Village Eye Oct 16 by immags

VILLAGE

Issue 52 October 2016 Circulation 11,000

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for the RG7 area and beyond

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it yet?

OUR Festive COVER MAKEOVER PAGE 4

in Are you

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YOU!

FABULOUSLY

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LOCAL HERO:

Meeting Chris Mears...

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October

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VILLAGE

Lifestyle magazine and beyond for the RG7 area

Circulation 11,000

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u in it

yet?

AW16 FASHION RY AT PARKWAY NEWBU

LOCAL HERO: ... Meeting Chris Mears

OUR stive Fe COVER MAKEOVER PAGE 4

Are yo

FABULOUSLY

#SENDASELFIE WINN

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| Health | Homes | Enterta

Recycling and waste disposal was a hot topic recently when ‘Reading tip’ was closed to West Berkshire residents. Padworth and Newbury recycling centres are now operating a similar permit scheme for residents and every household should receive one. Turn to pages 38-39 to read more. And for a bit of fun, to coincide with the release of the film ‘Bad Moms’ we have put together our own quiz to find out What Kind of Mum Are You? Take a look at p.38-39 to see how you come out!

MUSICAL SCARECROWS

You’ll find all our regular columnists this month, too. Mark Penston, our Financial Advisor, overviews how Bluesky Financial Planners work with their customers and how they can help you plan for the future. In Jack Worboys’ motoring column, he reviews the Skoda Octavia for us, so turn to p.14 to find out more. Megan, our Beauty Editor gives us her thoughts on face masks. It’s all there on p.7 whether you need to detox, cleanse or give your skin a glow! And, of course, our Eye Geek is on page 8 to advise us on the right way to recycle our tech gadgets, particularly PCs. Keep your personal data safe! Last but not least, we have our film reviewer, Rob Barnes bring us his take on Julieta, the latest offering from Pedro Almodovar. Less mainstream and more ‘arty’ than his more recent reviews, Rob gives us his thoughts on page 34.

14 YES, IT’S A SKODA! POST WHEN YOU SHOP!

BAD MOMS

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 month! Keep up to date & like us on facebook!

EYE

OUR GOLDEN BOY

Another local winner is Budgens Mortimer who have recently been named in the Top 100 Independent Retailer in UK and Ireland. The store continues to deliver first class services to customers. They’re now offering first class stamps, too, with the opening of the brand new Post Office Plus. Turn to page 31 to find out about the new services on offer.

News | Business | Sport KEEPING IT LOCAL

October

Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of meeting Olympic Gold Medal winner, Chris Mears’ and his mum, Katy who told us how Chris enjoyed all the attention his win had attracted in Burghfield and the journey he - and the family - has taken to get where he is today. A fascinating read, turn to pages 16-17 to find out more.

Helle n & the Team xx

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Community News - 2 About Face - 7 Pass on the Tech! - 8 Bluesky Thinking - 12 Leaving it to Charity -15

A BIG THANK YOU! - 19 Property Spotlight - 20-22 Trades & Services - 23-29 Film of Month, Julietta - 35 Padworth Pass Guide - 39

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A huge thank you to all our contributors this month:Tracy

Little, Kirstin Robb, Micka Andriambololona, Dale Kempson, Jamie Stead, Laura Holt, Michelle Reed, Jack Chen, Mark Butler, Karen Grimm, Chris Mears, Katy Mears, Matt Crockett, Tristan Cross, Jason Bushnell, Rob Barnes, Lynn Hannowin & Jessica Thomson-Smith 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:

LET’S CELEBRATE 40

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

Lov all ingly these deli villagvered es! to

Issue 52 October 2016

e’re very excited to bring you October’s issue of Village Eye magazine because for the first time ever, we have a reader on the cover! Yes, gracing the cover this month is Michelle Read, winner of Blissimi’s ‘Send Us A Selfie’ makeover and photo shoot competition. I’m sure you’ll agree that she looks fabulous and you can find out all about it, as well as details of a £10 voucher for every reader on pages 4-5.

FREE

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

What will your ‘Little Darlings’ get up to this half Term? Yes, we know that it only y seems like y yesterday y that they y had six or seven weeks off... but at the end of October - there’s another week afoot! If you’re y not sure what to do with y your cherubs, we are delighted g to confirm that Camp p Adventure will be running g at Willink Leisure Centre throughout g the half term holiday. y Split p into age g approariate pp full & half day y sessions for ages g 5-14 y years, there’s swimming, g inflatable sessions, sports, p arts & crafts and outdoor activities planned. We £15 are sure they will have a whale of a time. To find out more or book your place please call: 0118 983 4845

Let’s Make a Difference... The Samaritan’s Purse is launching its annual Christmas Shoebox appeal where the public are asked to ﬁll a shoebox with small gifts for a child in need somewhere in the world. Local collection points include Tadley Methodist Church and The Entertainer in Reading Town Centre. What goes into the box is fun,, but what comes out of it can help p to change children’s lives all over the world through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child. Can you help? All you need to do is get an empty medium sized shoebox. Wrap the lid and box separately in colourful wrapping paper. Attach the

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label (from the website) which will indicate whether the gift is for a boy or a girls and their age category 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14 and attach the label to the ttop of your shoebox. shoebox Add a ‘wow’ ‘wow ite item such as a doll, cuddly toy or deﬂated football with pump. Now ﬁll your shoebox box with ith a selection lection of fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies. You can also include a personal note and photo of yourself or your group. For each shoe box you are asked for a £3 donation to cover transportation costs. If you make your shipping donation online, you can discover the destination of your shoebox gift, gift by adding the barcode they send you to your shoebox. Or you can enclose cash or cheque (to Samaritan’s Purse) and place it in an envelope inside your shoebox on top of the contents. Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and it is ready to be taken to a local drop-off location between 1st – 18th November. Tadley Main Road Methodist Church, RG26 3NJ Drop off Sunday mornings 1010.30 & 11.30-12.15pm or Wednesdays 10am-11.30am. Other times by prior arrangement. Other drop off points can be found on the website: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk

houghtful Teens!

Three Theale schoolboys have been nominated for the Child of Courage Pride of Reading Award after their quick-thinking actions almost certainly saved their friend’s life when he was thrown from his bicycle.

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Their school friend, Alfie had a serious accident on his bike in during the summer. He wasn't wearing his helmet and when he fell off over the handlebars, he hit his head and had a fit. Matthew Vockins, Niall Smith and Luke Selmani, all aged 13, reacted swiftly; calling the ambulance and putting him in the recovery position. These actions could have saved Alfie’s life. Alfie, 13, was taken to the accident and emergency department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital where he was put into a medically-induced coma.

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Niall had called his Mum after the emergency services were en route to help ﬁnd Alﬁe’s mother, Tracy Little, whose phone was out of range. He held it together to help his friend, sounding calm on the phone, but his overwhelming relief at seeing the ambulance arrive meant that he, understandably, just burst into tears on their arrival. At just 13, the friends showed maturity beyond their years.

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When Tracy arrived at A&E, the doctors told her to expect the worse. Alfie was in intensive care for several days and then put on a high dependency ward, monitored hourly. Alfie is improving slowly with a bit of scarring on his face. But thanks to his friends he's alive. Tracy, who nominated the boys said, “Alfie definitely had someone looking over him and he is one very lucky boy. I can't thank those boys enough for all of their help, love and support. I really am truly grateful.” Unsurprisingly, Tracy now feels strongly about the need for cycle helmets and is urging everyone to wear one when they get on their bikes and she hopes that through Pride of Reading, the boys will get the recognition they deserve and others will learn the importance of a helmet. We hope the boys will jointly lift this year’s Child of Courage trophy as they truly deserve it. Good luck!

