Village Eye July 16

VILLAGE

Issue 50 July 2016 Circulation 11,000

FREE

Lifestyle magazine

for the RG7 area and beyond

£1

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITY PROGRAMME Monday 29th July - Tuesday 3rd September

OW N K O O B

eye Happy 5oth issue TO US!

What will your children be doing this SUMMER? 24

DITCH THE SUMMER YOYO 10

PAGE 14 m £ 15

Mortimer Fun Day

Event Programme centre pages

Our July cover sponsor.

Fro

Saturday 2nd July, The Fairground, Mortimer Willink Leisure Centre

Hollybush Lane, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3XP Tel: 01189 834 845 Email: willink@parkwood-leisure.co.uk

KEEPING IT LOCAL News | Business | Sport | Health | Homes | Entertainment1

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for the RG7 area

Circulation 11,000

Spratley’s of Mortimer, one of the main sponsors of the Mortimer Fun Day, are bringing you the chance to win £100 too. Simply bring your copy of Village Eye to the hot air balloon to be registered for the draw.

(If the hot air balloon isn’t running because of inclement weather, please bring your mag to the Information Tent instead.)

HOLIDAY GRAMME ACTIVITYJulyPRO er - Tuesday 3rd Septemb Monday 29th

NOW BOOK

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What will your children be doing? this SUMMER

Happy 5oth issue TO US!

YOYO 10

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Saturday 2nd July,

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KEEPING IT LOCAL

News | Business | Sport

PAGE 14 From

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Centre 3XP Willink Leisure RG7 Common, Reading,

| Health | Homes | Enterta Hollybush Lane, Burghfield 834 845 Tel: 01189 d-leisure.co.uk Email: willink@parkwoo

Our July cover sponsor.

DITCH THE SUMMER

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leisurecentre.com

It’s an issue filled with birthdays and anniversaries, too. You may not have noticed that this issue is indeed the 50th issue - the Golden issue (!) - of Village Eye magazine and with it, our 5th Birthday. We can’t quite believe it ourselves and have pulled together some pretty crazy facts and figures that reflect what has happened over those 50 issues!

Read all about it on page 24.

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary is Dads Shop, an intrinsic part of Mortimer since 1966! Turn to page 22 to read all about how the store has stayed in the family as well as the big raffle they are holding - with amazing prizes - to celebrate their 50th year.

The Elm Tree in Beech Hill is celebrating three years since new manager, Jim Kimber, took over too. Under Jim’s guidance, we have seen the gastro pub return to the top of our list when it comes to eating out, and I’m sure many of you will have enjoyed its delights, too. Take a look at page 23 to see more.

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The school holidays will soon be upon us, so if you’re looking for some novel ways to keep the kids entertained, why not check out what our cover sponsors, The Willink Leisure Centre, have to offer? Camp Adventure is certainly the go-to for many local families looking for a kids club, as there is a chance to swim every day and the prices are very reasonable indeed. Find out all about Camp Adventure and the other activities Willink offer on pages 14 and 15.

Happy

You’ll find all our regular columnists this month, too. Mark Penston gives us his thoughts on Brexit and how the recent result of the referendum may affect your finances. Find out more on p.13. Megan, our Beauty Editor gives us her tips on how to achieve that perfect summer glow on page 5. Eye Tech this month is all about nuisance calls and how the local Lions group are helping vulnerable people to block the nuisance callers. All the details are on page 39. Our film reviewer, Rob Barnes tells us all about X-Men: Apocalypse on page 37. How many stars will Rob give it?

birthday

July

EYE

EYE DID YOU KNOW!

J-LO Summer Glow 4

Ditching the YOYO 10 Of course I made it myself...

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As always, THANK YOU to all of our readers, advertisers and contributors.

Please mention Village Eye when responding to any advertisement or featured business within this magazine. Have a great July!

Helle n & the Team xx

Community News - 2 Inheritance Rules OK - 12 BREXIT Forecast - 13 A Willink Summer - 14 FUN DAY SPECIAL - 16-22

Keep up to date & like us on facebook!

/villageeyemagazine

Cycling Agents! - 21 Property Spotlight - 26-27 Trades & Services 28- 35 Unwanted Callers - 39 Bradfield Centre Court - 40

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eye print

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 933 3311

Need a local business or service? Want to keep up with local news as it happens?

Village Eye has a printed circulation of 11,000 which is lovingly delivered through the doors of homes and businesses across 13 local villages.

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A huge thank you to all our contributors this month:

Shane Jury, Alex Crawford, Katrina Worthington, Mark Penston, Helen Greenwood, Matt Bowsher, Jason Bushnell, Liz Telling, Robert Martin, Doug Overett, Dale Kempson, Jemma Kennedy, Sara Armsworth, Rob Barnes, Eric Bates, Maddy Harvey & Richard Skegg The Village Eye is brought to you by Pinktomato Ltd, a local, independent creative design and marketing company. All content within the publication is copyright of Village Eye. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

All dates, times, URL’s and telephone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. *Not including stock images - advert release fee charged.

Editor: Sub Editor: Beauty Editor: Motoring: Finance:

Boredom Busters 35 37

Hellen Shaw Jackie Stuart Megan Curtis Jack Worboys Mark Penston & Rob Starling

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Issue 50 July 2016

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Lifestyle magazine and beyond

VILLAGE

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e’re hot off the press this month as Village Eye magazine doubles as the programme for the Mortimer Fun Day once more! There is loads going on this year, promising to be the biggest and the best Fun Day yet. Turn to pages 20 and 21 for all the details.

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FREE

Registered Address: Butlers Lands Farm Mortimer, RG7 2AG

Hello@villageeye.co.uk PINKTOMATO 0118 933 3311

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

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Saturday July 9th

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fter a fantastic launch last year, Theale Village Carnival and Fete will take place once more at North Street Playing Fields on Saturday July 9th from 12 noon until 4pm.

Thames Valley Police

Open Day Saturday 6th August This summer, Thames Valley Police will open its doors to the public for its Force Open Day. The Open Day will be held on Saturday 6 August 2016 at the Thames Valley Police Training Centre at Sulhamstead House, in Sulhamstead.

The Force Open Day helps to promote greater understanding of the work of the various

Now in its second year, this not-forprofit event aims to bring the whole community of Theale together and give local groups - including the Scouts, Brownies, St John’s Ambulance, Holy Trinity Church and local schools - an opportunity to raise awareness of their activities. Any profits from the event will be divided and invested back into local community groups.

The day includes a Grand Raffle, displays from Reading Tae Kwon Do squad, a fun dog show, vintage vehicle display and fairground rides plus traditional games and a variety of independent traders. The line up also includes craft and produce competitions and of course, the highlight of the day will be the carnival procession. We can’t wait!

departments and specialist roles within the Force. Attractions include a police helicopter and displays by the police dogs and horses. Refreshments are also available. It is a large event, usually attracting over 5,000 people. Why not go along and check it out?

SATURDAY 23rd & SUNDAY 24th JULY

DINTON PASTURES COUNTRY PARK featuring the music of

QUEEN, TREX, BOB MARLEY, ADELE, AC/DC, COLDPLAY, MADONNA, ROD STEWART, JOHNNY CASH, CHER, ED SHEERAN, THIN LIZZY, BRUNO MARS, THE RAT PACK, TINA TURNER & special guest RAY QUINN

V US T H E T R I B U T E F E S T I VA L

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There was much excitement from those ‘in the know’ last month when the Flying Scotsman locomotive passed through a number of local villages including Aldermaston and Mortimer.

Photos of this beautiful steam engine dominated social media for a few days and the excitement was infectious. But (for those of us who aren’t trainspotters) just why is Flying Scotsman so special?

Flying Scotsman was the first locomotive of the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley as part of the A1 class – the most powerful locomotives used by the LNER at that time, it left the works on 24 February 1923. By 1924, when it was selected to appear at the British Empire Exhibition in London, the loco had been given the name ‘Flying Scotsman’ after the London to Edinburgh rail service. The British Empire Exhibition made Flying Scotsman famous, and it went on to feature in many more publicity events for the LNER. In 1928, it was

Scotsman Attracts hundreds of trainspotters! given a new type of tender with a corridor, which meant that a new crew could take over without stopping the train. This allowed it to haul the first ever non-stop London to Edinburgh service on 1 May, reducing the journey time to eight hours.

In 1934, Scotsman was clocked at 100mph on a special test run – officially the first locomotive in the UK to have reached that speed.

More recently, in 2004, Flying Scotsman hit the headlines with a crisis over its ownership. A campaign spearheaded by National Railway Museum to save the locomotive for the nation amassed the support of thousands, confirming its status as a national treasure. Since 2006, Flying Scotsman underwent a painstaking ÂŁ4.2m project to bring the legend back to life.

All eyes are now – once again – trained on the world’s most famous locomotive. It will now be presented to a new generation of Scotsman fans captivating the public for generations to come.

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SHANE & ALEX WINNERS OF BRITAIN DOES VARIETY

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which included: acrobats, animal acts, impressionists, dancers, gymnasts, magicians, contortionists, comics, mime artists, musicians, singers, ventriloquists, beatboxers and footballers.

Their comedy juggling and incredible balancing act impressed the judges so much that they emerged the winners from this nationwide quest to find new live variety acts, having fought off competition from over 4000 acts

The competition is a non televised version of Britain’s Got Talent and many would argue, more credible, as it’s more about ‘talent’ and less about back stories! The competition exposes the acts to some of the main players in the industry, including some of the biggest bookers of entertainment within the leisure industry, including hotels and cruise ships.

fter sailing through the regional qualifiers, we are delighted to announce that local boys, Shane Jury and Alex Crawford, better known as ‘Shane & Alex’, bagged the WINNERS title at the National Grand Finals of Britain Does Variety in June.

