunettes take your hair out of the dreary and into the springtime sun! To celebrate, at Worthingtons, we are offering 25% off of all colour services during February. Wishing you all a very Happy and colourful New Year!

Emma & the team xx

Colour Sale 25% OFF!

* Not in conjunction with any other offer, Ends Feb28th

www.worthingtonsthesalon.co.uk

WORTHINGTONS THE SALON 10

0118 983 2964 Shorelands | Reading Road | Burghfield Common | RG7 3BL

id you know that there are 13 million people now living below the poverty line in the UK and that every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income.

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Wanting to make the most of your slumber? Check out the 5 Best Sleep Apps Zzzzzzzzzzz

SLEEP CYCLE ALARM CLOCK Wakes you up when you’re in light sleep - the best phase to wake up in. Choose from 15 different alarm melodies or choose your own song on iTunes. Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock, £1.49, iTunes. HYPNOSIS SLEEP SOUNDLY Hypnosis sessions that include guided imagery and relaxation techniques that create “theta waves” (relaxing brainwaves) in the brain. Free, iTunes. DEEP SLEEP Clinical hypnotherapist Andrew Johnson brings his miracleworking directly to your smartphone through a relaxing, guided meditation designed to aid a good nights rest. £1.99, iTunes. SLEEPBOT Tracks motion and sounds (so it can track any sleep-talking or snoringl) to paint a visual picture of your sleep in graphs and stats the next day. Plus, it suggests sleep promoting moves and food choices for before bed. Free, iTunes. SLEEP PILLOW Provides a set of high-quality ambient sounds designed to create a relaxed environment that helps you nod off. It features 70 naturally recorded sounds including white noise and animal sounds, a slow-fade in alarm clock and a sleeper fade-out time. £1.49, iTunes.

Last year, foodbanks fed 128,687 people nationwide, an increase of 100% in just one year. The rising costs of food and fuel combined with static income, high unemployment and changes to benefits are causing more and more people to come to foodbanks for help. And it isn’t just something that is happening in ‘other’ areas either. Locally we have our own foodbank which was started by Churches Together in Burghfield Sulhamstead and Mortimer on in 2012. The project is based at St Oswald’s Church in Burghfield Common, where the Church has given a room for the storage of food. The Burghfield, Mortimer and District Food Bank project has received financial support from Stratfield Mortimer Relief in Need Charity, Mortimer Village Partnership (from the surplus raised by the Mortimer Fun Day), Burghfield Residents Association, local Church Groups and individuals. Food collection boxes are available in many local churches. Food parcels are made up and stored at St Oswald’s ready for distribution. At any time surplus food donated to the project will be diverted to Readifood. Readifood will also make good any shortfalls in the Burghfield, Mortimer and District Food Bank food donations. The Food Bank is being promoted via local Charities, Cafe 'B,' local Schools, Doctor’s surgeries and locally operating Health, Social and Housing professionals, who are asked to refer anyone in need of this type of short term help. Individuals not in direct contact with referral agencies can contact the Food bank directly via the dedicated Food bank number. How you can help Local people can help by providing food (collection points are, St Oswalds Catholic Church, Mortimer and Burghfield Methodist Churches, Sulhamstead and St Mary's Burghfield Cof E Churches & Mortimer West End Chapel), and Library by volunteering - especially to deliver food parcels. If you need help yourself? If you would like to obtain a food parcel yourself, you will need to contact your local Benefits Agency and ask them to call the dedicated food bank number to arrange for the delivery of a parcel. If you are not in direct contact with any agency but are still in need you can ring the number directly to obtain a parcel. Burghfield Mortimer and District Food Bank’s number is 07770 56 56 25 or email: allanmeakin@hotmail.co.uk

SWEET DREAMS XX 11

“Talk to the lads at Lafford & Leavey, Talk to the lads they make it easy” Mortimer Physiotherapy practice

Highfield Park A venue for all seasons

Whatever the weather, Highfield Park offers a truly unique setting for your special day.

BACK OR NECK PAIN? SPORTS INJURIES? MUSCLE/TENDON STRAIN? POST OPERATIVE REHABILITATION? * NHS referrals are accepted from all West Berkshire GPs - just ask!

The 17th century Queen Anne Style mansion house with it’s stunning spiral staircase, set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds, offers the perfect backdrop for those picture perfect memories.

Tel: 0118 933 3896 Text: 07951 840643

www.mortimerphysio.co.uk info@mortimerphysio.co.uk ESTABLISHED FOR 15 YEARS, YOUR LOCAL PRIVATE PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC. NOW ACCEPTING NHS REFERRALS

Windows Doors A venue for all seasons Sunday 22nd February ~ Wedding Fayre ~ Conservatories 11am to 4pm UPVC or Timber Only one wedding takes place each day at Highfield Park, ensuring you have an intimate celebration with your family and friends.

(NHS REFERRALS ACCEPTED FROM WEST BERKSHIRE GPs)

Whatever the weather, Highfield Park offers a truly unique setting for your special day. The 17th century Queen Anne Style mansion house with it’s stunning spiral staircase, set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds, offers the perfect backdrop for those picture perfect memories. Only one wedding takes place each day at Highfield Park, ensuring you have an intimate celebration with your family and friends. ~ Wedding Fayres and Open Days 2015 ~

Sunday 11th January - Open Day - 11am to 3pm Sunday 22nd February - Wedding Fayre - 11am to 4pm Sunday 1st November - Wedding Fayre - 11am to 3pm

Personal showrounds available by Personal showrounds available by appointment all year round appointment all year round • Fully licensed for Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships

One of the leading window, door and conservatory installers in Berkshire, Partnerships offering free quotations and advice from a company with a formidable • Only one wedding takes • Outdoor ceremony day Choose from a wide range of products in a style reputation spanningplace 50 each years. option at our historic and finish which will• Inclusive suit your budget and needs, we are only a phone call away. Folly packages from

• Outdoor ceremony option at our historic Folly • FullyBreakfasts licensed • Eveningforcelebrations for • Wedding for for up toCivil 140 • Evening celebrations up to 250 • Only one Ceremonies wedding takes place eachCivil day • Inclusive packages and up to from 250£4250 for 60 guests To find out more or to book a showround call 0118 932 6369 or email highfieldsalesteam@deverevenues.co.uk Highfield Park, Church Lane Heckfield, Nr Hook, Hampshire RG27 0LG Terms and conditions apply

• Wedding Breakfasts for up to 140

£4250 for 60 guests

LAFFORD & LEAVEY LTD

To find out more or to book a showround call 0118 932 6369 or email highfieldsalesteam@deverevenues.co.uk

ARROWHEAD venues ROAD, THEALE, READING, RG7 4AZ Tel: Reading (0118) 9303333 Fax: (0118) 9323707 Highfield Park Email: lafford.leavey@btconnect.com

Highfield Park, Church Lane Heckfield, Hampshire RG27 0LG (near Wellington Country Park) 12

PUCKE R

MAC’S LUSTRE RANGE

Lipsticks a re every gir l’s dream, come in a they variety of c o lours and different fo rmulas. H ow the right o ne can be d ever, choosing ifficult; lus matte, glos tre, s? There ar e so many options! I have foun d the best that are aff options ordable an d will mak lips look g e your orgeous an d last all d MWAAHH a y long. H.

MAC are the Queen of lipsticks and my favourite is the ‘lustre’ range, designed to be moisturising and long lasting. For £15.50 it is a bit pricey for a lipstick, but they last for so long and a little goes a long way. The perfect everyday shade is ‘Sugar’, an easy wearing nude/pink shade that looks like your natural lip colour, but better! But, if you’re a fan of a darker plum lip, but don’t want to look like you’ve gone overboard, then ‘Plumful’ is for you. Ultra glossy and chic, this shade automatically updates your make up look from day to night.

