Local Buzz – Award Winning Lifestyle Magazine ISS54

LOCAL Connecting Local Businesses with Local People

This month's charity

NOVEMBER 2018 localbuzzmagazine.com

WWI y

r a n e t Cen

£20

FREE WHEN YOU

TOPUP £40 Valid from 1st October to 30th November * Added as account credit

Your tanning specialists 37 2 Oxford Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1TN Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury RG1 1AY

08000 88 60 90 consol.eu

Welcome As the night closes in and the heating is turned on, November is a time to wrap up and keep warm. This is particularly true for Bonfire Night, turn to page 15 for a brief history and page 27 for suggested party food.

November is also the 'Movember' month, where the world focuses on men's health. On page 18 you will find out how you can support and raise funds for the Movember Foundation.

24

We Will Remember

Thank you to all our readers and advertisers for making Local Buzz their number one community magazine.

Editor-in-Chief Jackie Osborne jackie@localbuzzmagazine.com

Jackie Osborne - Editor-in-Chief

Website Editor Charleigh Cox editor@localbuzzmagazine.com Social Media Jamie Blowes jamie@localbuzzmagazine.com

accounts@localbuzzmagazine.com Contributors Marce Coluccis, Garry Poulson & Dr Michael Greger

36

RSPB Christmas Gifts

Advertise in Local Buzz sales@localbuzzmagazine.com Call us on 01635 200 006 www.localbuzzmagazine.com To promote your event: events@localbuzzmagazine.com Address: 11 Queen Eleanor House, Kingsclere Park, Kingsclere RG20 4SW Your complimentary copy or where sold £2. Thank you for the continued encouragement from our advertisers, supporters and the local community.

FOR A DAILY DOSE OF LOCAL BUZZ

Christmas is not far away and looking after our wild birds this winter is extremely important. As a nation, we spend approximately £200 million on food. Turn to page 36 for the RSPB's wonderful, original Christmas gifts. You will certainly find something for everyone!

As many of us think about Christmas, make sure you pick up our festive issue next month, full of magical spice!

Designer Vanessa Davis studio@localbuzzmagazine.com

Sales Angela Walker angela@localbuzzmagazine.com

On the 11th, we commemorate the Centenary of the end of WW1. It is a time for reflection and remembrance of the men, women and children who sacrificed so much. Turn to page 24 for our moving tribute.

18

Movember

6 Local Buzz 9 Competitions 11 What’s On 13 The Blue Space 15 Bonfire Night 27 Fine Food 29 Fine Vine 38 Winter Birds 41 Dr Michael Greger - Diabetes 50 BuzzConnect www.localbuzzmagazine.com

Proud winners Best community magazine Best magazine design Best website

Although every effort has been taken in compiling the contents, the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions or information supplied by the advertisers.

NEWBURY RACECOURSE PROUDLY PRESENTS

WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE MANY CLOUDS WINNER: 2014

NATIVE RIVER WINNER: 2016

DENMAN

WINNER: 2007 & 09

ARKLE

WINNER: 1964 & 65

FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER THE SOCIAL EVENT OF THE SEASON

01635 40015 newburyracecourse.co.uk

Do you have any news that you would like to share?

We’d love to hear from you editor@localbuzzmagazine.com

Don't Miss

Your Local Buzz Castle School celebrate new learning space The Castle School in Newbury celebrated completion of a new build and refurbishment project that has significantly improved their learning space today.

The £864,470 project, funded by West Berkshire Council, has provided three new classrooms to meet a growth in demand for places.

Three rooms within the existing school have also been refurbished and remodelled which in addition helps to provide a quiet room, an office and a new accessible WC. The Castle School caters for children age 3-19 with a variety of complex learning difficulties.

Jon Hewitt, Headteacher at The Castle School said: “We are delighted by the improvements to our school. The right kind of learning space is crucial to the work we do with our pupils. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do and the new spaces have been created with this in mind.”

the next Issue

in the standser 1st Decemb

Line closures - more dates announced GWR and Network Rail have confirmed more dates when a significant part of the line between Newbury and Reading will be closed.

This is to facilitate electrification works, track renewal and ballast work.

The first phase of works is scheduled to take place over the following four working-day periods, with a number of additional line blocks required to complete the work.

Lynne Doherty, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Education said: “We are pleased to have been able to support this great new build and refurbishment project for The Castle School. Without these additional classrooms, the school would be unable to meet the needs of local pupils who would then have to be placed outside the district.”

l

Mon 19 to Thu 22 November

For further travel advice and information on the work please visit GWR.com/Newbury2018 Twitter @GWRHelp

Memorial to the Great War Thatcham at the time of the First World War had a population of Thatcham at the time approximately 3,000 of the First World people. It is unclear War had a population exactly how many of of approximately the population went to 3,000 people. war. Sadly many did not come home. To honour them a memorial was erected and unveiled by General Dickson at a ceremony on 11th November 1920.

A German Howitzer was also placed and unveiled, by Major Turner, at the same time as a further memorial.

At the unveiling there were 103 names.

Over the years this has been added to and corrected. For example Private Henry Edwin Breach along with two of the Bew brothers, Private Frederick Bew and Private Leonard Bew were not on the original inscription.

Look carefully at the names on the memorial and you will see many with the same surname, in many cases such as the Bew and Rutter families, two or more sons were killed.

The memorial was later moved to its present position at the southern end of the Memorial car park and names of soldiers that had fallen during the Second World War were added. There are names of soldiers being uncovered and where there is a connection to Thatcham a case is being made for them to be added to the memorial. The same is happening throughout the country.

To find out more contact us via email enquiries@thatchamhistoricalsociety. org.uk or visit our website thatchamhistoricalsociety.org.uk

Thatcham Historical Society LOCAL BUZZ

Kit Malthouse MP

Festival of We need Engineering your views on social housing As part of the Thames Valley corridor, West Berkshire is a thriving place for companies in the engineering sector and with that comes an ever-increasing need for people with expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

As Housing Minister, I’ve been set a task to make sure we are building homes for everyone – building more, building better, building faster.

Everyone deserves a decent, affordable and well-run place to live – and social housing plays a vital role. We want it to support people to get on in life, and go on to own their own home.

Lots of work is going on to try and fill this ‘skills gap’, encouraging young people, especially girls, to take STEM subjects at school and go on, either via apprenticeships or university, to choose careers in this sector.

This month, I am co-hosting a ‘Festival of Engineering’ with my next-door MP Kit Malthouse, working with the Education Business Partnership West Berkshire to bring together local companies and young people from schools across West Berkshire and North Hampshire. The event is being held in Xtrac’s amazing new factory space in Kennet Park and will offer the students a series of hands-on, interactive activities which are designed to involve, inspire and enthuse them.

Watch this space!

Rt Hon Richard Benyon MP for Newbury

That’s why I’m running the government’s social housing green paper, which sets out initial proposals around making sure homes are safe and decent, rebalancing the relationship between residents and landlords, and making sure tenants’ issues are resolved quickly. We are also working to address stigma around social housing, which has no place in Andover or anywhere in the country. And we are working hard to boost supply.

The Befriend West Berkshire project and how it is combating loneliness There are many reasons why people become lonely, such as lack of friends, family members living far away, poverty and or rural isolation.

Loneliness has a devastating impact; it can cause depression and lead to a poor quality of life. How can we help?

Having regular interactions with other people has been proven to combat loneliness, which is why there is a charity that recruits and trains volunteers to become Befrienders for isolated people aged over 50 who live in West Berkshire.

Once trained, the Befriend West Berkshire project will carefully match a volunteer to someone the project coordinator feels the volunteer would connect with.

Then, just like a friend, your role will be to take a little time to visit once a week or so to have a chat and enjoy each others company. Becoming a Volunteer Befriender could help to combat isolation and encourage independent living, whilst providing friendly, social contact at the same time.

Brian and Mary

Richard Benyon MP

We’ve already put a further £2 billion into the Affordable Homes Programme, increased local authority borrowing by £1 billion, and offered housing associations longer term funding certainty to help them deliver more.

