RG10 Jul/Aug 2019

July/August 2019 | issue 78 | free

inside | Local news | What’s on | Features | Puzzles | Food and Drink | Competitions

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Later life

Contents

In this edition you will find a good number of articles and adverts specially tailored to our older readers – but hopefully of interest to everyone.

Later life

We have advice on exercise, insurance and style, scam awareness and home security, and input from organisations who care for the elderly or help celebrate end of life.

14–15 16 18–19

Another theme is protecting the environment, thanks to local projects addressing the scourge of single use plastics and the plight of bees, plus more natural gardening tips from Waltham Place.

We also celebrate the success of Twyford’s Seesaw World Record and the 10th Twyford Beer Festival, the continued progress of the Twyford-Cuincy Twinning relationship, and the kindness campaign of one young mother and her toddler, along with many other snippets of local news.

Soon after this goes to print, I’ll be sitting down with the other members of the judging panel for the Twyford Together Community Awards to review all the fabulous nominations that have been coming in. We are looking forward to hosting the finalists and supporters for the special awards evening at Buratta’s on 15 July.

Then it will be time to focus on plans for celebrating RG10’s 10th birthday later this year.

Yay! If you’d like to be a part of it, see the competitions page for how you can help already.

10 11 13

Home Instead: Scam awareness advice House of Colour: Dress your style, not your age Springwood Ceremonies: Celebrate your life, your way CMJ: The changing shape of insurance in later life FastTrack Fit Camp: Age is just a number Age Concern Twyford & District: Friendship and care

Community 26 27 28 29–33 34–35 37 38–40

Twyford Twinning Association update Twyford seesaw world record AJ Making a Stamp: Kindness is contagious Local news What’s on Twyford Together news Environment: Saving the planet

House and garden 6 21 46

Waltham Place: Weed and feed the natural way ABD Construction: Tips to add value to your home Band Systems: Modern intruder alarms

Business 43

Performance coach: The benefits of doing less

Puzzles and competitions 12 44 45 48 49

Henry Hedgehog’s puzzle page Su doku, Word wheel, Word ladder General knowledge crossword Puzzle solutions Competition: Seeking your feedback

Food and drink 53 54 55

Recipe: Risotto stuffed peppers Local pubs, restaurants and cafés News: Waggon & Horses, Buratta’s

Index 58 Jul/Aug 2019 Issue 78 Advertiser information RG10 is a bimonthly magazine reaching 7,500+ homes and busineses in Twyford, Ruscombe, Charvil, Hurst, Wargrave and Knowl Hill.

Copy deadline for pre-booked advertising is 1st of previous even month. rg10 also offers screen based advertising at Twyford Surgery and an online directory at www.RG10mag.com.

Sign up to RG10 Business Extra, our marketing newsletter, via www.RG10mag.com.

Contact information t 0118 907 2510 e nikki@RG10mag.com w www.rg10mag.com Join us on Facebook or Twitter @RG10mag Sign up via our Facebook page or website to receive RG10 Living, our occasional email newsletter.

Graphic design pulsefreelance t 01922 441546 e pete@pulsefreelance.co.uk

Disclaimer Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this magazine is accurate, the publisher cannont accept liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from any cause.

The publisher does not endorse any advertiser featured. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the publisher.

Introducing your local mortgage adviser

PB Decorating Interior and exterior decorating For discerning customers seeking an experienced decorator who will provide a top quality finish with exceptional service.

Paul Duffield brings to the Twyford area the Vickers Young approach to mortgages and protection.

Friendly, expert advice on the most appropriate financial products for you to achieve your aims.

Call Paul: 07920 066174 Email Paul: vickersyoung22@gmail.com

www.vickersyoung.co.uk

Paul Butler T 0118 932 0484 M 07812 155750 pbdecorating1@gmail.com Proud to be a member of

A mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.

4 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Twyford Together Awards: Business of the Year winner 2012 | Twyford Tradesmen Together award winner 2017

Proud to be a member of

Sponsor of the Twyford Together Community Awards

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5

gardening

Tips from Waltham Place Weed and feed the natural way energy and space to be directed to each plant, which includes keeping the weeds under control.

Hand-held hoes and weeding tools are very helpful for keeping on top of the situation; a daily light once-over makes this task quick, easy and manageable. Always be mindful to remove couch grass and bindweed thistles as soon as you spot them; these have a tendency to take over the space.

For the home gardener, mulching using straw or wood chip can be another helpful technique to suppress weeds and retain moisture in your soil.

However, do keep a keen eye out for slugs as they enjoy the additional warmth and damp this provides!

Looking at all the products available on the market to kill weeds, one would be forgiven for thinking they are the enemy. However, for the organic and biodynamic gardener, they are just a part of the process to adapt to as a grower.

Weeds can also be a helpful indicator of what is happening with your soil quality; for example, creeping buttercup can be an indicator of waterlogged land. Annual weeds can also act as excellent ground cover, helping to retain moisture in the soil; just be mindful not to allow them to go to seed. The diversity of weeds is something to celebrate; just think of the insect and bee life that thrives on the plants that we call weeds.

Keeping all this in mind, the organic and biodynamic gardener looks to other solutions when trying to keep weeds in check. They will always be there, so let us strive to work with nature rather than against it.

By this stage of the summer, those of you growing vegetables will have many of your plants well established in the ground. In order to ensure a healthy crop you need to enable maximum nutrition,

In biodynamic gardening we use natural remedies to maintain healthy crops. These are readily found in nature, simple to make and easy to use. One plentiful source all around us is nettles, which are full of nitrogen and micronutrients. To help improve the overall fertility of your soil, harvest the leaves of stinging nettles, soak them in water until rotten, and dilute the liquid feed generated in a ratio of 1 part to 10 parts water. The nutrients from the nettle will have been released into the liquid as they break down. This feed can be used on average around three times through the growing season.

Comfrey is another very beneficial and prolific garden plant. It is attractive to bees and people alike but be careful not to allow too much to grow in your garden.

Rich in potassium, a liquid feed made from comfrey is ideal for fruiting crops. Collect the comfrey leaves and stems before flowering and leave submerged in water until well rotten. Strain and use diluted, again 1:10 parts water, on crops after the flowering stage has completed.

When we use biodynamic teas and liquid manures, fertilisers and preparations, they act to support nature’s natural defence mechanisms. They activate, revitalise and support the land whilst in turn giving us healthy food and soil rich in nutrients.

André Tranquilini Estate Manager

Waltham Place Farm, a 220 acre biodynamic and organic farm in White Waltham, is often known as ‘Berkshire’s best kept secret’. The estate welcomes visitors by appointment for garden tours, events, and school visits. For more information visit www.walthamplace.com.

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rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Properties available Twyford

Twyford

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Waltham St Lawrence

Charvil

Charvil

Charvil

Twyford

Charvil

Twyford

The Old Butchers, 15 High Street, Twyford RG10 9AB Sales: 0118 934 0027 twyford@wentworthea.com

Lettings: 0118 934 3886 lettings@wentworthea.com

www.wentworthea.com

later life

Scam awareness advice Home Instead Senior Care partner with the National Trading Standards scam team According to National Trading Standards, 48% of people in the UK have been targeted by a scam and £3.5 billion is lost to scammers every year. It’s very distressing to be caught out by a scam but easily done as their methods are ever more sophisticated.

If you’ve been affected, it’s really important to report it to try and stop the scammer striking again.

Director Paul Johnson said ‘This is a subject I feel particularly passionate about. I find it so disturbing that there are people out there who actively try and cheat people by executing these scams – especially when it comes to older people like our clients. That’s why we want to arm people with the knowledge to help prevent these scammers from being successful.’

Home Instead Senior Care have partnered with the National Trading Standards Scam Team (NTSST) to fight fraud at a local community level. Working with older people, they know all too well the devastating effects scams can cause, both financially and emotionally.

Paul and his team have produced a scam awareness kit with top tips and information for those attending the session in September to take home. Spaces are limited, so please book your place by emailing paul.johnson@homeinstead.co.uk.

Home Instead are holding a Scam Awareness information session at their offices in Ruscombe in September (details below).

If you think that someone has been scammed, or may be at risk of being scammed, be sure to contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.

House of Colour

Dress your style, not your age As we age it is sometimes hard to know how to keep looking our best. Some of the things that used to work for us no longer look as great, but we are not sure what to do instead. Here are some tips for ageing with style, from top to toe.

Contrast is key In our youth we tend to have clearer and brighter complexions, redder lips, pinker cheeks, and more defined colour in our hair and eyebrows. As we age, we gradually lose these contrasts in tone; the skin can darken a little, lips and cheeks look paler, hair and eyebrows become lighter or go grey and may also become thinner. Research has shown that the degree of contrast visible in the face is one of the ways we naturally estimate someone’s age. The greater the level of contrast, the younger someone looks.

Style is timeless Being authentic, visible and stylish does not need to stop as you get older. Your personal style will work for you whatever age you are. Don’t feel you need to restrict yourself by only visiting shops you think are aimed at your age group. You will find things that work for your clothing personality right across the high street stores and boutiques.

Rather than worrying about that old phrase ‘mutton dressed as lamb’, embrace the thought that ‘you are as young as you feel’.

Ageing with style can be great fun; you just need to know the tips and tricks.

Wearing your best ‘season’ of colours will clear and brighten your skin, return a healthy glow to your face and minimise any signs of ageing (yes, wrinkles) as well as make your eyes sparkle. This has the effect of increasing the contrast on your face, helping you to look a little younger naturally.

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise Both men and women will benefit from using a good quality moisturising product. We use Natural Elements skincare by Essentially Yours in our studios, which has been ethically developed in the UK and is free from parabens, petrochemicals, alcohol and synthetic perfumes. Made from vital and essential oils, the range contains vitamins, minerals and the super antioxidants which mop up the free radicals responsible for the causes of ageing, leaving your skin nourished and replenished.

Make-up in your best colours will also add to this contrast. A perfectly matched foundation will even out your skin tone and a blusher in your season will give you a healthy rosy glow. Add a lipstick in one of your ‘wow’ colours and you are well on your way to a much more youthful appearance.