Vivace Voices Summer Concert Wednesday 20th July

Local ladies choir the Vivace Voices are hosting a summer concert in aid of the charity ‘Sing for Your Life’ - a national charity dedicated to helping care homes and day centres provide community singing sessions. The concert takes place at St Stephen’s Church, Upper

Basildon and starts at 2:30.

Why not go along and enjoy some songs to celebrate the summer: English folk songs, a Guys and Dolls medley, Spirituals and lots more. Admission is just £3, which includes a programme and refreshments afterwards.

Chatting to the duo afterwards, they told us that it hadn’t quite sunk in yet. “We can’t quite believe it'” Shane told us.

We’ve won an paid gig at a 5* resort in Majorca - I’m a groundsman - things like this don’t happen to people like us!

We are over the moon to hear the news and wish you all the best for whatever doors now open for you. Remember us all when you embark upon your world tour, chaps!

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TREE SURGERY The Rock Project has been causing quite a stir this year, following the start of its classes in Burghfield back in November.

The Rock Project offers children the chance to play in a rock band, as well as getting top class tuition in guitar, bass, drums or vocals from young professionals. They run a number of classes across

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the area. If you’d like to see more of what they do, there are two chances to see the kids in action. There is an end of year concert on 16th July at Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke. There is also a chance to see the kids from The Rock Project at the Mortimer Fun Day where they’ll be performing a selection of contemporary rock and pop songs.

Let’s Rock!

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

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Beauty

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Now that summer’s here, it’s time to ditch our flat, matte winter makeup. This season, it’s all about looking bronzed and healthy.

In order to channel your inner J-Lo, here are five easy steps to achieving the perfect summer glow.

1. Use an illuminating foundation. A lightreflecting formula will give your complexion an all-over glow, plus help blur the look of pores and fine lines. Apply with a Beauty Blender sponge for a smooth, natural-looking finish.

Don’t have a glowy foundation? Mix a few drops of liquid luminizer into a matte base to create your own. Try: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (£31 John Lewis) or L’OrÊal Paris True Match Lumi Foundation £10.99 Boots

3. Use a liquid or powder highlighter where the sun naturally hits the face, which is on top of the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, and forehead. Highlighting will help your skin look bathed in sunlight, even if you’re stuck in the office under fluorescent bulbs. Try: Watt’s Up highlighter, a soft focus highlighter that turns on “wattâ€? ya got with a delicate champagne glow that’s gorgeous (ÂŁ24.50, Debenhams)

4. Apply either a shimmer or matte bronzer to the cheekbones and forehead.

Using a shimmer bronzer will give you a sun-kissed glow, while using a matte bronzer will add warmth to the face.

Try: The Balm Betty-Lou Manizer (ÂŁ17.50 ASOS.com); or try Max Faxtor Bronzing Powder ÂŁ6.99 Superdrug

Meg ’s Mom ʌ 4

5. To complete the look, apply a setting spray to the face.

A quick spritz not only locks your makeup in place, but it will also leave your complexion with a healthy, dewy finish to complete your summer glow. Try: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Urban Decay in House of Fraser ÂŁ22 (we love the staff in HoF Reading too xx)

eye

On Beauty

2. Apply a brightener under the eyes. This will help you look more awake and youthful. Plus, it’ll brighten up your whole face! Try: MAC Prep and Prime Highlighter (£19 www.maccosmetics.co.uk)

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If there is anything you would like to see me review or any ideas for which beauty topics I should cover next, then feel free to contact me at megan@villageeye.co.uk

BEACH BODY COUNTDOWN beautiful solutions

STAY WELL HYDRATED drink 2 litres of water daily EXFOLIATE at home with a good BODY SCRUB for smooth skin MOISTURISE MOISTURISE MOISTURISE morning and night SUMMER HAIR COLOUR with a condition boosting KERSTASE FUSIOBOOST treatment DECLEOR AROMA BLEND BODY TREATMENT For targeted body sculpting and firming CYNOSURE LASER HAIR REMOVAL for permanent hair removal LYCON PRECISION WAXING for smooth hair free skin I-LIPO XCELL BODY CONTOURING for sustainable non surgical inch loss CACI SYNERGY non surgical facelift / jowl lift / eye lift LASH PERFECT LASH EXTENSIONS for perfect lashes JESSICA GELERATION or BIOSCULPTURE MANICURE / PEDICURE For beautiful hands and sandal ready feet ST TROPEZ / XEN TAN SPRAY TAN For a sunkissed, natural glow CHOOSE YOUR SUMMER OFFER: 10% OFF ONE TREATMENT OF YOUR CHOICE Please quote Village Eye Summer 10% when booking. Offer expires July 31st 2016

To book an appointment call

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Closed 9am – 7pm 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm 9am – 6pm 8am – 5pm Closed

our website at blissimibeauty.com Basingstoke Road | Spencers Wood | RG7 1AA 5

the Parkway Summer Series Join us this Summer for an incredible line-up of free fantastic events.

Saturday 2nd July – The Summer Street Party Saturday 16th July – Parkway En Provence Saturday 23rd July – PROMS at Parkway Visit www.shopatparkway.com for more information on acts, line-ups and offers for each event!

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Download or reserve your Street Party Pass now at www.shopatparkway.com for 20% off at H&M, New Look, Ecco, Café Rouge & more on 2nd July

Stay in style this Summer at Parkway: ns Wome

H&M Floral Skirt £39.99

Jigsaw Poplin Belted Dress £129

Monsoon Francesca Print Dress £59

Topshop Jumpsuit £39

Mint Velvet Amber Print Dress £99

Mens Topman Long Denim Shorts £28

Superdry Classic Pique Polo Shirt £34.99

Joules Mens Harborough Jersey Tee £23.95

Fat Face Harbour Chinos £40

Accessories

Jack Wills Fairbairn Cat Eye Sunglasses £24.50

Pandora Dazzling Daisy Charm £70

Accessorize Bonnie Statement Necklace £25

Fraser Hart Skagen Ladies Watch Rose Gold £155

New Look Black Contrast Stripe Shopper £24.99

Beauty John Lewis at Home Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask Starter Kit £15.75

Neal’s Yard Frankincense Hydrating Cream £27.50

John Lewis at Home OPI Nail Polish £12.50

L’Occitane Jasmine Bergamot Fragrance £52

Debenhams Benefit Brighter & Badder Set £19.50

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CHATSWORTH & THE PEAK DISTRICT £430pp No Single Supplement & Mortimer Pick-up

4 Day Tour Departure 6th September 2016 Price includes: Day 1: Pick up Mortimer 8am by car park opposite Horse and Groom pub Drive up to SOUTH NORMANTON with a comfort stop along the way.

Arrive lunchtime/early afternoon Day 2: 10.00 depart hotel Drive to CHATSWORTH HOUSE (entrance is included) Free time.

16.30 return to hotel.

Day 3: TOUR OF PEAK DISTRICT INCLUDED - with stops for coffee and lunch along the way .

- The tour ideas are BUXTON then BAKEWELL and then MATLOCK BATH 10.00 depart hotel 17.00 return hotel Day 4: Free time in morning Depart hotel 14.00 Return with comfort stop Mortimer 18.15

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For further information call 0118 933 1177 www.triangletravel.co.uk

Wrinkle relaxing & Dermal Fillers Dr Rachel Weyl Facial Aesthetics has joined forces with Worthington’s to deliver Dermal fillers 1ml £250, 2ml £450 and Wrinkle Relaxing 1 area £150, 2 areas £200, 3 areas £250 and Hyperhidrosis £300 Call the salon 0118 983 2964 or Rachel 07818 048863 to book a free consultation

St Tropez Express Tanning Mist The St. Tropez Spray Tan Treatment is the quickest way to get a professional finish.

Delivered in around 15 minutes, the spray is quick drying and now features Aromaguard™ fragrance technology which eliminates the telltale self tan aroma by a minimum of 70%.

Self Tan Express is St.Tropez’s most revolutionary tan yet. It lets you select how dark you want to go by choosing when you shower.

The formulation contains fast-acting ingredients that absorb quickly into the skin while intelligent shade technology allows you to select your depth of color by choosing when to shower. For a light, sunkissed glow – shower after 1 hour. For a golden-bronze tan – leave on for 2 hours. For a deeper, darker result – wait 3 hours or more.

After showering your skin is left smooth and silky. You will have a light color and the self-tan actives will continue to work, developing and deepening into your chosen tan.

Special introductory offer throughout July £15

NEW

THIS SUMMER @WORTHINGTONS

State of the art Electric Beauty Couch For the comfort of our clients, no matter what size you are, this is the most comfortable spa beauty couch around. With face cradle and arm support, also unique Volupturest (boob hole). Try it out with a facial or massage using our new Product range, Tropic!

Russian Lashes

For that special occasion or you just want to look good from the moment you wake up.

We now offer a full set of Russian 3D or 5D lash extensions Or if you are new to the world of eye lash extensions why not try a full set of natural eye lashes applied in 90 minutes, you choose the length and whether you want natural or glamourous throughout July for just £40 (offer does not apply to NEW Russian 3D/5D lashes.)

Ear piercing

Shellac & OPI express power gels A wide range of colours, using the latest curing techniques.