Now I want your views on how we can build on this, you have until 6th November to respond online or by post. More information at: https://www. gov.uk/government/consultations/anew-deal-for-social-housing or just search ‘social housing green paper’ online.

You can also follow me on Facebook for progress updates on this essential issue.

Kit Malthouse MP Minister for Housing and Planning in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The time commitment can be flexible to suit your lifestyle, making this an ideal volunteer opportunity for volunteers from all backgrounds. You will be fully supported throughout by the Project Co-ordinator and have opportunities to meet other befrienders to share experiences. If you or someone you know would be interested to find out more about this project which is run by Newbury based charity Volunteer Centre West Berkshire then contact the project coordinator of Befriend West Berkshire befriend@vcwb.org.uk Garry Poulson - Director Volunteer Centre West Berkshire 7

WHEN YOU SPEND £25 OR MORE

ONLINE AT DOMINOS.CO.UK

USE CODE: Q E L Z G VAV

Domino’s Newbury

01635 529 529

Domino’s Thatcham

01635 866 999

Exclusions may apply from discount and qualifying spend. Participating stores only. Expires: 30/11/2018

LocalBuzzMagazine.com website banner

Worth £360

Competitions

In which month will Local Buzz be publishing the 60th Issue? a. May 2019

Enter today to win fantastic prizes

b. June 2019

www.localbuzzmagazine.com

c. August 2019

Krystal’s Hair Studio Voucher

What year did Krystal’s Hair Studio first open its doors to the public? a. 2007

b. 2010

c. 2017

6 months free membership for two people Worth £50

When did Tidal Bay Crazy Adventure Golf open? a. 12th Aug 2017

Worth £250

b. 9th Aug 2017 c. 26th Aug 2017

Meal for 4 - gift card at PizzaExpress What is the first name of the founder of PizzaExpress? a. Peter

b. Paul

A £100 voucher towards a holiday, day trip, theatre trip or concert

c. Philip

Where are Barnes Coaches based? a. Swindon b. Sweden c. Switzerland

FREE XMAS pack including FREE mince pies

Worth £38.99

What movie does the song ‘White Christmas’ come from?

2 tickets to see The Red Hot Chilli Pipers

When did the band Red Hot Chilli Peppers form? a. 1983

a. Miracle on 34th Street

b. 1982

c. 1938

b. White Christmas

UP TO £40

Worth £40

c. Holiday Inn

A meal for 2 at Indigo Bay Dr Greger - How Not to Die Cookbook

What is the author’s full name?

Which country is believed to be the oldest centre of indigo dyeing in the Old World?

Worth £22

a. India

b. Holland

c. Germany

a. Dr Michael Greger b. Dr Mike Greger

1 hour at Glitch VR for up to 4 people!

c. Dr Mitchell Greger

a. Gold

On the Glitch VR Facebook page what colour is our logo? b. Purple

c. Red

Worth £40

Advertise your competition here for FREE contact jamie@localbuzzmagazine.com COMPETITIONS

9

14th Nov Basing Mall Christmas Craft Market opens Gifts galore on a variety of stalls.

16th Nov Christmas Lights Switch On

Starts at 6.00pm In association with St Michael’s Hospice, and Oakridge School Choir.

17th Nov

Young Enterprise Trade Fair

Meet the entrepreneurs of the future!

18th Nov Cairngorm Reindeer Day These graceful animals bring Santa and Mrs Christmas to collect your letters, so please remember your address.

21st Nov Christmas Market food stalls open Hog roast, Donuts, Cheese and much more.

15th Dec Shopmobility Christmas Wrapping begins

www.themalls.co.uk facebook.com/TheMallsShoppingCentre

What's on in November How We Remember Exhibition Oct - Jun 2019 West Berkshire Museum FREE - Commemorating the centenary of the end of World War One, this exhibition focuses on the histories of the people of West Berkshire and will explore how cherished memories cling to ordinary

objects, enabling moments to be shared across the generations.

Loddon Valley Lions Fireworks Extravaganza 3 Nov . 5pm . Tadley Gates will open at 5pm for a childrens display at 6:30pm and the main display at 7:30pm. There will be free admission for any child

WHAT'S ON Some details may be subject to change so please check before you book

(aged under 16 years), who is accompanied by an adult and who brings a Guy for entry into 'The Best Guy Competition'. www.loddonvalleylions.org

Our DJ will transport back to 60's and 70's. Tickets are ÂŁ10 and include a Ploughman's Supper, purchase at www. office@viables.org.uk. There is also a fully licensed bar.

Lions Fireworks Display 10 Nov . Gates open 5.30pm . Newbury

The Lights 24 Nov . Andover

Enjoy a fun evening with a spectacular display in a safe environment.

Bar, food, fun fair, entertainment and free parking.

Tickets can be bought in advance www. newburyfireworks. org.uk or on the night.

An Evening of Motown 16 Nov . 7.30pm - 11pm Viables Community Centre, Basingstoke

Promising to be an unforgettable evening with an electric atmosphere of dazzling lasers and lights, tremendous sound and the songs you know and love from Coldplay, this really is an event not to be missed.

Come and enjoy an evening disco of Motown music.

Tickets from www.coldplace. co.uk/tickets From ÂŁ20.00

FREE ONLINE! upload your events

localbuzzmagazine.com

11

The Blue space provides free services and support to men with a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones.

The Blue Space

Male Cancer Support The Blue Space was officially launched in 2016 by the mayor of Basingstoke and our supporters include Andrew Bishop the chief medical officer of the North Hampshire NHS Trust and the Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy units within the hospital. We also have the support of The Basingstoke Prostate Support Group, and welcome Men with any cancer diagnosis.

Our Blue space sessions offer an opportunity to get information, help combat stress with therapies (massage, reflexology, barbering) and chat to others. We also encourage partners to attend these sessions.

We also regularly hold partner evenings and day trips, these are social events and include curry nights, BBQs and trips to the coast. This provides an opportunity for couples to meet and share experiences and tips on dealing with a diagnosis in a non-clinical environment, it’s also an opportunity to have fun and make new friendships.

The Blue Space also runs a monthly support group for men whose wife/ partner has a cancer diagnosis. This is run by our trained counsellor.

The support group meets every 2nd Tuesday a month between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

We also run a Blue Space Ladies support group, this is for women whose husband/partner has cancer and this group again meets every 2nd Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm.

To find out more about The Blue Space dates, times or to book a session please email: info4bluespace@ gmail.com or call 07899 970 841, alternatively please visit the website: thepinkplace.org.uk/blue-space or find us on Facebook @thebluespacecharity.

Here is a few quotes from The Blue Space Guests: I found it good to have somewhere I could talk to others who understood.

I came to The Blue Space because my wife wanted me to, I came back because I wanted to.

There is no support for my husband in the area, he has a rare cancer. Thanks to the Blue Space he has found comfort and support and knows he is not alone.

A fantastic charity, I would encourage anyone with a cancer diagnosis to go along, not only for you but for your wife also, the support we have both received has been very beneficial, the therapies are also very relaxing.

13

B

After Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603, English Catholics who had been persecuted under her rule had hoped that her successor, James I, would be more tolerant of their religion. James I had, after all, had a Catholic mother. Unfortunately, James did not turn out to be more tolerant than Elizabeth and a number of young men, 13 to be exact, decided that violent action was the answer.

Bon fire Night

A small group took shape, under the leadership of Robert Catesby.

Catesby felt that violent action was warranted. Indeed, the thing to do was to blow up the Houses of Parliament. In doing so, they would kill the King, maybe even the Prince of Wales, and the Members of Parliament who were making life difficult for the Catholics. Today these conspirators would be known as extremists, or terrorists.

To carry out their plan, the conspirators got hold of 36 barrels of gunpowder - and stored them in a cellar, just under the House of Lords.

But as the group worked on the plot, it became clear that innocent people would be hurt or killed in the attack, including some people who even fought for more rights for Catholics.

Some of the plotters started having second thoughts. One of the group members even sent an anonymous letter warning his friend, Lord Monteagle, to stay away from the Parliament on November 5th.

The warning letter reached the King, and the King's forces made plans to stop the conspirators.