Contact me for help with: Colour analysis, personal styling (including body shape and proportions), make-up, bra fittings, personal shopping for clothes, accessories and glasses, and how to accessorise effectively. I also offer skincare and/or make-up classes.

Linda Sujeewon Colour and Style Consultant

07717010128 linda.sujeewon@houseofcolour.co.uk houseofcolour.co.uk/lindasujeewon LindaHoCReading

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11

later life

Springwood Ceremonies Celebrate your life, your way

by Alison Carter, Celebrant

Death is an uncomfortable fact that we all have to accept. For your loved ones it can be a time of great distress. They find themselves in an unfamiliar situation with many arrangements to make. The sense of responsibility can feel overwhelming. Planning your own funeral ahead of time can ease the emotional toll on your family.

How much involvement would the family like? Maybe family members would like to say something – perhaps sharing personal recollections or reciting a poem.

One of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family is to give them the freedom to celebrate your life instead of the burden of arranging your funeral. In addition, by capturing your wishes in writing you'll know that your requests will be honoured.

In what ways do you want to personalise the ceremony? You could include a much-loved piece of music or reading, ask everyone to wear your favourite colour, or showcase your hobby.

A funeral doesn’t have to be an event following a traditional formulaic pattern; you can create a ceremony that is uniquely designed to reflect your life.

By planning ahead, you can help your loved ones create a celebration that becomes a special memory rather than an occasion to dread.

So, what are your choices?

By law, a body must be either be cremated or buried, but the detail of the funeral ceremony itself is entirely up to you. Burial can take place in a churchyard, cemetery, natural burial ground or on private land.

What things do you need to think about?

Here are a few ideas to consider. Think about what you would like to happen but also what you don’t like.

What type of ceremony would you like? A traditional religious service is most appropriate for some families. For others, a ‘semi-religious’ service or a totally non-religious ceremony is more apt. You can choose to have family and friends conducting all parts of the ceremony themselves, or have it led by a celebrant. You may want no service at all… The choice is yours.

What type of coffin would you want? Choose a coffin that reflects your personality and lifestyle, from solid wood to natural willow to biodegradable cardboard.

What budget do you have available? A good funeral doesn’t have to be expensive. Contact a few funeral directors and ask them to explain all your options, not just the ones in the brochure. You don’t have to be locked into a package.

Of course, end of life is a difficult conversation to have and maybe it’s something you talk about with your family over time. Yet by taking the initiative and setting out what you would like, you can get on with living your life, knowing that when the time comes you’ll be sparing your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions or worry if they are doing the right thing.

To find out more about the choices available, take a look at the following organisations: www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk www.dyingmatters.org www.naturaldeath.org.uk

07766 750446 alison@springwoodceremonies.co.uk www.springwoodceremonies.co.uk

Whereabouts would you like to hold it? In addition to your place of worship or a crematorium, there are other options like a natural or woodland burial ground. In fact, you can hold a ‘celebration of life’ ceremony anywhere, and have the practical aspects dealt with separately.

Do you need a celebrant to help you? A celebrant will create and conduct the ceremony from your personal choice of readings, music, songs and tributes.

Helping you say it from the heart Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

13

finance

CMJ Insurance Brokers The changing shape of insurance in later life Lifestyles are changing as life expectancy increases, and many individuals are acquiring higher value possessions. Living longer equals longer retirement, giving more opportunity to travel.

Claims increase as the years increase!

Disclosure

Insurers take age into account when pricing an insurance product, as there is statistical evidence of a link between age and the likelihood of a claim.

As we grow older we tend to acquire more of those costly but small items that are easy to lose – such as expensive spectacles and hearing aids – and insurers factor this into their calculations. Beware of exclusions that may apply to standard insurance once you reach a certain age – be it for home, contents, motor or travel.

It is important to note that you need to disclose all medical conditions when obtaining an insurance quotation. For example, a CMJ client recently thought that as he had been signed off by his oncologist, he no longer needed to declare cancer, even though this was a fairly recent event. This omission would have put him at risk of cover being excluded by an insurer, based on non-disclosure of a medical condition.

Specialist travel insurance Statistics show that the average travel insurance claim is around four times greater for people aged between 86 and 90 than for those aged between 31 and 35. Little wonder that we find our premiums increasing over time.

Getting the correct insurance in later life is crucial, as people in this age group are naturally more likely to have issues such as pre-existing medical conditions. A number of insurers are looking at the ageing population and adopting different approaches for looking after clients who wish to travel.

Cruises are naturally popular with older generations. Some travel insurers include cruise cover on their policies, while others charge extra. Be sure to ask your insurer or broker about cover for excursions as this is often an additional benefit that has to be purchased. It is unusual to find a policy without exclusions. Chubb Masterpiece and Signature policies have no exclusions as long as your GP agrees you are fit to travel. These policies are only available via a broker.

Duty of care Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules state that insurance brokers have a duty of care to be aware of the possible vulnerability of older or impaired individuals. However, buying insurance online or in some cases by phone does not not involve receiving advice; therefore the FCA 'duty of care' would not apply.

Hand holding Providing the right cover is vital, but CMJ Insurance Brokers also believe that giving assistance when clients need it most is equally important. This is something that you will probably not get from a direct insurance provider.

CMJ call it ‘hand holding’ and make every effort to deal with their clients face-to-face. This is particularly valuable in the event of a claim, when they make sure they are actively involved in the process, rather than leaving clients to liaise directly with insurers and loss adjusters.

Insurance documents can appear complicated and it is easy to overlook the small print. CMJ highlight vital details such as exclusions and limitations, and will advise you according to your individual needs.

You get what you pay for Don’t forget when you’re making decisions about insurance, price matching does not necessarily mean matching cover. An insurance broker will guide you and highlight any possible pitfalls so that you get the cover you expect.

The insurance market is very competitive, giving ample opportunity for people of all ages to shop around. For specialist advice and peace of mind please contact CMJ Insurance Brokers who can guide you to the correct cover for your requirements.

CMJ Insurance Brokers 0118 940 6175 www.cmj.co.uk

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Your local independent insurance broker

0118 940 6175 cmj.co.uk

CMJ insurance brokers

1a Waltham Court Milley Lane Hare Hatch Reading RG10 9AA

PROUD SPONSORS OF RAMS RUGBY CMJ is a trading style of Cassey Miller James Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No. 2801466

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15

health

FastTrack Fit Camp Age is just a number

by Heidi Strickland-Clark

According to the World Health Organization, between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population aged over 60 will nearly double from 12% to 22%.

Did you know that the average age of a FastTrack Fit Camper is 51 years old? Our clients work out because they want to age actively and healthily.

None of this ageing gracefully business!

The number of people aged 60 years and older is set to outnumber children under five by 2020.

With longer life comes the responsibility for making sure that we are healthy and well enough to cope with these extra years we're given, so as not to overburden a health service already on its knees.

They're still doing zip wires through the Welsh Valleys, walking Jurassic coastal challenges and running Ultra Marathons in their spare time.

At FastTrack Fit Camp we think that age (much like weight) really is just a number.

Or one of energy, new adventures and opportunities?

Until he retired to Fleetwood two years ago, my Dad was a four-times-a-week regular at Fit Camp sessions. He still goes to the gym three times a week. He's 79 this year.

If you're after the latter we can help you! Wherever you are starting from, we can help you to feel better.

What kind of old age do you imagine?

One of aches, pains and GP visits?

If you're already living with aches and pains and don't much like it, we can help you too! You start by learning to move safely enough to begin feeling the benefits, building the confidence to realise that you can improve your situation with some lifestyle choices. Think how happy your GP will be!

To find out more about how FastTrack Fit Camp can help you, please drop us a line by emailing admin@fasttrack-fitcamp.co.uk. You can take advantage of our free trial week enabling you to see if you like what we do before making any commitments.

We can't wait to see you.

We have a camper who joined us eight years ago when he was 58. At 66, he's fitter now than he was then and still holds a Fit Camp record for one of our foundation exercises.

Heidi Strickland-Clark is an outdoors junkie and wellness rebel who owns and runs FastTrack Fit Camp, a Social Enterprise running outdoor group fitness business based in and around the Wokingham area. FastTrack Fit Camp give back a minimum of 50% of their profits to environmental and nature restoration programmes in the community.

16 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

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Unlock your potential Promote your business in our magazine, on our wide screen at Twyford Surgery, and via our website thly magazines Over 7,500 bimon d es, businesses an delivered to hom across RG10 collection points Making your business everyone's business Call 0118 907 2510 | Email nikki@rg10mag.com | Visit www.rg10mag.com

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17

twyford charities together

Age Concern Twyford & District The team offering friendship and care members and visitors – and the indispensable Ricky Heffernan. Husband of Debs, he has been handyman, bus driver and gardener for the past three years. It’s Ricky who also provides friendly and affordable handyman services to older people in the local community.

Services available

It’s been a couple of years since we caught up properly with this local charity. Although affiliated to the national Age Concern charity, this is in fact a small, independent CIO which runs the Twyford day centre and various community outreach services.

About the day centre The Twyford Centre is located in Polehampton Close, Twyford. It’s not one of those rather soulless multipurpose halls catering to many different groups: this is a custom built, homely and friendly centre that feels more like a social club than anything else.

Members pay a small annual fee to attend the centre whenever they like. During the week the centre runs activities such as games, quizzes, exercises, interesting talks by visiting speakers, music or craft events, and more.

There is always a delicious freshly prepared lunch available, and free time for socialising. This way members can get to know each other as well as any family members or carers that may visit.

Other services range from treatments such as chiropody and reflexology to ‘sub-clubs’ run for members and non-members alike, such as ‘Make and Take’ involving craft activities at the Bridge Court development, the Sunday Club involving a film with tea and cake, or The Golden Years Club for over 60s and Carers' Coffee Mornings every other Thursday.

There may be a buzzer to gain access for security reasons, but in effect ‘the door is always open’ to anyone wanting a change of scene, a good meal, social interaction with other local people, making new friends with other members and their families, or simply a tranquil spot to sit admiring a pretty garden.

About the team On the retirement of the previous centre manager in the autumn of 2017, his deputy Debs Heffernan stepped up and remains at the helm. She is supported by two other members of staff, assistant manager and finance manager Ekin Bridgen, and outreach coordinator Sally Adams.