LAM! R TOTAL G O F S IP L R GLITTE ere’ then I am

ut th hing totally ‘o stivals ing for somet - Perfect for fe up bs um If you are look th e in siv ed as ne m u a yo ps l Li al giving Glitter er kit that has ev cl d is an Th ol t. to ts ou plicator and girlie nigh ok: glitter, ap with s to get the lo purple shade t ea gr a is three easy step m la G - it a ok ltr lo U t in an Lips ld and vibr glue. Glitter gives lips a bo by at Ru th d s ht an lig ly ol gh D golden hi urs, Molly art.com £12.50 two other colo thisisbeautym also comes in m fro e lin on lable Slippers! Avai

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F OR VA L E NT I NE 'S

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For a cheaper alternative (just £9!), the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter’s have been raved and reviewed across the beauty community. They have the same texture and longevity as the MAC lipsticks, and come in an impressive range of colours, from reds, to plums, to pinks, to oranges! My holy grail shade is ‘Berry Smoothie’, a dark pink tone that is so unbelievably moisturising, I seriously couldn’t believe it lasted that long on my lips!

My ultimate beauty lip tip that will keep your lips hydrated is to use the Elizabeth Arden ‘Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm’ for £26. Expensive? Yes. But believe me, as someone who has suffered with cracked lips their whole life, this lip product has changed the condition of my lips completely. With SPF, it protects against sun damage and can also double up as a moisturiser for your body. Alternatively, a cheaper alternative is Vaseline, everyone’s favourite, it will keep your lips hydrated at a much cheaper price!

’s Megan ts Momen

Wishing you all a l Happy & Beautifu New Year Love Megs xx 13

eye

Advertorial Competition

y introducing the OSCAR Starter Packs for dogs and cats, tailored to suit their lifestyle and life stage, we are offering pet owners a tempting taster for an introductory offer of only £5.

Each pack contains a bag of food specifically chosen for your pet's needs, a wide selection of information leaflets, treats, a large airtight storage bucket and a voucher giving you £5 off your first order. (Minimum order may apply) OSCAR quality foods are always supplied under the guidance of our expert advisors and they pride themselves in serving nutritionally balanced meals that are mouth-watering and tasty for those members of your family that rely heavily on your care. There will be times when your pet tells you that its food isn't providing the right nutrients and vitamins and the early warning signs can be seen through coat condition, allergies, hyperactivity or even lethargy. Other times you may want to offer a new diet but are unsure what to look for in a food. Your local nutritional advisor Philip Wright will be able to guide you on choosing the right diet for your pet's needs. Philip is supported by behavioural, nutritional and veterinary experts. For over 20 years we have made it our business to bring a complete pet care service to your door and for that

WIN SIX MONTHS OF PET FOOD WITH OSCAR reason you need to discover this special offer. Don't miss out! Let OSCAR make a difference to your pet's diet and you can enjoy seeing them have a long, happy and healthy life. For more information contact Philip on: 01256 700406 or e-mail: philip.wright@oscars.co.uk or visit www.oscar. co.uk

FREE

PET FOOD Introducing Philip Wright, your Nutritional Advisor, with an offer to WIN... • 6 months FREE food to one winner • 10 STARTER PACKS as runner up prizes

Skiddy from Preston

(prizes tailored to your pets needs)

DON’T DELAY

Enter your details below and send to: OSCAR Pet Foods, Bannister Hall Mill, Higher Walton, PR5 4DZ or email discover@oscars.co.uk or text 07887 957356 (normal tariff will apply). Closing date 27th February 2015 Name Address Post code Daytime tel Pets

Barry from Earby

Call Philip on 01256 700406 Terms and conditions: Only one entry per household/prize one pet. Winners will be chosen in a draw and notified within 4 weeks. Please be aware that OSCAR does not make its database available to third parties. Promoter OSCAR Pet Foods Ltd, Freepost, NWW7057A, Preston, PR5 4BR. Code: WR1003

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eye

Business & Finance

Looking Ahead with Mark Penston

ith the Christmas merriment behind us, our thoughts are now firmly focussed on the new year ahead. We are all perhaps guilty of not taking enough time out to plan, so the New Year is always a good time to review your financial situation. From a recent brainstorming planning session at the Bluesky offices, we picked out a few of the headline items we thought might be of interest this year:-

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

0118 987 6655

Pensions – From April 2015 George Osborne will allow much greater access to pensions. A new world of flexibility and retirement options means it’s perhaps a good time to dust off all those old pension schemes and see if they can benefit from the new changes.

markp@blueskyifas.co.uk www.blueskyifas.co.uk

Pensioner bonds – The Pensioner Bonds announced in the 2014 Budget statement should be starting in January 2015. The rates are very competitive and worthy of consideration by those aged 65 or over. A one year bond will pay 2.8% gross and a 3 year bond will pay 4% gross per annum. Maximum investment per person, per issue is £10,000. Visit http://www.nsandi.com/ savings-65plus for more information. ISAs – This year the rules for ISAs were relaxed allowing the current £15,000 annual allowance to be split between cash and stocks & shares as you wish. Use the allowance or lose it! Money in an ISA grows virtually tax-free and there is no tax when withdrawing funds. We feel that the tax benefits of a cash ISA are marginal (£100 in a cash ISA paying 1.4% saves a basic rate tax payer 28p in tax), however where funds are available for the longer term we believe that stocks & shares ISAs can offer real benefits. Getting your affairs in order – Much of the financial planning work we do necessitates us understanding how much our clients spend on a monthly basis. After all, planning for retirement is quite difficult if you don’t have any idea of how much you will need! Monitoring expenses, or at least having a guess can be quite revealing. I’ve started using an app on my phone which, combined with my bank statement makes things a bit easier. We’ve also found that encouraging clients to review expenses often reveals old subscriptions and direct debits that are being paid but not used! Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney – Making sure that your hard earned money goes to those you want it to go to is part of good financial planning. We do not offer this service but a Solicitor should be able to help and can also talk to you about a Lasting Power of Attorney which appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so.

3 Chalfont Court, Lower Earley, Reading, Berks, RG6 5SY BlueSKY Independent Financial Advisers LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage or other loans secured on it.

Need a Solicitor? Contact John L Banky Solicitors A traditional and friendly law firm based in Theale, just off Junction 12 of the M4 offering a professional approach over a comprehensive range of Legal Services.

•

All areas of conveyancing

•

Commercial Property

•

Wills and Probate

•

Contested Probate/Inheritance Claims

•

General Litigation

For advice please call:

Mark Mark Pension is a Chartered Financial Planner with Bluesky Chartered Financial Planners

0118 930 4630 john@johnlbankysolicitors.co.uk

Experienced legal consultancy

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm 18a High Street, Theale Berkshire, RG7 5AN www.johnlbankysolicitors.co.uk

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 538444)

No Signal? we’ll fix it

TV signal problems? We can help! Contact Toby on 07737 784 244 for a free quotation or email: info@bluebanana.tv • • •

• • •

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

Multiroom systems European satellites TVs mounted on walls

• • •

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

• •

Repairs to existing systems, Domestic and Commercial Work undertaken

Spring 2013 version2quarter page landscape no Signal .indd 1

11/03/2013 09:47

RAPID COMPUTER SUPPORT

your local mobile IT helpdesk! If you have computer problems, we can help you with: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

VIRUS REMOVAL & PROTECTION MAXIMISE SECURITY HARDWARE REPAIR OR UPGRADE SOFTWARE REPAIR OR UPGRADE INTERNET AND EMAIL SETUP/TROUBLESHOOTING IMPROVE COMPUTER PERFORMANCE SUPPLY AND INSTALL OF ANY TYPE OF COMPUTER HELP WITH MOBILE PHONE SYNCRONIZATION DATA TRANSFER DESKTOP APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE INSTALLATIONS ONE-TO-ONE TUITION SUPPORT CONTRACTS AVAILABLE

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0118 933 3638

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TOTAL CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS

House, Garden & Business

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All in the comfort of your home or office Freephone: 0800 228 9138 Little Park Farm, Beech Hill Road, Near Reading RG7 2AR

0118 933 3683 Based at Lakeside Garden Centre, Tadley

SWIMMING POOL & SPA SPECIALIST

Whether it is the supplying of equipment and chemicals or the servicing of swimming pools, hot-tubs or spas through to complete new builds, we have the experience, reliability and know-how that you require for all your swimming pools and hot-tubs needs.