Guy Fawkes, who was in the cellar of the parliament with the 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th, was caught, tortured and executed.

It's unclear if the conspirators would ever have been able to pull off their plan to blow up the Parliament even if they had not been betrayed. Some have suggested that the gunpowder itself was so old as to be useless.

Since Guy Fawkes and the other conspirators got caught before trying to ignite the powder, we'll never know for certain.

On the very night that the Gunpowder Plot was foiled, on November 5th, 1605, bonfires were set alight to celebrate the safety of the King. Since then, November 5th has become known as Bonfire Night.

Come and look at Jane Morgan Dresses, where you can hire or buy your dream dress.

Christmas Market

SUNDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2018

We have over 400 dresses in stock in size 0 to 20 in a variety of fabrics, styles and colours.

Onsite seamstress to ensure the perfect fit.

Call to book an appointment 01628 600509 or book online www.janemorgandresshire.co.uk The Old School House . VIllage Road . Dorney . SL4 6QW

2 - 4pm Arlington Arts RG14 3BQ

A festive Christmas Market inside event with 30 stalls, crafts, toys, gifts, prizes, tombola, raffle & more.

Hot food, snacks & refreshments on sale.

Email : k.gardner@maryhare.org.uk for information about having a stall.

Stag Promotions are the cutting edge in providing the best live entertainment across the UK, available for Wedding, Corporate and Party Events.

Money raised at the event will support Coles Diner, Africa Trail Appeal & Happy Days voluntary Club.

Over the past few years, we have built our solid reputation on the quality of the music experience that we provide – see what others have had to say along with live video and audio available at www.stagpromotions.co.uk

Happy Days is a voluntary group that holds its meetings in Coles Diner at Mary Hare School. Happy Days is not a registered charity. Coles Diner is part of the Mary Hare School registered charity 1048386. Mary Hare is registered company 3085006 www.maryhare.org.uk/fundraising

16

All musicians are exclusively chosen through a detailed auditioning program, identifying the outstanding individuals that build our bands.

07584 992647

contact@stagpromotions.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR FRIDAY 14TH DECEMBER ONLY

HALF A BOTTLE OF WINE PER PERSON BOOK A MINIMUM OF 10 AND GET 2 FREE WHEN YOU QUOTE ‘NRC BUZZ’ 17

We’re funding more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world.

With money raised, we’re funding game-changing programmes while positively challenging the way in which men’s health issues are researched and addressed.

There are three ways to get involved with Movember and support men’s health:

1 . Grow WHAT HOW WHEN

By 2030, we've committed to : Reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%

Grow a Mo, save a Bro The moustache is our ribbon for men’s health

2 . Move WHAT HOW

WHEN

Walk. Run. Cycle. Swim. Row Go the distance and raise funds to support men’s health Anytime, anywhere, during the month of Movember

3 . Host WHAT HOW

Reduce the number of men taking their own lives by 25%

Move

Throw or go to a Movember event

Any excuse for a good time. Events are a great way to have fun and raise funds for men’s health

WHEN

Anytime, anywhere, during the month of Movember

MEN'S HEALTH

SUICIDE PREVENTION PROSTATE CANCER

TESTICULAR CANCER

Halve the number of deaths from prostate and testicular cancer

For the 30 days in the month formerly known as ‘November’

-4

1 in 4

On average, men die four years younger than women in the UK

1 in 4 of us will be affected by a mental health problem

3 out of 4

12

suicides in the UK are men

On average, 12 men take their life each day in the UK

Most Common

45min

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer amongst men in the UK

1 man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer in the UK

Under 40

2,400

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men under 40

in the UK are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year

Sign up and join the fight for men's health at movember.com 18

All around the world, fathers, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn't being talked about. Men are dying too young, before their time and for no good reason.

ember About the Movember Foundation The Movember Foundation is the only global charity focused solely on men’s health. We raise funds that deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes to enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives.

Awareness and fundraising activities are run year-round by the Foundation, with the annual Movember campaign in November being globally recognised for its fun, disruptive approach to fundraising and getting men to take action for their health.

Since 2003, we’ve created a men’s health movement of over 5 million supporters across the world. Through the moustaches grown and the conversations generated, we’ve helped fund 1,200 innovative men’s health projects across more than 20 countries focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

The Movember Foundation is the only global charity focused solely on men’s health.

19

Henry’s

BarberShop

HOURS OF BUSINESS Monday to Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 8:00am - 5:30pm Sunday CLOSED

For the best haircuts in town

Special Offer! Senior Citizen Discount - mention you have seen this advert.

No appointments necessary

01635 528099

Email Tony : henrybarbershop@hotmail.com . 4 Park Street . Newbury . Berkshire

Here are some interesting facts about barbers that will make you appreciate them for more than just their ability to cut hair!

Interesting Barber Facts n

Barber is derived from “barba” in Latin, which means beard.

n

n

Barbers were once surgeons, pre-1800’s, cutting hair and flesh.

n

n

Surgery was a banned practice in many places, so barbers were a hot commodity.

n

Barbers also did nails and teeth at their salons.

20

Barbers used a urine-based formula for early shampoos.

The classic striped barber pole outside real barber shops derived from the barber’s second job as a surgeon. This represents when barbers hung bloody bandages out to dry on a pole.

Beautifully practical fencing Fencing blends in, but chances are that the last timber fence you noticed was because it was falling down. This revolutionary fencing is attractive and practical.

Unique Colorbond TM steel offers low maintenance and longevity plus versatile style and colour combinations to match your theme or make a statement. No more painting or repairs, just a beautiful backdrop for years to come.

Low maintenance – hose off just twice a year Will withstand winds up to 130mph No painting or repairs required Guaranteed for 25 years* *T&C’s apply - visit website for details

“

We are delighted with this product for its strength and appearance and the knowledge that it will never rot, rust or fall apart. It will also withstand the strongest gales which gives us great peace of mind. We would strongly recommend having ColourFence

”

Mr Cunningham, Aldermaston

For a FREE no obligation quote & survey, contact Tom Hendren on

colourfencenewbury.co.uk

01635 261420 or 01256 700552

OAKLEY W

WINDOWS, DOORS &

New or replacement conservatories and lightweight warm roof specialists

Whether you want a complete new conservatory, a replacement roof or a new lightweight warm roof installed, we would be proud to assist; no sales, no gimmicks, just great prices throughout the year.

WINDOWS

& CONSERVATORIES Imagine improving your home and having a company that is proud to help you throughout your process.

THE INSPIRATION RANGE

From choosing the right style and product to final installation. All serviced by qualified and registered FENSA fiiters.

With over 20 years of successful business, you can be sure that you will talk directly to quality tradesman, not salesmen.

We are FENSA Registered and our products come with an additional HOMEPRO 10 Year Insurance backed guarantee.

WIDE RANGE

Come to the showroom and see our products in person.

.00 ÂŁ895 inc vat

Supplied and fitted with a 10 year guarantee

of other designs and colours available

No gimmicks, no sales - just great prices throughout the year

T: 01256 889766 . www.oakleywindows.co.uk . E : sales@oakleywindows.co.uk Oakley Windows Ltd, Unit 11 Folly Farm, Kingsclere Road Hampshire RG26 5GJ

Time to say Thank You 100 years ago the guns fell silent on the world's first truly global war. It is time to think about all of those who lived through this tragic time - and say 'Thank You' for all they did for us.

The Armed Forces At the end of WW1 four million soldiers returned home to find a shortage of housing and jobs - a struggling economy. Despite this they brought the same resolve to peace that they had shown in war, helping to rebuild Britain.

Children More than 340,000 children lost a parent and countless more lost brothers and uncles in WW1.

Despite this trauma, children played a vital role in the war effort.

Rem

WE WILL

At the start of 1918, Germany was in a strong position and expected to win the war. Russia had already left the year before which made Germany even stronger.

Women Women played a huge role in WW1 and this helped to change the role of women in Britain. Their vital role in supporting the war effort meant that many more women worked in jobs outside the home.

Pioneers Pioneers in WW1 were driven to innovate and find new solutions. In medicine, Doctors and nurses vastly increased our understanding and use of new technology such as x-rays.