There are just two other paid staff on the catering side – looking after all the lunches for the centre’s

Apart from organising all the above, the team goes the extra mile to offer advice and help accessing other services, filling out forms or registering online for schemes such as the over 60s bus passes, Blue Badge parking permits or

18 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Attendance Allowance. Should the need arise, they can signpost people on to other services such as giving a referral to a memory clinic or contact details for care homes.

What’s really changed in recent years at Age Concern Twyford & District is the extent of their outreach services. These involve bringing something of what is on offer at the centre to older members of the local community who may be unable or unwilling to attend. Outreach services cover an area including Twyford, Wargrave, Woodley, Sonning and Charvil.

Examples are the Make and Take Club at Bridge Court and the handyman service offered in the community.

For more information, contact the centre by phone or through the website – details at the bottom of the page.

How you can help The permanent team relies on volunteers throughout the week. Usually at least three volunteers are needed each day. Would you be interested in helping?

Many volunteers have been coming for years and have made lasting friendships. You could find yourself pitching in as a driver, mixing in with members in the day centre or helping out in the kitchen, either serving meals prepared by the chef or washing up.

There is no set level of commitment; any time you can spare would be welcome. However, a full day centre shift is from 10am to 3pm.

Don't hesitate to contact the centre and have a chat with one of the team.

Offering friendship and care, social activities and practical support • • • • • •

Day care Chiropody Thursday Lunch Club Make & Take Club Sunday Club Form filling

• • • • • •

Handyman services Reflexology Carers’ Coffee Mornings Golden Years Club Outreach services Signposting

The Twyford Centre, Polehampton Close, Twyford RG10 9RP

0118 934 4040 www.ageconcerntwyfordanddistrict.org.uk Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

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47

house and home

ABD Construction Top tips to add value to your home The housing market isn't booming at the moment, so why not invest in home improvements in the meantime? Here’s our quick guide for to how to add value to your home, so that when the market improves, you’re in a good position to realise your investment.

•

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An extra bedroom in your loft can potentially add up to 15% on the value of your home, perhaps more if you have enough space for an en-suite.

Extending your kitchen could add as much as an extra 15% to your home’s value. Add in roof lights for a light and airy kitchen space.

Opening up your living area to an open-plan layout can make your home feel much more spacious and also add 3–5% to the value of your home.

• •

Kerb and garden appeal can add 10% – a new front door, porch or driveways can make a big difference.

Adding a potential 3–5% to the value of your home, a fresh new look can be achieved with a new bathroom layout, tiling, shower and bath sanitary ware.

ABD can help you with building plans, permissions, project management and more. Undoubtedly there will be builders who will quote less money to win your work. We strongly believe that you get what you pay for and at ABD Construction we deliver exceptional work and there are no hidden extras.

We’re also WHICH accredited for your peace of mind. Give us a call now on 0118 9034109 for a quote.

For exceptional quality, thorough attention to detail and a beautiful finish, give us a call to discuss your next building project. We cover repairs, new builds, extensions, insurance work and more.

0118 9034109 / 01628 878628 info@abdconstruction.co.uk www.abdconstruction.co.uk Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

21

house and home

S Green Plumbing & Heating Charity fundraising for the third year running This fundraising initiative has enabled him to donate over £800 so far to local charities. The money raised this year will go to Camp Mohawk, a multi-functional day centre for children with special needs and their families, set in five acres of beautiful woodland just outside Wargrave.

Homeowners and landlords therefore have a double incentive: book a boiler service during the quieter months to pre-empt any problems when the heating goes back on, and help direct funds to a good cause at the same time. Just contact Stephen via any of the methods below.

Once again this year, local heating engineer Stephen Green is offering to donate £10 for every boiler service booked by RG10 residents during the months of July and August. The standard cost for boiler servicing is £72.

0118 938 0372 sgreenplumbing_heating@hotmail.co.uk www.sgreenplumbingandheating.com

Boiler installation, Servicing and repairs, Fireplaces and cookers, Landlord certificates, LPG, Oil boilers Proud to be a member of Twyford Together and an approved contractor for John Lewis Home Solutions

PLUS: Boiler maintenance contracts for premises in RG10

Call 0118 938 0372 or 07796 955731 Or email sgreenplumbing_heating@hotmail.co.uk Based in Twyford 22 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Jacob & Sons Decorators Give your home a Technicolour Dream Coat of Paint!

Here’s what our Clients say: • Jacob and his team have transformed my kitchen and bathroom – I am utterly delighted! Josephine, Ruscombe • Jacob has always exceeded my expectations with every room he has decorated – I recommend him highly.

Lisa Fouweather, Kitchen & Bathroom Place, Twyford • I have known Jacob for many years and he has always delivered a high quality finish to each project he has completed. Judy Saunders, Charvil • My house décor was in desperate need of attention – Jacob and his team gave it the love and care needed to bring it back to its former glory. Nick Gibb, Reading

Call us now for a quote on 07951 297717 or email jacobbendictmartin@icloud.com

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25

community pages

Twyford Twinning Association Twyford–Cuincy update The Twinning Association is going from strength to strength since the very successful joint armistice celebrations held last November in both Cuincy and Twyford.

This year has been all about planning projects between interest groups both sides of the Channel.

The first of these was a school visit in April, when 48 pupils and six staff from Ecole Joliot Curie Primary School in Cuincy were hosted by the Dolphin School in Twyford. The programme included activities such as sports and singing. We hear that some of the French children were sufficiently impressed to express a wish to swap schools!

in Cuincy together with members of the Twinning Association committee – about 54 people in all. The Comets won the inaugural Twinning Trophy, and the hosts laid on entertainment with a British theme.

After the football and a wreath laying ceremony, the party got going: live tribute bands on Saturday night playing the the Beatles and British rock legends, a village parade on Sunday with a black London taxi as the mayor’s carriage, and a fête on Monday with activities including a Sherlock Holmes escape game.

There was also time for the committee to meet with their counterparts to progress projects planned between various interest groups.

A group of Twyford cyclists hopes to visit Cuincy in late August 2019. The Twyford Art Group is creating a book of sketches of Twyford scenes (below) to gift to Cuincy in exchange for one of their own. High Voltage Singers are actively engaged in making arrangements for a visit by the Cuincy choral group for a joint concert in April 2020. A Table Tennis competition is being planned for 2020. Hurst Morris People have also expressed an interest in visiting Cuincy during 2020.

The committee hope to facilitate exchanges or shared activities between others such as the theatre groups and the Scouts, as well as find people interested in archery in order to forge a relationship with Cuincy’s very active archery club.

Twyford Comets have also been busy. Four Comets managers visited Cuincy in April to finalise plans for taking a team over for their annual football tournament in June. Around 21 young players plus coaches and parents spent the weekend of 8–9 June

All these projects are open to involvement by members of the public. The more local people that get involved, the greater the benefits to the communities of both Twyford and Cuincy. Anyone interested in joining in the fun is invited to get in touch with the Twinning Association by emailing twyfordtwinning@gmail.com.

The Twyford Twinning Association Executive Committee in 2019: Hazel Evans has taken over from John Jarvis as Chairman.

Gordon Holmes remains Deputy Chairman. Marielle Patterson continues as Facebook group administrator. Other committee members: Roy Mantel, Jacky Crossman, John Jarvis, Bridget Ditcham, Martin Alder.

Meetings: The Executive Committee meets every two months. Two meetings a year are also open to public members of Twyford Twinning Association – future dates for these are 16 October 2019, 6 May 2020 and 21 October 2020. Meetings are held at 7.30pm in the Twyford Centre, Polehampton Close.

26 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email info@rg10mag.com

Seesaw success Twyford breaks world seesaw record – again The occasion marked fifty years since Twyford Youth Club members David Turner and David Sutch had set the previous seesaw world record.

The two Davids had remained on their machine continuously for 80 hours, bouncing 57,810 times in the process and gaining a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

It was David Turner who masterminded this latest record-breaking attempt, which was held to raise money for the Twyford Community Hub. This is a charity that has been established to turn the former Polehampton school into a library and central venue for local organisations.

Michael (left) and Richard celebrate at the finish Our last edition had been finalised by the time two men successfully completed their bid to beat the world non-stop seesaw record in Twyford.

In April, Richard March and Michael Jones bounced up and down on a specially constructed giant seesaw for 80 hours, ten minutes and six seconds, beating the existing record by just over ten minutes. In the process the pair went up and down 78,871 times without a moment’s break.

The remarkable event was held in the old Polehampton Boys’ School in Twyford and took weeks to set up. From the start of the challenge on Saturday 13 April, the pair’s spirits were buoyed by a steady stream of local residents visiting to give their support. Many kept them company for a while, taking a turn on the partner seesaw that had been built alongside.

Organiser David Turner Family, friends and supporters gathered to congratulated the pair as they finally dismounted on the evening of Tuesday 14 April. Richard, a project manager from Sandhurst, commented: ‘It was not as bad as I thought, although I am very tired. I am amazed at the interest there has been in our attempt. It has had a global reach – a friend of mine told me he had seen it on television in Mallorca!’

Michael, a Microsoft consultant from Ruscombe, said: ‘I have been overwhelmed by the interest shown within our community. The lack of sleep has been the toughest part, but now I can go home and be with the family.’

Photos by Tony Phillips Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

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community pages

AJ Making a Stamp Kindness is contagious need or as raffle prizes to help with fundraising.

Charities already supported in this way include Babies in Buscot, The Baby Bank, Helen and Douglas House, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, Daisy’s Dream, Me2 Club, The Royal Surrey Hospital Charity, equine charity SAFE, The Brett Foundation, and the Royal Berkshire Maternity Charity.

Zoe and family also managed to donate a vanload of pre-owned toys to Alexander Devine, lots of baby clothes and other items to the homeless, and plenty of clothes to The Fire Fighters Charity.

Zoe Correa is no ordinary young mum. Most women in their early twenties juggling a job, husband and toddler have plenty to keep them busy. This one also makes time to help others, involving two-year-old Alfie Jay every step of the way.