We can now deliver flawless, chip free (up to 14 days) nails in 45minutes. And for those working ladies or mums in a hurry, you can save time and money by having your nail service while your hair colour is developing.

Paraffin Wax Manicures and Pedicures Ideal for Rheumatoid Arthritis and chapped dry hands.

*Please note under 16 must be accompanied by parent or guardian

Gold and Silver plated Jewellery with or without birth stones. Salon insured & council registered, Safe & clean with qualified ear piercer. £12*

Tropic Skincare

Tropic is a Natural, Vegan & Cruelty-free skin care range that is packed to bursting with active plant proteins, nourishing vitamins & powerful antioxidants.

Tropic believe that skin is our best asset and deserves only the best treatment and care. For this reason, their skin care range contains only purely plant derived ingredients and is packed to bursting with active plant proteins, vitamins and antioxidants.

Tropic’s miracle working products will leave your skin fresh, flawless and naturally glowing!

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WORTHINGTONS THE SALON www.worthingtonsthesalon.co.uk

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

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DITCH THE SUMMER YOYO If you’re fed up of jumping from one diet to another and neve r see results you really want, it’s ing the time to take a new approach! ther than going for crazy changeRa and quick results which can nevers be safely maintained, this time, follow a plan that you can stick to, keep ing that weight off for good.

But it’s about more than foo d and losing weight, it’s also ab lifestyle that sustains youout living a in optimum health. The outcome of the combined will be a body thatwo t is lean, strong and graceful.

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SMARTER WORKOUTS

Balancing Act

Make sure your body is fed all the main nutrients it needs. This includes lowGl carbohydrates, protein, essential fats and fibre. We’re also told to ‘eat a rainbow everyday’ made of fruits and vegetables.

FO ODS TO AVOI D You need to cut out alcohol, sugar (and products that contain it), fruit juice, refined carbohydra tes (white bread, white rice, cere als, couscous, white pasta) heavily processed foods, diet produc ts and shop-bought smoothies, sucrose , dextrose and glucose. After a few weeks when your habits have changed, you won’t want to reintroduce many of the things you expect to miss.

For a healthy, toned body, working out is a must. But this doesn’t mean half killing yourself for hours at the gym or running for miles. The most important thing is to start some activity on a regular basis and stick to it. Make sure it is something you enjoy.

Everyone likes something different; running, gym, group classes, even dog walking counts if you get out of breath! Sticking to the plan can be difficult so put it in your diary and treat it as a priority. It’s the only way to make it happen in this busy world we live in. As well as cardio, it’s important to build in some weight training too. Not only will it add muscle mass, it will burn fat and start to sculpt your body too. Don’t worry if you don’t have any equipment. There are some great work out apps which use body weight resistance (pull-ups, pushups, squats) and are fun to follow.

Hydration Station

Water is crucial for circulating nutrients around the body. Aim to drink 2 1/2 litres a day. Keep a bottle in your handbag if you’re out for the day.

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Are you m S I T IVI TY oaning ab out your w Groaning eig a stop yours bout your diet? Do ht? elf doing th yo ings becau u how you lo se of o attitude a k? Change your m nd en makes. Ta see what a differen tal ke enjoym ce it fresh, hea lthy food. ent from eating Relish in th you have take e st making. F n and the progress eps e soon find el good about it an you’re yourself tr d you’ll uly the good things in li living, attracting fe and dis the powe coveri r of doubt tha positivity! There is ng t a diet of no fresh regular exe rcise will m food and ake you fe better, so el celebrate that!

Sarah Stephenson Mobile spray tan specialist 07960 475104 info@simplytantastic.co.uk www.simplytantastic.co.uk

Covering Mortimer, Burghfield, Theale, Pamber Heath, Silchester & surrounding areas 11

Inventors

Inheritance Tax Planning: Lifetime Gifts made from your surplus income

Clear thinking, straight talking

For advice on company pension schemes and related benefits:

By Helen Greenwood

Your estate may not have to pay Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) on gifts made by you in your lifetime. If your income is in excess of your day-to-day needs, gifts out of that surplus income can prove to be extremely valuable. This is probably an under-used exemption for IHT.

0118 9734420

The conditions for obtaining the relief from IHT on these gifts are: i) ii) iii)

Email: reading@onepc.co.uk

www.onepc.co.uk

The gifts must be made as part of your normal expenditure, The gifts must be made out of your income and Having made those gifts, you are left with sufficient income to maintain your normal standard of living.

Sunfield Business Park New Mill Rd, Finchampstead Berkshire, RG40 4QT

The gifts can be made outright or can be used to fund an insurance policy written in trust for the family, and the policy proceeds will be exempt from IHT. If making large gifts from your surplus income, it may be sensible to create a Trust for the benefit of your family into which the gifts can be paid each year.

One Pension Consultancy are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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This is a valuable exemption but it is not given automatically. HMRC look at each person’s individual circumstances and the exemption is, generally, claimed on your death. The Executors of your estate have to demonstrate to HMRC that there was a clear intention to make regular gifts that satisfy the conditions set out above. Form IHT403 is completed, giving full details of your income, living expenses and the gifts made by you year by year to demonstrate you were able to maintain your usual standard of living. It is therefore most important to keep detailed records to enable your Executors to carry out this exercise on your death.

x no fi e e f no

This article is only an abbreviated summary of a complicated area, and does not amount to advice on any specific matter.

Helen Greenwood Rowberry Morris Solicitors Mulfords Hill | Tadley | RG26 3XJ | T: 0118 981 2992

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eye n s & F ce

with Mark Penston

A challenging forecast

I

n many ways understanding the pros and cons of being in or out of Europe reminds me of trying to understand the pros and cons of Scotland leaving or being part of the UK. The topic is so deep and multifaceted one wonders if anyone is capable of assimilating ALL the facts and coming out with a rational answer.

It’s a fierce battle of opinions with figureheads I respect on both sides making compelling arguments.

Just today I read that The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) predicts a fall in GDP if we leave Europe. A fall that would not be offset by the £8 billion we would save by exiting. The IFS are a respected organisation, but they don’t get every forecast right.

A survey of financial planners by technology provider Intelliflo shows that the majority of advisers favour an exit. 62% of them thought that an exit would not have any impact on their business.

t

To remain impartial, I’ll proffer that there is no right or wrong answer.

To my simple mind I think that there are two key issues. Firstly, the economy. Will we be better or worse off? Markets do not like uncertainty and coming out will create further uncertainty and market volatility.

Staying in will no doubt mean that things will return to ‘normal’.

However history has shown that market ‘shocks’ rarely seem to last long and things do recover. The past is quickly forgotten. The second issue is ‘sovereignty’. It’s a subject that you cannot easily put figures to. But sovereignty gets to the heart of how many people feel about being British and controlling the way we live. So maybe it’s a battle of economics versus emotions?

Either way, the human race doesn’t stop eating or going to work. We are genetically coded to survive and make progress. I don’t believe that any ‘doomsday’ scenario predicted

by either side would become a reality.

As financial planners we believe that our work helps clients plan for and negotiate turbulent times. Financial planning is about understanding how to make the most of what you have in an ever changing legislative and political environment and whether it’s enough to do everything that you want to do. It’s not just about positive investment returns which, to a greater or lesser extent, rise and fall with the markets. It’s about establishing a plan that is as tax efficient as practical with predictable returns. Here diversification is king. Moderation in all things.

Either way, we will survive!

Mark

Mark Penston is Partner and Chartered Financial Planner with Bluesky Chartered Financial Planners

imited L x a T4 T

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

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

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

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

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NOT FOR ADULTS

Fro

m £ 15

Book Now! 5th July 2 y a d n o M to tember p e S d n 2 Friday

Join us for a summer of fun packed sports, games, swimming and arts & crafts!

Willink Leisure Centre

2015 was our Camp Adventure to 3XP date, with Hollybush Lane,busiest Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 over 1000 bookings throughout Tel: 01189 834 845 the summer holidays.

Email: willink@parkwood-leisure.co.uk The children went swimming, played sports, had special visitors, painted, took part in arts and crafts, laughed and made new friends…

HOLIDAY Full Day: £24.70* leisurecentre.com ACTIVITY PROGRAMME Now we are doing it all over again - with bells on!

Half Day £11.75*

Monday 29th July - Tuesday 3rd September

Discount

W OK NO O B When booking in more than one child only £17 per child per day * With West Berkshire Card ** Subject to availability

This summer,Camp Adventure will run during the Summer Holidays with some fabulous new activities...

Working with the Outdoor Academy, this summer, an 8m climbing wall, archery, laser clay pigeon shooting and even a visiting animal farm - let’s hope the animals behave themselves!* With age related activities, there will be two groups running: Ages 5-8 and 8-14. If you would like your child (or children) to join in with the fun, we are now taking bookings.

Fro

m £ 15

Kids,Willink we Leisure lookCentre forward to having lots of fun with you this summer!

Hollybush Lane, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3XP Tel: 01189 834 845 Email: willink@parkwood-leisure.co.uk

14

SPIKE ISLAND

leisurecentre.com

NEW INFLATABLE COMING SOON!

School Lane | Burghfield Common | Berkshire | RG7 3XP

Legacy Leisure working in partnership with your local authority

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

INSANITY LIVE® After taking the world by storm in 2014 online and on DVD, Shaun T’s intense total-body conditioning program is now available as a class. INSANITY’s high-intensity activity forces the body to work for longer periods of time at a 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!

Aqua ZUMBA™ Splashing, stretching, twisting, shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering – that’s Aqua Zumba classes for you. Integrating the zumba dance class with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, Aqua Zumba - or water zumba - blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief. Ditch the workout - Join the Party!