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

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Over £4500 raised for TVAA & Local Schools

On Community

They did it! Parkers’ Dale Kempson and Jamie Stead completed their epic 1000 mile Lands End to John O’Groats cycle ride in just 14 days - and what an experience that was! You may remember Village Eye reporting that Dale Kempson wanted to do something to mark his 15th year at Parkers. Working in Burghfield, Mortimer and the surrounding villages, surviving the recession that affected many businesses, and now moving the children and grandchildren of the families he first helped move when he took over the business, Dale wanted to put back in to the community to say thank you. The original plan was to raise £1500 for the six local schools - Mrs Blands Infant School, Garland Junior School, Burghfield St Marys, Mortimer St Johns Infant School, Mortimer St Marys Junior School and Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet Primary School. Parkers had always helped with

sponsoring school events and had seen how hard they work for their funding, so they wanted to help. They were also supporting two other local causes, the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Jamie is a very keen sportsman, but road cycling was not his speciality. And Dale, in his mid-fifties, had not been on a bike since childhood! Despite some pretty rigorous training, the journey was always going to be tough, so just how did they get on? The first day started well. All up and on the road at 8am, the weather was kind and spirits were high. 72 miles under the belt by the end of the day and the cyclists were rewarded by good food and rest for their efforts. But it all went downhill from there (excuse the pun) when days 2,3 and 4 turned out to be as tough as the organisers - Peak Tours - had warned. Everyone pushed through the killer inclines and by the end of day four they had made it to the Midlands. The next stage of the cycle - up to Cheshire - was pleasingly flat in comparison and they had more chance to enjoy the view, cycling through sheep, cows and beautiful scenery. The hustle and bustle of Liverpool and Manchester city centres followed. Amusing sights on the way, such as a sign for ‘Dale Bottom’ kept their spirits up and the cyclists crossed the border on Day 9, the same day that Dale received a text from his daughter

following her A Level results, confirming she had a place at university. But the joy didn’t last long as the last few days of the cycle ride were really tough. With John O’Groats in sight now, the motivation was there and the general feeling among the cyclists on Day 13 was ‘We’ve got this now, unless we do something stupid’. They didn’t do anything stupid and with a final push, the cyclists reached the finish line. What a tremendous sense of achievement they enjoyed, along with the bubbly, of course! The atmosphere among the team was celebratory and, for a while at least, the aches, pains and sore bottoms were forgotten. On his return, Dale was treated to a surprise party from friends and neighbours and was made to feel like a hero which, to the schools and charities he and Jamie have helped, he is! What’s more, the current total at time of writing is over £4500! What an achievement. The local community salutes you!

Theale Gre en A Le ve ls - Wowsers!

ALL pupils from Theale Green school have secured a place at a university to read their chosen subject. Kirstin Robb, a spokesperson for the school said: “A huge congratulations to our Year 13 students on a fantastic set of results.“Their hard work has secured excellent results at both A-level and BTEC. At A-level, 81 per cent of all grades attained were A*-C grades. “This figure exceeds the national average and is a considerable improvement on last year’s result of 74 per cent. “At BTEC, 86 per cent of all grades attained were Distinction*, Distinction and Merit. “Furthermore, every Year 13 student achieved at least 1 qualification equivalent to 1 A level (grade A*-E) and all students applying to university have secured a place to read their chosen subject.” Standout performers include Seamus Stinson, whose A* A A A grades secured him a place to read mathematics at Warwick University.

eye winner!

Fabulously Festive

COVER MAKEOVER #SENDASELFIE WINNER!

s we approach the festive season, how better to celebrate Festive Glamour than to offer a lucky reader of Village Eye the opportunity of a complete makeover!

We have great pleasure introducing Michelle Read of Tadley, winner of our ‘Send us a Selfie’ competition, who has been treated to a new haircut and colour by Director of Hair Mark Butler, HD brows by Head Therapist Amy Norton, Jessica Geleration

Manicure & Pedicure by Senior Therapist Alice Probert, a SkinCeuticals Facial with a Caci Jowl Lift and Lash Perfect Russian Lash Extensions by Head Cosmeceutical Therapist Szabina Vodicska and Glamourous Mii Makeup by Head Therapist Gemma Barclay. A Xen Tan spray tan added a touch of holiday glow. With naturally thick hair, we all agreed Michelle should retain her lovely, long layered style. Mark refreshed Michelle’s summer hair using a base of Mocha Brown and a Balyage of Deep Magenta to achieve a richer, glossier colour for the festive season.

Therapists: Amy, Szabina, Racahel, Gemma, Alice, Vitoria, Salon Owner Laura, Hair Stylists Mark, Sam, & Danielle. Photography Jack Chen, Digifocus, Mortimer

An application of new L’Oreal Smartbond, a miracle strengthening and conditioning treatment for coloured hair left Michelle’s hair significantly softer, stronger and shinier. Mark finished Michelle’s hair with his signature 10 brush Chelsea Blowdry, using Oribe Nourishing Gold Lustre Hair Oil for amazing light reflection and ultimate festive glamour.

Wednesday 19th October 2016 2pm – 7pm

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Festive Preview 20% Shopping Event

Come and join us for the launch of this year’s stunning Christmas retail gifts and taster treatments to get you party ready for the festive season! Complimentary mulled wine, festive nibbles and goodie bags plus our festive charity prize draw. Taster treatments need to be booked ahead, so please call reception on

0118 988 5060 thank you - Sports Presenter, @JamesGreeninuk

We began Michelle’s makeover in the salon, with some trial run sessions, including a styling session to choose a beautiful sparkling red party dress to complete the look before heading up to the photo shoot by Jack Chen at Digifocus in Mortimer. In the studio, we applied the finishing touches to Michelle’s hair and make up before Jack positioned her under his studio lights and began snapping away! With a festive flute of bubbly and a few jokes from VE’s Editor Hellen, Michelle

soon relaxed into the shoot. Before long, we were able to choose this stunning image of Michelle for this months cover. Wow, what a transformation... The perfect model, Michelle allowed us to pamper and enhance her natural prettiness with Blissimi’s bestselling hair and beauty treatments we hope you agree she looks beautiful and ready to party! We would like to extend a huge thank you, firstly to Michelle for being such a great sport, to the Hair & Beauty team at Blissimi who

all contributed to Michelle’s makeover, and also to Jack Chen at Digifocus Studio for giving up his time to work with us on this. We can certainly see why his work has won so many awards! For further imformation about Jack and his photoshoot packages, please visit www.digifocus.co.uk or call 0118 933 3151 VILLAGE EYE BEAUTY OFFER If you’d like to enjoy your own mini makeover at Blissimi and get ready for the festive season ahead, we are giving every reader a £10

Blissimi Hair and Beauty Basingstoke Road Spencers Wood Berkshire RG7 1AA

Tel: 0118 988 5060

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voucher to redeem when you spend £50 or more in the salon on any combination of hair and beauty treatments in October and November. How fabulous is that! (Not valid on Event days or during December).

£10 voucher

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YOU!

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eye

beauty

Face about

“These are the Affordable Facemasks everyone is talking about”

The three facemasks in the range are called Purity, Detox and Glow. What makes these masks so unique is that they are all clay based, meaning they really cleanse and get rid of any dirt residing within your skin. They each retail at £7.99 (yes, they really are that cheap) meaning that you could purchase all three for the average cost of just one high end facemask! If you know me well then you know that as soon as a product mentions the word ‘glow’ then I am there 100%, purse at the ready! I have an expensive mask that is almost identical to this that I love and this L’oreal

one performs exactly the same. It’s amazing! This mask is perfect for days when my skin looks dull and tired as it instantly brightens my face without drying or stripping it. I would typically use this in the evening, however this would be great to use before a night out when prepping the skin before makeup. The next mask is called the ‘Detox’. I think everyone should have a charcoal, clay-based mask as it really deeply cleanses the skin. You literally don’t get a cleaner feeling to your skin than when you use this type of mask! I feel so refreshed and detoxed (ignore the pun!) after using this type

of mask and my make up applies like a dream afterwards. I make sure I use this once a week (at least) to see the real benefits. Lastly, the last mask in the range is called the ‘Purity’ mask. This mask basically does what it says on the tin, it purifies and clears the skin’s complexion. This mask would be perfect for those of you who struggle with acne as it would really help to reduce the redness and irritation in the skin. Now, I think it’s time I pop on a mask, catch up on Pretty Little Liars with a cup of tea…

Megan’s Moments

On Beauty

When it comes to facemasks, I can’t get enough – literally. I own about 10 different ones that all claim to do a million different things. However, what I was lacking in the facemask department was an affordable one. That was until L’Oréal Paris launched a range of facemasks that are amazing and cheap. I don’t usually tend to purchase skincare items that are on the cheaper side but when my favourite bloggers raved and raved about these I knew it was time to listen up!