Her little boy is set a wonderful example: consider the needs of others and bring joy into their lives, for the simple enjoyment of the pleasure it brings.

How it all began It was visiting her late grandfather in a nursing home last year that taught Zoe the potential power of showing kindness to others. Realising how lonely some of the residents were, she and Alfie Jay made them Christmas cards personalised with his footprint. They also gave cards to Give & Take Care and an elderly lady they’d been visiting through a befriending scheme.

Seeing how greatly the cards were appreciated, Zoe vowed to do as much as possible to make a difference to others this year, teaching her son the importance of empathy and kindness along the way.

She set up a Facebook page for AJ Making a Stamp – after Alfie Jay’s foot stamp cards and in memory of another AJ, grandfather Anthony Johnson. This provides a platform for posting inspirational thoughts and quotes relating to kindness, delightful photos of Alfie Jay helping her carry out good deeds in the community, and building a support community enabling people to volunteer help or nominate charities and good causes.

Acts of kindness Most of the work carried out involves making up hampers, either for use by local people or groups in

Recent initiatives include fundraising for dog charity The Last Chance Hotel, the Ollie Young Foundation, the YMCA, and Launchpad Reading.

Initially the family was footing much of the bill for the contents of the hampers, but now the word is out many donations of items, time and other help are offered and gratefully received. The Facebook page also publishes the type of items required at any given time.

They also carry out unexpected acts of kindness, offering treats or arranging special experiences for local people that have come to Zoe’s attention – from cancer survivors and carers to wonderful teachers, families in need or those less fortunate.

How you can help Follow AJ Making a Stamp on Facebook and respond to any requests you can help with.

Help spread the word to others so that more local good causes know they can get in touch to seek help.

Support from local businesses would be especially welcome, whether donating items charities might like or sharing appeals across social media.

Offer to partner with Zoe and Alfie Jay in their kindness campaigns and encourage others to join in their mission.

Finally, don’t judge! Hard as it may be to understand, the family really do not want anything in return for all the help they give to others. As Zoe explains: We have found spreading kindness contagious: once you help one person and see the pleasure it brings, you want to do more and more! @AJMakingAStamp

28 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Local news COYC! (Come on you Comets)

Female voice choirs

Here are RG10 we are delighted to congratulate our sponsored team at Twyford Comets Football Club, the U11 Titans, winners of the East Berkshire Football Alliance Under 11 Shield.

Jewel Tones is a choir for girls aged 10–18, run bylocal music teacher Suzanne Newman.

Rehearsals are held on Sunday evenings in Charvil Village Hall. The choir sings a wide range of music and regularly takes part in concerts, festivals and competitions.

They battled hard in windy conditions at the cup final in late April at Binfield FC, beating Spencers Wood Trojans 3–2.

Next year will see the 30th anniversary of the choir, so it has a really exciting year of events planned including the International Choir Festival of Bangor.

Any new girls interested in joining are invited to attend the Jewel Tones open evening to learn more. This will be held on Sunday 7 July from 6.15pm to 7.45pm in Charvil Village Hall.

To demonstrate how great an achievement this was, the boys actually played up a year this season and still won 95% of their games! We look forward to continuing to support the team in the 2019/20 season when they become the U11 Reds, playing back with their age group again.

Twyford Beer Festival Congratulations to organiser Ian Wisdom and volunteers for a hugely successful 10th anniversary festival. Both days saw record attendance despite some unsettled June weather. The event has now raised over £50,000 for the men’s cancer charity Orchid – www.orchid-cancer.org.uk.

Ian said: ‘On behalf of the whole team I want to thank all that attended. Representatives from Orchid were also present the whole weekend, including the Chief Executive. This relatively small charity makes a huge contribution through research papers, new surgical techniques and the largest cancer tissue bank in the UK – used by all the larger cancer charities. Our customers have helped us raise over £50,000 for them and we have not finished yet. We were also pleased to provide space for other charities to have a presence at the festival.’

As to the quantity of ale consumed, Ian adds: ‘The aim of every beer festival is to manage that awkward balance of keeping the beer flowing and making a profit. We were re-supplied with another ten barrels at 7.30pm and were able to keep our thirsty customers happy. See you all next year!’

Also led by Suzanne, Sapphire is an adult female voice ensemble that rehearses on Mondays from 8pm to 9.30pm at Charvil Village Hall. The choir will be taking part in several concerts and some local music festivals through 2019/20. There are currently two vacancies: any ladies interested should please contact Suzanne.

This summer Jewel Tones and Sapphire are joining forces for a performance together with The Young Voices of Colorado, visiting England for a concert tour. This will be held on Friday 5 July, 7pm at Waingels College in Woodley. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Suzanne on 0118 934 0589 or suzanneynewman@btinternet.com.

Reading Jazz Club Reading Jazz Club is run by a group of local enthusiasts affectionately known as the Bell Ringers, whose crusade is to keep traditional jazz alive in the Thames Valley. The Club meets on the second Wednesday evening of every month at Reading Rugby Club off Sonning Lane, just north of the A4 Shepherds Hill roundabout.

The club has a full programme of events featuring the very best traditional jazz bands from all over the UK, with occasional special guest appearances of European touring bands.

The next gigs are Graham Smith's Jazz AllSorts on 10 July and The Jools Jazzaholics Band on 14 August. Anyone wishing to attend will be guaranteed a warm welcome. Doors open at 7pm with live music up to 10.30pm. Admission is £10 and any surplus funds are donated to local charities.

For further details and future gigs please call 07836 505452 or visit www.readingjazzclub.com.

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29

Local news (continued) Optalis launches Wokingham Soup

destinations such as Luxembourg, Gibraltar, Finland, Seattle, Denmark, The Vatican and Monaco.

Early online reviews are positive: ‘…depicted with razor-sharp wit through the eye of an astute and genuinely funny observer.’

‘In an age when too many of us spend too long stroking slabs of black glass, Nick Procter shows us the value of looking up and looking around.’

‘A book clearly written by someone with a lot of heart, humour and intelligence’.

The book costs £9.99 and whilst available online, why not 'shop local' and pick up a signed copy from Emma’s Kitchen or HF Newberry in Twyford.

Summer fun Woodley Town Council is putting on its first Summertime Street Party on Saturday 6 July, with entertainment from live bands, dancers, magicians and circus performers.

Inspired by the original Detroit Soup, Optalis is launching Wokingham Soup, evenings bringing people together to help raise funds for local community projects.

Three good causes are invited to make a short pitch describing what they do to help the community, and members of the public vote to decide the winner. Those attending pay £5 to enjoy a bowl of homemade soup and good company, with all the money going to the winner. Optalis will match the funds raised up to the value of £250.

The launch event is open to all: it’s on Thursday 18 July, 6.30pm at Westmead Day Service, Rances Lane, Wokingham RG40 2LH. To reserve your place or apply to pitch at a future event, visit www.optalis.org/wokinghamsoup.

Twyford has a new author!

Congratulations to local resident Nick Procter on the publication of his first book: The World Less Travelled. With a writing style inspired by the likes of Bill Bryson and Tony Hawks, this is a humorous travelogue of unexpected trips to quirky 30 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

The Charvil Village Fête on Sunday 7 July will have a 'seaside' theme. This is a traditional village fête with many stalls, games and activities, including the Busy Brushes children's art competition, the second Great Charvil Bake Off, a BBQ and bar, live music from Piston Broke… and lots more!

Come along and join in the fun.

On the field you’ll find a shop, bar, food tent and mobile catering vans, plus of course ice creams and bouncy castles. For lots more information visit www.wsregatta.co.uk.

The Twyford Village Fête is organised annually by Twyford Parish Council and leaflets are being delivered to local homes with this magazine. This year’s will be held on Saturday 17 August from 1pm to 5pm at Stanlake Meadow.

As well as the food, bar and live music from The Bullfrog Band, you can enjoy plenty of entertainment and activities. These include Punch & Judy, stalls from local organisations, an obstacle course supported by Barnes Fitness and Castle Royle, a dog show by the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre, classic cars and the Dog & Duck Show! Sponsorship opportunities exist alongside some of the activities: email clerk@twyfordparishcouncil.gov.uk for details.

Also on 17 August is the Hurst Horticultural Show, from 1pm to 5pm at Hurst Village Halls.

This is a family friendly event typifying traditional English village life. As well as all the home grown and home made produce, art and handicrafts (including many classes open to children), you can enjoy musical entertainment, cream teas, burgers, plant sales, wine and beer, craft stalls and more.

The Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta offers the best fun to be had by/on/in! the river. On Friday 9 and/or Saturday 10 August, head to the regatta ground off Mill Lane, Shiplake (or take the pedestrian ferry across from the St George & Dragon, Wargrave) for lots to do and see.

Competition in the racing is pretty fierce, with many local families having competed for several generations. Entries close on 16 July, with practice sessions starting on 22 July. Around 1000 individuals compete in 400 races for skiffs, punts and canoes using traditional rivercraft. The liveliest events tend to be those involving punting in canoes (especially the doubles!), or the hotly contested dongola classes, which involve crews of six paddling three-foot wide punts while down on one knee.

Enthusiasts pitch their gazebos from 5am on the Friday, with a wide walkway kept clear along the riverbank for spectators to walk up and down.

One for later in the diary: the Sonning Village Show will be held on the afternoon of Saturday 21 September at Sonning C of E Primary School.

This is an annual event showcasing the finest crafts and produce in the area – including fruit, vegetables, cakes, jams and chutneys – with prizes for the winning entrants. There will also be a variety of stalls representing the local community, including a craft stall, tombola and traditional fête games like Hook A Duck and Lucky Dip. There are also displays of different skills and activities for the children and Sonning Scouts will be manning the BBQ.

Igniting Writing Igniting Writing is leading a series of creative writing workshops over the school summer holidays for children aged 11–18. These present the opportunity for aspiring young writers to come together and share imaginative ideas, develop writing skills and build friendships with others of similar interests.

Igniting Writing is a club for teens run on a voluntary basis by Alex Baker, which meets on a regular basis at Wokingham Library. This is also Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

31

Local news (continued) where the first two summer workshops will be held on Saturday 27 July (topic: fan fiction), and on Saturday 3 August (topic: fairy tales). Both creative writing workshops will run from 10.30am to 3pm and cost £5 per person. Places must be booked: call Wokingham Library on 0118 978 1368.