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Spas Hot Tubs Pools

www.ccmpools.com info@ccmpools.com

0118 930 6655

Our online shop offers next day delivery of stock items!

Shop address: Arrowhead Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4AD

eye

Community

Out & About in Theale during February Half Term

If you live near Theale then there’s no need to be bored in the February school holiday – because the library has a busy schedule of activities you can get involved with. The week will have a theme of ‘Around and About Theale’ and many local organisations are holding events. There’s a bird spotting walk for families around Hose Hill Lake with Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, and there’s a short ramble starting from the library led by Pang Valley Ramblers. There will be a workshop to learn how to paint Flowers and Castles with the Thames and Kennet Narrowboat Trust, and Englefield based charity Five a Day Market Garden will lead a community project to convert a nearby piece of land into a wildlife garden. Musical groups will perform in the library and you will have a chance to have a go at playing handbells.

THEALE -21

Februar y 2 0 1

nd about Th nd a ea ou 5

Many local organisations will have displays in the library to inform you about their activities, so if you are looking for something new to get involved with this will be a good place to start. To find out all the details please visit www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries or call in to Theale Library during opening hours. All the activities are free but you will need to book your place –so pop in soon to get your name on the list!

OKEElectrical

All aspects of electr ical work from a light switc h to a complete rewire

Fully insured • Fully qualified • Pa rt P complia nt

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

0 7 7 6 9 0 1 1 8 9

5 5 6 8 5 2 3 3 2 8 6 7 facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

Theale 0118 930 3133 Burghfield Common 0118 983 3897 Tadley 0118 981 0494

Property of the Month Chineham Lane Sherborne St John Five Bedroom Detached Home

Tadley office

A spacious detached family home situated in the sought after village of Sherborne St John. Accommodation comprises of a reception hall, cloakroom/shower room, fitted kitchen/breakfast room, spacious lounge, good sized dining room, conservatory and study/bedroom 5. The first floor has 4 bedrooms with built in wardrobes, large bathroom and a loft room. Outside is a detached garage, driveway for vehicles and a large rear garden. The property has no onward chain.

£499,500

£450,000

£350,000

Tadley office

Pamber Heath

Tadley office

• 5 Bedrooms

• Delightful End Cottage

• 3 reception Rooms

• Sitting Room with Log Burner

• Kitchen & Utility

• Kitchen & Utility/Shower

• Gas fired radiator heating

• Family Room

• Garage & Drive

• 2 Bedrooms

• Small Garden

Headley

£220,000

£340,000

Tadley office

• 3 Bedrooms

• 4 Good Sized Bedrooms

• Lounge

• Spacious Lounge

• Kitchen/Dining Room

• Rear Garden

• En-Suite Shower

Tadley

• Allocated Parking Space

• Garage & Drive • Enclosed Garden

Burghfield Common Tadley

£249,995

• No Onward Chain

£210,000

Tadley office

• 3 Bedrooms

• 2 Bedrooms

• 2 Reception Rooms

• Lounge/Diner

• Fitted Kitchen

• Driveway

• Garage in Block • Gas radiator heating

• Garage

Baughurst

• 158ft x 45ft Plot

• No onward chain

Tadley

• No Onward Chain

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

Theale 0118 930 3133 Burghfield Common 0118 983 3897 Tadley 0118 981 0494

Property of the Month Bath Road Midgham

Three Bedroom Detached Home

Theale office

Built to exacting standards and finished to the highest of specifications is this truly unique unique three bedroom detached oak framed house. The property benefits from a kitchen / dining room, designed by Griggs & Mackay, a spectacular Sitting room complete with log burner and three double bedrooms, the master of which is comprised of a generous bedroom, a separate dressing room and an en-suite bathroom. Outside and to the rear is a South facing garden. This property represents a rarely available country home that is finished to the highest of standards.

Bradfield Southend

£700,000

£600,000 (OIEO)

£480,000 (guide price)

Theale office

• Desirable Village Location

• Detached 4 Bedroom property

• 4 Bedrooms

• Integral garage

• Extension Potential

• Under floor heating

• South West Facing Garden

• Well kept garden

• Generous Room Sizes

• Off road parking

• Rarely Available

Theale

£400,000 (guide price)

£340,000

Theale office

Theale

• 3 Bedroom Semi

• 17th Century - Grade II listed cottage

• 2 Reception Rooms

• Desirable village location

• 19’ Kitchen/Dining Room

• Three bedrooms

• 2 Shower Rooms

• Off road parking

• Double Glazing Throughout • Enclosed Rear Garden

• 140’ Garden

Burghfield Common Bradfield Southend

£285,000 (fixed price)

Theale office

• Well maintained 2 bedroom mid terrace

• Charming Period Cottage • Two Bedroom Semi

• Refitted kitchen

• Period Features

• Garage and driveway parking

• Driveway Parking • Renovated Throughout • Courtyard Garden

• Uninterrupted rural views

£235,000

Theale office

Beenham

• Peaceful location

Calcot

• Ideal investment or first time purchase • Enclosed rear garden • Double glazed windows throughout

www.parkersproperties.co.uk

Property of the Month Fallows Road PADWORTH Burghfield Common office

Much sought after 5 bedroom detached family home located in the desirable village of Padworth. Positioned on the edge of a large park the property enjoys a peaceful frontal outlook. Built in 2007 the property has been in the possession of its current owners since new and has been very well maintained. With a floor area of 1’650 square feet delivered over two floors this family home is able to comfortably accommodate the largest of families. Outside and to the rear is a secluded garden that is laid to lawn, herbaceous borders and patio, there is also a double garage with power and light and off road parking, that is secured with a five bar gate, for four cars.

£550,000

£699,950

£640,000

Burghfield Common office

• Victorian Detached house

• 4 Bedroom Detached House

• 4 Bedrooms

• 1/4 Acre Plot

• 3 Reception Rooms

• Conservatory & Family Room

• Lounge with Inglenook Fireplace

• Large Private Garden

• Detached Double Garage

Burghfield Bridge

• Viewing Highly Recommended

Burghfield Common Mortimer

£450,000

Burghfield Common office

• New Luxury Detached Home

• Entrance Hall & Cloakroom

• Four Bedrooms

• Luxury Kitchen/Breakfast room

• Family Bathroom and En-Suite

• Lounge Lounge/Diner and Study

• High specification and NHBC

• 3 luxury Bathrooms

• Convenient Village Location

• Alarm system & Water softener

• Easy access to M4 and rail

Burghfield Common

£434,950

• 5 Acres of beautiful communal Gardens

£265,000

Burghfield Common office

Pingewood

• Convenient village location

£465,000

Burghfield Common office

Mortimer

5 Bedroom Detached Home

Burghfield Common office

• 3 Bedrooms

• Entrance hall, Lounge

• 27 ft Lounge / Dining Room

• Kitchen/Diner, Lobby and Cloakroom

• 23 ft Kitchen / Breakfast room

• Bedroom 4/Study

• Detached Double Garage

• Conservatory and Garden

• 100ft Rear Garden

• Bathroom with shower • Parking behind

Mortimer

We’re here for your every move... 21

eye

Business

Why Flyers might not be working for you

Do you have a local business? Do you regularly send out flyers? Then read on!

e are occasionally asked if we’d consider inserting flyers into this magazine. Our response is always a very polite refusal...

this is depicted very well in the photograph here. According to our research, the average UK household gets 326 pieces of unaddressed junk mail per year!