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

PASS ON YOUR

Tech

Over previous editions we have covered many different aspects of technology from tablets to music and some of the latest gadgets. But with Christmas now just weeks away, new tech may be on some of the good little boys and girls’ lists here in VE territory, A shiny new laptop or a sparkling new ipad if you’re very lucky - but what will you do with the old one? There are a couple of things you could do, such as passing it down the family but many people now opt to re-cycle their old computers - after all we’re all keen to be green... However, a small note of caution. You probably have lots of information that is potentially very useful to a fraudster sitting on the hard drive of your computer. If you don’t want to have it getting into the wrong hands then before you re-cycle you have to take some action. According to a recent BBC report, many of the PC’s found for sale in Lagos, Africa were tracked back to UK Council re-cycling facilities. There is nothing wrong with them being sold down a chain like this, however as the originator of the

It is also worth computer it’s up to you to ensure that there is no important info left behind. So if you take your PC down to one of these or indeed anywhere that you don’t have control over, it is vital to destroy any personal information. Thousands of UK bank records have been found for sale, and the source was Nigeria. Many people think that just deleting the file or indeed formatting the hard drive is enough to delete the information. But even with these actions its surprisingly easy to recover the data that is on the hard drive. Just deleting or formatting isn’t good enough, it can be recovered. Don’t let me dissuade you from recycling your old computer but do let me persuade you that you should destroy the personal information on it beforehand. In essence if the machine has really only the value of the gold on the chips then destroy the drive completely. If you plan on keeping the drive intact then to delete the information on the drive it needs to be wiped (Apps like McAfee Quickclean, or Acronis Drive Cleanser will do this). If you don’t want to take it to the local recycling centre there are also companies out there that will collect it from you (Just google IT recycling), Greenlink Berkshire for example - but again, delete the info first.

With [ahem] Christmas away, new tech may be on some of the good little boys and girls here in VE territory, A shiny new laptop or a sparkling new ipad if you’re very lucky - but what will you do with the old one? noting that if you are recycling an office computer then as a company you have a legal obligation under data protection to safeguard personal information on any computer you have. In our case we go one step further, we actually remove the hard drive and store it in a firesafe, OR in the past we have put a drill right through the drive to completely ensure no data is outside our control. Perhaps that’s the most drastic action but at the end of the day the physical hard drive of an old computer really isn’t worth much compared to the value of the data on it. Happy re-cycling!

TECH eye by Eye Geek

rsonal data How To Delete pe uments r personal data including doc delete you ies, email and messages and so on. First, back up and mov and spreadsheets, photos, uninstall and deto the internet, is connected kee PCs on which ce, the of If your old PC nt cou a p grams that Microsoft Offi of ns sio register any pro ver e lud inc may led. This new administrator a ate they are instal cre t, tha er Aft on. and so ounts to remove Apple iTunes use to delete all the other acc account and perit sonal data. any remaining the “empty” drive overwrite allted disk eraser to . ele Finally, use the und be ’t can s file d ete del space, so that To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

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Amazing people ...deserve amazing care

Cherry Blossom Manor Care Home is a wonderful place – filled with amazing residents, not to mention our dedicated staff and inspiring volunteers.

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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.

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Picture Perfect

People of Mortimer (and surrounding areas) do not fear...you may think you have lost your high street photographic studio, but that is not the case. With an unassuming ‘shopfront’ Digifocus Photography can be found above the old Budgens building on Victoria Road. Inside the studio, award-winning photographer, Jack Chen, is creating beautiful photography and cannot come more highly recommended (just check out our cover makeover shoot on pages 4 & 5 for proof!) Alongside unique wedding photography and corporate shoots, Jack will also take passport photos while-you-wait at just £6 and family portrait packages start at £39 (including a framed print). You really should check out Jack’s website to see his beautiful, original work if you’re considering a photo shoot this Christmas. www. digifocus.co.uk 9

and more IMAGE COURTESY OF MONSOON

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New Autumn/Winter Collections at Parkway

The A/W Range

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Business & Finance

So, what do we do? With Mark Penston

Although we regularly write articles on a wide range of financially related topics, we’ve never really addressed the question of what we actually do for our clients. Some readers will have visions of the commission hungry insurance salesman, but the industry has moved on significantly. Commission has been driven out, products have lower charges, and ‘selling’ has morphed into planning and advice. WHAT WE DO A few years ago we rebranded to convey the fact that most of our work involves financial planning rather than being a ‘shop’ for financial products. Although perhaps a bit clichéd, I could summarise what we do as ‘giving financial clarity’. It’s about much more than just getting good investment returns. It involves:Establishing where you are now (i.e. an analysis of your current personal and financial situation) Understanding where you want to be and when (i.e. how you want things to look in the future)

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

Devising a plan to help you get to where you want to be (i.e. a financial plan to join 1 & 2 together) Looking into your financial future can be a ‘light bulb moment’ for some and a wake-up call for others. The benefit in both cases is that at least you know. WHO ARE OUR CLIENTS? Typically, our clients will have the ability to look after their own financial affairs, but lack the inclination and/or the time to do so. They want a trusted partner to work with them, to explain things in plain English and be a sounding board to discuss plans, ideas and goals, however mad they might sound. The charge for the service becomes incidental when compared with the benefits and clarity that a financial plan can bring. HOW WE DO IT We generally start with an exploratory meeting to establish whether we can help you, and for you to decide whether you feel that you can work with us. On instruction, a bespoke Financial Planning Report will be produced to detail the results of our research and analysis, including any recommendations we may make. This is a fee-based piece of work that you will own and which will show how your goals and objectives can be achieved. If actions are recommended that you agree with, we can help you implement them. We believe that financial planning is a journey rather than a oneoff event so you can ask us to keep matters under review with you to check that things are on track.

Mark

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

Clear thinking, straight talking

For advice on company pension schemes and related benefits:

0118 9734420

Email: reading@onepc.co.uk

www.onepc.co.uk Sunfield Business Park New Mill Rd, Finchampstead Berkshire, RG40 4QT One Pension Consultancy are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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Skoda Octavia The range starts at £16,660 and goes all the way to £26,740. Technology includes keyless entry, automated high beam assistance, lane assist and parking assist. There are also safety systems including automated braking if the car senses an object in front, driver fatigue sensor and automated braking following a collision to prevent the car rolling back into traffic. This is all alongside seven airbags and a host of sound system and satellite navigation options across the range.

Skoda is a brand that has been on the up in recent years. The Octavia is a staple of the Skoda range offering practicality, value and quality all in one neat package. With the constant downsizing of engines it’s no surprise that the turbocharged three cylinder engines have now made their way under the bonnet of the Octavia. I’m going to find out if the little engine has bitten off more than it can chew with this family car.

The no frills experience continues with the driving experience. The 1.0 litre turbocharged three cylinder engine replaces the 1.2 litre 4 cylinder, not exactly a racer in the first place. The new engine offers 113bhp, which is a 9bhp improvement as well as a little extra torque, however the real reason this engine is used to boost the fuel consumption from 57.6mpg to 62.8mpg. Given that, the diesel is slightly cleaner so may be preferable for company car users. This all gives a 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds. The ride quality is good, smoothing most bumps adequately and very few family drivers will challenge the safe, predictable handling.

The car itself is one of the largest in the family car sector, offering a 590 litre boot and space for four adults. The interior is fairly spacious and well built. As with the rest of the car it is a no frills experience, but what they have done, they have done right. Clean crisp lines give a classy feel to the cabin, which doesn’t feel that far from the more expensive offerings from the likes of VW and Audi. Overall it’s a very nice place to spend time.

The updated Octavia is now an even safer bet than it has ever been. It offers clean lines, great build quality, low running costs and great value for money. Although it’s not going to light up your life, it will be a dependable workhorse that won’t disappoint.

The clean crisp lines also feature on the exterior. The overall design has hardly changed in recent years, but subtle tweaks take it favourably into the modern age with the addition of creases and more defined angles.