August is sci-fi month! Alex will run four quickfire creative writing sessions at Bracknell Library – and these are free to attend. All are on Saturdays, start at 11am and last one hour. Topics are ‘creating sci-fi settings’ on 10 August, ‘sci-fi wordbuilding’ on 17 August, ‘sci-fi characters’ on 24 August, and ‘plotting sci-fi stories’ on 31 August. Book via Bracknell Library on 01344 423149.

Afternoon tea for Chemogiftbags Chemogiftbags is a charity that brings comfort to people in the Thames Valley undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. It provides bags containing items donated by members of the public and local businesses, including toiletries, blankets, cushions, scarves, gloves, hats, notebooks, puzzles, insulated cups and more.

Twyford Memorial Hall centenary Saturday 13 July is a special day for the descendants of the men of Twyford who served in the First World War, also members of Twyford Snooker Club and anyone else interested in the history of the village and the heritage of its buildings.

Exactly 100 years to the day since the hall on Wargrave Road was given to the men of Twyford who returned home from the Great War, the building will be rededicated in a simple ceremony at 3pm and renamed Twyford Memorial Hall.

On 13 July 1919 the vicar, Rev Robert Acworth, gifted the former Wesleyan chapel to a committee of distinguished residents. It was possibly one of the returnees who created the memorial boards still on display inside, inscribed with the names of all those who had served in the war.

The men’s club later became Twyford Snooker Club, which in modern times is also open to lady members. Unfortunately the building deteriorated over the years to the extent that in 2013 the club and its supporters were compelled to launch a major fundraising and renovation project in order to save this important part of Twyford’s heritage.

The work has been even more difficult and costly than envisaged, but the end is now in sight. The committee and members of Twyford Snooker Club wish to thank all the friends, local businesses and other supporters who have helped with or contributed to the project. The hall is now structurally sound once again, and its refurbished facilities available to the community.

Supporters invited to the rededication ceremony will have the opportunity to see the progress to date, mingle with members over informal drinks and take part in snooker-themed activities.

Free taster for group singing class Sing Your Pain Away is a group singing class for wellbeing, health and fun. It meets most Tuesdays from 2pm at Loddon Hall in Twyford.

Throughout the month of July, Sing Your Pain Away is offering a FREE taster class to anyone new who would like to try it out for the first time.

Group singing has been shown to deliver a wealth of health benefits, including reducing pain (through the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller), reducing stress (through lowering cortisol levels) and lifting our mood.

Why not go along and try it out for yourself?

To book your free taster class in July, please contact Jane on jane@singyourpainaway.co.uk or 07788 227654.

32 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

A deserving lottery win

Local musician hits Glastonbury

You may have read about the newly established Wokingham Cancer Support Network in our last edition. This is a community project established

by Involve, an infrastructure charity supporting the voluntary, community and faith sectors. The network helps people affected by cancer in the Wokingham borough, the support extending to family members and carers.

Local resident Sabrina Findlay is currently on tour with her band, Fullee Love Collective. Members are a collection of professional musicians, including 90s hip hop gold selling artist Soup from the band Jurassic 5.

We are delighted that in June the Wokingham Cancer Support Network was awarded a grant of £10,000 from the National Lottery. This funding will enable the network to continue its valuable work for another year.

She will be sharing the stage with such legends as Burt Bacharach and The Jacksons at the Mostly Jazz Festival in Birmingham and The Brand New Heavies at Readipop Festival. For the first time, this year she will also be performing at Glastonbury, entertaining the masses on three separate stages!

Vickie Randall, Project Lead said, ‘Meeting other people with similar experiences can be invaluable.

We have developed a holistic support network that helps people by offering direct peer-to-peer support with our volunteer Cancer Champions, as well as our monthly meet-ups. We have a safe space online for interaction and we promote news and events through our social media. We want the network to become known as a support hub for those that need us when they are feeling vulnerable or alone.’

The group meets 2–4pm on the third Thursday of the month at Wokingham Library, with a different topic each month. It's an opportunity for those with a diagnosis of cancer and their family or carers to come together in a friendly and relaxed setting to share experiences – and cake!

For more information contact Vickie on 01344 304404 or vickie.randall@involve.community.

MBE for head of local charity In more good news, the chair of Smart Works Reading was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June. Sarah Burns was awarded an MBE in recognition of ‘services to disadvantaged women’.

Smart Works is a charity with an impressive record in helping women move from difficult circumstances to succeed at job interviews, through a support programme combining coaching with style advice and donated clothing.

Sarah is an inspiring, motivated and creative individual who is passionate about supporting women in her local community. She has built committed and productive relationships with volunteers, donors and retail partners to create a welcoming, sustainable and successful charity.

This accolade is well deserved.

As the owner of Music Made Fearless (joint winner of Business of the Year in last year's Twyford Community Awards), Sabrina uses her experience as a performer in her work as a vocal coach. The musicians she works with gain a valuable insight into the exciting world of the music industry.

Readipop Festival runs 12–14 July at Christchurch Meadows, Caversham. Fullee Love Collective are on the first evening, with the site opening at 6pm.

Tickets available from www.readipop.co.uk/ readipopfestival.

Oklahoma! singing afternoon Local music teacher Suzanne Newman will hold a fun singing afternoon for female voices from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 14 September at Charvil Village Hall. The group will sing a medley from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma!, arranged for two-part choir. Songs include Oh what a beautiful morning, The Surrey with the fringe on top, Kansas city, I cain't say no, Many a new day and People will say we're in love.

The cost is £10 which includes a copy of the music and refreshments. Places needs to be pre-booked by contacting Suzanne on 0118 934 0589 or suzanneynewman@btinternet.com.

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33

July Mon 1 and weekly Twyford Yoga 9:30–10:45 St Mary’s Church Hall, Twyford Mon 1 Make & Take community café for over 50s 11:00 Bridge Court, Twyford Mon 1 Monday Bookworms 14:00–15:00 Book group, Wargrave Library Mon 1 Author book group 14:30–15:30 Twyford Library Mon 1 and weekly Twyford Youth Club session 18:30–20:30 School years 7 and 8, Twyford District Youth and Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road Mon 1 and weekly Woodley Photographic Club 19:45–22:00 The Oakwood Centre, Woodley Tue 2 Reminiscence Club 10:30–12:00 Discuss memories of days gone by at Twyford Library Tue 2 and weekly Twyford Badminton Club 19:45–21:30 Loddon Hall, Twyford Wed 3–Sun 7 Henley Royal Regatta See www.hrr.co.uk Wed 3 and every Wed and Fri in term time Twyford Toddler Group 9:30–11:30 Twyford District Youth & Community Centre, Loddon Hall Rd Wed 3 and weekly in term time Caterpillar Club 9:45–11:30 playgroup from birth to pre-school, Charvil Village Hall Wed 3 Crafts & Laughs 14:00–16:00 Wargrave Library Wed 3 U3A Woodley 14:00–16:00 Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, Woodley Wed 3 and 10 Charvil Short Mat Bowling Club 18:45–21:00 Charvil Village Hall Wed 3 and weekly Twyford Yoga 19:00–20:30 The Colleton School, Twyford Wed 3 and weekly Twyford Youth Club session 19:15–21:15 School years 9+, Twyford District Youth & Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road Wed 3 and weekly Charvil Art Group 19:30–21:30 Charvil Village Hall Wed 3 and weekly Holly Cottage Bridge Club 19:30–22:30 White Waltham Parish Hall Wed 3 Ruscombe Parish Council meeting www.ruscombeparishcouncil.co.uk 19:30 William Penn Room, Loddon Hall, Twyford

Sat 6 Party in the Park, Hurst 18:00–midnight off School Road, Hurst Sun 7 Sunday Club – www.ageconcerntwyford.org.uk 14:00–17:00 Offering older people company, tea and a good film at The Twyford Centre Sun 7 Charvil Village Fête 14:00–18:00 Charvil Pavilion, Park Lane, Charvil Mon 8 Hurst Parish Council meeting – www.hurstpc.org.uk 19:30 Hurst Village Hall committee room Tue 9 Woodley Business Club 8:00–9:30 The Oakwood Centre, Woodley Tue 9 Twyford Tuesday Reading Group 14:30–15:30 Themed book discussion at Twyford Library Tue 9 and 23 Twyford Whist Drive 19:30–22:00 St Thomas More church hall, Twyford Tue 9 Twyford & Ruscombe Floral Art Club 19:30 Charvil Piggott Primary School, Park Lane, Charvil Tue 9 Knowl Hill WI meeting 19:30 Knowl Hill Village Hall Tue 9 Wargrave Local History Society 20:00 Local history visit, Old Pavilion, Wargrave Recreation Ground Wed 10–Sun 14 Henley Festival See www.henley-festival.co.uk Wed 10 Coffee morning 10:00–12:00 See what’s on offer at Wargrave Library Wed 10 Twyford Over 60s Club 14:00–16:00 Colin Livingstone and friend, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford Wed 10 Live Traditional Jazz Club 19:30–22:30 Reading Rugby Club, Holme Park, Sonning Thu 11 and 25 Carers’ Coffee Mornings 10:00–12:00 For all carers and those for whom they care, at The Twyford Centre Thu 11 and 25 Golden Years Club 14:00–17:00 For over 60s, The Twyford Centre, Polehampton Close Thu 11 and Tue 23 Reading Cigarette Card & Postcard Club 19:30–22:00 Charvil Village Hall Fri 12–Sun 14 Readipop Festival See www.readipop.co.uk/readipopfestival Sun 14 Lavell’s Wetland Trust bird walk – www.lavells.org.uk 9:00–12:00 Meet in Sandford Lane car park, Woodley Sun 14 Maidenhead Farmers' Market 10:00–13:00 Grove Road car park, Maidenhead

Wed 3 Folk Music Workshop 20:00 Loddon Hall, Twyford

Mon 15 Twyford & Ruscombe WI 14:00–16:00 St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford

Thu 4 and weekly The Yoga Club 19:00–20:15 Charvil Piggott Primary School

Mon 15 Charvil Parish Council meeting – www.charvil.com 20:00 Charvil Village Hall

Fri 5 and weekly Twyford Bowling Club coaching 17:30–20:00 Wargrave Road, Twyford

Tue 16 Twyford Library Rhymetime 11:00–11:30 For children aged 5 and under

Sat 6 RSPB guided walk 9:00–12:30 Meet in the main car park, Dinton Pastures

Tue 16 Knit & Natter 14:00–15:00 Drop in for knitting and a chat at Twyford Library

Sat 6 Read me, Make me 10:30–11:00 Crafts for children up to 7, Wargrave Library

Tue 16 Twyford Library Storytime 15:45–16:15 For children aged 7 and under

Sat 6 Reading School Summer Fayre 12:00–15:30 Reading School, Erleigh Road, Reading

Wed 17 Woodley Farmers’ Market 9:00–13:30 Woodley town centre

Sat 6 Yeldall Manor open day 12:30–17:30 Bear Lane, Hare Hatch

Wed 17 KTOG Knitting Group 14:00–16:00 Knit, crochet, chat at Wargrave Library

Sat 6 Summertime Street Party 16:00–20:00 Woodley town centre

Thu 18 Bluebird Care Friends’ Café 11:00–12:00 Emma’s Kitchen, Twyford

34 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Sat 20–Sun 21 Marvellous Festival Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst Sun 21 Nature Valley Big Tennis Weekend 10:00–16:00 Twyford Tennis Club, King George’s Field Tue 23 Twyford Parish Council meeting www.twyfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 19:45 Loddon Hall, Twyford

Thu 8 and 22 Carers’ Coffee Morning 10:00–12:00 For all carers and those for whom they care, at The Twyford Centre Thu 8 and 22 Golden Years Club 14:00–17:00 For over 60s, The Twyford Centre, Polehampton Close Thu 8 and weekly The Yoga Club 19:00–20:15 Charvil Piggott Primary School

Wed 24 Twyford Over 60s Club 14:00–16:00 Flower arranging, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford

Thu 8 and Tue 20 Reading Cigarette Card & Postcard Club 19:30–22:00 Charvil Village Hall

Wed 24 iHelp Support Group 14:00–16:00 User support for iPhone, iPad or tablet, Wargrave Library

Fri 9–Sat 10 Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta See www.wsregatta.co.uk

Sun 28 Lavell’s Lake work party 10:00–14:00 Volunteer at nature reserve, Sandford Lane, Woodley

Sun 11 Lavell’s Wetland Trust bird walk – www.lavells.org.uk 9:00–12:00 Meet in Sandford Lane car park, Woodley

Sun 28 Legendary Twyford Blues session 21:00 Featuring Jive Alive plus special guest at the Waggon and Horses, Twyford

Sun 11 Maidenhead Farmers' Market 10:00–13:00 Grove Road car park, Maidenhead

Mon 29 MAD Science Rocketeers Workshop 14:30–15:30 For children aged 8–11, Twyford Library

Tue 13 Woodley Business Club 8:00–9:30 The Oakwood Centre, Woodley

Tue 30 Home from Home book group 10:30–11:30 Twyford Library

Tue 13 Space adventures 11:00–11:45 For children aged 7–10, Twyford Library

Wed 31 Space adventures 11:00–11:45 For children aged 7–10, Wargrave Library

Tue 13 Twyford Tuesday Reading Group 14:30–15:30 Themed book discussion at Twyford Library

August

Tue 13 Knowl Hill WI meeting 19:30 Knowl Hill Village Hall

Sat 3 RSPB guided walk 9:00–12:30 Meet in the main car park, Dinton Pastures Sun 4 Sunday Club – www.ageconcerntwyford.org.uk 14:00–17:00 Offering older people company, tea and a good film at The Twyford Centre Mon 5 and weekly Twyford Yoga 9:30–10:45 St Mary’s Church Hall, Twyford Mon 5 Monday Bookworms 14:00–15:00 Book group, Wargrave Library Mon 5 Author book group 14:30–15:30 Twyford Library Mon 5 and weekly Twyford Youth Club session 18:30–20:30 School years 7 and 8, Twyford District Youth & Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road

Tue 13 Twyford & Ruscombe Floral Art Club 19:30 Charvil Piggott Primary School, Park Lane, Charvil Wed 14 Coffee morning 10:00–12:00 See what’s on offer at Wargrave Library Wed 14 Live Traditional Jazz Club 19:30–22:30 Reading Rugby Club, Holme Park, Sonning Thu 15 Bluebird Care Friends’ Café 11:00–12:00 Emma’s Kitchen, Twyford Sat 17 Twyford Village Fete 13:00–17:00 Stanlake Meadow, Twyford Sat 17 Hurst Horticultural Show 13:00–17:00 Hurst Village Halls Sun 18 Lavell’s Lake work party 10:00–14:00 Volunteer at nature reserve, Sandford Lane, Woodley

Mon 5 and weekly Woodley Photographic Club 19:45–22:00 The Oakwood Centre, Woodley

Tue 20 Little Space Explorers 11:00–11:45 For children aged 3–8, Twyford Library

Tue 6 Reminiscence Club 10:30–12:00 Discuss memories of days gone by at Twyford Library

Tue 20 Knit & Natter 14:00–15:00 Drop in for knitting and a chat at Twyford Library

Tue 6 and 20 Twyford Whist Drive 19:30–22:00 St Thomas More church hall, Twyford

Tue 20 Make & Take community café for over 50s 14:30 Bridge Court, Twyford

Tue 6 and weekly Twyford Badminton Club 19:45–21:30 Loddon Hall, Twyford

Wed 21 Woodley Farmers’ Market 9:00–13:30 Woodley town centre

Wed 7 Crafts & Laughs 14:00–16:00 Wargrave Library

Wed 21 KTOG Knitting Group 14:00–16:00 Knit, crochet, chat at Wargrave Library

Wed 7 U3A Woodley 14:00–16:00 Christ Church, Crockhamwell Rd, Woodley

Sun 25 Legendary Twyford Blues session 20:30 Featuring Jive Alive plus special guest at the Waggon and Horses, Twyford

Wed 7 and weekly Twyford Yoga 19:00–20:30 The Colleton School, Twyford Wed 7 and weekly Twyford Youth Club session 19:15–21:15 School years 9+, Twyford District Youth & Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road Wed 7 and weekly Charvil Art Group 19:30–21:30 Charvil Village Hall Wed 7 and weekly Holly Cottage Bridge Club 19:30–22:30 White Waltham Parish Hall

Tue 27 Home from Home book group 10:30–11:30 Twyford Library Tue 27 Twyford Parish Council meeting www.twyfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 19:45 Loddon Hall, Twyford Wed 28 Little Space Explorers 11:00–11:45 For children aged 3–8, Wargrave Library Wed 28 iHelp Support Group 14:00–16:00 User support for iPhone, iPad or tablet, Wargrave Library

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35

36 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

twyford together

News update Twyford in Bloom

Community Awards As this edition goes to print, nominations for our awards are still coming in from the public. Our awards evening will be held on Monday 15 July from 6pm at Burattas so please come along and celebrate the great people, organisations and events we are lucky to have in our area. Visit the Twyford Together website for more information.

Henley Arts Trail With the help of Grapevine Estate Aents, Twyford Together put on an arts display in the village centre that was very well attended. Visitors were encouraged to pop over the road and see the six new pictures created by our local schools now adorning the Tesco alleyway. These are on the theme of village events, depicting the the Bonfire Carnival, Donkey Derby and others. This brings to ten the number of pictures here, that have transformed the formerly dreary alley into an attractive feature of the village.

The judges for our region, Thames & Chilterns in Bloom, will be visiting Twyford on Monday 22 July. We are currently finalising a route to show improvements to planted areas uch as the garden at Twyford Snooker Club and also new initiatives that enhance our shared spaces. These include the colourful umbrella installation, the new pictures in the walkway near Tesco and the wildflower meadow in King George’s Field.

We will start at Bridge House and visit the Hurst Road allotments, The Colleton School and Twyford & Ruscombe Horticultural Association. We have over 100 hanging baskets around the village and hope to get a Gold award this year, with the help of Twyford Parish Council and friends. Wish us luck!

Twyford Wildlife Safari Our fourth annual wildlife safari was another success, with over 30 families taking part to explore the Loddon Nature Reserve behind Silk Lane. Rangers from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust were on hand to help the kids spot all sorts of wildlife, plants and more. There was a questionnaire for the children to answer, prizes and great burgers, pizzas and drinks back at the Duke of Wellington, which hosted the event for us.

The weather stayed dry, so we were very lucky.

Kids’ Duathlon and Kids’ Triathlon We helped put on the new duathlon at the recreation ground in May, following the past success of the triathlon, which makes a comeback on 22 June. Many thanks and congratulations to Barnes Fitness for organising such successful events in our village.

Twyford Charity Family Fun Run This year’s fun run will be held on Sunday 6 October – one for the diary! New for 2019 will be the opportunity to take part in a longer 5km race.

Gordon Storey www.twyfordtogether.org

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37

environment

Saving the planet Individual responsibility, community engagement, working together …we can all make a difference We live in a time when the deleterious effect of human activity on the planet is beyond doubt. Our historical reliance on fossil fuels, industrial agriculture and other practices has led to the build-up of greenhouse gases, loss of biodiversity and climate change.

We are horrified by documentaries showing the prevalence of plastics in our forests, rivers, oceans (and in the bellies of birds, mammals and fish), and by the sharp decline in bees and other pollinating insects, threatening entire ecosystems.

One of the last acts of our local MP, Theresa May, as Prime Minister has been to commit Britain to reach ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050, replacing the 80% target set in 2008. This is hugely ambitious but simply essential if, with the cooperation of other nations following suit, we are to give future generations half a chance of preventing global temperatures rising more than 1.5°C before the year 2100.

The idea of ‘saving the planet’ is overwhelming. Yet more and more people are moving away from throwing up their hands and feeling powerless to act, becoming more aware of their impact on the environment, and making better choices or getting involved in projects. Individually, these seem inconsequential, but added together they play a vital role in changing perceptions and behaviours to protect wildlife and the world we share.