Picture the familiar scene. You return home from a hard days work and push open the front door which disrupts the jumble of ‘junkmail’ which has arrived throughout the course of the day. Underneath, somewhere between the pizza flyer, an offer from a sofa manufacturer, a window company and the scrunched up leaflet from a carpet cleaning company - is your ‘real’ mail. What do you do?

On one single day a few weeks

Chances are, like most of us, you’ll ‘sift’ through the junk to retrieve your regular mail, relegating the stuff that doesn’t interest you into a pile which is immediately placed in the log burner (if you are lucky enough to have one) or recycling basket . Occasionally, the odd bit of this ‘junk’ is eye catching enough and relevant to you so it is possible you’ll give it a quick glance, but that is all. Once in a while, an advertiser will get lucky with their efforts - with the recipient choosing to retain said flyer/leaflet, and the marketing masterpiece is promoted to the kitchen drawer (you know the one, usually where the takeaway menus, the odd directory and numerous keys/screws/fuses live) - ANd, if it’s exceptionally good it’ll get stuck on the fridge door next to the children’s artwork and next week’s shopping reminders.

before Christmas, I returned from work to find this on my hall mat (please notice how a couple of the flyers look as if they’ve been scrunched up and re-flattened prior to dropping through my door.) It reminded me of one of the reasons I set up the magazine in the first place!

Sometimes, these flyers are posted individually, others arrive in Royal Mail’s weekly ‘Door-to-door’ Delivery service (yes, there really is a branch of our postal service which is dedicated to collating as many leaflets, flyers and marketing materials and delivering them en-masse) - which, for them is actually very profitable. The question I always ask is - when half a dozen flyers arrive all at once, are you really going to look at them all? An example of

James W Fisher Property Maintenance

PAINTING & DECORATING All interior and exterior decorating, carpentry and small building work. 25 years experience. CONTACT JAMES TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION. No job too small:

One day’s bombardment!

Run by local people, for local people and businesses, Village Eye is an established A4 glossy lifestyle magazine featuring local news, events and content and a balance of local business offers - it is read and retained each month by many of its recipients across 11,000 local households. Since we launched back in September 2011, we are proud to have helped over 300 companies of all sizes to grow, gain more customers and tell their story to the people of this area - and all for much less than the cost of a single drop flyer campaign. In 2015, if you are thinking about new ways in which to reach out to more customers and haven’t yet considered advertising or featuring your business in Village Eye - then we’d love to talk to you about how we can work with you to make this happen. Wishing all of the businesses in this area a Very Happy New Year. Hellen, Editor.

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

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18 Chestnut Close | Theale| RG7 5DF

07789 902 091 0118 988 7590

CATKINS Covered fresh air pens Insulated & heated cabins (personal inspections welcome) Established 27years

Tadley You name it - we sell it!

We have a large selection of horse feed, horse bedding, small animal food and bedding, wild bird foods, cage and aviary bird foods, chicken food and bedding, cat food and cat litter, fish food for cold water tropical and marine, reptile food ( live frozen and dried), frozen dog and cat foods. We also stock Wild Bird Products, all at guaranteed low prices, with FREE LOCAL DELIVERY available

Threeways, Silchester Road, Pamber Heath

0118 970 0296

Why Pay More?

Pet Supplies

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE

BOARDING CATTERY

0118 981 9996 www.tadleypetsupplies.co.uk More information on facebook: Tadley Pet Supplies

4-5 THE FORGE (next to Tesco’s) HEATH END ROAD, BAUGHURST, TADLEY

Pro

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plumbing and heating The closest you’ll get to the perfect garage door

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

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For a competitive quote, please call us on:

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

Roller Garage Door Centre Head Office and Show Room Unit 7 Bacchus House, Calleva Park, Aldermaston, Reading, RG7 8EN t: 01189 817 300 w: www.rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk

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

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ARE YOU STARTING TO FEEL THE COLD YET?

Geoffrey Church & Co Funeral Directors

For a personal and dignified service at all times...

COAL & LOGS

Personal Service - 24 Hours Private Chapel of Rest All types of Memorials, supplied and fixed Pre-payment Funeral Plans Available Enquiries welcome

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THATCHAM TADLEY

Family Business BPS PLUS Ltd

TADLEY THATCHAM

Units 1-2, Padworth Saw Mill, Rag Hill, www.berkshire-log-supplies.co.uk BPS PLUS Ltd Padworth, Reading, Berks RG7 4NU

Tel: 686830 Tel: 01488 686830 (24 hours) hours) (24 48a High 48a High Street, Street,

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0118 971 0201 Units 1-2, Padworth Saw Mill, Rag Hill, Padworth, Reading, Berks RG7 4NU

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Reading Metal Recycling

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.

Covering the RG7 area, Reading, Maidenhead & Basingstoke.

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!

References Available All Work Guaranteed

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

For a competitive, no obligation quotation please call:

07789 902 091 or 0118 988 7590 24

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

(Opposite the Cunning Man)

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

WETROOMS & BATHROOMS If you’re thinking of making changes to your bathroom in 2015, have you considered a Wet Room?

The height of luxury, a Wet Room is when the room itself becomes the shower enclosure. The shower drain is inset into a gently sloped floor in place of a conventional shower tray. A Wet Room is no longer the preserve of the rich - it is now an affordable option for many homes. It will open up your bathroom into a more attractive, contemporary space and will facilitate a shower when perhaps a standard shower tray couldn’t fit. Without a shower tray to step into, wet rooms are also a perfect solution for those with reduced mobility and can offer good wheelchair access, too.

• • • • • • • •

Most houses and apartments can now have a bathroom converted into a wet room. To do this for you, the room will be fully waterproofed - or ‘tanked’ as its known in the trade. Flooring needs to be sloped correctly and made from the correct material, simple drainage changes will be made to accommodate the newly placed drain and ventilation may be installed. Of course, a wet room won’t suit everybody. Many people still prefer a traditional style of bathroom for a number of reasons, which is why, in addition to fully pumped wet rooms, the Bran Partnership supply and fit a wide range

FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE MOT TESTING While-you-wait testing available (by prior appointment) SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Great discounts and helpful advice MECHANICAL REPAIRS GREAT DEALS ON TYRES FREE SHOCK ABSORBER TESTING SPECIALIST 3D 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND SPECIAL OFFERS

of ‘traditional bathrooms too. Our friendly, experienced team will oversee your project from supply to completion.

who have been supplying solutions to business and private customers successfully for over 25 years, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

If you are considering changing your bathroom in 2015, as a local company

Len Keep

Proud installers of

0118 983 1212 07836 648503

bran.partnership@btopenworld.com

HOFMANN 3D 4 WHEEL ALIGMENT COMPUTER SYSTEM

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

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JOIN TODAY AND SAY YES TO

SAVINGS! Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

To find out if you are eligible, please contact the Marketing Team at Costco Reading on marketing114@costco.co.uk The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT). Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express

Costco Reading 100 South Oak Way, Green Park Reading Berks RG2 6UE

T: 0118 920 7100

E: marketing114@costco.co.uk www.costco.co.uk

FREE GIFT! COSTCO READING ONLY. VALID UNTIL 30/06/15.

New Line Sheds WE MANUFACTURE

Garden Sheds. Garden Workshops. Summerhouses. Chalets. Bespoke Rooms. Playhouses • • • • • • • •

Over 50 years experience. A family run business. We us wood from renewable sustainable Over 50 years experience. managed forest. Over 70% of our sales come We do not use chipboard or plywood. Bolted assembly. from recommendation Bespoke design available.A family run business Helpful and friendly staff. We us wood from renewable Value for money.