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

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

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By Karen Grimm

Taking Time to Care

Helping your loved ones to remain in their own homes Does your loved one need some help each day, getting up and dressed, preparing meals or getting settled in the evening? We offer daily visits to homes across Berkshire ensuring both you and your loved one are getting the support you need. We never rush, we don’t believe in 10 minute visits – we believe in helping your loved ones to feel safe, cared for and independent. Contact us today for a no obligation discussion about your needs. Melanie.Meads@q1care.co.uk

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Remember A Charity In your Will and help the work live on... ‘Remember A Charity’ a consortium of over 140 charities, aims to encourage more people to consider leaving a gift to charity in their Will. 75% of us support charities during our lifetime but only 7% leave gifts in their Wills. Having said that, gifts in Wills still amount to more than £2 billion annually without which many charities would simply not exist or have to cut their services. Whether you leave a gift to a national charity or local branch it is important that they are correctly named and to check whether or not they are separately registered with the charity commission. If this is not the case then your Will must clearly state that your gift is for the use of a local branch. Consider whether you want to make a gift for a general or a specific purpose but do bear in mind that a charity’s objects and works can change. To avoid any difficulty you should contact the charity to confirm that your gift will be workable within the constraints of their constitution and general charity law. Do you want to leave a pecuniary gift or otherwise a gift of some or all of your residuary estate to charity? Bear in mind that pecuniary gifts will be paid before your residuary estate is distributed and there may well be a change in the value of your estate between the date of making your Will and your demise. The Finance Act 2012 introduced a reduced rate of inheritance tax so instead of the usual 40% inheritance tax a reduced rate of 36% will be payable if you gift 10% of your net estate to charity. Rowberry Morris are proud to support Remember A Charity In Your Will. Their private client lawyers will be pleased to review and discuss your Will with you. Rowberry Morris are committed to providing legal services of the highest quality and instructing Rowberry Morris means you receive expert advice, a quality service and value for money. If you would like to discuss this further, then please contact Karen Grimm. Rowberry Morris Solicitors Mulfords Hill | Tadley | RG26 3XJ | T: 0118 981 2992

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eye

CHRIS MEARS

hero

hero. noun: a person, typically a man, who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

t’s official. August 2016 will go down in history as the month which saw a severe case of Gold Fever sweep across our region!

Eventually the “real” Chris Mears returned from Rio to visit the fabled Golden Post Box. He was presented with cards, flowers and a large copy of his own Gold Medal signed by hundreds of Burghfield residents to wish him well!

It’s official. August 2016 will go down in history as the month which saw a severe case of Gold Fever sweep across Burghfield.

But what has it taken to reach these heady heights of success in diving?

Following local lad Chris Mears’ Gold Medal success in the Rio Olympics Men’s Synchronised 3m Springboard Final, the residents of Burghfield were keen to claim him as their own and celebrate his incredible success. Immediately following the gold medal win, Post Master Raj Odera requested that the red post box outside the front of his NISA & Post Office on Recreation Road was painted gold. When his request was turned down by the National Post Office, the local Facebook page www.facebook.com/burghfield started photoshopping gold post boxes onto photographs of his store. Not admitting defeat, Raj cheekily produced a life-sized gold post box and put it over the top of his real post box (leaving slots for letters of course). One thing led to another and soon families were taking photos of themselves with the post box and even making outsized imitation Rio Gold Medals, too. Chris and his family, who live in Burghfield Common, got to hear about it all and mum Katy said she “loved all the jokes and banter back and forth.” This banter included speculation over the kidnapping of a ‘Congratulations’ banner taken from the Village Hall and mysteriously reappearing by The Hatch. Conspiracy theories abounded, with comedy photofits of the suspected smuggler appearing on social media! Having attended local schools - Mrs Blands Infant School, Garland Junior School and The Willink - Chris is still in touch with local school friends who have been ‘tagging’ him on social media posts and keeping him in touch with the spread of Gold Fever. As well as our good selves, BBC South TV, Get Reading, Newbury Weekly News, Reading Chronicle, and Newbury Weekly Observer all covered the news and many residents had their photo taken with the Post Box and Village Eye’s own cheeky diver who affectionately became known locally as “Chris Beers”.

Central to his success has been Chris’s mum, Katy who, despite playing it down with a ‘Well, it’s just what you do, isn’t it?’ has been there to support and transport Chris across the country for nearly twenty years! She initially enrolled him into diving lessons when he was six - because gym classes were full - in order to channel his energy and apparent need to throw himself off the furniture doing flips. When he joined the Albatross Diving Club in Reading, his potential was soon spotted by his coach, Malcolm Green. Through Malcolm’s coaching and encouragement, Chris gained a place on the Talent ID programme, joining 12 other divers picked from 200 hopefuls for intensive training every Sunday in Southend. Yes, both Katy and Malcolm - who had a full-time ‘day job’, too - spent every Sunday for a year taking Chris to Southend.

in his spleen. Chris lost 5 pints of blood and so was kept alive by a life support machine. They had to operate to save his life but the surgeon only gave him a 5% chance of survival. Katy said, “I remember him saying that it was only because Chris was so fit and strong that his heart didn’t give out before they got him to the operating table.” But Chris pulled through it, although the road to recovery wasn’t a smooth one. Impressively, once Chris decided to continue with his diving, he went on to compete a mere 18 months later at the Commonwealth Games in India, narrowly missing out on a medal. In 2011 he won Gold at National Cup, and Bronze at the British Championships. A similar performance in 2012, massively contributed to his selection for the 2012 Olympic Team. In July 2012 he competed in London at the Olympic Games coming 9th in the individual 3m, and 5th in synchro. His last individual dive was scored at 100.70 - the highest scored dive of the competition. Shortly after London 2012, Chris started diving with his current synchro partner, Jack Laugher, who he now lives and trains with in Leeds. And following the gold medal win in Rio, Leeds are now claiming our local lad as their own...hands off!

Chris climbed the ranks on a national scale, winning his national title in 2008 on the 1m platform, and then three individual medals at the European Junior Championships. Around this time, Chris was invited to train in Southampton at the high performance centre alongside their elite divers. He trained there six days a week for ten years. His mum, Katy joked with us that by the end of that time she knew every inch of Southampton inside out as she waited 8 hours to drive him home. Of course, training at this level, Chris had to take time off school and the family are keen to give special mention to Chris’s tutor, Mrs Jackson, who was incredibly supportive throughout, liaising with his other teachers and chasing up for work from missed lessons, which resulted in Chris still managing to get a pretty respectable clutch of GCSEs. Now an international sports star, Chris’s torso can be recognised instantly from the 12 inch scar right down the middle. In 2009 whilst competing at the Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney, he - unknowingly - was suffering from glandular fever. He collapsed due to a bleed

What you may not know about Chris Mears is his growing success in the music industry. As a writer and producer of Electronic Dance Music Chris signed with his music booking agent immediately after London 2012, and made his debut onto the live scene, with various gigs and sets and later in 2013, supported Labrinth and Pendulum. He has a massive online following and his tracks can be found on Sound Cloud and ITunes.

Is there anything this boy can’t do? Main Picture: Matt Crockett www.mattcrockett.com

17 17

keeping it local

eye

s the weather starts to turn colder, we all start to feel the chill in our homes – some more than others. Old windows and doors are the biggest culprit for letting out the heat in our homes and upgrading can save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills. So, if you want to be warm and cosy this winter, now is the time to start planning replacement windows and doors. Many of us put off starting a home improvement project because of the anticipated mess and inconvenience, not to mention the fear of ‘cowboys’. There’s definitely something to be said for ‘buying local’, simply because smaller local companies really do care about their reputation and their customers. Tristian Cross, owner of Tailormade, a family run double glazing specialist based in Burghfield Common, has grown his business through recommendation and reputation. Having worked for a number of the large national companies in the industry as an installer and service engineer, Tristian branched out on his own ten years ago. From humble beginnings - working out the back of his car, he started small, as many new businesses do, but it didn’t take long for things to really take off. Tristian is a craftsman in his trade with twenty-five years in the industry. He is committed to every customer and every job, ensuring that he oversees the whole process from start to finish. He will survey, measure and install the job, with help from our team of specialists, and along the way give any honest advice and assistance. His expertise lies not only in the installation process but also knowledge of what products are suited to your property. The growing list of delighted customers meant that there was soon a brand new Tailormade van, which you may have spotted. Tailormade has just celebrated its 10 year anniversary and are proud to still be growing every year. Growth plans are modest though, with the emphasis on continued quality rather than quantity. Tristian and Sarah don’t aspire to be one of the big boys, their continued goal is to be a well-respected, trusted local company for local people.

windows, doors & the importance of

Orange Squash! Offering both aluminium, UPVC and composite products for the home or business premises - Tailormade provides replacement units as well as new build projects. Products include windows, doors, french doors, bi-fold doors, fascias, soffits and conservatories.