There are several local initiatives we can engage with right now to make a difference in three key areas: reducing single use plastics, encouraging the bees, and changing the way we shop.

TRIP – Twyford Rethinks its Plastic TRIP is an initiative launched recently by Twyford Together. Project leader Gordon Holmes aims to have the village listed as a Plastic Free Community as part of the national campaign run by www.sas.org.uk.

As he explains: ‘It’s not about removing all plastic from our lives; it’s about kicking our addiction to throwaway plastic and changing the system that produces it.’

The following recommendations are based on some simple tips from TRIP on how we can help turn the tide on plastic pollution.

Refill: Keep a refillable water bottle to hand. In May a water fountain was installed outside Twyford & District Youth Centre, accessible to all using King George’s recreation ground. Four Twyford businesses have since registered with www.refill.org, committing to offer top-ups to anyone coming in with their own water bottle: Emma’s Kitchen, The Duke of Wellington, HaaHoos and Costa Coffee.

Reuse: If you also like hot drinks on the go, take in your own reusable cup rather than taking a disposable cup each time, most of which are still not fully recyclable. Also don’t forget your reusable bags each time you go shopping – preferably alternative materials to plastic.

Reduce: Limit your own ‘consumption’ of plastics by buying alternatives wherever possible that avoid plastic packaging. Look out for pop-up shops that sell dry goods, cleaning products etc by weight or volume for putting into your own containers (see later).

Recycle: Only place accepted items in your household recycling bin. Be sure to exclude plastic tops or spray nozzles, otherwise bottles still attached cannot be recycled. Recycling plastic involves processes that still cause particles to be released into the environment.

Try to reuse or repurpose plastic containers as much as possible before eventual disposal. Seek alternative schemes that accept items not taken by council recycling (see later). Start building Ecobricks and join the TRIP community (ditto).

38 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Refuse: Say ‘no’ to all those single use plastics that are typical of modern life: not only bags and cups but also straws, stirrers, food containers, sachets, cotton buds and the like. Some are easy to avoid already, others take a change of mindset and widespread rejection to force manufacturers and retailers to offer alternatives.

Replace: Ask cafés, restaurants and takeaways to provide wooden stirrers and reusable containers for food and sauces. At home, substitute materials such as wood or bamboo, available now for many household items such as toothbrushes.

Support: Get involved in, tell others about, and share on social media all local initiatives to help reduce single use plastics. Working together we can build a community of people with the knowledge to effect change and connect with others under the umbrella of national and international networks to make a difference.

What alternative recycling schemes? One example is Terracycle: visit www.terracycle.co.uk for information about the type of items accepted, from coffee pods to snack wrappers, toothpaste tubes and other bathroom products.

Instead of being incinerated or sent to landfill, waste is repurposed through reuse, upcyling, recycling or composting. There is now a Terracycle collection point at Binghams Brewery in Ruscombe, where you can drop off many of the items listed during opening hours of the brewery shop.

What is an Ecobrick? It’s a plastic bottle stuffed full of clean, dry, non-recyclable waste made of plastic, polystyrene etc. There are many schemes around the world creating Ecobricks for use as sustainable building blocks for schools, parks – even furniture. This is a simple way to prevent many small bits of non-recyclable waste from entering the landscape or oceans, getting young people involved, and contributing to a community project at the same time. You’d be amazed at the volume of waste you can fit inside one bottle over time, with the aid of a stick to push down the contents! To learn more, visit www.ecobricks.org. You can register to join the scheme for Twyford Rethinks its Plastic at www.gobrik.com.

For more information or to get involved with TRIP initiatives, email Gordon Holmes at triptwyford@gmail.com.

Bee Friendly Together This is another new Twyford Together project launched this year. With support from Twyford Parish Council and the Twyford & Ruscombe Horticultural Association, wildflower areas have been created in King George’s field. These are located both around the trees and in the hedged area near the Wargrave Road entrance.

Initially the areas were marked off and left unmown from the spring to see what wildflowers were already present. Some of the plants to have emerged in the tree area are creeping buttercup, dandelion, cat’s-ear and cuckoo flower, and in the gravel area cow parsley, oxeye daisy, geranium and green alkanet. These flowers have already been attracting bees and other pollinators, but a long-term project is planned.

The area will be further enhanced through the planting of bulbs in the autumn (English bluebell and crocus tommasinianus), together with more wildflowers (including cuckoo flower, field scabious, red campion, oxeye daisy, red clover, bird’s-foot trefoil and cowslip). The plants have been selected for their suitability to the sites, their attractiveness to pollinators or as a source of food for butterflies. The areas should also look beautiful and give people an opportunity to interact with wildflowers and insects on a regular basis.

Hopefully the wildflower initiative will inspire and encourage local residents to grow more bee-friendly plants in their own gardens and discover what flowers are lurking in their lawns by leaving the grass to grow a little longer between cuts.

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39

Saving the planet (cont.)

At the Summer Fair & Donkey Derby in early June, Twyford Together found many visitors making a ‘beeline’ to their stall for one of their Bee Friendly Together cotton tote bags that were being given away. The bags were sponsored by bee-friendly businesses Hare Hatch Sheeplands and Binghams Brewery: Rob Scott and his team sell a wide range of the colourful and aromatic plants that bees love, and Chris Bingham is a beekeeper himself. Attached to each bag was a tip for helping the bees, created by children from Polehamption Junior and Charvil Piggott Primary schools.

something we lost from earlier generations as we moved to more ‘convenient’ methods.

Waitrose has been trialling the concept in its Oxford store, to much favourable publicity.

Twyford village enjoyed two pop-up shop events in May and June. These saw customers queuing out of the door at Emma’s Kitchen with their jars and other containers, eager to buy from a selection of goods being sold by FILL. This small business was set up late last year by a High Wycombe resident, Lauren. She also takes stalls at events and makes deliveries (in recyclable paper bags) within the range of her electric van – including the RG10 area on a weekly basis.

Products available include dry foods, eco-friendly cleaning products and toiletries. For full details and to place orders visit www.fillfood.co.uk.

The Donkey Derby stall also included a table launchting TRIP with a competition to guess the number of wrappers in an Ecobrick. Other attractions were a sale of bee friendly plants, homemade lip balm and candles, and an eco-tombola for products recommended by locals via the Twyford Together Facebook page.

Photo:Fill A similar concept is available at Wokingham market on Fridays and Saturdays and Woodley market on the third Wednesday of the month, from the refill stall of www.mayasrefillables.com.

Maya, a Woodley resident, founded her business a few months ago to help households produce less rubbish and live more sustainably – an ambition she has held since witnessing the devastating effects of plastic waste on wildlife while volunteering on a turtle protection programme.

Shopping without the packaging It is fantastic to see so much interest in the idea of ‘refill’ type shopping, where customers take along their own containers and buy goods by weight or volume. This approach not only reduces the use of plastics but also food waste –

Hats off to all these local initiatives; I’ve personally learnt a lot in recent months and have adopted some practices to reduce my impact on the evironment. I hope many readers are similarly inspired to seek alternatives, change habits, and join together with local projects to make a difference.

40 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

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42 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

business

Performance coach The surprising benefits of doing less

by Liz Balmford

The concept of ‘doing’ vs. ‘being’ has been coming up a lot in my performance coaching practice recently. Coaching is very much about setting goals and taking action, so its main focus is on what's known as the 'doing mode of mind', ie getting stuff done. There is often less emphasis on the 'being mode of mind', ie accepting what is, noticing without changing, allowing things to be as they are.

However, it's important to foster an ability to use both these modes. When they're out of balance – or the rhythm between them is skewed too far one way or the other – our performance can suffer.

Always being in action mode – striving, achieving and doing – is simply not sustainable.

We need more reflective periods to refuel and re-energise. If we’re too often or too long in 'doing' mode, we're worse at creative problem solving and are more likely to get ill or suffer burnout.

Those of us who identify as ‘A’ type personalities may judge all this wafting about ‘being’ as a colossal waste of time. But don’t be fooled.

Shifting our focus to 'being' mode brings many benefits (clearer, sharper mind; creative solutions; fresh perspective; feeling centred).

Business owners or anyone who is self employed can be particularly susceptible to a lack of awareness about this, so I recommend all my clients do a quick ‘do’ vs. ‘be’ audit.

Your assignment: Call to mind your last two weeks. Typically how many hours were spent 'doing' and how many 'being'?

How's the balance? What's your gut telling you? Do you need more of one or the other?

Consider scheduling more time during July and August for 'being'. Or be spontaneous – the great British sun doesn't always shine as much as we might like, so resolve to head into the garden (or to a park bench) with a cup of tea every time it’s sunny. Sit and enjoy the feeling of the sun on your face, listen to the birds, smell a flower, let your thoughts come and go without following any of them. If your schedule is a bit savage, set a timer to contain your ‘being’ to just 10 minutes.

What other ways do you like to 'be'? What's your personal brand of 'being' that helps you reconnect and re-centre yourself? For example: walking, meditating, painting, napping, sculpture, puzzles...

If you can, schedule a whole week (or two) of holiday to completely switch off from work and reset your system. Realistically if you’re taking a few weeks out, you’ll want to switch back to 'doing' mode at some point. Maybe you’ll plan a hike, learn to surf or take a city tour – I challenge you to do it more from a 'being' perspective. More noticing, allowing and accepting.

Then you’ll feel refreshed and ready to hit the ground running in September. For those action-oriented people like me, just notice how much more you're able to do when you've taken some time to ‘be’.

If you’re interested in exploring this with a coach, please contact Liz via lizbalmford.com.

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43

Sudoku

Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once.

This can be done by applying logic - you don’t have to guess!