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

Clean & Hygienic Carpets, Floors, Rugs & Upholstery. At Fixed Low Prices. Starting From £99 ! Our National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) trained carpet cleaning technicians will ensure your carpets, floors, rugs, sofas & curtains look and smell bright, fresh & clean.

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booking

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We wish you a

Power in your hands Lasting Powers of Attorney

New interiors showroom opening on Saturday

31st January 2015 Online at www.smarthut.co.uk

t is a fact of life that, as a nation, we are living much longer. Inevitably, therefore, more and more of us will suffer a period of physical and mental incapacity later in life. But are people taking practical steps at the right time to help relatives cope when they can no longer make financial or personal decisions for themselves?

Smarthut Interiors & Furnishings

0118 449 2072

Unit 1, 38 Victoria Road, Mortimer

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that authorises trusted family members, friends or professional individuals (attorneys) to act in oneâ€™s place. There are two types:-

Thinking of Extending?

Holloway Homes

Holloway Homes Ltd is an independent construction company serving Reading and the surrounding areas. Priding ourselves on providing a bespoke solution for all your building requirements, we offer expert advice and building work on renovations, extensions and home improvements.

Turning houses into homes We provide the complete Our our qualified tradesmen building maintenance underake home building service including: projects on: Plastering Renovations Brick work Extensions Tiling Alterations Painting and decorating New builds Joiners Home improvements Carpentry Conversions Electrics For a quotation, 0118 376 5427 Kitchen installation Plumbing please call us on: 07956 817677 Holloway Homes Limited | 33 Redhatch Drive | Earley | Reading | RG6 5QN

(1) A Property & Financial Affairs LPA gives your attorney power to sell your property, sign cheques for you, withdraw cash from your account and pay your bills and care home fees. (2) A Health & Welfare LPA gives your attorney power to make decisions such as where you will live, what care you will have and whether or not you will receive medical treatment. This type of LPA can be particularly useful where family circumstances are less than straightforward, and where you do not necessarily wish for your next of kin

to be involved in welfare or medical decisions about you â€“ or you wish to appoint your unmarried partner, whose legal rights to be involved in your medical and care decisions are limited. If you have an old style Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) made before 1 October 2007, this remains valid. However, if you start to lose mental capacity to manage your finances, your attorney(s) is(are) under a duty to register your EPA with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Making an LPA can seem complicated and expensive, but if you have not appointed an attorney before you lose your mental capacity, it is too late to do so and you will leave your relatives with much more difficult and costly options. Your LPA may never be needed, but if it is, your family will be thankful you were prepared. For further information please contact Helen Greenwood or Elizabeth Groom at Rowberry Morris. For further information, please contact Elizabeth Groom or Helen Greenwood at Rowberry Morris on 0118 981 2992

FREE car park at rear of office Offices also at Reading, Staines and Richmond EMAIL office@rmtadley.co.uk WEB www.rowberrymorris.co.uk

Tadley Office Sherfield House, Mulfords Hill, Tadley Hants RG26 3XJ TEL: 0118 981 2992 27

“Talk to the lads at Lafford & Leavey, Talk to the lads they make it easy”

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.

LAFFORD & LEAVEY LTD ARROWHEAD ROAD, THEALE, READING, RG7 4AZ Tel: Reading (0118) 9303333 Fax: (0118) 9323707 Email: lafford.leavey@btconnect.com 28

Mortimer Netball Club Mortimer Netball Club was founded in 2010 as part of the England Netball’s ‘back to Netball’ scheme. This was designed to bring back into the sport women who had a break in playing netball, either through having families, work commitments or because they didn’t realise there were adult netball clubs and it wasn’t just a school sport. Many of the players at the club returned to the game after having families, and in some cases, hadn’t played for 20 years plus! All those hours spent in the school playground throwing balls into nets on poles were not wasted! The club has a diverse membership - from those in their twenties to, ahem ‘more mature’ (!) members in their fifties and sixties and can accept players of 18 and over. There is a wide range of ability from those who play at a good competitive level to the more social players. They are always looking for new members too. So, if you’d like to try netball please drop them an email info@mortimernetballclub.co.uk, or turn up to their training sessions on Monday nights, 8 to 9.30pm at the Academy Sport, in Reading. You don’t need to be amazingly fit and athletic, a willingness to join in and have fun is essential though!

Miss the Panto? SILCHESTER PLAYERS PRESE

NTS

A PANTOMIME BY BEN CrOCkEr

30TH/31ST JANUARY 6TH/7TH FEBRUARY

This amateur production is by arrangement

with NODA Limited.

ESTER VILLAGE HALL

SILCH pm (Sat's) – Licensed Bar Performances: 7.30pm (Fri's) 2.30pm/7.30Adults £8, Concessions £6 Doors Open: 30 mins before shows

Prices:

For ticket details please telephone

0118 9815600 NODA LTD, 58-60 LINCOLN ROAD,

0870 770 2482 PETERBOROUGH PE1 2RZ TEL:

Eye on Leisure

eye

If you missed your fill of hissing, booing, clapping and cheering over the festive period, never fear - it’s not too late - OH NO IT’S NOT!

On January 30 & 31, and February 6 & 7, the Silchester Players are presenting the family pantomime The Sleeping Beauty in the recently refurbished Silchester Village Hall. It is showing each evening at 7.30, and in addition there will be matinées on the Saturdays at 2.30. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain up. Tickets, which cost £8 for adults and £6 for concessions, can be booked by calling 0118 981 5600. Early booking is recommended! The Silchester Players is a vibrant, active amateur dramatics group.This award-winning group perform a variety of productions throughout the year, from comedies and pantomimes, to thrillers and whodunnits, and revues and Old Tyme Music Halls. With a varied membership from the local community and all sorts of backgrounds, and experience, they welcome anyone from 10 years upwards. If you are looking for something new and different to do this year - why not join them! For further information, contact sarah@oliver.net or call 0118 9816431

Adult & Family Learning - wide range of courses including IT & personal interest Woodlands Gym - Keeping fit can be fun for all ages & abilities. Wide range of memberships available & over 30 fitness classes Under 5’s Activities - including Messy Play, Fun Fits & Music & Movement Miss Pollys Kindergarten - Full Day Care, 51 weeks per year in a safe, happy & stimulating environment Tall Trees Out of School Club - After School and during holidays. Collection from all local schools

For more information call Adult Learning - 0118 9812918 Woodlands Gym & Tall Trees - 0118 9811611 Miss Pollys - 0118 9814129 The Hurst Leisure & Learning Centre www.hurstcentre.co.uk 29

y k n a y P k Han

eye

Eye on Leisure

he Let t

Ever since ‘Our Graham’ muttered those immortal words....”It’s Blind Date, and here’s your host MISS CILLA BLAAAACK”, back in the 1980s, our screens have been awash with television shows all promising to help find ‘lurrrrve’ for single guys and gals of all ages... Many show’s have come and gone but ITV1’s Take Me Out has proven to be a roaring success, helping single girls find love (or a date at the very least) since 2010. With the new series underway, the shows producers are calling for single boys and girls to get in touch to find them a love match! As ever, the show is hosted by comedian Paddy McGuinness, whose slightly bonkers catchphrases or ‘Paddy-isms’ [as they’ve become known] will be sure to have people tuning in each week to see what he will come up with next! A new lineup of 30 single women will try and secure a date with a series of men on the Isle of Fernando’s [though, our sources tell us that there’s no such place - and, in fact - Fernndo’s is actually a location in Pueto de la Cruz in Tenerife - who’d have thought it!]. McGuinness said: “I can’t wait to get back in the studio and meet a brand new set of girls all hoping to meet their perfect man! With two marriages, three engagements and two babies under our belts, the girls and boys are in good hands!” If you are single, looking for love and are over 18 - then what are you waiting for! Visit www.itv.com/takemeout to apply for the show!

he See t

Already found the ONE’? Brides, have you got a clear idea of your perfect wedding day? Have you always dreamt about being the bride? Grooms, would you like to have more say in your big day? Do you have some big ideas and would love to impress your bride on her special day? Renegade Pictures, the folks behind the hit BBC three series Don’t Tell the Bride have contacted us here at the Eye to see if we can help them find some new couples for the show. Successful applicants will be given £12,000 for their dream wedding day! The catch; the groom must choose every detail of his wedding, keeping it all a surprise for his beautiful bride to be. For those unfamiliar with the show... Each onehour episode is devoted to one couple and the recipe is simplicity itself. Take one loving, cash-strapped couple, give them £12,000, mix together and serve up one perfect wedding. But of course there must be a catch and indeed there are several. The preparation time is just three weeks, the couple must have no contact in that time, and the biggest ‘catch’ of all? The bridegroom must organise every last detail of the wedding - from

the hen & stag do’s, the invitations, venue, service, flowers, the catering and reception and even his bride to be’s wedding dress!