And it really is a family affair. Tristian’s wife Sarah runs the administration for Tailormade and having come from a high end corporate, customer facing background for 20 years, you can be sure of care and communication which is second-to-none. Sarah is supported by trainee, Emily who, at only three years old, is not allowed to use the kettle yet but makes a mean glass of orange squash!

With over 20 years experience serving local customers, we take pride in offering quality replacement windows, doors and conservatories with all of our products meeting British standards. We provide a personal touch and competitive pricing that only a local independent company like ourselves can offer.

UPVC: Windows - Doors - Conservatories

For a friendly, no obligation chat about your windows, please call:

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u o y our y k g n Thaners for supporti world to

Property of the Month

the Read n e a y e E e ou m Y . s Villag e do... ess n y i l l s a u b Odiham Road ou re , y s local , s e m n i s the u Riseley cal b o l , l l ya buhome ma 4 bedroomEfamily Burghfield Common Office s O a C m o a r f ngin the quaint village of Riseley, this detached cottage has history buy lpiSet e u h o t y o dating e back re n . to 1852. The property is in great condition with 5/6 bedrooms a When u mliving o o y and accommodation that can be utilised to suit your needs. This h r y be da character house i m l is perfect for anyone requiring a self-contained annex or e o h m d re r i ample living space with a carriage driveway and space for several cars, this h t ittorlefamily. l a property can suit any individual r ay fo p £800,000 o t all g b t n i o o p y’s f e hel o r b a e u l d,yo a litt n the a , o e s t d n s o o In ut fo p e less £795,000 c o n t t or £700,000 a d n d a e s Burghfield Common office Burghfield Common office d ’ l m nd ay gir a p e m y g u e • 4-Receptionm 3-Bathrooms Bedrooms a rooms, rtga t - th •• Four , o f t e r m l i • 17’10 Kitchen Breakfast room Excellent condition throughout h y y s an nthl s ’ o s e • Over 2500 sq ft ofm Accommodation • 21ft lounge with feature fire d r ien • En-suite to master , a sauna the r f f i l bl2eperson a d •ta GCH, & second bedroom n oc a l ; r i s e e • Substantial plot of over • Driveway parking & double garage fe1/4 acre ith th sithetyvillage w r e e • Overlooking green • Sought after village location l v i t lit Burghfield Common un a ! ’ Burghfield Village d l n ‘loca t spe e h h t g i in m£550,000 ers m£530,000 Burghfield Common office o t Burghfield Common office s u • Four bedrooms, ur c o , • Four double bedrooms s bathroom & shower room e e s s w e s n e • Renovated to the highest standard i s n • 20 ft. Lounge overlooking gardens u o the al b • En-suite to master bedroom d • 25’7 x 11’7 kitchen/diner l. loc n a l the s a f r o e m • Open plan kitchen/diner f d s l • 16 ft. Family room & conservatory l r a o o F • Excellent sized garden n beh takeh • Extensive gardens s O r . u y ye off road parking overlooking countryside o p E • Ample e p e r a g a Mortimer h a l Sulhamstead e l • No onward chain Burghfield Common e Vi mak h to t o t g n i n e i v s i u e r st ontin £350,000 £525,000 iness c s r a office u o f b l Burghfield Common office Burghfield nityCommon ou y u k m smal n tha r com • Three bedrooms • Four double bedrooms e u w o , e y • Immaculate throughout • Lounge Overlooking Fields mak rritor d e t n a l l • Modern kitchen and bathrooms • Large Open Plan Kitchen . a s ce u a Dining Room l t p r • Countryside views o r e t t e • Bathroom supp b

eye Burghfield Local! Keep it

• Garage and driveway parking • Downstairs cloakroom

if you’d like to join our loccal revolution please call 0118 933 3311 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

Grazeley

• Garage

• Private 70ft Rear Garden

facebook.com/villageeyemagazine @villageeyemag We’re here for your every move...

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ARROWHEAD ROAD, THEALE, BERKSHIRE, RG7 4AZ 0118 930 3333 lafford.leavey@btconnect.com

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

Tadley Office sold all of these this summer! We will sell your property this autumn... It’s now been six months since the current team at Parkers Tadley moved into our new home. During this time, we’ve helped dozens of buyers and sellers move to new homes too! Below is just a selection of some of the moves we’ve made. If you are thinking about moving, or are curious to know what your property is worth right now, we are always on hand to give no obligation, professional & friendly advice.

Tadley

Baughurst

Tadley

Burghfield Common Tadley

Burghfield Common Chineham

Padworth

Tadley

Baughurst

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 21

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

Property of the Month The Strouds Beenham

4 bedroom detached family home

Theale Office

Located in the desirable village of Beenham and finished to an exacting standard is this rarely available three bedroom, link detached, family home. Believed to have been built in the 1970’s the property has been in its current ownership for the last 16 years and has being lovingly looked after. Accommodation comprises cloakroom, refitted kitchen, L shaped lounge/ dining room leading to a private South West facing garden, 3 double bedrooms and family bathroom. The property benefits further from having a garage and driveway parking. This property represents a unique opportunity to acquire a three bedroom home finished to the highest of standards in this sought after village.

£420,000 £440,000

£650,000

Theale office

• 4 bedroom detached bungalow

• 4 Bedroom detached family home

• Around 1/3 of an acre plot

• Planning permission for substantial extension

• No onward chain

• Off Road Parking

• Pleasant countryside views

• Open plan living / dining area

• Village location

Bradfield Burghfield Common

• Close to village high street

• Walking distance to station

Theale

£429,950

£380,000

Theale office

Tilehurst

Theale office

• Three bedroom family home

• 3 bedroom semi detached

• Semi detached

• 2 reception rooms

• Completely refurbished

• Extension potential

• Off Road parking

• Village location

• Refitted kitchen & Bathroom

• No onward chain

• No onward Chain

Beenham

£370,000

• Corner plot

£160,000

Theale office

Theale Burghfield Common Burghfield

• No onward Chain

Theale office

• 3 bedroom home

• Ground Floor Apartment

• Desirable ‘Close’ location

• One Bedroom

• 23ft lounge

• Modern Feel Throughout

• Refitted kitchen

• Designated Parking

• Walking distance to mainline station

• Close to Theale Village Centre

• No onward chain

Theale Burghfield Common Burghfield

• Walking distance of Train Station

www.parkersproperties.co.uk

Property of the Month Odiham Road Riseley 4 bedroom family home

£800,000

Set in the quaint village of Riseley, this detached cottage has history dating back to 1852. The property is in great condition with 5/6 bedrooms and living accommodation that can be utilised to suit your needs. This character house is perfect for anyone requiring a self-contained annex or ample living space with a carriage driveway and space for several cars, this property can suit any individual or family.

£795,000

£700,000

Burghfield Common office

Burghfield Village

Burghfield Common office

• 4-Reception rooms, 3-Bathrooms

• Four Bedrooms

• 17’10 Kitchen Breakfast room

• Excellent condition throughout

• Over 2500 sq ft of Accommodation

• 21ft lounge with feature fire

• GCH, 2 person sauna

• En-suite to master & second bedroom

• Substantial plot of over 1/4 acre

• Driveway parking & double garage

• Overlooking the village green

Burghfield Common

£550,000

Burghfield Common office

• Four bedrooms, bathroom & shower room

• Four double bedrooms • Renovated to the highest standard

• 20 ft. Lounge overlooking gardens

• En-suite to master bedroom

• 25’7 x 11’7 kitchen/diner

• Open plan kitchen/diner

• 16 ft. Family room & conservatory • Extensive gardens overlooking countryside • No onward chain

• Excellent sized garden

Mortimer

• Ample off road parking

£525,000

£350,000

• Four double bedrooms

• Three bedrooms

• Immaculate throughout

• Lounge Overlooking Fields

• Modern kitchen and bathrooms

• Large Open Plan Kitchen Dining Room

Burghfield Common office

• Countryside views

• Bathroom

• Garage and driveway parking

Burghfield

• Sought after village location

£530,000

Burghfield Common office

Sulhamstead Burghfield Common

Burghfield Common Office

• Downstairs cloakroom

Grazeley

• Garage • Private 70ft Rear Garden

We’re here for your every move... 23

Plasterer ?

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

Need a Good, Local

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

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Kite

No Job too Small

Garden Services

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 autumn!

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

0118 988 7590 07768 764908

Autumn lawncare, mowing, digging, sowing, planting, weeding, pruning, hedge-cutting, tree management, sympathetic makeovers and soft & hard landscaping.