If you have ever used a teabag or worn a wristwatch you can thank the necessity during the war for making them commonplace.

The Commonwealth The British Empire answered the call with volunteers from far and wide including pre-partition India, the Caribbean and Africa, all of whom make up a vibrant part of our culture today.

Germany launched the 'Michael Offensive' in March 1918, where they pushed Britain far back across the old Somme battlefield. However their plan for a quick victory failed when Britain and France counter-attacked.

Germany and her allies realised it was no longer possible to win the war. The Triple Alliance had been damaged. Some reasons for this included the fact that the Schlieffen Plan had failed in 1914 and the Verdun Offensive had failed in 1916.

Germany was now losing the Great Battle in France and the German Navy had gone on

strike and refused to carry on fighting.

Furthermore, the United States joined the war in April 1917, which gave the Triple Entente greater power.

The leaders of the German army told the German government to end the fighting. Kaiser Wilhelm, Germany's leader, abdicated (left his job) on 9 November 1918.

Two days later, Germany signed the armistice and the guns fell silent.

People in Britain, France and all of the countries that supported them, celebrated the end of war - a war that had lasted four years and four months. In London, a huge crowd gathered in Trafalgar Square.

World War One ended at 11am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in 1918. Germany signed an armistice that had been prepared by Britain and France.

member

1918 - 2018

The myth of trench warfare

Millions of soldiers died on the Western Front in World War One. The horrific stories and images from the frontline all reinforce the idea that fighting in the trenches was one long bloodbath. But statistics tell a different story. There were certainly days of great violence during four years of war – such as the first day of the Battle of the Somme. But nearly 9 out of every 10 soldiers in the British Army, who went into the trenches, survived.

How was this possible, considering that over 5 million British soldiers served on the Western Front? And when they weren't involved in an attack, what was everyday life like for the troops?

The average day began with ‘stand to’ before dawn. Gathering their weapons, soldiers took a place on the ‘fire step’, and as the sun rose, fired towards enemy lines in a daily ritual called the ‘morning hate’. After breakfast, the men worked on chores, from sentry duty to trench maintenance, spending their spare time catching up on sleep or writing letters. The ‘stand to’ was repeated at nightfall before groups were sent into the treacherous and deadly No Man’s Land. Others fetched rations, went on sentry duty, or left the

firing line altogether. In all, most battalions rarely spent more than five days a month in the line of fire. So where were they most of the time?

On average, the British Tommy spent almost half his time behind this line of trenches.

Those who needed it received medical treatment and training, whilst others enjoyed relaxation and leave.

Horses During the conflict the British Army deployed more than a million horses and mules. There weren't enough horses in Britain to meet demand, so over 1,000 horses a week were shipped from North America.

To keep pace with the demands of the war and help sustain morale, the British Army often rotated its soldiers around the trenches. So the bulk of a soldier’s time was divided between a range of specialist

By November 1918, half of the British Army’s areas behind the front line, horses were in France. The rest were spread across all of which was made the Balkans, Middle East, Egypt, Italy and the UK. safer by the ingenious There were four main roles. Supply horses and mules design of the trench were used to move ammunition, general supplies and system itself. ambulances. Riding horses were ridden by soldiers behind, and sometimes even in, the frontline. Teams of gun horses pulled artillery pieces that weighed as much as taxis and cavalry horses were still used in battle.

12.95

15.95

*Ts&Cs and menu restrictions apply – ask your waiter for details

26

Find us at 17 Market Place RG14 5AA or book your table online https://www.pizzaexpress.com/christmas-party

Alexander the Great is credited with finding dwarfed apples in Kazakhstan.

Toffee Apple Nothing beats the crunch of a toffee apple on a crisp autumnal evening. These can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in a dry place.

TRY Caramel apple smoothie for an alternative.

Ginger & Guinness Cake This beautiful rich cake is topped with a caramel icing that finishes the cake off perfectly. A delicious winter warmer!

In Europe, parsnip was used as a source of sugar before cane and beet sugars were available.

Spiced Parsnip & Coriander Soup This soup will keep you warm inside and out. Serve with fresh chunky bread.

TRY Adding chilli pesto for an extra kick.

Chocolate Marshmallow Brownies For a sweet treat, these chocolate brownies are a must. Filled with gooey marshmallows, they will certainly be a big hit with children (and adults)!

ine

The Romans were probably the first to experiment with the preparation of mustard as a condiment.

FOOD Bonfire Night

Enjoy the big bangs and bright lights of bonfire night with these food ideas to keep you warm.

Hot Dog

The classic hot dog is quick and easy and an ideal finger food for Bonfire Night. Delicious vegetarian alternatives too!

TRY Why not try grilling cheddar chesse on the top or Gruyère and caramelized onions.

Sticky maple &mustard pulled pork wraps Time is the secret to this delicious pulled pork wrap. Marinating the meat first in a sticky maple and mustard mix allows the flavours to develop.

Then cook low and slow for five hours in dark, aromatic beer for perfectly tender and succulent meat.

TRY Add crushed cookies to the mixture or chunks of chocolate.

27

Christmas at Oakley Hall Hotel

Christmas Parties

Celebrate Christmas with us at one of our spectacular themed party nights, taking place between the end of November & 23rd December 2018. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival, followed by a delicious four course dinner, a photo booth with prints, and dancing until 1am with our fantastic DJ. All from only £45 per person.

Luxury Christmas Break

For the ultimate treat come and stay at Oakley Hall from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day. Indulge in our 2 or 3 night luxury break and let us look after you from start to finish! Remaining bedroom packages are available from £625 per person.

New Year’s Eve

See the New Year in with style with a glass of Champagne and canapés before you sit down to indulge in a delicious five course dinner. We then invite you to dance the night away to our live band and enjoy our spectacular fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight. Round off this fantastic evening with a glass of bucks fizz and smoked salmon bagels. All for only £155 per person. Make a night of it and end this special evening by retreating to one of our stunning bedrooms from £295 per person, including the 5 course gala dinner & a Deluxe Bedroom, based on 2 adults sharing.

www.oakleyhall-park.com | +44 (0)1256 783350 | enquiries@oakleyhall-park.com Rectory Road, Oakley, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 7EL

The perfect drink for the holiday meal

e n i F e h T e

n i V

Prosec - HO - HO - HO! It’s nearly time for everyone’s favourite time of year. The mistletoe will soon be hanging, the trees will be filling the houses with smells of pine, and the kitchens will be bustling with activity as we scurry preparing for the hordes of family and friends that come to indulge in the traditional, and maybe not so traditional, Christmas meals.

But one of the most important things to think about when making all the food preparations is – what will make this meal experience even more enjoyable?

The obvious answer is – a very good wine! But which wine will be the one to help set off all the flavours while not overpowering the delicate taste of the turkey and ham with all of its stuffings and accompaniments?

Now here we have a number of choices. The traditional options like a nice New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, or South African Chenin Blanc, are always a good safe option. And for the more adventurous amongst us,

ward Colucci’s Aosecco Winning Pr RS ONLY,

DE UZZ REA a Dry LOCAL B cci’s Extr lu o C e iv s lu ase c c x .75 for a get the e t just £60 a 9 o 0 c Z c Z e U s B Pro you quote of 6 when t. u at checko

we may go for a fruity and dry Riesling from Mosel valley or Alsace.

If you prefer the darker side of wines, (and I’m referring to the red variety!), then a pleasant light- bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais could be just the thing to set off the juicy ham and the turkey and chestnut stuffing.

Even a good medium bodied Valpolicella can bring a new depth to the flavour profile of your dishes.

The key thing to remember is to pair a wine with high acidity, especially if you are serving food which is a bit fattier or salty. The acidity will help cut through both and result in a very smooth taste and enhance the flavours of both the wine and the food.

But in our house, we like to keep

Experience the luxurious taste of our award winning prosecco, order some Colucci’s today!

it all very simple. We use the one wine that can be served as a reception drink to welcome guests while you put the finishing touches to your meal, an aperitif to toast the holidays, as an afterdinner drink to help settle the abundance of food consumed, and most importantly as the wine to accompany the meal. I’m talking about none other that a luxurious and lightly sparkling Prosecco. This wine is the ideal holiday tipple.