Yes it’s madcap and yes it is a crazy concept but for those couples willing to ‘share’ their big day with the nation, this show is a great way of getting your dream wedding for free this year and, being part of the show will definitely be a talking point between your friends and families for years to come! If you are planning on getting married this year or have simply been putting your wedding off due to the cost and would like to be considered for the show, then Renegade would love to hear from you. For further information, please email dttb@ applyfortheshow.com

THE

IRON DUKE Stratfield Saye

More than a restaurant and bar, it is a lounge, your lounge with some sumptuous accommodation thrown in just for fun! Call by, book a table, drop in; our warm, comfortable style and service will instantly relax you. We are open SEVEN days a week from noon until 11pm Daily and food is served from noon right through until - 9.30pm (9pm on Sunday’s) - that’s pretty much all day, every day! Set on the edge of the Duke of Wellington’s Estate, between the working arable fields of Berkshire and Hampshire, we aim to bring comfortable style, award winning classic and local foods with a twist and a sense of country chic that we could not be more proud of. Upon entering, our relaxed style of service will be second to none with possibly a little cheeky giggle raised at the table to aid digestion! Come and relax in front of our log burner, kick off your wellies or put down your briefcase, our fresh locally sourced menu, ales and ambience will certainly do the rest. For us, cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all. If you are feeling hungry, we’ll tempt you with starters including Scottish Oak Smoked Salmon infused with toast & salad, or Carpaccio of Beef with watercress & horseradish dressing... ...With mouth watering mains like our famous Three P’s Sausage (Partridge, Pork & Pear) served with creamy mashed potato & cracked black pepper & watercress or our 21 day aged 8oz Fillet Steak, rustic chips, salad & cherry tomatoes on the vine with a creamy Pepper or Stilton sauce. And after that, if there’s still a little room for a little ‘treat’, perhaps you’ll want to finish with a Salted Caramel Rocky Road Brownie with a generous helping of vanilla ice cream or maybe a slice of our warming Homemade Apple, raisin and cinnamon crumble served with lashings of cream... Whatever you decide to eat whilst you are with us, we are confident that your only regret will be that you hadn’t discovered us sooner! Want to make a whole night of it? We also have two beautifully spacious bedrooms available.... Both rooms are sumptuously decorated including freestanding baths, WiFi, 50” Plasma Televisions and tea & coffee facilities. And, because we are not far from home, it’s an ideal mini break away - without the associated travel. How refreshing. Have fun!

www.the-ironduke.com

0118 933 1341 The Iron Duke is available for full exclusive private hire too, just ask.

The Iron Duke | Fairoak Lane | Stratfield Saye | Hampshire |RG7 2EH

Fifty Shades of Red

...and other colours available in our selection of Valentine’s Bouquets

At Precious Thymes, you’ll find a whole range of Flowers & Gifts to make this Valentine’s special.

* well, as many as we can source!

Offering Free Delivery to all RG7, £35 RG26 and RG30 postcodes ORDER YOUR VALENTINES BOUQUETS NOW BY PHONE OR ONLINE NOW & MAKE HER HAPPY!

/preciousthymes

Precious T hymes Flowers & Gifts for all Occasions

www.preciousthymes.co.uk

0118 981 3111

46 Bishopswood Road | Tadley | RG26 4HD

JAMIE OLIVER’S

Blushing Spaghetti Vongole Vongole is a dish much loved by people all around the world. Ultimately, it’s a very simple pasta that celebrates the juice and flavour of clams, and if you cook it right, it’s a very delicious, classy, comforting pasta that hits the spot, every time. I’ve gone for a subtle variation on the classic here, by adding fresh tomatoes and sun-dried tomato paste, then using rosé instead of white wine, to give you a beautiful blushing dish, but of course you can revert to the original, if you prefer – they’re both equally brilliant.

The key to success with vongole is to have everything prepped before you start cooking, because the whole thing will be ready in just a matter of minutes once you get going. We want perfectly cooked pasta, just-opened shellfish and spot-on seasoning – it sounds easy, but to achieve this you do need to focus. SERVES 2 25 MINUTES 584 CALORIES 2 cloves of garlic 8 ripe cherry tomatoes ½ a dried red chilli ½ a bunch of fresh flatleaf parsley (15g) 160g dried spaghetti

olive oil 2 tablespoons sundried tomato paste 300g clams or cockles (washed and debearded) from sustainable sources 1 glass of Venetian Pinot Grigio blush extra virgin olive oil

So, to start, peel and finely slice the garlic, quarter the tomatoes, then break apart the dried chilli, shake out and remove the seeds, and finely chop or crumble it (it’s your responsibility to check the heat of the chilli, because they’re all different). Very finely slice the parsley stalks, then roughly chop the leaves and put them aside for later.

Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to packet instructions. Around 5 minutes before it’s ready, place a large frying pan on a high heat. After 2 minutes, add a generous swig of olive oil, quickly followed by the garlic, tomatoes, chilli, parsley stalks and sun-dried tomato paste. Shake around, then add the clams or cockles (remembering to tap any that are open and if they don’t close, throw those ones away) and, after 30 seconds, add the wine. Pop the lid on for 1 minute, then remove so you can watch the clams or cockles open and the wine evaporate. If you’ve got your timings right, as most of the shellfish pops open (throw away any that remain closed) you’ll be ready to drain your pasta and throw it on top with the chopped parsley leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Give it all a good toss together, then taste the sauce – it shouldn’t need seasoning because of the clams but it’s always wise to check. Divide the pasta between two warm bowls, followed by the clams or cockles and all those wonderful juices, and tuck straight in. Jamie says: “This beautiful book contains, without doubt, my most scrumptious, gratifying, new and exciting recipes in the wonderful world of comfort food. It’s all about those simple, delightful guilty pleasures we all love. It celebrates nostalgic memories, traditions and childhood favourites. It embraces the ritual of cooking and dishes that will pick you up and raise your spirits. This is about good mood food that will put a massive smile on your face. And, of course, all those desserts, puds and gorgeous, sweet indulgent treats that are too good to miss. This is your go-to comfort cookbook – I hope it finds a happy home on your shelf.” Jamie’s Comfort Food by Jamie Oliver is published by Michael Joseph

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

SPORTS COMPLEX

NEW

Fitness Suite and Studio NOW OPEN!