BODYCOMBAT™ is the empowering cardio workout where you are totally unleashed. This fiercely energetic programme is inspired by martial arts and draws from a wide array of disciplines such as karate, boxing, tae kwon do, t'ai chi and Muay Thai. Supported by driving music and powerful role model instructors, strike, punch, kick and kata your way through calories to superior cardio fitness.

ZUMBA™ 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!

rses rash Cou ement C on v ro p Im ting ming ncentra ng Swim Week Lo ited spaces cond Butterfly, Lim &6 troke a Breasts at Stages 4, 529th July & d y e aim Frida August h July - - Friday 26th t 5 2 y a Mond 22nd August ETAILS RD Monday CALL FO

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MORTIMER FUN DAY WIN £1OO! e

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Fly our Balloon! iting

...how exc

eye

Budgens Still #1 for Local,Fresh, Essentials T he supermarket in West End Road has been part of the Mortonian landscape for as long as most locals can remember... These days, the much-loved Budgens store which, over the years, has certainly earned its ‘stripes’ as being the go-to place for fresh and ambient essentials is as popular as ever. But what of its history, and how has it changed over the years? We took some time out to have a chat with owner Charles Mills. Some of the things he told us were fascinating!

Having previously worked for the Musgrave Group in a senior position responsible for recruitment of new retailers into the Budgens Brand and divestment of the corporate estate, Charles saw an opportunity himself. Believing in what was happening with the future of Budgens Brand so much so, that he bought the shop [think Remington]!

Although owned by Charles, the store is run on a day to day basis by the Bushnell family. Phillip and Kay have been at the store since the early 70’s when it was owned by a local family and traded under the NISA banner.

Phil had been dubbed their trading ‘Guru’, looking after all stock movements, supported by wife Kay on fresh foods, son Jason as their operations manager and daughter Emma on admin. It really is a family affair.

outlets? On one side of the road was the larger 3000 sq ft store which sold Grocery, Tobacco and BWS ranges, whilst the smaller 1600 sq ft store across the way had fresh ranges, some additional grocery and news/magazines. Yes, only in quirky ol’ Blighty would you be allowed to load your trolley up in one shop, leave the premises (without paying) and complete your purchase in another building! Whilst the store turnover was very healthy, the business was losing money due to the high cost of operation due to the two store format. Both stores were in a poor state of repair and lacked investment.

In early 2008 a strategy was put in place to bring the business back into profit and to redevelop the store with a new building and a modern shopping environment. The timing of this strategy was to prove particularly challenging in light of the credit crunch and Musgrave UK trading issues.

The first part of the strategy was to close the smaller of the two trading stores and combine both stores into the larger 3000 sq ft unit. This was done early in 2008 and whilst trade initially dropped, customers soon welcomed the easier to shop combined store and trade returned and then exceeded its previous levels.

The operation in 2007 was very different to that you will find today. Many of you may remember when:

The plan for the new store would involve demolition of the trading store along with two houses adjacent that had been acquired earlier. One of the biggest challenges in this process would be that the trading business would then need to be relocated into the smaller now vacant unit opposite.

Trading out of two stores on opposite sides of the road, the then Budgens store split the retail offer between the two

In 2009 planning was granted for a new 6000 sq ft store, a budget of circa ÂŁ1.7M was set and the process of gaining funding

Monday Saturday 7am–9pm

Sunday 10am–4pm

K p g it Local

RĐ°pb ry Ch c e, avai e o began. The funding process proved to be hugely challenging and took until late 2012 to finally get the backing. Further issues with bat conservation and planning though would delay the project further.

In early 2012 it was decided to "take the plunge� and relocate to the smaller unit. The temporary unit was fully refitted at a cost of circa £250,000 to make the customer experience as good as good be, even though the store was half the size of the then trading store. The store opened spring of 2012 with initial trading very positive.

Throughout 2012 the temporary store traded well and finally in early 2013 the bulldozers moved in to demolish the old store and adjacent houses. Building the new store finally started in the summer of 2013 with a planned completion of March 2014.

Whilst the build went well, the trading business took a nose dive with the opening of a local Tesco Express. This would prove a challenging time with trade declining and the need to retain staff for the new store.

The new store opened as planned in March 2014, on time and on budget. Since then they have set about rebuilding the turnover lost to Tesco and the other multiples in our area. This has been a massive challenge but slowly they have built the trade. This has been done in many ways but above all by supporting the local community and by innovating in store.

Small incremental improvements like the introduction of a Costa Coffee vending machine have been backed up more adventurous innovations such as a full “Cook� range in store, a Laithwates wine fixture and their

latest offering - a full in-store serve over butchery. Trade has now significantly exceeded the old store and continues to show healthy growth. The team have worked exceptionally hard to drive innovation, and whilst they recognise their need to improve in some area’s, they continue to look at new ideas to keep the growth going already on the stocks for 2016 is relocation to the store of the Post Office.

They say that if you stand still you go rusty‌‌.not much chance of that at Mortimer !

Local

Fresh

Essentials!

15 Victoria Rd, Mortimer Common 0118 933 2488 17

Helping build this community from generation to generation for 50 years!

• Building • Decorating • Electrical • Plumbing • Gardening • Garden Furniture • Houseware • Ironmongery • Key Cutting • Blade Sharpening • Hardware • Timber • Tools

Rattan 6 seater Cube Garden Set £99.99

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18

www.dadsshop.co.uk

West End Road | Mortimer | Reading | RG7 3TE | 0118 933 2014

JOIN THE HULA CALOR BBQ GANG!

H

ave you got a BBQ? Are you fed up with cooking the same thing on it all time? Do you want to explore the true potential of your BBQ? If so, pop along to see Andrew Stout, Manager of Mortimers’ Calor Centre, and his happy team at Mortimer Fun Day on 2nd July where they will be demonstrating what new things can be cooked on a BBQ! Using some basic ingredients, all supplied by Budgens of Mortimer, the lovely ladies and gents from Calor will show you that your BBQ has limitless potential for cooking fish, meat, and chicken... And thanks to Youtube (and the now - infamous American

Regular Mince – 4-5 pounds (not lean) Bacon – 2 pounds regular cut Can of Beer 1 unopened Rolls/Buns - 6 Cheese – cubed/grated Mushrooms Grilled Onions Peppers – Red/Green Tomato – chopped Bacon Canned Chilli BBQ Sauce

eye

BBQ Pit Boys), they’ll also be showing you how to cook Beer Can Burgers!

If you’ve watched any of the BBQ Pit Boys videos or followed them on facebook, you’ll see where they got the inspiration from. It is almost ‘a given’ that once you taste these burgers, you’ll never step foot in a fast food joint or supermarket frozen food section again! With demonstrations from 11am and throughout the day, why not stop by, say hi and sample the food on offer... Whilst you are there, you can also have a go at their take on an old fairground favourite - Gas Can Hula Hoopla! With BBQs and other fabulous prizes for the winners on offer, ‘hula’ on over and have a go!

Bring grill temperature up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit with coals offset for indirect cooking.

Sauté mushrooms, onions, and peppers. Heat up the chopped tomato, bacon, roast beef, and canned chilli. (Or your favorite toppings) Make burger balls, 8 to 12 ounces each. Make sure meat is cold. Press beer can into centre of each meatball forming a pocket around the can. Wrap bacon around each one (this should take two pieces of bacon). Using a teatowel, remove beer can from meatball carefully. Do this until all meatballs have been formed. Take stuffing/toppings and start placing inside meatball pockets. Use your favorite toppings. Cube the cheese and place 2-3 pieces inside desired meatballs or top with shredded cheese. Add a few dashes of hot sauce or bbq sauce. Place bacon burgers opposite hot coals for indirect cooking. Put lid on grill and cook for one hour. (Optional – turn and rotate after 30 minutes) After one hour check for desired ‘doneness’. Remove from grill. Place bacon burgers on buns. Top with favourite condiments and serve with fries, coleslaw or potato salad. Enjoy!

Calor in the Community MORTIMER FUN DAY

Tucked away next to Mortimer Station is our local Calor Gas Centre which has been serving the community in Mortimer and surrounding villages for over 16 years.

Newcomers to the village - and residents of surrounding villages - may not yet have discovered Mortimer’s Calor Gas and the fact that it’s not just gas that they supply. The centre is busy all year round supplying gas appliances and Autogas, barbecues and Camping Gaz in the summer months and portable heaters in the winter months.

So, if you’ve been eyeing up that gas barbecue for a while, or you’re looking to top-up you Camping Gaz before you load the car with tents and kit this summer, then look no further. Drive into Mortimer Station and you’ll find Calor Gas directly in front of you, with ample parking. Once you’ve got your gas - how about having a go at one of the many mouth watering BBQ recipes available on their website www.calor.co.uk/recipes

01189 332363

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

19

FREE DAYTIME ENTRY

MORTIMER

FUN DAY SAT 2nd July

MORTIMER FAIRGROUND From 11:OOam

M

Welcome to the eighth Mortimer Fun Day Once again our Fun Day will be a day full of thrills, excitement and surprises. There are great new arena events and activities never seen before at the Fun Day; plenty of inflatable fun; a host of market row stalls and local groups and clubs; a bigger and better children’s area and plenty of other activities to keep every member of the family occupied throughout the day. As part of the Mortimer Village Partnership’s continuing aim to bring groups, organisations and individuals within our community closer together we can proudly boast that this Fun Day is an event run BY our community FOR our community! The Mortimer Village Partnership would like to wish you all a very enjoyable day.