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!

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

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

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Need a Solicitor? Contact John L Banky Solicitors

James W Fisher

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:

0118 930 4630 john@johnlbankysolicitors.co.uk

Property Maintenance

PAINTING & DECORATING

Experienced legal consultancy

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

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

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

18a High Street, Theale Berkshire, RG7 5AN www.johnlbankysolicitors.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 autumn?

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

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

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

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

• 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 We’re a LASSA Tyre Agent!

3D Wheel alignment computer system

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

Special offer £39.95 + vat

Air Conditioning Recharge/Service

Please contact SERVICE RECEPTION on

0118 970 2222 www.mendemmotors.co.uk

Berkshire Design Build Ltd

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

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

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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CLEAN HOUSE SERVICES simply professional...

We are a small friendly company offering high standard domestic and commercial cleaning services, ironing and curtain fitting services, using professional equipment and products. We are also offering a carpet cleaning service, and cleaning of furniture, windows and ovens.

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

Curtain Alteration Service Domestic Carpet Cleaning Ironing (free collection & delivery)

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

Handy L OCAL Andy Man!

11/03/2013 09:47

Wetrooms, Easy-Access Showers and Bathrooms Serving our customers for over 25 years your local company for wet rooms and bathroom conversions.

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

NO JOB TOO SMALL

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

No vat charged | Competitive Prices

Trading Standards accredited, please call the Bran Partnership for a no obligation quote.

0118 983 1212 or 07836 648503

Andy O118 929 1447 O7788 21181O

email: bran.partnership@btopenworld.com

THE BRAN

Email andypropertymtce@gmail.com

29/06/2015 11:19 To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email info@villageeye.co.uk

Handy Andy 1/4 July 2015.indd 1

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

Regular & One-Off Cleaning Home & Office Cleaning End of Tenancy Cleaning Before & After Party Cleaning Pre/Post Holiday Cleaning Spring Cleaning

PARTNERSHIP

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

CHIPPED, CRACKED, SCRATCHED?

We repair just about anything!

SAVE TIME. SAVE MONEY. WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RESTORE! • Wood • Acyrilic • UPVC

MOHER LIMITED

• Windows • Worktops • Sanitaryware

• Glass • Floors • Marble

07736 895092 0118 983 6996

• Granite • Baths • Brick & Stone

info@moherltd.co.uk

www.moherltd.co.uk 15 Valley Road | Burghfield Common | Berkshire | RG7 3NF

For more information, please call

David: 07887 734632 or Andrew: 07952 517246 info@aspectcontracts.org.uk www.aspectcontracts.co.uk Painting & Decorating

Tiling

Plastering & Artexing

Kitchens & Bathrooms

Landscaping

Building Services

Carpentry

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 • • • • • • • •

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 runTreatment business treatment withwith every Helpful and friendly staff. this shedadvert purchased! We us wood from renewable Value for money.

Free

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

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

Call today... What can we repair for you?

Surface Medic is a state of the art, repair and restoration service that is capable of repairing practically any hard surface, fixture or fitting, saving considerable time and money.

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@villageeyemag

SALES - SERVICE - REPAIRS • • • •

Vehicle servicing We specialise in cam belts We fit engines and gear boxes Pre MOT checks and can Sales - Service - Repairs arrange MOT

• • • • •

0118 971 0199

Diagnostics on most vehicles Classic car servicing & repairs Car, van and classic car sales Valeting service Courtesy car available

WHAT WE DO:

• • • • • • • •

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 restoration Car, van and classic car sales Valeting services

JC Motorwise

Unit 1 Clovelly Works A4 Bath Road Padworth Reading RG7 5HR

Contact Mark or Jct Jon 12 M4 (0118) 9710199 Sainsbury’s or visit www.jcmotorwise.co.uk

Please call:

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.

0118 971 0199

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

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

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

BOARDING CATTERY Threeways, Silchester Road, Pamber Heath

0118 970 0296

Established 27years

Dog Training Based in Spencers Wood

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

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

07793 073622

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

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

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

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

Holiday Inn Padworth

WORKSHOP:

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

Join our 2017 Luxury Escorted Tour to

Brazil, the Amazon and Argentina £4999pp

Home Pick-up included!

13 Day Tour Departure 30th March 2017 Tour includes: Home pick-up Fully escorted tour by Rob and Sarah Return British Airways direct flights 11 nights’ Luxury Accommodation Transfers Excursions Full-board in the Amazon

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

keeping it local

Budgens

eye

Still #1 for Local, Fresh, Essentials

Like Stamps & things

Rasberry Cheesecake, available in store

xciting times were afoot at Budgens Mortimer recently with the opening of the brand new village Post Office Plus on 23rd September. Having moved a few hundred yards from its old home in West End Road, locals can now access Post Office services in the evenings and even on Sundays. Jason Bushnell, Store Manager, told us, “If the shop is open, the Post Office is open!”

Local

Fresh

Essentials!

When the Post Office announced its significant changes to funding a couple of years ago, Rachel Loubser (the previous well-loved Post Mistress in Mortimer) made the difficult decision not to continue offering Post Office services because the new system couldn’t work for her. The contract was offered to McColls, just opposite, who said no after considering the situation. At this point, many villagers became worried about losing the service altogether and started up petitions and campaigns to save their village Post Office. Charles Mills, owner of Budgens Mortimer stepped in and offered to take it on. And it’s taken around 18 months to get to what you see in store today. There were interviews, never-ending forms, measuring up, staff training and additional staff security checks, new servers, IT installation and new security systems. Phew! But now it’s all in place and everyone’s feeling really positive about it. The old Post Office will get a new lease of life as Rachel takes a new direction with her store. The team at Budgens, having done their training, are looking forward to getting started and the village will benefit enormously from the longer Post Office opening hours.

Monday Saturday 7am–9pm

Sunday 10am–4pm

So, alongside all the ‘extras’ that Budgens Mortimer already offers - the delicious ‘Cook’ range, the butcher’s counter and the locally sourced produce, you can now send your letters, weigh your parcels, pay your bills and pick up your holiday money too! It really couldn’t get much better for Budgens right now. They have recently been named in the Top 100 independent retailers in UK and Ireland. After an initial online application, the organisation sent a representative to interview the management team and this was followed by a mystery shopper assessment. The industry experts recognised the growth and development within the store as well as their engagement with the local community - and there may be awards to come when the store is notified of its final placing. As Budgens Mortimer prepares for its busiest time of year, along with the 20% anticipated growth in footfall due to the Post Office being on-site, we wish them every success and will be in soon to weigh our parcels!

Mortimer Common Post Offi

ce®

Services available

First & Second Class ma il Stamps, stamp books labe ls Signed For Special Delivery Home shopping returns Inland parcels Express & contract parcels British Forces Mail (BFPO ) International letters & pos tcards International parcels Parcelforce Worldwide Royal Mail redirection ser vice Local Collect Drop & Go Withdrawals, deposits & payments Personal & Business Ban king Postal orders Moneygram Bill payments Key recharging Car tax Rod fishing licences Full on demand travel mo ney Travel insurance referral Mobile Top-ups & E vouche rs

POST OFFICE

OPENING TIMES

15 Victoria Rd, Mortimer Common

0118 933 2488

Monday Saturday 7am–9pm Sunday 10am–4pm 31

eye On Leisure

bad mums

A quick glance around the rec or school playground and you’ll notice a variety of different mums. There’s the mum with the perfect hair whose child is clad in designer gear and only eats organic snacks out of matching tupperware containers...

Then there’s the other 99% wrangling our way through the unrelenting demands of parenthood doing whatever works and dreaming of the glass of wine we’ll enjoy once the kids go to bed. Take our (tongue in cheek) quiz to see which mum you are!

With the movie ‘Bad Moms’ proving to be a box office hit this month (Have you seen it? Did you ‘knowingly’ cringe at any point?). We ask... ‘Bad ass’ or ‘super chilled’ - Which bad mum are you? the tv commercial mum You’re practically perfect in every way. You lost your baby weight in three hours, always have your roots done and breeze through the school gate looking like an Instagram filtered celebrity selfie. Your equally perfect kids slept through the night at two days old and their laminated daily roster includes a variety of educational activities which is probably why they speak

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

four languages and were reading Ernest Hemingway novels by the age of two (#gifted). You wouldn’t be caught dead buying packet mix and the refined-sugar-free lemon meringue cupcakes you made for the school fundraiser looked like they were created by the love child of Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson. Your larder is alphabetised, your tummy is stretch-mark-free, you’re fully continent and your Facebook feed is full of inspirational memes about the unbridled joy of motherhood. We hate you.