Come along and try... Our new ﬁtness suite Even more classes and a dedicated spinning room

Become a member... Includes gym, classes and swimming pool

Find out more... 0118 964 4600 frontdesk@bradﬁeldcollege.org.uk www.bradﬁeldenterprises.co.uk

Win a real Diamond

for Valentine’s Day at Parkway

Escape for the night this Valentine’s Saturday 14th February 2015 Valentines Dinner

Treat the one you love this Valentines with our romantic four course candle lit dinner in our Padworth restaurant £26.95pp Or - why not stay the night and book our romantic omantic package which includes overnight accommodation with a bottle of sparkling wine, Valentines dinner for two and breakfast in the morning for only £99.00 per couple... To book a table or an overnight package call: 0118 971 4411 www.holidayinn.com/readingwest Holiday Inn Reading West, Padworth Lane, Bath Road, Reading RG7 5HT

Quality tuition at affordable prices Fun and exciting dance classes from 2 - yrs to adults Musical Theatre Course from 5 yrs

Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street, Gymnastic Dance 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

Parkway Shopping Centre is once again giving away a genuine diamond for Valentine's Day 2015. The sensational 1/4 carat, brilliant cut diamond will, for the second year in a row, be won by one lucky shopper. Anyone hoping to be in with a chance of winning this sensational prize can simply visit Parkway between Friday 13th and Sunday 15th of February between 11:30 and 15:30 and collect one of the 3,500 jewellery boxes being given away by the centre’s promotional team. They will be easy to spot - all dressed in formal attire. Each jewellery box contains an exact replica 'diamond', but within one lucky box there will be a real precious stone. Those lucky enough to collect a jewellery box must register their diamond’s unique code (also found inside the box) online atwww.shopatparkway. com to find out if they have won.

David Pickett, centre director at Parkway, said: “We're all romantics at heart here at Parkway, so much so that we're repeating one of the most exciting giveaways we have run at the centre and giving away an authentic diamond. Don't fret if you're not lucky enough to win our genuine geological gem, we have a host of stores that can help you pick out a gift that will add real sparkle to your Valentine's weekend." Fraser Hart jewellers will also be on hand to set the stone as a pendant, necklace or bracelet as the lucky winner chooses - all as part of the Parkway Diamond prize. Find the Diamond kicks off Parkway’s activity programme for half-term that will also see in-store events at The Entertainer and some fantastic children’s wear offers inside Joules, H&M and Debenhams. For more information, visit www. shopatparkway.com.

eye

WIN 35

Ho In lid n a

Is your child due to start school soon?

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

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

WANTED: BOYS AGED 11 - 16 TO SING AND ACT StageAbility is seeking out local young lads to audition for the coveted roles of Warbucks (a US billionaire), Rooster (a villainous jail bird) and Drake (the upright butler) for their upcoming musical extravaganza - Annie. The cast will be made up entirely from the young people aged 7 - 16 who audition and although high demand is anticipated for the girls’ roles, which include Annie, her orphan friends, Grace Farrell and of course, Miss Hanigan, finding older boys to audition is more of a challenge. You don't need to join StageAbility after-school drama classes to take part. The big show productions run independently, so if your child currently takes dance or drama lessons and is itching to perform in a musical, they can join our cast for Annie. Beginners are very welcome, too. Auditions will be taking place on Sunday 1st February from 1.30pm in Lower Earley, swiftly followed by Sunday afternoon rehearsals as well as a couple of days in the school holidays before the shows on Saturday 11th April which will be staged with full music, lights and projection at The Bearwood Theatre, Winnersh.

A well resourced, bright learning environment that will engage your child’s imagination. We foster a love for learning that will set your child on the right path for the rest of their learning career. We employ warm, caring staff who genuinely care for the wellbeing of your child. We offer a creative, fun curriculum to bring learning to life and to inspire your child. You are warmly invited to come and take a look around. Please contact the headteacher.: Nicola Sumner

0118 933 2242

Sitting Pretty Cat Sitting A tailored, professional and discreet Pet and House Sitting Service, based in Mortimer

Our audition process is encouraging, relaxed and informal - rather than X-Factor style! - and we are keen to accommodate every child who wants to take part in the show. To register for an audition time, just visit www. berkshire.stageability.co.uk and a time will be sent to you.

Please take time to look at the rehearsal schedule and parent information at: www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk Let’s put on a show!

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

Offering a very personal service, I personally care for your pets... • Feeding / Daily visits to your home • TLC for your pet(s) in their own home • One flat rate for visit, not priced per pet • Puppy visits and dog walking services also available • Home Security measures included • Discounts for long term / repeat bookings

For further information call: T: 0118 933 3791

E:jackie@berkshire.stageabiliy.co.uk www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk 36

Going away on holiday or business? We’ll look after your cat / sittingprettycatsitting@hotmail.com

Phone: 0118 933 3446 Mobile: 07810 651 984 ; www.sittingprettycatsitting.biz

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

inter is a really magical time here at Jubilee Day Nursery. It begins when the outdoor Christmas Lights get switched on in early December, a fantastic display including a large Father Christmas, LED Snowmen, Penguins, Polar Bears, Toy Soldiers and even Trains. The children love seeing the lights twinkling in the evening and early morning darkness. This time of year we also look forward to a very special event in our winter calendar; our Winter Wonderland Walk. Where all our children’s parents, siblings and grandparents join us on a walk through our farmland, down to our private woodland area, affectionately known as Roughwood. There we sing carols and Christmas Songs around our Christmas Tree. There is hot chocolate, coffee and mulled wine so everyone can enjoy a crisp festive winter’s evening. Disney’s Frozen is our theme for this years Winter Wonderland Walk. Lets hope it’s cold enough for Olaf and his friends.

the cold and frosty outdoors. There is nothing they love more than wrapping up warm and being outside searching out frozen cobwebs, crunching their boots on frozen leaves and pretending to be puffing dragons! The children often walk to the woods in winter time to feed our animals too – and they even help break the ice when the duck pond gets frozen! If you would like your child to be part of this amazing learning experience on a part-time or full-time basis please contact one of our nursery managers. Call Lesley on 01189 701 600 Email info@jubileedaynursery.co.uk or Visit our website www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk Call Sian on 01189 834 018 Email info@jubileegems.co.uk or Visit our website www.jubileegems.co.uk

January and February also offer a fantastic opportunity for the children at the nursery to explore

Enjoy helping children reach their goals? Childcare Practitioners required Jubilee Day Nursery is looking for newly qualified or apprentice childcare practitioners to join our team. The Nursery has a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and is set in a beautiful location offering a complete package. If you are looking to pursue a career in childcare but are not yet qualified, contact us for details. Contact Lesley on 0118 970 1600 or visit our websites to view our current vacancies.

Paddock View, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG7 4JD 37

Last year saw the end of the road for the tax disc, so we thought we’d take a look back at its history and some alternative uses for the void on your windscreen!. After more than 90 years, technology has finally seen off the circular piece of paper that told the world you’d paid your motoring dues. The authorities will now simply check the electronic database to ensure your vehicle is taxed. All of which leaves the tax disc holder redundant, so here at Village Eye, we got to wondering what other uses there could be for that now defunct piece of windscreen furniture. Here are some suggestions (not all of them entirely serious): Many Police forces across the UK are advocating the use of this redundant holder to store details of your ICE (In case of emergency) contact. If you are going to use it for this, Write the word ICE in big letters on the outerfacing side and include an emergency telephone number for your Next of KIN and their Surname (not full name) and your relationship to them on the inner facing side. We think this is a great idea. Photo frame – why not give pedestrians walking past your motor something more interesting to look at than a tax disc? Display your own miniature artwork, your Twitter or Facebook profile picture, a picture of your dog, your football team’s club crest or an image of your god of choice – whatever takes your fancy. Biscuit holder – A tax disc holder is just the right size to store an emergency rich tea biscuit, digestive or Jaffa cake to ease those traffic jam blues. Breakdown details – Forgot your purse or wallet on the one occasion you need your 4th emergency service? Your abandoned tax disc holder is the perfect place to store your breakdown service membership details. Throw it away – You’re free! You don’t need it anymore, so bin it and rejoice in your new clear windscreen unfettered by all that outmoded paper and plastic. Welcome to the modern world.