!

T U O D SOL

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

10am-8pm

Spratley’s

eye SKY

CHECK- IN DESK Opposite Horse & Groom

In the event of a ‘no fly’ weather decision by the pilot, £100 programme draw entries can be made at the information tent instead.

20

in the

e m m a r g o r P ARENA EVENTS

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

£1

12:00 3SIXTY Bicycle Stunt Team 12:30 The Rock Project Reading 13:00 All Stars Theatre Academy 13:30 3SIXTY Bicycle Stunt Team 14:00 Virtue School of Gymnastics 14:30 Mortimer Fire Fighters 15:00 Starmaker Theatre Company 15:30 3SIXTY Bicycle Stunt Team

Tak S Ba pr e thi Da lloo atle s m y f n a y's ag or t t & azi yo he Vil ne ur M lag to ch ort e th an im Ey e ce er e to Fu wi n n

Captain Squawk’s Lucky Shuffle The Jolly Roger Colouring Competition Peg Leg Loot Pirate Pat’s Ping Pong Bosun Bunion’s Wash Day Skull & Crossbows The Hornpipe Hat Hunt Wot’s Yer Pirate Name Arrrr!

Rapscallion Raffle

OO

!

16:00 Reading Scottish Pipe Band 16:30 Winners’ announcements

ACTIVITIES FROM 11:00am

COUNTRY CRAFTS DOG DISPLAYS 3SIXTY BIKE EVENT TEAM BAR GIANT HOOPLA ALL STAR DANCE MORTIMER FIREFIGHTERS READING ROCK PROJECT VIRTUE SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS HOT AIR BALLOON CLASSIC CARS SCOTTISH PIPERS SMASHING STALL STARMAKER 16M SLIDE PIRATES MARKET STALLS 4-IN-1 BUNGEE TRAMPOLINE FOOD HALL WELLY WANGING AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!

w o h s g o d raffle

Activity Sponsors

Register your pooch at the Pets in Practise stall ten minutes before your chosen competition category start time. Midday: Cutest Puppy (under 12 months),12:3Opm: Waggiest Tail, 1pm: Best Family Dog, 1:3Opm: Dog Most Like Their Owner, 2pm: Best Child Handler (under 14 yrs), 2:3Opm: Most Appealing Eyes, 3pm: Prettiest Girl, 3:3Opm: Handsomest Boy,4pm: Golden Oldie (8 years +) Don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets for a chance to win one of our popular gift hampers filled with luxury prizes from the Fun Day market stall holders; local businesses, including Beautiful Escape, Elizabeth Kempson, Digifocus and Budgens; and local attractions, such as Wellington Country Park, Beale Park, Thames River Cruises and Alpine Sports. All money raised by the raffle goes towards covering the costs of the event.

VILLAGE

Many thanks to these local companies for their sponsorship of the Fun Day

eye 21

Get together with family and friends at Burghfield Spices on Sundays from 1pm to 10pm For just £8.95 for adults and children* & concessions £6.95 we’ll treat you to a selection of 15 popular dishes, sides and pappadoms - and you can leave the washing up to us!

We’d also like to invite you to join us every first Thursday of each month for our live music evenings.

Serving you at Mortimer Fun Day!

DADS SHOP IS FIFTY!

D

ads Shop has been an intrinsic part of Mortimer village since 1966. Yes, this year is Dads Shop 50th Anniversary!

The shop has enjoyed a number of different sites on West End Road over the years as the business changed and expanded; always moving with the times, putting customer service first and never adding that famous missing apostrophe!

In 1966 Dads Shop was first opened by Ronald Bull and occupied the site of the current Dental Surgery on West End Road. Then, in 1968, Dads Shop moved up the road to the site where today you will find Triangle Travel. The shop sold paint, timber, glass and wallpaper all your decorating essentials.

In 1970, Ronald retired and his son, John took over the business.

In 1978, having outgrown the site, Dads Shop moved 200 yards over the road to its current home. That site was originally owned by Burt Freestone, a member of another longstanding Mortimer family, who had run Mortimer Hardware from there. After Burt’s death, the new owner struggled, so John Bull bought the building and the business as a going concern.

The current owner, Elizabeth Telling, is the granddaughter of the original owner, Ronald Bull. She took over the business in 1994 and when John retired in 1998, her long suffering husband, Mark, joined her! The stock has now expanded into many different areas, though the mainstay of the business - the timber cutting and blade sharpening - remain.

And because Dads Shop does not have the large overheads that B&Q have, it’s able to pass this saving on to its customers. Many products are less expensive.

Paintbrushes and everyday items are always cheaper.

Part of Dads Shop’s success is how it has adapted over the years to give its customers what they need.

In accordance with current market trends, Dads Shop have a thriving online business too. The internet has enabled them to offer a wider range of products which now includes garden furniture, BBQs, toys, dining sets and even festival gear!

To celebrate their 50th year, Dads Shop is holding an in store raffle throughout July with some truly amazing prizes. Why not pop in to stock up and join with them in celebrating 50 years.

Happy 50th Dads Shop!

Usual Restaurant Menu is also available on Sundays

LOVE INDIAN FOOD? LOVE SUNDAYS? Burghfield

Spices

1966

SUNDAY INDIAN BUFFETS

0118 983 4040 www.burghfieldspices.co.uk |The Hatchgate, Burghfield Common

22

2016

eat

The Elm Tree is

Drink & celebrate www.theelmtreebeechhill.co.uk

3 years in the making and without you, the customers... and our staff, The Elm Tree would never have become what it is today!

Hog Roasts, New Year’s, Mother’s Days & Christmas Days, changing menus and changing seasons...

Whether a work lunch, birthday treat or weekly feast, you all matter to us and I hope we do to you too, we could not have done any of this without you!

Right, all we need now is a hot summer...

From all at The Elm, Jim & The Team Thankyou.

See you soon, Jim x GUIDE

Welcoming You Great Food - Great Wine - Great Company

OPENING HOURS: Pub: Food:

12noon - 11:00pm 12noon - 2:30pm & 6:30pm - 9:30pm Mon-Sat 12noon - 5:00pm on Sundays

0118 988 3505 www.theelmtreebeechhill.co.uk The Elm Tree | Beech Hill Road | Beech Hill | RG7 2AZ

1

23

eye

tishsue

From a simple ‘can do’ idea, Village Eye launched in September 2011. As we celebrate our 50th issue and look forward to our 5th birthday, we bring you some interesting (for some) facts and figures about us*

o 5 y p Hap FUN DAY y a d Birth contributors s, er d a re r u o to s u f e! from al o & big hugs and lo- vewithout you, it just wouldn’t be the sam and advertisers

2Estim5ate,0d nu0mb0earcorof ss aders monthly re lages il v 13 local

4,952 hours of design time

9

Different people have written as Eye Geek.

Anonymous, just like The Stig!

234 1/4

From cleaning tips to beauty products, gifts and gadgets, we’ve reviewed or given helpful hints on over

1000 useful things.

Miles are walked by our distribution team every month. In 5 years, that’s 11,712 miles - about the same distance as walking to New Zealand!

71

COMPETITION WINNERS

From Meals at L’Ortolan, iPads, Spa days, Panto & Fesitval tickets, Skydiving, Zorbing, Leisure passes, Makeovers, Photoshoots & other fab prizes, our readers love to win!

5,760 Coffees drunk by our team during office hours.

Local businesses who have grown their customer base by advertising with us.

368 contributors

MEMBERS OF THIS COMMUNITY GETTING INVOLVED AND SHARING STORIES AND INFORMATION WITH OUR READERS...

293

21

1

Loc a help l event s ed t o pr we hav omo e te

42,000 is the number of views for a single Village Eye facebook post! The same post (all about wine)also had 366 shares!

and all with a smile! xxx * We have tried to be as accurate as we can!

BURGHFIELD COMMON 270

Parkers pedal power

TADLEY & THEALE 266

all in the name of charity

I

f there is a chance that you are one of the few who haven’t heard about the Parkers Charity Bike Ride, here is all that has been happening and how you can help.

Let’s set the scene: September 2015…

Dale Kempson: Estate agent, father of two, keen golfer, NOT a cyclist has worked within the local villages for 15 years. He wants to give back to the community that has supported him and kept his business alive and running before, during and after the recession.

Having supported many local events for the school and parishes over the years through advertising and donations, it was time to go big. Having already set in place two prize draws per month throughou their anniversary year (one to win a bottle of champagne for anyone who has their property valued, and another offering the chance for anyone who markets their property with Parkers to go in to the draw to receive 15% off their selling fees.) Dale knew he had to do more.

Ideas were thrown about until Dale himself came up with the one; to do a charity bike ride! A variety of organised bike rides were on offer you could do 50 miles, 100 miles even 200 miles, or you could spend two week cycling 1000 miles. This gruelling ride is to be undertaken in all weather conditions from the most westerly point in the United Kingdom - Land’s End, up to the most Northern point - John O’Groats, Scotland. For a beginner, this would surely be perfect!

So here we are, now in the summer of 2016. Parkers in Burghfield Common have thanked their Vendors with thousands of pounds off their fees and have also given away 10 bottles of champagne. There is still time to be entered in to the prize draws just by calling them!