It doesn’t have the harshness of most champagnes, so it won’t fill you up before you even start the first course. It has the lightness of a Sauvignon to fit well with the lighter meats, the acidity of a Pinot Noir to cut through the fatty and salty tastes, and the fruitiness to help round out all the lovely flavours of a full Christmas meal.

What a perfect way to celebrate good food and good company! Now all that’s left is dessert – but that’s for next month.

www.coluccis.co.uk

Let’s Party!

Perfect Party Nights running from 30th November

The Festive Season Festive Afternoon Teas Santa Sunday Lunches Christmas & Boxing Day Lunch New Year’s Eve Parties and much more. . .

To book, or request a brochure, please get in touch with our events team today 01635 588707 or events@regencyparkhotel.co.uk

Regency Park Hotel Bowling Green Road . Thatcham . Berkshire . RG18 3RP 01635 588707 . www.regencyparkhotel.co.uk

Opening Late November Please send your details to restaurant@donnington-grove.com to be invited to the VIP launch

Tel: 01635 581000 restaurant@donnington-grove.com . www.donnington-grove.com . Grove Road . Newbury . RG14 2LA

CHRISTMAS

bookings now being taken

Real Ales | Real Food | Real Atmosphere Located in the beautiful village of Ecchinswell, just outside of Newbury, the Royal Oak offers you the true country pub experience.

Why not come & join us for our fantastic real ales, family friendly atmosphere and fresh locally sourced food.

01635 297 355

www.royaloakecchinswell.co.uk info@royaloak-ecchinswell.co.uk Royal Oak . Ecchinswell . RG20 4UH

Delicious festive food and a cosy atmosphere awaits at

Starters

Roasted tomato soup with homemade bread Smooth chicken liver pate with onion chutney and toast

Our in house smoked salmon, dill mustard sauce Crispy fried brie with cranberry sauce

The Halfway Inn

this Christmas

Book your table now to enjoy our delicious festive menu

01488 608 115 www.thehalfway-inn.co.uk halfwayinn-newbury.co.uk The Halfway Inn Bath Road . Newbury Berkshire . RG20 8NR

32

Mains

Roast crown of turkey wrapped in bacon and served with roast potatoes, sprouts and glazed carrots not forgetting pigs in blankets

Christmas Day booking now being taken

Rolled rump steak cut to 6oz and served medium with roasted tomato home cut chips and buttered spinach

Pan roasted salmon on crushed olive new potatoes and wilted spinach and dill cream sauce Crispy wild mushroom pancake with spinach

Desserts

Iced Irish cream parfait rolled in toasted hazelnuts

Three course menu

ÂŁ29.50 per person

Our bitter dark chocolate torte topped with crème fresh The classic Christmas pudding with brandy cream A handpicked selection of local cheeses

(vegan options up on request)

Our Christmas Fayre menu runs from the 30th November all the way through to the 31st December.

Christmas Plans at The Rowbarge!

Our favourite festive part of the year is fast approaching, and we’re dusting off the decorations here at The Rowbarge. Our Christmas Fayre menu runs from the 30th November all the way through to the 31st December, with choices for everyone, be they vegetarian, gluten free, or anything in between!

So if you’re looking for a cosy, traditional pub setting for your workplace Christmas party, or for a celebratory gathering of friends and family, give us a call on 01189 712 213, or visit our website to book a table.

With a gin collection spanning several shelves, local ales on the taps, and a warming selection of seasonal serves, we’re sure to have your Christmas covered.

01189 712 213

www.brunningandprice.co.uk/rowbarge . christmas@rowbarge-woolhampton.co.uk The Rowbarge . Station Road . Woolhampton . Berkshire . RG7 5SH

The Old Boot Inn 18th. CENTURY FREE HOUSE

December Set Menu

£25 for 2 courses £30 for 3 courses Monday to Saturday only pre-orders required, available until 23rd December.

STARTERS White onion soup, cheddar toast(v) (ga) Smoked salmon mousse, capers and pea puree Devilled ox kidneys on toast (ga) MAINS Roast turkey, bread sauce, chipolatas, goose fat roast potatoes, cranberry sauce, seasonal vegetables (ga) Sweet potatoes & shitake laksa, rice noodles, bok choy (v) Confit duck leg, braised red cabbage, celeriac gratin, Calvados jus

A warm welcome awaits at our beautifully refurbished historic inn this Christmas. Enjoy the warmth from our open fires while savouring our delicious local ingredients.

01189 745191

DESSERTS Christmas pudding, brandy custard Passion fruit soufflé, vanilla ice cream Vanilla & cranberry crème brulée, shortbread

. www.oldbootinnstanforddingley.co.uk . oldbootinnstanforddingley@gmail.com The Old Boot Inn . Stanford Dingley . Berkshire . RG7 6LT

With a highly regarded reputation for outdoor learning, Jubilee Day Nursery provides exceptional care for children aged three months to five years of age.

For more information and to book a visit, go to:

www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk Rectory Road, Padworth, RG7 4JD 0118 970 1600

Christmas Help nature this

Original Gift Ideas Birds and wildlife are increasingly vulnerable in a rapidly-changing world. Together, we can create bigger, better, more joined-up spaces to save our wildlife and our shared home.

ONLY

£5

a month

Family Membership

1

Silhouette bee hyve

2

Avocet 8 x 42 binoculars

3

Wild wood trees oven glove

4

Bath foam 200ml - RSPB Victorian flora range

£7.99

5

Body lotion 200ml - RSPB Victorian flora range

£7.99

6

Body butter 100g - RSPB Victorian flora range

£9.99

A free gift of your choice to help you get the most out of your membership.

7

Wild wood apron

8

Wild wood trees tea towel

£6.99

Nature's Home magazine every quarter.

9

Penguin slap band watch

£9.99

A welcome pack to help you make the most of your membership.

10 Owl slap band watch

£9.99

11 Snowy meadow christmas card – four pack

£4.99

12 British birds Top Trumps

£5.99

13 Racing penguin crackers

£13.00

14 Guess Who

£19.99

15 Knitted birds square calendar 2019

£10.00

16 Bumper bird food gift box with feeders

£29.99

For 1-2 adults and up to 5 children from only £5 a month.

What does membership give me? l

l

l

l

36

Unlimited entry to more than 170 UK nature reserves.

£14.99 £130.00 £14.99

£14.99

The RSPB Christmas catalogue is packed with treats, wildlife technology, beautiful home gifts and toiletries, as well as a selection for children – there’s something for everyone!

To view the full range, request a catalogue at rspbshop.co.uk or call 0345 034 7733.

1

2

3

5 6

4

7

8

9

10 12 13

11

16 15

14

Order from www.rspbshop.org.uk 37

Feeding Wild Birds At this time of year, put out food and water on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice daily if you can.

Different birds are attracted to certain foods, often reflecting their special adaptations for natural food types.

Birds require high-energy (high-fat) foods during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights. Use only good-quality food and scraps.

Greenfinch, Tits : sunflower hearts

Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to accumulate around the feeders.

Robin, Thrushes : mealworms and live foods

Sparrows, Woodpigeon : large grains Woodpeckers, Tits, Starling : fat balls and peanuts Blue Tits are busy, hyperactive little birds

Thrushes, Waxwing : windfall fruit

Winter

Robins are fiercely territorial over food supply.

Who stays and who leaves t Robin Recently voted Britain’s National Bird, Robins are for some people, the epitome of winter. Robins are a common breeding bird and in winter the resident population is joined by European migrants.

Chaffinch Chaffinches are common breeding birds occurring in a wide range of habitats in Britain. They are well adapted to urban living so a common sight in gardens.

They also often make use of woodland habitat feeding on seeds.

Bullfinch Bullfinches are the most striking of British finches with males a vibrant red with a black cap. They can often be seen on woodland edge but are equally found in gardens often in pairs or small groups (above).

38

Winter Birds Winter can be an excellent time of year to get close up views of birds visiting your garden for food, water and shelter. It also provides an exciting opportunity to see some species which are only here during the winter months.