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@villageeyemag

the ‘whatever works’ mum You haven’t slept longer than four hours since you left the labour ward - so you’ve learned to troubleshoot your way through motherhood. You’d like to have more kids but you’re not sure a straightjacket would match the spew stains on your yoga pants. You think most parenting experts are full of hot-air because nothing ever seems to work like it does on Supernanny. If your kids wake during the night, you put them in your bed and hope they don’t break your nose with a sudden stretch kick to

the face at 2am. You tumble dry everything, even those expensive mohair jumpers your mother-in-law bought the kids for Christmas. If you’re asked to “bring a plate”, it’s almost always a ‘Taste the Difference’ Chocolate Torte (discarding packaging first) and you just spent your last £5 cash on a book of school fundraiser raffle tickets because you don’t have time to sell them. If your child screams the house down because they want ham instead of Dairylea in their sandwiches, you generally cave because you’ve lost your will to live.

the super chilled mum You use the parenting book your friend gave you as a doorstop, preferring to spend your down-time reading gossip mags while your kids are babysat by CBBC, Disney Junior and CITV. You haven’t had your roots done in three years and your legs are so hairy you could braid and bead them. Your house looks like a bomb site but you can’t fathom the logic of cleaning when it will only be messy again tomorrow. Your kids rock up for nursery photos looking like they were styled by Edward Scissorhands and when they get home and refuse to eat dinner you remind them that their Happy Meal set you back £2.49. You get around in saggy bum trackies and could live off the food scraps in your car for at least a month. You have the local pizza shop on speed dial and don’t get the fuss about serving ice-cream for breakfast (#calcium). While other mums are stressing about developmental milestones, the latest and a sugar-free diet, you are watching Judge Rinder settle another ridiculous neighbourly dispute.

the bad (ass) mum You forgot your child’s birthday and exchanged the gift card from grandma for a new top the last time you went shopping (you’ll buy them something next time you’re in town). You understand the importance of a fully stocked bar, ever-ready for an impromptu house party and your kids know all the words to Eminem’s greatest hits. You can twerk like a teenager and on a big night out you make Lindsay Lohan look like Mary Poppins and what’s wrong with a three-yearold watching Celebrity Juice? You’d rather stick a steak knife in your eye than go to a kid’s show and when you’re invited to parent teacher meetings you fake a death in the family and go to the pub instead. You think a Magimix is the name of a new cocktail and you’d sooner donate a kidney than spend an afternoon at a soft play centre.

your child has a paddy and throws themself on the f\loor in the aisle of the supermarket, you: ci n i n em n ow as !

Console them

Pretend they aren’t yours

Your baby is sick on your blouse as you head out, You:

Immediately Change

it’s 9pm, and you remember that it’s fancy dress day at school in the morning, You:

Spit, Wipe & go! Cut a neck hole in a bin bag and send them as ‘litter’

Your child refuses to eat dinner, You:

You forget to collect the children from school, You:

Carry on watching Game of Thrones (they’l get over it)

You find your child playng with Dog Poo. You:

Defrost the organic Pah! Give ‘em Consider it a win, no Dont stress, Finish your Dog Poo, risotto you made chicken nuggets need to drop them they know the cuppa, then hose Play-Doh, last week again them down same, same off in the morning way home the tv commercial mum

the ‘whatever works’ mum

the super chilled mum

the bad (ass) mum

33 33

eye

Film of the MONTH

on Leisure

by Rob Barnes performances by Ugarte and Suárez who both expertly portray the full spectrum of emotions without any need for dialogue. Suárez’s depiction of a mother’s spiral from hope and optimism to maternal angst is heartfelt and unerring, contrasted beautifully with Ugarte’s portrayal of the young Julieta played with a passion, verve and sex appeal that pops off the screen. Left in other hands the constant flitting between time and space could easily be formulaic and jarring but Almodóvar effortlessly blends these two stories into one. He revels in giving just enough line to hook you in without revealing the whole story. Lying beneath every character like a thinly covered veil are unexplained mysteries, and memories that occasionally surface through a simple stare or mannerism but it’s left to the audience to fill in the gaps. It’s really refreshing to see a film that mirrors real-life, where little is what is seems and where conflict is rarely followed by any closure.

ar from the Hollywood factory line of superheroes, gross-out comedies and disaster movies lies Julietta, a sparkling gem in the rough. Pedro Almodóvar’s beautiful tale of grief, memory and yearning is a visual feast that washes over you like a Mediterranean breeze. Julieta is based on three short stories by Nobel Prize-winner Alice Munro and tells the life story of a middle-aged mother (Emma Suárez) whose life is turned upside down by a chance meeting with a friend of her estranged daughter Antía who she has not seen for 12 years. Julieta abandons the chance for a new life in Portugal with her boyfriend and instead returns to her Madrid apartment block where she and

Children's book of the MONTH

Antía once lived. Here she writes a story-come-letter to Antía that triggers a series of flashbacks where we meet her younger self (Adriana Ugarte) and follow her former life with Antía’s late father Xoan (Daniel Grao), her complex friendship with Xoan’s on-off lover Ava (Inma Cuesta) and the tragic events that led to their separation. This is a story about loss and guilt and the destructive power of silence, and whilst that should make it a hard watch it’s quite the opposite. Like a classic artist Almodóvar paints his characters and locations with such vibrant colour and style it acts as the perfect varnish to the bleak narrative and completely draws you in. The other major distractions are the commanding central

My Sister the Vampire

Whilst so many emotions are played out in between the dialogue, Almodovar is not afraid to unsettle his audience with more deliberate tactics. A foreboding music score often deviates the film from romantic melodrama to classic Hitchcock thriller, there’s a sprinkle of David Lynch with a dreamlike deer sequence, and the simple camera trickery used to conjoin the young Julieta with the old is a particular treat. If you fancy a break from the Hollywood mainstream then I highly recommend you seek out Julieta, a stylish and sumptuous taste of Spanish cinema that is sure to awaken the senses.

WOW!

4.5/5

by Sienna Mercer

My ‘Sister the Vampire’ is the first book in a series about sisters Olivia and Ivy. In this book we find out the identical twin sisters were adopted by separate families for a very special reason. Olivia Abbott has moved to Franklin Grove because of her dad`s new job. Being a new girl is awful, but Olivia meets her long lost sister Ivy Vega. Only because of a matching ring do they know that they are related. Ivy has a terrible secret, but this doesn’t stop them from becoming friends and switching places to play jokes on people. It is very well written for my age group. I didn’t have to make up any of the words. Compared to Percy Jackson it is very easy to read, the language is not complicated so you can understand it all. My only criticism is that most boys wouldn’t enjoy it. Personally I thought that the book was brilliant and have read the first eight books. You can follow Ivy and Olivia through adventures they have, to find their real family. I don`t want to spoil any more of the book for you, but I recommend you go down to your library and read all sixteen books.

Ages 10+

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

Review by Jessica Thomson-Smith facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

ab-july-2016.pdf

15/07/2016

10:49

SIS REPORT: Good with outstanding features June 2014

Take a different route Learning is a journey, and we like to take the scenic route. Thereâ€™s no rush - children love to learn naturally, and there is so much to enjoy along the way. We offer:

Sunbeams Parent & Child groups 0 to 3 Kindergarten for ages 3 to 6 Lower School for ages 6 to 14

Alder Bridge School, Mill Lane, Padworth, Reading RG7 4JU 0118 971 4471 info@alderbridge.org.uk

www.alderbridge.org.uk

Independent School of the Year TES Independent School Awards 2015

Open Days

Prep Open Mornings

Thursday 6 October, 6.30pm - 9.00pm Tuesday 8 November, 10.30am - 12.00pm

Thursday 6 October, 9.30am - 11.00am Tuesday 8 November, 9.30am - 11.00am

To reserve your place at our Open Morning or Open Evening please call Admissions on 0118 984 6910 or email admissions@sjcr.org.uk. Alternatively you can book via our website.