BYE BYE

Tax Disc

Jack worboys

Drives...

Citroën C1

itroën is a company well known for innovation, something they have continued with the new C1. They have placed the engine in the boot driving the rear wheels which may seem like a new concept although it is actually nothing new at all; the original VW Beetle and Fiat 500 used this configuration in the 50’s.

You don’t have to spend long looking at the mad lights and brightly coloured door mirrors to realise it is aimed squarely at the younger generation. The small engines offered will ensure that insurance is affordable and its minuscule size will make town driving easy. The C1 comes with two engine options, a 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre, both three cylinder petrols offering up 68hp and 80hp respectively. Economy and emissions range from 74.3mpg, 95g/km to 66mpg, 99g/km, so all models are tax exempt. Citroën’s marketing team are really pushing the customisation aspect of the car too. At times the brochure even sounds more like you are going to own the car as if it were a pet than a mode of transport. The result of all this is a raft of colourful options that have been adorned with completely daft names.

The range starts with the Touch at £8,245, with an impressive list of standard equipment including a tyre pressure monitor and Hill Start Assist. Next is Feel, from £9,495 adding items such as air conditioning and a 7 inch touch screen. Finally Flair, from £10,185, adds 15 inch alloys and a reversing camera. On top of these the Feel and Flair can be selected with a fabric roof under the name of Airscape. Around town the car feels nippy and light on it’s feet thanks to the small dimensions and light steering. The suspension is soft, cushioning the big bumps round town quite well. However, once you pull out onto the open road, chinks appear in the C1’s armour. The smaller engine can feel stretched on the open road and that light steering and soft suspension make the car feel a little loose and wobbly compared to the ever stable Skoda Citigo. The interior is an interesting place to be, but unfortunately the dashboard layout is less intuitive than rivals, and the general quality of the interior falls behind others such as the Citigo and Hyundai i10. Space in the front is good for a car of this size although rear seat space is cramped, even with five doors. It’s the same story in the boot where the engine eats up a lot of space. The option to fold the front seat to carry long loads is good, but for some this will not be enough. The one redeeming feature is the option of a fabric roof, but you’ll have to fork out £1000 to add that to your car. When compared quantifiably with it’s rivals the C1 struggles, but in doing so you miss the point of the car. This is a car where some people just won’t care that it doesn’t work very well on the motorway or that it can’t carry large things because they love the styling and they don’t need those abilities in a car. The C1 then is not the most brilliant all-rounder like the Citigo or i10, it is sold on it’s styling and upbeat character, something that worked wonders for the old version, and none of that has been lost with the new car.

Have you made a New Year’s resolution to ‘give a bit back?’ If you are a parent who remembers the challenges of young children and have a morning or an afternoon to spare each week then why not volunteer with Home-Start, the Pride of Reading ‘Charity of the Year’? Established for 30 years in Reading, Home-Start helps young families going through difficult times. This can be due to a number of circumstances including bereavement, illness, disability, family breakdown, loneliness or stress in coping with a number of young children.

Calling all Parents

The volunteers (parents themselves) are given on-going support as they “walk alongside” their HomeStart family. Families and volunteers are carefully matched and visited weekly, in their own homes. By offering friendship, support and practical help, they enable parents to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children and widen their links with the local community.Home-Start run two accredited Preparation Courses every year which are informative, interactive and fun-filled! To find out how you can join, contact Sarah or Marion on 0118 956 0050 or office@home-start-reading.org.uk or visit www.homestart-reading.org.uk

Beech Hill KitchenBathroomDesign

Offering a complete & affordable Kitchen and bathroom service. From Design, Fit, Fit only, Installation, Electrics, Plumbing, Plastering, Tiling & Painting, we are a friendly, reliable, local family business. If you are thinking of upgrading your Kitchen or Bathroom in 2015, keep it local and give us a call! References and photos available.

Celebrating 40 Years! For a no obligation quotation for your next project, please give us a call 01189882676 0118 988 2676 07590267711

07590 267711

Cannon Bridge Trowes Lane Beech Hill RG7 2BG

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

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Sport & Leisure

Round of Golf Anyone? Bishopswood has it all...

f you’ve been thinking about taking up golf as a new hobby, or returning to the sport, then you should be considering Bishopswood Golf Club in Tadley. This month sees some great value membership packages on offer at the club. Their 9 hole golf course will test you from your first drive to your final putt. Set in the natural woodland of Hampshire with meandering water hazards, the course offers a challenge to the low handicap player but also a chance for up and coming players to experience all aspects of the golf environment. So why not take advantage of Bishopswood’s current membership package, 15 months for the price

of 12. Running from January 2015 to March 2016, available on both the 5 day and 7 day memberships. Prices for the 15 months are just £680 and £809 respectively, which includes a bar levy. This can even be paid by Direct Debit if preferred. (A small admin fee is applicable.) These membership packages include unlimited golf - subject to tee reservation - a generous 12% discount on food and beverage and even discounts in the Pro Shop and use of the Driving Range. You really will be looked after and rewarded through your Bishopswood membership. If the social side of golf membership is also important to you,

Bishopswood Golf Club will not disappoint. With its cosy bar and Sands restaurant which both give stunning views across the golf course, you will enjoy your ‘time out’ there. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. How will you be spending the evening? Why not try something different and enjoy Bishopswood’s Valentine’s Ball on Saturday 14th February. For just £24.95 per person you can enjoy a 3 course meal with live music, followed by dancing with Bishopswood’s very own house DJ. Choose between a shared table or a whole table and book your tickets with Jennie on 0118 940 8600.

Saturday 14th February £24.95pp 3 Course Meal Live Music Dancing 7:30pm

Valentine’s Ball To book your tickets, please call

0118 940 8600

www.bishopswoodgc.co.uk Bishopswood Ln, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 4AT

Learn to Ride • • • • •

Beginner lessons to advanced level, including BHS exams Jumping, cross country and hacking Clinics, shows and competitions throughout the year Livery spaces From now until the end of February, we are offering a course of 8 private children’s lessons at half price! This course, which includes one-one tuition is contact enquiries@burleylodge.co.uk usually £245 is now priced at £122.50

Owner: Manager: Office hours:

Group Discounts Available

Bridget Hart Jenny MacArthur Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm

Burley Lodge is a very Friendly riding school located in beautiful surroundings. With highly-qualified instructors, Burley Lodge offers lessons to all ages with horses to suit all abilities!

0118 988 6936 www.burleylodge.co.uk

Burley Lodge Equestrian Centre | Hyde End Road, Shinfield |Berkshire | RG2 9EP The Village Eye is a privately owned magazine and bought to you by Pinktomato Limited, a local marketing company. All content within the publication is copyright of Village Eye. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates, times, URL’s and telephone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. To feature your business in this publication please call 0118 907 6200

Is it MOT time again?

Spratley’s, the family garage will keep you MOToring with our hassle free local collection & delivery service or courtesy car provision... Or, if you’d prefer, a lovely cup of tea while you wait.

Your local MOT Testing Station Professionally trained, experienced technicians and MOT testers Same day, on site MOTs* Free courtesy cars* Free local collection and delivery* While you wait appointments Value Service and MOT from £149*

0118 933 2338 www.spratleys.co.uk

Spratley’s of Mortimer, a fifth generation family company

60/62 Victoria Road | Mortimer | Reading | RG7 3SG

Value service suitable for vehicles outside of their manufacturer’s warranty period, up to 2.2 litre, excluding 4x4 and LCVs; includes semi-synthetic oil and oil filter. Fuel filter and spark plugs at additional cost. Value service may not be suitable for all vehicles. Subject to availability. Conditions apply.

At Parkers, we handle your every move with care.

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

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

Village Eye Jan-Feb 15

Published on Jan 9, 2015

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