Goldcrest Goldcrests are Britains smallest breeding bird and favour coniferous woodlands and gardens. In winter they can often join flocks of other small birds and most frequently seen in the tree canopy.

They have a

distinctive gold stripe on their head, giving them their common name.

Dunnock The dunnock is a common garden bird but is a bit more elusive than other species. As their alternative name suggests, hedge sparrow, they often tend to seek cover.

Coal Tit Coal tits most show a preference for conifer woodland during the breeding season. It Is similar in size and resembles the larger great tit but can be identified by the white patch on the back of its head and light brown flanks.

Blue Tit Is a resident breeding bird and has a similar diet to other birds in winter, favouring seeds.

Famously Blue Tits adapted the ability to digest milk and used to tap through the foil lids of freshly delivered milk on doorsteps.

We spend approx. ÂŁ200 million a year on wild bird food!

There are around 10,000 different species of birds worldwide.

Bird Facts Shortest Bird Migration

Shortest Widest Wingspan

The dusky grouse is a North American bird that migrates just 300 m. During the winter it lives in mountainous pine forests of western North America. It then descends to deciduous woodlands for the breeding season where it feeds on the early crop of seeds and fresh leaves.

The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any bird in the world reaching lengths of 3.65m.

Sparrows can survive between 4 and 5 years in the wild

The Peregrine Falcon can reach speeds of up to 240 miles per hour (mph) while diving!

Birds

the British Isles for Winter?

Winter visitors are birds that arrive in autumn from the north and east to spend the winter in the UK, where the weather is milder and food is easier to find. In spring, they return to their breeding quarters.

They include fieldfares, redwings, bramblings, Bewick’s and whooper swans and many kinds of ducks, geese and wading birds. Many water birds also spend the winter on the sea around the UK coast, including common scoters, great northern divers and red-necked grebes (opposite).

What is Irruption?

Irruption is a mass arrival of birds that do not usually visit the UK in large numbers.

This happens with some northern species, such as waxwings, when their population grows too large for the food supply.

Longest Flying Alpine swifts can fly up to six months without stopping.

Fastest

Sparrow Sparrows are carnivores by nature, but they have changed their eating habits when they learned to live close to people. Sparrows primarily eat moths and other small insects, but they can also eat seed, berries and fruit.

Waxwings only visit the UK in the winter.

Waxwing

Scandinavian winter quarters, they have to cross the sea to the UK to find more.

Irruptions only happen every 10 years or so; we cannot expect to see waxwings every winter.

Altitudinal migrants Instead of migrating between north and south or east and west, some birds migrate up and down. This is called altitudinal migration - or vertical migration. Birds that breed in upland areas in summer head down to lowland areas in winter in search of a milder climate and more food.

Although the journey may not be long, it often involves quite a change in lifestyle. Altitudinal migrants in the UK include skylarks, meadow pipits and snow buntings.

For example. once some waxwings have eaten all the berries in their usual 39

Herongate Club is more than a Health Club,

it’s part of your community A NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION

We are now

FULLY REFURBISHED and open for business

www.herongate.club 01488 682 000 Find us on Facebook

Chris tmas G Mem ift on 6 bershi Mon p th an A Mem nnual d bersh ips

Dr. Michael Greger M.D. FACLM

Diabetes We’ve known since the 1930s that type 2 diabetes can be prevented, arrested, and even reversed with a plant-based diet.

Plant-based diets are relatively low in calories; is it possible that diabetes just got better because people lost weight? To see if plant-based diets have benefits beyond weight loss, we need a study where people are switched to a healthy diet but forced to eat so much they don’t lose weight. We waited 44

years for such a study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1979, which you can see in my video How Not to Die from Diabetes on NutritionFacts.org.

Subjects were weighed daily. If they started losing weight, they were made

Local Buzz is delighted to welcome Dr. Michael Greger, a physician, author and professional speaker on public health issues to share his blogs in every issue.

He focuses on the best available balance of evidence from the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

to eat more. Without any weight loss, did a plant-based diet still help?

Overall insulin requirements were cut about 60 percent, and half the diabetics were able to get off their insulin altogether - despite no change in weight. How many years did that take? Not years. An average of 16 days.

We’re talking about diabetics who had had diabetes as long as 20 years and injected 20 units of insulin a day. Then, in as few as 13 days later, they were off their insulin, thanks to less than two weeks on a plant-based diet - even with zero weight loss. It’s astonishing.

As a bonus, their cholesterol dropped like a rock to under 150. As noted in a 2010 study in Current Diabetes Reports, “moderate changes in diet usually result in only moderate reductions in LDL cholesterol levels.”

But how moderate do you want your diabetes?

“Everything in moderation” may be a truer statement than some people realise. Moderate changes in diet can leave diabetics with moderate blindness, moderate kidney failure, and moderate amputations.

Moderation in all things is not necessarily a good thing.

For more information :

Both his latest books, How Not to Die and the How Not to Die Cookbook, became instant New York Times Best Sellers. 100% of all proceeds he has ever received from his books, DVDs and speaking engagements have always and will always be donated to charity.

41

Facials Dermal fillers Wrinkle relaxing injections TCA and Glycolic peels Medical microneedling (dermaroller) Fabulous skincare products

Located in Berkshire bbeauté 25 Gloucester Road Maidenhead SL6 7SN

Georgina Hill Hairdressing Brimpton Lane Brimpton RG7 4TL

Monday afternoons by appointment Not convenient for you? I can also come to your home.

Contact me

07895 664673

info@drteresa.co.uk www.facebook.com/drteresafacialaesthetics

Is your home the sanctuary it should be?

Do you feel at ease and relaxed at home?

The answer to these questions should be yes! If not, perhaps there are areas of your home that feel uncomfortable, or there is constant tension in the home between family members. Perhaps it feels like any projects you start in the home go wrong, or you can relate to life going wrong from when you moved into a house.

Emma Loveheart runs Into the Light home healing, specifically working with energies in people’s homes.

So why might your home not be a calm and peaceful environment?

It could be caused by psychic phenomena or earth stresses that you have no control over, but are continuously active in your home creating stress. Emma has helped clear many homes of such energies and transformed people’s homes and subsequently their lives for the better.

For case studies and more information you can visit www.homehealer.co.uk 42

FREE ASSESSMENT If you would like to know about the energies in your home, you can apply for a FREE ASSESSMENT and report.

Please email emmaloveheart@outlook.com quoting ‘Free Assessment’.

New

Laurabella The Barn Spa

Bamboo Massage

Hot Bamboo Massage is the treatment of the month, an ideal opportunity to try something very different. The bamboo works on a different level to massage, pre-heating the muscle it allows us to get deeper into the problem areas, whilst dispersing knots and tension out of muscles, lowering stress and helping stress related problems like, headaches, insomnia and back pain.

For November and December we are offering £10 off this treatment so you can try for yourself and feel the benefits. It is also an ideal Christmas present.

Tucked away you will find a treasure of a spa. A little piece of heaven that cocoons you, making you feel warm, wanted and has your best interests at heart. Things are done differently at Laurabella, from the start of your treatment it is all about your wants and needs, educating, nurturing and finding solutions that work for you. There is no age group, gender or ability that isn’t welcome through the doors, when they say all are welcome they really mean it.

With a beautiful newly developed spa area you can have some time out to yourself and get away from all the hustle and bustle of life. Have a treatment that will iron away all the stress and make you feel human again. Or you can bring your friend or friends and have a spa party. Often at the weekend a whole family will arrive from teenagers to the grandparents, all bringing some food and fizz, soaking in the hot tub and having mini treatments, this is a package that is special designed for larger groups of people where we offer two, three or four mini treatments a great selection of treatments at affordable prices so it doesn't have to be a one off but a regular date in the diary.

The Spa has launched a new membership programme for all our clients who enjoy coming to our spa to have treatments and would love to use the spa more often. At £40 per month it gives

you a 10% discount on all your treatments, plus once a month you can invite 3 guests and use the hot tub, it will also give you a special discount day where you can use the hot tub and have your treatments at an extra special price. Also every 3 months you will receive a hamper in the post containing a host of surprises from products and treatments to recipe cards and much more. Each package you receive will be different.