As for the charity bike ride, the date is set for 7th August 2016 and Dale has managed to get Jamie Stead on board. Having worked at Parkers for several years and also a novice cyclist, he enthusiastically took on the challenge and for both of them their

training is underway. Having a head start, Dale has cycled over 2000 miles throughout his training and Jamie is on his way with over 500 miles. Dale says “Having started as a challenge, it has now become a hobby. I’ve done over 100 hours in the saddle, with my longest ride being 68 miles. I’ve been completing an average of 95 miles per week, fallen off twice, done 1 training weekend in the Peak District, and had no punctures!”

com and search ‘Parkers Estate Agent’ where you can choose if the money you pledge goes to the Local Schools, Thames Valley Air Ambulance or Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Both have donned the Lycra for good reasons and would like your help raising money for their chosen charities.

Within Burghfield and Mortimer there are 6 local schools they are raising funds for: Mrs. Blands Infant School, Garland Junior School, Burghfield St Mary’s School, Mortimer St Johns Infant School, Mortimer St Mary’s Junior School and Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet Primary School. With less than six weeks left until they are expected to cycle an average of 66 miles per day consecutively for 14 days, you can donate online at the Just Giving website or by cheque at one of Parkers local offices in Burghfield, Tadley, Theale or Tilehurst.

Having worked closely with two other charities, they also wish to support the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Guide Dogs for the Blind and you are free to choose where your donation goes online. You can follow the LEJOG Blog (Lands End to John O’Groats Blog) on the ‘Parkers Burghfield’ Facebook page, where there are regular updates about training, the struggles and the best parts and you can leave messages, advice and support should you wish.

Having accomplished so much already, but still with so far to go, there are keen to make this a success for the schools and charities that they are raising money for. Jamie say’s “This is a once in a lifetime challenge for me and although enjoyable, isn’t the easiest we could have picked! I am pleased it’s all for charity and makes it worthwhile doing.”

If you would like to donate, please pop into one of their local offices or visit Justgiving.

25

Join us for a summer of fun packed sports, games, swimming and arts & crafts!

26

27

Plasterer ?

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

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

Tel: 868444 Tel:01635 0118 9814420

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)

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28

MTJ

(24 (24hours) hours) Churchgate, 48 Bishopswood The Broadway Road,

Tel:01635 0118 868444 9814420 Tel: (24hours) hours) (24

48Churchgate, Bishopswood Road, The Broadway

THATCHAM TADLEY

TADLEY THATCHAM

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

HUNGERFORD HUNGERFORD

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Kite

Garden Services

No Job too Small If you don’t have the time or experience to take care of your garden and have it looking the way you would like, let this local, experienced gardener take the strain so you can sit back and relax this summer!

Lawncare, mowing, digging, sowing, planting, weeding, pruning, minor tree surgery, sympathetic makeovers and soft & hard landscaping.

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

0118 988 7590 07768 764908

Fully insured with very reasonable rates.

Jordan Close, Spencers Wood

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.

We will pay you top ££s for your scrap!

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!

0118 9500 470 0781 3443 763

www.readingmetalrecycling.co.uk Mon-Sat 8am-6pm

Residential Scrap Metal Drop in your scrap metal old copper pipes, washing machines, power cables etc.

Reading Metal Recycling

(Opposite the Cunning Man)

Weirside, Green Lane Burghfield Bridge Industrial Estate

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:

OFFICE: 01189 831246 Mobile: 07766 646430 Email: info@jwfisher.co.uk www.jameswfisher.co.uk

Keep it it local ! !Trades && Services Pages. forget toto mention Village Eye when calling!

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

What can I do for your Garden this summer?

The Forge, Reading Road, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3BL

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

Handy L OCAL Andy Man!

Sales - Service - Repairs • • • •

What we do:

Vehicle servicing We specialise in cam belts We fit engines and gear boxes Pre MOT checks and can arrange MOT • Diagnostics on most vehicles • Classic car servicing & repairs SALES• -Car, SERVICE - REPAIRS van and classic car sales 0118 971 0199 • Valeting service • Courtesy car available WHAT WE DO: WORKSHOP: • • • • • • • •

Household Carpentry Kitchen Fitting Flat Pack Furniture Decorating Plumbing Tiling Household Repairs

Servicing Unit 1 Clovelly Works We specialise in cam belts A4 A4 Bath Road Padworth We fit engines and gear boxes Jct 12 M4 Holiday Inn Reading Pre MOT checks and can arrange MOT Sainsbury’s DiagnosticsPadworth on most vehicles JC Motorwise RG7 5HR Contact Classic car restoration Car, van and classic car sales Mark or Jon Valeting services

(0118) 9710199 or visit www.jcmotorwise.co.uk

Please call:

0118 971 0199

JC MOTORWISE has been part of the car sales and repair market for many years, looking after private and corporate customers. We have a strong customer focus. We do everything we can to comply with your wishes, provide you with comprehensive advice and take pride in offering you the best solution for your needs.

For us, mutual trust is the basis for good co-operation. Reliable, fair and competent – get to know us today. Myself and my partner Mark Smith look forward to seeing old and new customers alike at our new premises.

www.jcmotorwise.co.uk sales.jcmotorwise@gmail.com

NO JOB TOO SMALL

No vat charged | Competitive Prices

WESTMINSTER HOUSE, A4 BATH ROAD, PADWORTH, BERKSHIRE, RG7 5HR

Andy O118 929 1447 O7788 21181O

Email andypropertymtce@gmail.com

Handy Andy 1/4 July 2015.indd 1

29/06/2015 11:19

• FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE

• • • • • •

MOT TESTING While-you-wait testing available (by prior appointment) SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Great discounts and helpful advice MECHANICAL REPAIRS FREE SHOCK ABSORBER TESTING BULBS & BATTERIES FITTED FREE WHILE YOU WAIT* VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND SPECIAL OFFERS Special offer £39.95 + vat

We’re a LASSA Tyre Agent!

3D Wheel alignment computer system

Air Conditioning Recharge/Service

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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Garden Putting up sheds Grass Cutting Clearing Gutters Fence Painting Hedge Cutting Garden Maintenance Patio Cleaning

Please contact SERVICE RECEPTION on

0118 970 2222 www.mendemmotors.co.uk

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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

£10 OFF

On production of this voucher

MOTs - Class 4/5 &7

Cars & Light Commercials Tyres & Exhausts Cambelt & Clutch Replacement Air Conditioning Servicing Mechanical Repairs

Diagnostic Checks MOT Repairs & Welding Comprehensive Brake Service Servicing on all Makes & Models Local Collection & Delivery Service

0118 981 4999

www.eaautos.com info@eaautos.net

Unit 21, Youngs Industrial Estate, Paices Hill, Aldermaston, RG7 4PW

MOT Testing Station

HALF PRICE MOT WITH EVERY MAJOR SERVICE

Courtesy Vehicles Available

Mobile: 07919 275 424

EA Autos Parish Mag Ad.indd 1

22/05/2013 21:20

Berkshire Design Build Ltd

& tel: 0118 983 4164 or mob: 07836 751 072

email: davidling007@sky.com | 9 Chervil Way, Burghfield Common, RG7 3XY

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

No Signal? we’ll fix it

www.trustedtraders.which.co.uk/businesses/berkshire-design-build-ltd To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

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For more information, please call

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

David: 07887 734632 or Andrew: 07952 517246 info@aspectcontracts.org.uk www.aspectcontracts.co.uk Painting & Decorating l Tiling l Plastering & Artexing l Kitchens & Bathrooms l Landscaping l Building Services l Carpentry l Flooring

“Rely on us for all aspects of property services” Home office: Corbie Villa | 16 Bath Road | Calcot | RG31 7QJ

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

www.barn-store.co.uk

New Line Sheds WE MANUFACTURE

Garden Sheds. Garden Workshops. Summerhouses.

Chalets. Bespoke Rooms. Playhouses • • • • • • • •

SALE NOW ON!

sustainable managed forest We do not use chipboard or plywood.

Bolted assembly Bespoke design available

0118 971 2245

www.newlinesheds.co.uk

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

Tadley Why Pay More?

Pet Supplies

You name it - we sell it!

Live Stock of Small Animals, Birds & Tropical Fish We also stock Wild Bird Products, all at guaranteed low prices, with FREE LOCAL DELIVERY available

0118 981 9996

www.tadleypetsupplies.co.uk

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

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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.

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

We us wood from Value for money.

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

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

LAFFORD & LEAVEY LTD ARROWHEAD ROAD, THEALE, READING, RG7 4AZ Tel: Reading (0118) 9303333 Fax: (0118) 9323707 Email: lafford.leavey@btconnect.com 33

eye

S m Bo dom s!

the Parkway Summer Series

JUBILEECADETS O U T D O O R H O L I D AY C LU B

Go play outside!

Join us this Summer for an incredible line-up of free fantastic events.

Saturday 2nd July – The Summer Street Party Saturday 16th July – Parkway En Provence Saturday 23rd July – PROMS at Parkway

Visit www.shopatparkway.com for more information on acts, line-ups and ts – the bilee Cadeoffers Ju g in uc trod Infor each event!

new b for fun-filled outdoor holiday clu s boys and girls aged 5-11 year

R

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Download or reserve your Street Party Pass now at www.shopatparkway.com for 20% off at H&M, New Look, Ecco, Café Rouge & more on 2nd July

emember those happy grass-stained days during the school holidays when you used to go out to play, enjoy all that the woods had to offer and build dens? Jubilee Cadets is a fabulous new club providing primary school aged children with an exciting way to spend their holidays enjoying the Great Outdoors. Open from 11th July until 7th September 8am-6pm Monday to Friday, Jubilee Cadets covers both independent and state school summer holidays.