To reserve your place at an Open Morning please call Admissions on 0118 984 6910 or email admissions@sjcr.org.uk. Alternatively you can book via our website

www.sjcr.org.uk

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email info@villageeye.co.uk facebook.com/villageeyemagazine VillageEyePrepOpenMorning92x126AdJuly2016V1.indd 1 05/07/2016 11:48 am

VillageEyeCollegeOpenMorning92x126AdJuly2016V1.indd 1

Independent School of the Year TES Independent School Awards 2015

@villageeyemag 05/07/2016

11:44 am

Jubilee l ves Autumn is a wonderful time for everyone at Jubilee Day Nursery and Jubilee Gems to head outdoors to our farm and private woodland and explore a treasure trove of natural wonders. After saying hello to the animals, we’ll pick blackberries, collect conkers and acorns or maybe go on a bug hunt. We learn all about the changing seasons and animals readying themselves for hibernation. On our return, there’s just enough time to check on our vegetables to harvest for cooking and then it’s back to nursery for a delicious homemade lunch, after which our smallest people can snuggle down for a wellearned nap before getting ready to bake some delights in the mud kitchen. We believe in children ‘learning by doing’ - both inside and out - every day. It’s what makes Jubilee children confident and independent young learners. Jubilee’s top tips for activities over autumn: • Go on a bear hunt and encourage children to explore. Crunch through leaves, jump in muddy puddles and leap over logs!

• Collect natural objects and make an autumn display. • Go fruit foraging and talk about edible and inedible berries. Collect apples and blackberries and bake a pie together. • Help with hibernation and create a hedgehog den. • Get creative with muddy mark making! • Look at pumpkins and squashes – talk about shapes and colours and make soup. To receive a prospectus or to visit, please get in touch. Located in Padworth (just a few minutes drive from the centre of Mortimer), we provide exceptional care for babies from 3 months to children up to 5 years of age and offer a range of packages including fulltime, term-time and flexible sessions. “My child loves attending nursery, and has learnt so much, including phonics, cooking, French, all about nature and art. Her main carer is amazing and has helped greatly with her confidence and learning. Jubilee is an excellent nursery and I would recommend a visit, as I felt it stood out from the rest in the area.” – Parent review

For Jubilee Gems, our term-time nursery: Tel:0118 983 4018 Email: info@jubileegems.co.uk visit www.jubileegems.co.uk For Jubilee Day Nursery (full-time), Tel: 0118 970 1600 Email: info@jubileedaynursery.co.uk visit www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk 37

In Imp fo o rm rta at nt io n

NEW

PERMIT SCHEME for West Berkshire Recycling Centres

From 26 September only vehicles with a West Berkshire permit will be able to use Padworth and Newtown Road Recycling Centres. All households in West Berkshire will receive one permit. You must display this permit in your car whenever you want to use one of our recycling centres.

For information on new site restrictions visit: www.westberks.gov.uk/hwrcpermit

No: 00000 Exp: 00/00/00

working in partnership

Ung your pit

eye

Guide to the new waste permit scheme

K^Z]hnk^Zlr`nb]^mhĂ›g]hnmfhk^ information about the scheme and how to use your new permit.

Rric Đž vs d vicl

There are restrictions on commercial type vehicles using the sites. If you only have access to a van or will be leasing a van for a short term hire, you will need to apply for a different permit online. Vehicles with any company signage or livery will not be issued with a permit with the exception of hire vehicles.

The new permits can only be used in West Berkshire household waste recycling centres. Site staff at each location will be enforcing the new scheme, so your permit will need to be clearly displayed on the windscreen of your vehicle. Permits will expire after 4 years and are subject to terms and conditions which are available online at www.westberks.gov.uk/ @OJ;h]jeal

Your new pit From 26 September West Berkshire residents will need to display a vehicle permit in order to access the household waste recycling \^gmk^lbgG^p[nkrZg]IZ]phkma'B_rhnaZo^gmk^\^bo^]rhnk permit go online to register at ooo&o]klZ]jck&_gn&mc'@OJ;h]jeal

Recycng Ct s

There are two recycling centres located in West Berkshire for residents to recycle and dispose of their rubbish. For more information on centre locations and what materials each site accepts please visit www.westberks.gov.uk/ recyclingcentres

Oth vicle

ric clude

No entry to vehicles over 2m in height and if towing a trailer the combined length must not exceed 8.2m (27ft) at Newtown Road and 8.8m (29ft) at Padworth Lane. To check restrictions, a full user guide is available online at: ooo&o]klZ]jck&_gn&mc'@OJ;h]jeal

Half Term

Scarecrow Fun

R^lBmlmbf^_hkma^ Mortimer Scarecrow Trail Z`ZbgZg]p^\Zgmp pZbmMablZggnZe^o^gmaZl [^\hf^ZĂ›kfĂ›qmnk^hgma^\Ze^g]Zk_hkFhkmbf^k_Zfbeb^l&Zg][^r rhg]>o^krr^Zk%ma^phk] spreads further and the groups of families walking, cycling and scootting around the village during aZe_m^kfbg\k^Zl^l'BmlZchrmhl^^'Ma^mkZbepbee[^knggbg`Z\khllma^aZe_m^kfaheb]Zrl_khf 9am on Saturday 22nd October - Sunday 30th October. Each scareccrow you see has been created and displayed by families, schools and businesses around the e village and will be on show daily from 9am to dusk. This year's theme is 'Thank You For The Music' so you will see a wide variety of characters taking up residency in Mortimer this half term. Who will you spot? =hgm_hk`^mmaZmrhnpbee[^Z[e^mhohm^_hkrhnk_Zohnkbm^l\Zk^\khp p%[^bgpbmaZ\aZg\^h_ winning ÂŁ50 bgma^mkZbe\hfi^mbmbhgZg]ZCnlm?hk?ng Jnbsmhm^lmrhnkfnlb\dghpe^]`^'Lh why not give it a go? A pen and paper are essential, so pack one in n your bag and get ready to spot some scarecrows.

Trail maps cost just ÂŁ1 and will be available from Budgens and Dads Shop from Thursday 20th October. The maps will contain a voucher which can be exchanged for certain goods in Budgens.

eyere On Leisu

A Big Win for Burghfield FC The first weekend in September saw almost 200 football teams from across the region flock to the Burghfield Football Club annual tournament. It proved to be a wonderful family day out with a great atmosphere. There was some high quality football played and trophies were presented from age 9 through to men's football. The younger age groups (7 and 8 year olds) played too, demonstrating their tremendous promise of things to come. The annual tournament, normally held in June, is a vital source of income to the club with thousands of pounds raised each year to fund their youth football development activities, providing all-weather training facilities during the winter and allowing the Club to maintain low, value for money registration fees. In truth, Burghfield FC was lucky to be able to host the event this year at all, having to scrap their original date in June despite more than 250 teams due to take part - owing to Ministry of Defence warnings of disruption and potential child welfare concerns amid intended anti-nuclear protests at Burghfield AWE, adjacent to the tournament venue. Thanks only to the committee's hard work and understanding local sponsors - as well as the support of the local footballing community - this hastily arranged one off pre-season was organised. The Club would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped throughout the weekend and to all of the footballers who gave their all and made the tournament the success that it was.

Micka runs the Great North Run for Madagascar

He was one of 193 representatives of the United Nation countries participating in the half marathon, representing Madagascar.

ocal personal trainer and fitness instructor Micka Andriambololona from Spencers Wood has recently taken part in the epic Great North Run in Newcastle.

Micka, 33, grew up in Fort Dauphin, a coastal town in south-east Madagascar. He worked for SEED Madagascar as a community liaison officer working on a business project

helping local women improve their livelihoods. Their works also involves providing wells, building schools, health, sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management projects. Since moving to the UK in 2013 Micka re-trained as a personal trainer and fitness instructor. He set-up Micka's Training earlier this year and runs groups exercise classes in Spencers Wood, Swallowfield and Shinfield. Loving fitness and sport, Micka jumped at the opportunity to participate in the Great North Run (he has previously run Reading half marathon twice). Micka told us,'It is an amazing honour to be part of the Great North Run and to be able to run for my country and support SEED Madagascar which holds such a special place in my heart.'

And as if that wasn¹t enough to keep him busy, the weekend following the Great North Run, Micka completed a charity skydive for Sport in Mind to support a charity that helps people suffering from mental health illnesses to overcome their struggles using sport. Micka¹s local classes are getting great feedback, so if you are keen to try something new, check out what is on offer at www.facebook.com/ mickastraining

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