Laurabella also has a wide range of specialised treatments in the skin clinic where real visible results are achieved.

We are the only spa south of London that has the selection of specialised skin care treatments. Always starting with a consultation the therapist works out a treatment plan, not always along the lines that you think, its often mixed with some surprising treatments that we know deal on skin complaints internally as well as from the surface.

Gift Vouchers

What a fantastic present to receive and is an ideal present when you are stuck not knowing what to give for Christmas or a birthday. The Laurabella Gift Vouchers are being up dated with our new logo and being presented in a beautiful box, so there is now something special to wrap or put on or under the tree.

You can also purchase our give vouchers on line. These can be sent directly to the e-mail address of your choosing within 24 hours with you own personalised message. You can purchase these vouchers for any treatment, spa day or an amount of money.

Don’t forget we have a wide range of alternative health treatments, so if you have a loved one who would benefit from Acupuncture, Reflexology or an allergy test, vouchers are also available for each of our practitioners.

Laurabella.co.uk . 01635 291211 . STRATTONS FARM . KINGSCLERE . RG20 4SZ 43

I often see patients complaining of sciatica. But what is it?

Sciatica

Mel Harrison

Sciatica is a “bucket term” that is used to describe the distribution of pain, that is caused when there is irritation to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that originates in the spinal cord and runs through the lower back, buttock, down the back of the thigh and into the leg and foot.

The symptoms of sciatica are associated with what the nerve innervates, for example, the muscles and the skin.

Common symptoms of sciatica include, a sharp or constant, intense, dull pain, weakness and discomfort in the leg and back, as well as nerve pain such as burning, pins and needles, numbness, tingling and weakness. Pain is often worse for prolonged standing or sitting or when coughing or sneezing. Bending forward and twisting can also aggravate the pain.

The term sciatica doesn’t really explain the cause of the pain, as there are so many different reasons for sciatica, including a prolapsed or herniated disc, disc degeneration, arthritis of the spine, muscular spasm, spinal injuries, pelvic dysfunction and even serious conditions.

So how can osteopathy help? I can help determine the cause of the pain and what is the appropriate treatment for you to relieve your symptoms, including home advice and exercises.

07727 666312 . www.melharrisonosteopath.co.uk melharrison156@yahoo.com ASK MEL - LOCAL BUZZ OSTEOPATHY EXPERT

REBECCA KINGWELL WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Comprehensive, bespoke, financial advice & planning

I offer specialist advice across all areas of financial planning.

Rebecca Kingwell

My expertise includes planning for retirement, savings, investment planning, estate planning and tax efficiency.

BSc (Hons), DipFA

For further details please contact: T: 01635 869 265 M: 07919 543 684 rebecca.kingwell@sjpp.co.uk www.rebeccakingwell.co.uk Montague Court, 21–25 London Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1JL 44

Not just another nursing home Are you a Registered Nurse, Care Assistant, Chef, Catering Assistant or Housekeeper? No matter what role you undertake; to the people who live in our services you are an extension of their family, their friend, their confidante, their reassurance, their entertainment and most importantly the enabler of their independence and choice.

Why work for us?

Brendoncare is a Charity, our ‘Care for Life’ promise means that no-one will have to leave their Brendoncare home if their financial situation changes. We do not pay profits to shareholders and any surpluses are invested back into improving services and delivering our ‘Care for Life’ promise.

Our Staff recommend us. In our recent staff survey, 95% of staff agreed that they were proud to work for Brendoncare 89% of staff said they were very likely or quite likely to recommend Brendoncare as a place to work. We invest heavily in staff training and believe in supporting our staff by providing access to an Employee Assistance Scheme offering advice and access to counselling.

We’re looking for people to join our Brendoncare family in Marlborough, Alton and Winchester. We offer competitive rates of pay and a commitment to further training and development.

If you would like to find out more, or if you wish to apply, please email careers@brendoncare.org.uk, telephone 01962 857480 or visit www.brendoncare.org/work-for-us KINDNESS

|

CARE

|

CHOICE

|

FAMILY AND HOME

|

Text ALTON to 84433

FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY Registered Charity No. 326508

Should I stay or should I go: move versus improve You may be surprised to hear UK homeowners are choosing to invest in their current property instead of moving, new research has shown.

Specialist insurer Hiscox, has reported an impressive 400% increase in those deciding to improve rather than move in the past five years. Higher property prices, a lethargic market and uncertainty caused by Brexit have been cited as some of the biggest reasons for staying put.

Renovations may seem as the easier and more economical option compared to moving, but is this strictly true?

In some cases it’s not with two in five projects being overspent by an average of 20% and 35% during the last five years.

Both time-consuming and a hefty financial commitment, the decision to move or improve shouldn’t be taken lightly and it’s never been more important to arm yourself with the right information to ensure you make an informed decision.

Below is a list of key considerations you need to deliberate before taking your next step: The case for moving • Change of location: whether you’ve started a new job and want to lessen the commute, after a better school catchment area or want to live closer to your family, moving instead of renovating is easily the best option for you • Less destruction: packing, moving and then unpacking is an inconvenience; however, renovations (no matter how simple) can cause a lot of chaos and disruption to your daily routine for a prolonged period of time. For example, a paint job in the kitchen can take several days whereas an extension can take months • Renovating could overprice you out of the market: any work done to your property runs the risk of over-capitalising. This means even though the house itself offers a potential buyer more, it may be overpriced for the area in which it is located. If this is the case, it can be hard to sell in the future.

•

freedom to inject your own personal style, it will also add to the overall value of the property when you do come to sell it later on You can take your time: unlike moving which works to a specific timescale, some renovation projects can give you the flexibility to work to your own schedule. You are able to improve your property incrementally to meet the needs of your growing family as well as control the flow of costs.

If you’re still unsure which option is right for you, consult the experts. You can do this by gathering a series of quotes from professionally approved tradesmen, by seeking advice from your local planning office and by approaching local estate agents. Obtain a list of all the properties, which match your home criteria, currently available on the market. By doing so, you can make a calculated and informed decision before you commit financially.

If you are considering renovating and need to borrow additional funds or simply would like to discuss your mortgage opinions, please contact us and arrange an appointment.

Basingstoke branch: 5-6 Chelsea House, Festival Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7JR call: 01256 816813 or email: basingstoke@newbury.co.uk.

Newbury branch: 105b Northbrook Street, Newbury, RG14 1AA call: 01635 522588 or email: newbury@newbury.co.uk.

Thatcham branch: 4 High Street, Thatcham, RG19 3JD call: 01635 864996 or email: thatcham@newbury.co.uk.

Hungerford branch: 127 High Street, Hungerford, RG17 0DL call: 01488 684705 or email: hungerford@newbury.co.uk.

YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPLAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

The case for renovating • Make the space work for you: from the very beginning you have complete creative control over the design of your home and how you want it. This means you can tailor the property to how it would best suit you and your family without needing to compromise (unless planning permission permits you too) • Increase its value: whether it is a loft conversion, an open plan kitchen-diner or an extension, renovating your property not only gives you the

Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). 7293

Newbury Building Society

www.yourequityreleaseoptions.co.uk

The Venue at Newbury Rugby Club is your local meeting provider, that can offer a professional events service whatever your requirements may be.

We have four rooms available to hire for all sizes of conferences and events. All our rooms have natural light, and have screens for presentations.

We also have around 300 free parking spaces.

CONFERENCING The Boardroom

What are your plans this winter?

Home improvements?

Escape to the sun?

Free no obligation meeting.

Start living the Retirement you deserve.

To book your free meeting call Carol on:

01635 550 179 Carol Brown Senior Mortgage Consultant

A lifetime mortgage will be secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Holds up to 14 people and has views over our main pitch and patio doors to a balcony.

WINTER OFFER

10% Off

Please quote RFC18 your conference bookings*

The Langdon Suite

Holds up to 50 people and has access to its own patio area.

The Kickers Suite

Holds up to 120 people and overlooks our main pitch with access to an outside area.