Den Building, Adventure/ nature walks, Campfires, First Aid, Outdoor sports (e.g. rounders, football), Team games and challenges, Outdoor play equipment, Obstacle courses, Forest art, Bug hunts, Treasure hunts, Story-telling, Face painting, Themed Days, Potion making / mud fun, Pool table / table tennis, Cooking

Children can go on woodland adventures, enjoy bushcraft and survival skills, build a campfire under the supervision of staff, toast marshmallows, enjoy team sports, forest art and a host of other fun activities.

Cadets is a new addition to the already highly successful sister holiday club, Jubilee Jets and both are owned by the operators of Jubilee Day Nursery and Jubilee Gems in Padworth.

Outdoors, children can run about and have a sense of freedom which they would otherwise not experience inside. We encourage child-led play and are advocates of fun, supervised free play – it’s one of the best ways we can guarantee a fun-filled holiday whilst learning new skills in our stunning woodland setting. Based in Padworth, our premises offer indoor play areas as well as woodland and farmland for multiple outdoor activities – so we can guarantee a day of busy fun whatever the weather!

We offer a safe, fun and caring environment for children aged 5-11 years to play, supervised by our fantastic, invigorating team. All staff are Enhanced DBS checked (formerly CRB).

To book online go to www.jubileecadets.co.uk For further information, please contact info@ jubileecadets.co.uk or Bella, our Cadets Manager on 0118 970 1300

A

h, summer. When you were a child, summer was exciting not just because the sunshine meant more time spent outdoors, but because it meant a month and a half off school.

Back in those days, it felt like the summer holiday was endless, a sprawling expanse of time when you didn’t have to be anywhere or do anything – especially not maths homework.

The tradition of the six-week summer holiday runs all the way through the British school system, so if you stay in education through university, you’ll get to enjoy those long lazy weeks until you’re in your 20s. But no-one sets up a schedule just to give kids more time to ride their bikes, so why are the summer holidays so long?

Well, you can thank (or blame) the Victorians for that. The school timetable that seems so familiar now – with a school day of 9am until 3.30pm, and a new term starting every September – is a product of the 19th century. The break wasn’t designed to give kids a holiday: it was for them to go back to work.

Yup, the school calendar is based on the agricultural calendar. In the summer, children were needed to work the land, harvesting fruit or performing other menial duties, which they obviously couldn’t do if they were sitting in a classroom.

Other breaks were fitted around significant times of year for crop-growers: in spring, children would be needed to help with planting, while in autumn they’d need time away from school to harvest food.

The 3.30pm daily finish owes its existence to similar logic – children would end their school

day in time to go home and help with housework. Farmers would generally be up and dawn and finish their work in the mid-afternoon, so school hours took a similar shape.

From a 21st century perspective, that all seems pretty archaic. It’s kind of inconvenient, too, with parents needing to juggle their work around the whims of the school calendar; back in the Victorian era, it was more likely women would be at home to take care of the kids, but now it’s more likely parents will have to move their schedules around (or book babysitters) to cover the school holidays.

But with some independent academies already moving around their term dates and all headteachers being given the power to set their own term dates from September, it looks like things are going to change.

That everlasting summer holiday you remember from your school days might be going the way of the penny-farthing – great for Victorians, maybe, but kind of useless nowadays.

But that might not be the case for much longer. Over the last few years, government officials have been talking about changing the school year to reflect the fact that most of us don’t do all that much farming any more. According to some, it might be beneficial to abolish the long holiday and instead spread breaks out across the year. Those in favour reckon it’ll be better for the kids, who’ll get more regular breaks but also be less likely to forget what they’ve learned over a long holiday; it might also be better for teachers, who get more frequent time off, and for parents, who won’t need to fit family holidays into the more expensive summer break.

Not everyone’s so keen for things to change; some teachers value the long break, which gives them a chance to rest and recharge for the next year, while kids might feel like they get to do some growing up between one school year and the next, and see the six-week summer holiday as a time of transformation.

Ice Cream In A Bag

All you need is 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tsp vanilla and 2 1/2 tsp sugar. Just pop the ingredients into a sandwich bag and press the air out. Fill a gallon size freezer bag half full of ice cubes, and mix with 6 tablespoons of coarse rock salt. Then put the sealed sandwich bag into the middle of the ice and seal. Toss the bag to each other for 10 minutes! Grab some spoons and eat it out the bag!

Recreate a Sports Day

It’s easy to organise a sports day at home.

Create everything from the outfits to the medal ceremony. Mark out a start and finish line, then hold sprint races, egg and spoon, obstacle races and use beanbags for the shot put. Why not use chocolate coins for medals for the winners, too?

Cake Decorating Competition A cake or cookie decorating competition is a great way to keep the kids amused for a few hours and sort their dessert! Get the kids involved in baking a batch of cupcakes or cookies, then set them loose with a rainbow of icing colours, bowls of sprinkles and lollies and their imaginations to come up with the most amazingly decorated cupcake of the day.

Each child receives an equal allocation of the freshly baked cupcakes to decorate, then chooses their favourite for judging, either by a family member, friend or neighbour. The winning cupcake decorator then gets to choose the movie to be watched that evening or a similar treat.

Hold a

LEGO building contest

Put that tub of LEGO to use and challenge the kids to each build a house – with a 30-minute time limit – then judge first, second and third prize.

Enjoy a Movie Marathon

A rainy day is the perfect time to organise a movie marathon. Perhaps choose a movie series such as Spy Kids or movies with a theme, such as space, nature or comedy. Turn the idea into an event by creating invitations for everyone attending. Give every family member something fun to do – smaller children make great ushers and popcorn sellers, and the ‘projectionist’ can man the remote and pick the first film. Why not help the kids create a box office out of – what else – a box? Kids can then sell handmade tickets and popcorn from their box office window.

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

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35

he w !

C y c ling For Mat t

ly touched ld Common was sad link School in Burghfie battle with Wil g lon The a the er at aft pil ia pu kem ten tthew Pike to Leu Ma nd Jordan Curtis, a year tball frie foo in od go wn his kno t ll en he los t, was we by cancer last year wh d kept positive through ongoing treatmen spital when Ho hire rks Be l ya Ro ha the the disease. Matthew er children going into back in de a video to help oth ge Award at the Pride of Reading Awards circles and even ma wanted ura he Co t ing the Child of ry of Matthew bu he was younger, receiv do something to benefit others in memo ving never been a cyclist, Ha n to cknell 2011. Jordan was kee self at the same time. t would challenge him h The Rotary Club of Bra arities. it to be something tha to cycle 50 miles - his hardest ride yet - wit ch y rth wo for ds fun up to raise Jordan chose to sign red Charity Bike Ride nd, an annual sponso Three Counties Trust Fu from friends, family, overwhelming response n quickly raised his an er aft t bu , 00 £5 a target of WIllink, Jorda He initially set himself ers & support staff at ount of even his school teach ed it, with the total am d an ash es sm ess he sin t, bu ge al tar w loc friend ne ur the yo et ne me do he only did rdan, you have target to £3000. Not 0. Congratulations Jo 08 £3 g ntin pri of e money raised - at tim proud.

Tadley Pets Supplies become International Rock Stars - well, kind of! screen grab!

We couldn’t quite believe our eyes recently, after one of our readers alerted us to a local business whose name had been spotted in the lastest video by the world-famous American indie Rock band, The Augustines.

Focussing on Stock Car World Champion Will Morphey, and his

Now in its 22nd year, the Tadley 10K has grown from its modest beginnings of fewer than 100 entrants to nearly 350 entrants. It’s renamed this year from Tadley 10K to Tim’s Tadley 10K in honour of the Club Secretary and founder member who sadly passed away in 2015. The Race HQ is at the Hurst Leisure Centre where there are ample parking and changing facilities and an on-site caterer. The course is a single loop of 10 kilometres over quiet, pretty country lanes on the Hampshire/Berkshire borders.

world of high speed racing, the video was filmed on location at Aldershot stadium (Rusmoor Arena), where Tadley Pet Supplies sponsor both the start and finish lines. Owner of Tadley Pet Supplies told us he couldn’t quote believe his eyes either when he saw it.

Now that’s Rock & Roll Tadley Pets!

There are drinks stations around the course. Trophies are up for grabs, too. Take a look at the website for details of how these will be awarded. As a memento of the event a good quality 100% polyester technical T-shirt will be awarded to all finishers along with a Race Medal!!You can enter online, but entries are also accepted on the day. Why not roll up on 6th July 2014 and take this opportunity to run this 10Km. www.tadleyrunners.co.uk/10km/

Tim’s

Tadley 10K & Fun Run Sunday 3rd July 11am

Dog Training Based in Spencers Wood

• Fear related problems • Hyperactive or Anxiety related problems • Puppy Training • Basic Obedience Taining • Dog Agression • Human Aggression

One to one attention for you and your dog...

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

36

Email or phone us today and start the amazing journey to helping your canine.

07793 073622

nathan@balancedenergycaninetraining.co.uk www.@balancedenergycaninetraining.co.uk

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eye Film of the MONTH on Leisure

by Rob Barnes

F

orgive me father for I have sinned. I confess that I am not a comic book fan. I declare I have not seen all eight films in this now 16 year long movie franchise. I admit that the plot made little sense to me. I also accept that X-Men: Apocalypse was received with much criticism. So it is with a heavy heart that I now must reveal...I rather enjoyed it!

Director Bryan Singer who brought us X-Men (2000), X-Men 2 (2003) and X-Men Days of Future Past (2014) is back at the helm in this time-hopping sequel to X-Men: First Class (2011).