The Wickens Suite

Holds up to 180 people and is a large L shaped room ideal for large conferences.

OUTDOOR EVENTS AND TEAM BUILDING

Our outdoor space is ideal for a whole host of outdoor events, from team building, corporate barbeques, sports events and family fun days.

Louise 01635 230023 louise.joplin@newburyrfc.org.uk

THE VENUE AT NEWBURY RUGBY CLUB MONKS LANE . NEWBURY . RG14 7RW *Valid for bookings confirmed by February 2019 *10 % off net room hire and catering. * Speak to Louise for t & c’s 47

If you’re finding it harder to hear the grandchildren it may be time to book a hearing test.

Mary Hare has been helping people with hearing difficulties for well over a hundred years. So when it comes to quality hearing care, we’re the experts.

To book your free initial assessment call us on 01635 523 343 or come and see us at 10 Weavers Walk, Newbury, RG14 1AL

Quality hearing care by the experts

www.maryharehearingcentres.co.uk

Brakes, Shocks & Exhausts n Wheel Laser Alignment MOT Preparation n Car Servicing Used Tyres n New Tyres

01635 550202 www.newburyautostop.co.uk Unit 6 Freemans Yard 48

.

.

Bone Lane

tyres@newburyautostop.com .

Newbury

.

RG14 5SD

barnes

New 2019 UK & European Holiday Brochure out now!

Packed full of great new holiday destinations & plenty of the returning favourites. Contact the Barnes Coaches team to order your free copy.

01793 821303 www.barnescoaches.co.uk Unit E, Woodside road, south marston park, swindon, sn3 4aq

47

A look back at BuzzConnect Events 2018

#TheBigEvent Local businesses came together to enjoy talks by Clive Williams OBE and Kelvin Byron as well as meet and engage with various businesses exhibiting their products and services.

Networking Come and experience one of our networking events. . .

#TheBigPitch A fantastic effort from all the companies who presented their products and services at #TheBigPitch 2018 this summer.

We were delighted to welcome local businesses pitching for a chance to win over ÂŁ4,000 of services from BuzzConnect Ambassadors to push their business to the next level.

50

Join us today!

Our networking events are rapidly growing and we have added more events that will bring greater opportunities to local businesses to engage, network and promote their products/services.

BuzzConnect Simple networking If you have come along to one of our events, you will have noticed the warm and welcoming approach that we take. We encourage everyone to get involved and promote what they do.

which covers our immediate costs with proceeds going towards our chosen charity. This year we have partnered with Colostomy UK.

BuzzConnect was created to bring people together and we believe that there should be no exclusions, no long-term contracts and no “performance pressure” such as speaking to the room and giving a 2-minute introduction about your company.

BuzzConnect Business networking is evolving, and it will continue to grow for years to come. Make sure you join the BuzzConnect Networking Group on Facebook, so you can share your company information for free and be part of a thriving business community.

Our monthly networking at Metro Bank is hugely popular and will always be free. However, our evening events have a small charge

We look forward to welcoming you to our events this year, contact us if you have any questions.

More events. . .

In order to give you a great networking experience and to allow you to plan in advance, here are BuzzConnect events for your diary.

METRO BANK

Every 1st Thursday of the month 8.30am - 10.00am

DONNINGTON GROVE HOTEL

Dates for 2019

Thurs 17th January Thurs 18th April

What are the benefits of joining BuzzConnect?

RAISE your profile.  BUILD a local network of suppliers and customers. 

 COLLABORATE with other local businesses.

DEVELOP business and leadership skills.  BE PART of a community that represents you. 

By attending a BuzzConnect event you are also supporting

www.buzz-connect.co.uk

BUZZCONNECT AMBASSADORS

localbuzzmagazine.com

donnington-grove.com

openingz.com

metrobankonline.co.uk

gardner-leader.co.uk

andrewstreetwm.co.uk

51

Locksmith & Plumbing Specialists

LOCKSMITH

PLUMBING

n Lock

Repair n Lock Fitting n Lock Upgrades n Emergency Lock Entry n Mobile Key Cutting n Home Security Advice n Fully insured

Bathroom plumbing taps n Hot water plumbing n Kitchen plumbing n Overflow systems n Plumbing leaks n Radiator repairs n

n Dripping

0782 5566 865

www.wyselocksmiths.co.uk

wyselocksmiths

@ wyselocksmiths

BGA 56 Battery Powered Leaf Blower • Comes with battery & charger • Easy to control • Adjustable length

TKV650SPH Self-propelled garden vacuum shredder

The blowing force of this powerful yet light blower is perfectly suited for clearing leaves, twigs and light debris from your garden

£165 SPECIAL OFFER

www.farolmowers.co.uk Rycote Lane Farm, Milton Common, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2NZ

Coldridge Copse, Shefford Woodlands, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 7BP

Tel. 01844 278843

Tel. 01488 648552

*Terms & conditions apply. While stocks last. Prices excluding VAT.

52

info@ wyselocksmiths.co.uk

• 69cm / 27” working width • 151 Litre collection bag • Built in 2” chipper

The 27” TKV leaf and litter vacuum has a built in 2” chipper so you can collect small branches to your debris collection

£1295 SPECIAL OFFER

LIVE ON FM NOW

106.7

Kennet Radio - The Local Sound of Newbury and Thatcham

Your only truly local radio station, broadcasting 24/7 to Newbury and Thatcham from our studio in central Newbury.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, we are looking for more people to get involved, both as presenters and behind the scenes. Interested? Get in touch – there’s always lots to do!

Local business need local customers. Advertising your business on Kennet Radio is great value - for details, call Neil on 01635 780 880 or email sales@kennetradio.com.

Listen

NOW

on 106.7 FM, www.kennetradio.com or on our app

10% Discount with this advert

On site PC/Mac/ Network support for home and small business users PC, Mac or Network problems?

Would you like a new computer setup?

Are you secure?

All work carried out in your own home/office Friendly, local IT support for the home & small business

Computer Gremlins?

We have the solution!

Call PCBoB 07958 473675

www.pcbob.co.uk . info@pcbob.co.uk 53

Business Directory . Call 01635 200 006

J.S Fencing & Landscaping All types of garden fencing and landscape construction.

30 years experience No job too big or small Please contact Jason on M: 07810 794171 . T : 01635 269280

Are you currently working in

sales

and looking for a new challenge?

Now open at Basingstoke Bus Station

24HR TAXI SERVICE

BOOK BY PHONE 01256 242428 BOOK BY WHATSAPP 07971718181

Book by Email : deltacarsbasingstoke@outlook.com

Oven Solutions Professional Oven Cleaning & Repairs No harsh chemicals used

Est 2005

Local Buzz is expanding and looking to recruit an additional Advertising Sales Executive to take us forward. Berkshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire are areas we will launch our new titles.

If you feel you have what it takes to join us on this journey then please forward a copy of your cv with a covering letter to sales@localbuzzmagazine.com

Pete Hudson

07733 253563 See Yell.com for our reviews

Daisy’s Afternoon Tea Club

1st Stamp Free

Collect a stamp each time you visit for full afternoon tea and receive your 5th one FREE. One stamp on one voucher, per person, per visit.

Subject to availability

Grove Road, Newbury RG14 2LA www.donnington-grove.com . Tel: 01635 581000

localbuzzmagazine.com

25% Off SERVICING WITH THIS VOUCHER.

Valid between 1st November – 31st December 2018

More deals in store throughout November 01256 353465/07771 927354

Unit 12, Hassocks Wood, Stroudley Rd, Basingstoke RG24 8UQ

T: @espokescycles

F: espokeselectricbikes

I: espokeselectricbikes

Quality Private Healthcare

Recognised by all healthcare insurers and open to any self-funding patient.

Full range of clinical services including: • Private GP • Orthopaedics • Ophthalmology • Cardiology • Cosmetic Surgery • MRI & Imaging

Call 01256 315010 Visit candoverclinic.com

Located at Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital

Private Healthcare Supporting

NEW

FINANCE OPTIONS

are now available Ask in store for more information

Made to Measure Colour Matching Painted Furniture (With Extensive Colour Range) Giftware and Accessories