We begin in ancient Egypt where we meet the first and most powerful mutant ruler En Sabah Nur, aka Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) who after an assassination attempt is buried alive. He awakens thousands of years later in 1981 and is so sickened by the world he finds he sets about regaining power by creating a new world order. As the earth’s fate hangs in the balance X-Men’s Professor Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) lead a new team of mutants to avert imminent disaster. The kicker is that among his own team of rogue mutants Apocalypse has brainwashed Charles’ disheartened and wayward friend Magneto (Michael Fassbender) to help fight his cause.

Like all the X-Men movies the theme is nothing new, once again we’re asking the same question: Should mutants integrate with humanity or not? But what Singer brings to the

Children's book of the MONTH

party are believable characters as well as the crash, bang wallop.

In Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Fassbender he has two fine actors well capable of drawing you into this fantasy world and sympathise with their moral dilemmas. On the other end of the spectrum we have a great young ensemble cast providing the wisecracks, Quicksilver (Evan Peters), Cyclops (Tye Sheridan) and Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee) in particular have great chemistry and genuinely look like they’re having a blast.

There’s no doubt that the X-Men series has suffered from the incredible success of The Avengers franchise. Yes it lacks that panache, wit and polish of your Iron Man or Captain America but it has an old skool quality and charm that is very refreshing. The decision to place the bulk of the action in the eighties is also a clever hook that will appeal to its adult audience. Among others look out for nods to Teen Wolf, Star Wars and Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

at times you do feel like you’ve gatecrashed a rather awkward fancy dress party. Magneto and Apocalypse wouldn’t look out of place as backing singers for The Village People, Beast (Nicholas Hoult) looks like he’s done a trolley dash around Fun ‘n’ Frolic and Jennifer Lawrence’s outfit is basically a nude with a blue spray tan.

It may lack the intellect of some of its predecessors but X-Men: Apocalypse is an entertaining popcorn movie with fun and engaging characters, great action sequences, comedy, and a dark side that is not afraid of throwing you a few surprises. In the marketing campaign fans were asked to choose their side in this battle for world order, whilst most critics sided with the ‘Destroy’ camp, I’m choosing ‘Defend’!

As with all superhero films the costumes can be distracting and

The Longest Whale Song

Not bad!

by Jacqueline Wilson

I think this book is great because it has moving emotion and is just overall fantastic. The story is about a little girl called Ella and her mum, who is heavily pregnant. They live together. When Ella’s mum is having her baby she falls in to a deep coma therefore Ella’s mum’s boyfriend Jack has to take care of Ella and the baby.

When I opened the first page of this book I was amazed by the storyline and how it all came together to form an amazing emotional story. I was so impressed by the way Wilson develops her characters to make them sound really realistic.

The reason why the book is called The Longest Whale Song is because when Ella’s mum is in her coma Ella tries to give her mum as much love and support, so she makes a love song about whales hoping it would bring her mum back to normal.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is over 8. This book is great and is a brilliant read so go read The Longest Whale Song!

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

Ages 4-8

Review by Maddy Harvey.

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eye

E

A UK and international boarding and day school for students aged 13-19 “The high quality of teaching is consistently characterised by a thorough understanding of individual pupils’ needs and a true desire for all pupils to achieve their full potential.” ISI Report October 2015

Day student places available for entry in September 2016 • Scholarships and bursaries available • Small classes which focus on each student • Excellent academic results • Make amazing international friends • Situated between Newbury and Reading • Free transport from Aldermaston Station

www.padworth.com Come and visit us to see the school for yourself Just call us on 0118 983 2644 Padworth College, Padworth, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4NR

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I

n today’s world of Information Technology, you would have thought there should be a device on the market that helps protect vulnerable people from nuisance phone calls especially predators trying to trick innocent people into parting with their money.

Well there is and Loddon Valley Lions have been testing such a device called the BT8500 Advanced Call Blocker which is a Digital Cordless phone with an answering machine.

The Call Blocker is available in some shops on the high street. However, the Lions were so concerned with the increase of incidents of online theft reported by the media, that they decided to do something about it.

A small fund has been allocated by the Lions to purchase the handsets on a trial basis to help those people in need to buy a low cost blocking handset which the Lions have installed in the homes of the people who have contacted them.

The Call Blocker once installed has helped put those people back in control of all incoming calls.

The installation and operation is quite simple. To receive calls from people you want to talk to, you just enter their names and telephone numbers into the ‘phone menu. These can be home, mobile or business numbers. Any callers from phone numbers not in the menu will need to state their name and press the # key symbol for your phone to ring.

You then have the option of either accepting the call, always accepting the call, blocking the call or sending the call to the answer ‘phone. The BT8500 Advanced Call Blocker puts you back in control because it blocks up to 1000 numbers, has a colour screen, automatically copies contacts between handsets, records up to 60 minutes of messages, has a hands-free speaker and operates from a single phone socket. Additional handsets can be purchased up to a maximum of 3.

A new report published by Which states 40% of all calls received by the elderly members of the community are classified as nuisance calls.

TECH

eye

So if you are somebody that suffers from nuisance calls and lives in the Loddon Valley area, or you know somebody that does, then this could be the solution to the problem.

by Eye Geek

Loddon Valley Lions Club is one of about 70 Lions Clubs in Central Southern England serving the area which is centred on Tadley and bounded

by Sherborne St John, Sherfield-onLoddon, Mortimer, Aldermaston Wharf, Brimpton and Kingsclere, to the north of Basingstoke.

Each year Loddon Valley Lions raise around £20,000 to create new initiatives that help benefit the community locally, especially those less fortunate than ourselves. Over 40 years since the club was formed it has raised over £600,000 which has then been allocated to good causes in the community supporting the very young to the more mature in years. The call blocking project is one such initiative that shows the Lions do care for the community and want to help them.

The Lions Tadley Treacle Fair is one of the most important events in the Loddon Valley Lions calendar. Over £11,500 was raised on the 5th June this year from this event to help the Lions to continue carrying out their good work.

Future events include a Golf Competition in September, a Fireworks Extravaganza in November and the daily evening Father Christmas Sleigh tour of the Loddon Valley area in December. More information is available on the website www.loddonvalleylions.org The Lions are always grateful to those people who want to help at the events they organise and to new members wishing to join the Club.

They are also receptive to new ideas such as the call blocking initiative which was brought to their attention by a new member of a newly formed group called ‘’Friends of the Lions’’ who help at the events and meet monthly to create new ways of supporting the local community.

Let’s end NUISANCE CALLS forever!

Call 0845 833 7494 for more information on how Loddon Valley Lions may be able to help you or if you are interested in becoming a member.

LIONS STOP UNWANTED CALLERS!

Mortimer

Physiotherapy practice MUSCLE/TENDON STRAIN?

BACK OR NECK PAIN?

POST OPERATIVE REHABILITATION?

SPORTS INJURIES?

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

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BRADFIELD COLLEGE

CENTRE

With Wimbledon just around the corner, and the strawberries in the fridge, our sporting attention this month turns to the racket sport of choice for many during the summer months tennis, to discover that tennis is in fact played all year round! Founded in 2000 at Bradfield College and opened by tennis ace Tim Henman, The Bradfield Tennis Centre is thriving...

With 24 artificial grass courts and 7 hard courts around campus, Bradfield Tennis Centre is well-accommodated for the busy summer season. The three indoor courts, around which the club is centred, mean that the tennis club operates all year round.

Membership is great value, with individual adults able to join for only ÂŁ27 per year and families for only ÂŁ55.

This includes discounted court hire and even free use of the outdoor courts during the summer. Membership also allows entry into the Wimbledon Ballot each year.

Bradfield Tennis Club runs courses for both adults and juniors all year round with opportunities for beginners, improvers and performance players.

The academy nurtures promising young talent through the LTA mini-tennis system. In addition to structured termly programmes, there is also a tennis camp which is run over the Easter and Summer holidays catering for students from 5 – 16 years old.

Lessons are not just for youth tennis.

There are a variety of tennis classes for adults, too, ranging from skills development to fitness based classes such as Cardio Tennis. Popular club nights for adults are paired with competitive matches and league play for those wishing to test themselves against other clubs.

The club is also heavily involved in fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust. As well as the ladies doubles tournament supporting this cause, the Bradfield Tennis Club coaching team also recently completed a 24 hour charity doubles match. So far, ÂŁ10,500 has been raised for the charity.

Bradfield Tennis Club were honoured to welcome The Davis Cup Trophy Tour on 27th May, one of only 2 chosen venues in Berkshire to do this. As part of the day, two members of the GB hockey team - Alex Danson and Joie Leigh took time out of their Rio preparation to meet and greet the tennis fans. Joie, in fact, played county tennis herself as a junior.

On the day, Bradfield hosted a Primary and Prep schools tennis tournament.

The Primary Schools Tournament encompassed 8 teams (48 children) from local primary schools. After a number of matches, Sulhamstead Primary were announced the winners.

The Prep School Tournament final was between Thorngrove and Lambrook, with Lambrook emerging as the winners.

The day was a great success with around 300 visitors taking the chance to see the trophy and participate in free tennis activities over the day. So, anyone for tennis?

Pilates with Elizabeth Williams

Regular Mat Pilates Group Classes - all levels welcome

Tuesday’s at 6.00-7.00pm Wednesdays at 9:3 - 10:30 Thursday’s at 9-10 & 10-11 Tadley Community Centre Mortimer Community Hall Silchester Village Hall

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For further information about tennis at Bradfield, call 0118 964 4600

www.wholehealthliving.co.uk liz@wholehealthliving.co.uk

07743 323642

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L Memb s p

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