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

S O C K

TARGET Excellent: 33 or more words Good: 27 words Fair: 24 words

T

M

R U

E

R

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

C

I

S H O E

TURMERIC 44 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

General Knowledge Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

10 11

13

12

14

15 16

17

18

21

22

19

20

23 24

25 26

Across 1 Female ruler of many countries (7) 5 Crests (5) 8 Popular drink (3) 9 Having existence (5) 11 The smallest quantity (4) 12 Moor (a boat) (3,2) 13 Male parent of an animal (4) 15 Horse-drawn vehicle with four wheels (8) 17 Cause to grow thin or weak (8) 19 Great achievement (4) 21 Devoutly religious (5) 22 Foundation (4) 24 Put to the test (5) 25 Hatchet (3) 26 Closed litter for one passenger (5) 27 Latticework used to support climbing plants (7)

27

Down 2 Breakfast food (6) 3 Consequently (4) 4 Several parallel layers of material (6) 5 Grazing land (7) 6 Precede in time (8) 7 Cargo, payload (8) 10 City in south-eastern France on the Mediterranean (4) 13 Church spires (8) 14 Came to a conclusion (8) 16 Male relative (7) 18 Small personal computer with a touch screen (6) 19 Professional charges (4) 20 Compound capable of turning litmus blue (6) 23 Japanese drink made from fermented rice (4) Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

45

house and home

Band Systems Modern intruder alarms Through a broadband connection the system will alert the family or carer, who then use the app on their device to provide two-way audio communication and remote viewing via the CCTV cameras, whatever the time of day.

If you don’t use or have never used an intruder alarm, you may be thinking they are complicated to use and always going off. Well, we are not going to deny that on the very odd occasion an intruder alarm will activate when it’s not supposed to, but usually this is user error or occasionally a problem with one of the components.

However, technological advances mean that systems are now more stable and can easily be self-monitored. Today nearly all new alarm systems can be used via a digital keypad, a proximity tag, a wireless key fob or even an app on your smartphone or tablet.

Band Systems are independent installers of security and safety systems, based locally in Twyford. We are more than happy to visit you in your home to discuss your needs and the various options open to you. We do not charge for this service and you have no obligation to place an order with us. We will give you a cost effective solution that you buy outright, potentially avoiding any ongoing monthly fees.

Feeling secure and safe in your own home is paramount. We believe that just as important is knowing that the people advising you are honest, trustworthy and knowledgeable, and not just part of a faceless national corporation.

CCTV cameras and home automation can easily be integrated, allowing you to view any activity inside or around your home. If the system is activated or detects movement, you can remotely switch on lights, a radio or the TV from the app.

Many of these technologies can be used for another purpose: the systems can be reconfigured to facilitate older people living independently for longer in their own home.

An ‘in-home’ care monitoring alarm system allows family members or a care provider to keep an eye on a vulnerable person living independently at home. Such systems are designed for specific needs to ensure that the individual is safe at all times.They can monitor doors being opened and movement within the home; they detect smoke, CO2 and flood; and they include a panic/call alarm feature.

Unit 3, Twyford Business Park Station Road Twyford RG10 9TU 0118 377 9000 www.bandsystems.co.uk

46 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

www.haahoosceramics.co.uk 0118 9321441 19 Church Street, Twyford, RG10 9DN

The Painting, Pottery and Party Centre in Twyford

HaaHoos Summer Holiday Art Clubs Are you looking for fun school holiday art clubs for your kids to go to?

This Summer we’re running 2, one hour Art Clubs every Tues, Weds and Thurs.

6th Aug - 29th Aug, with some morning clubs and some afternoon clubs.

Drop your kids off to just 1 club or 2 each day, you choose!

Each Art Club has a fantastic different creative activity every time...

Pottery Techniques, Clay Projects, Fabric Painting, Canvas Painting & more... £12 for 1 Art Club, or £22 for both Art Clubs on 1 day, for ages 6 to 12 yrs old, with drinks and snacks included.

Call or email us to book now!

See our website for the full Summer Art Club timetable and more info: www.haahoosceramics.co.uk

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47

Puzzle solutions Children’s page

Word Ladder

Frog 1 to yellow lily Frog 2 to blue lily Frog 3 to red lily Frog 4 to orange Lily

One possible solution (others may exist): SOCK - lock - look - loot - soot - shot – SHOE

Ladybird – 2 dots Butterfly – 18 dots Caterpillar – 24 dots

Word wheel

Crossword

8-letter word: TURMERIC

Sudoku

Across: 1 Empress, 5 Peaks, 8 Tea, 9 Being, 11 Iota, 12 Tie up, 13 Sire, 15 Carriage, 17 Emaciate, 19 Feat, 21 Pious, 22 Base, 24 Assay, 25 Axe, 26 Sedan, 27 Trellis.

Down: 2 Muesli, 3 Ergo, 4 Strata, 5 Pasture, 6 Antedate, 7 Shipment, 10 Nice, 13 Steeples, 14 Reasoned, 16 Kinsman, 18 Tablet, 19 Fees, 20 Alkali, 23 Sake.

48 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Competition RG10 competitions are open to anyone living within the RG10 postcode area.

Congratulations to our last competition winners, Sarah Newbury from Charvil and Natalie Scott from Twyford, who each won a pair of tickets to Marvellous 2019, the tribute music festival returning to Dinton Pastures on 20–21 July.

Join in the celebrations!

Instead of a new ticket giveaway, we’re offering you the chance to be part of our 10th anniversary celebrations later this year.

The launch edition of RG10 magazine was in December 2009, and the printed publication remains at the heart of all we do to support local communities, events, groups and businesses.

I say ‘we’ because although I, Nikki, founded it and still run it all myself from home, I simply

could not do it without a ton of help from many others, for which I’m very grateful. Anyway…

Over the next few months we’re inviting everyone – not just RG10 residents but also business contacts we work with – to give us their feedback.

Those who send in the best reviews (as in most valuable, not necessarily most favourable!) could win a gift or maybe an invitation – but first let’s see what responses come in!

Please tell us in brief what you think about any of the activities of RG10 Marketing that you have experienced – whether it’s the magazine, our design and print services, leaflet delivery, the RG10 screen at Twyford Surgery, supporting local events, spreading the word on social media (Facebook and Twitter), or anything else you care to share.

We’ll obviously be delighted to receive any positive testimonials but also welcome suggestions for future improvements. So this is not totally a shameless plug!

Ways to give feedback Post a review on the RG10 Facebook page – www.facebook.com/pg/RG10mag/reviews/ Review us on Google – search for rg10mag Send me an email – see address at the bottom of the facing page (If you are connected with me on LinkedIn, you also have the option of giving me a personal recommendation!)

Thank you in advance – more information to follow.

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49

BOCE

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Wednesday 7:00evenings 8:30pm

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Thursday 7:00evenings 8:15pm for runners & cyclists

The Charvil Piggott Primary School

50 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

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51

52 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Recipe

Risotto stuffed peppers

Serves six | Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes Packed with a tasty vegetable rice filling, these stuffed peppers make a great meat-free supper.

Serve with a mixed leaf salad.

Method

Ingredients

Add a ladleful of the hot stock and simmer, stirring until the rice has absorbed all the liquid. Repeat until nearly all the stock has been used up and the rice is almost tender. This should take about 20 minutes.

2 tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 150g risotto rice (see tip) 1 courgette, coarsely grated 1 litre hot vegetable stock 3 ripe tomatoes 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley or mint Salt and freshly ground black pepper 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated

TIP

6 green peppers

Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and stir fry gently for 4–5 minutes before adding the garlic for a few more minutes. Stir in the rice and courgette and cook for 1 minute.

Reserve a slice from the top and bottom of each tomato and finely chop the rest. Stir the chopped tomatoes into the risotto with the parsley or mint and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the cheese.

Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan or gas mark 3. Cut a very thin slice from the base of each pepper just so they stand upright. Slice off the top of each pepper and pull out and discard the stalk and seeds.

Spoon the risotto into the peppers and place them in a greased ovenproof dish. Top each pepper with a tomato slice and pour over the rest of the stock. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Use a short-grain risotto rice such as Arborio for this recipe – it’s sold in most supermarkets or Italian delis.

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53

food and drink

Local pubs, restaurants and cafés Twyford and Ruscombe

Buratta's at the Royal Oak .................. 0118 934 5190 www.burattas.co.uk Costa Coffee .......................................... 0118 970 6857 The Duke of Wellington (Brakspear) 0118 934 0456 find us on Facebook Emma’s Kitchen ...................................... 07584 658872 find us on Facebook The Fat Fish takeaway.......................... 0118 934 5591 La Fontana Italian restaurant .............. 0118 934 2698 www.lafontanatwyford.com The Golden Cross........................ find us on facebook Gaylord Tandoori.................................. 0118 934 5511 www.gaylordtandoori-berkshire.co.uk Haweli Indian restaurant .................... 0118 932 0939 www.hawelitwyford.co.uk Hong Kong takeaway .......................... 0118 934 0136 The Mita's Indian restaurant .............. 0118 934 4599 www.themitas.co.uk Oriental Wok takeaway ...................... 0118 934 1384 Sebastian's Café .................................... 0118 934 4214 www.sebastianscafe.co.uk Thai Elephant restaurant...................... 0118 934 9651 www.thaielephanttwyford.co.uk The Waggon and Horses...................... 0118 934 0376 www.waggonhorsestwyford.com

Charvil

The Heron on the Ford .................... 0118 934 0700 www.heronontheford.co.uk

The Wee Waif (Greene King/ Hungry Horse) ...................................... 0118 944 0066 www.hungryhorse.co.uk

Hare Hatch and Knowl Hill

The Bird in Hand (Wadworth).............. 01628 826622 www.birdinhand.co.uk The Horse and Groom.......................... 0118 940 3136 www.brunningandprice.co.uk/horseandgroom

The New Inn ............................................ 01628 822552 www.newinnknowlhill.com The Royal Oak ........................................ 01628 822010 The Floral Café at Ladds ........................ 07580 226061 www.laddsgardenvillage.co.uk The Restaurant at Wyevale ................ 0844 288 5107 www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk The Sheeplands Café ............................ 0118 940 1600 www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk

Hurst The Castle Inn........................................ 0118 934 0034 www.castlehurst.co.uk Dragonfly Café ...................................... 0118 932 1071 The Elephant and Castle ...................... 0118 934 0886 www.theelephantandcastlepubhurst.co.uk The Green Man (Brakspear) ................ 0118 934 2599 www.greenmanhurst.co.uk The Jolly Farmer .................................... 0118 934 1881 find us on Facebook The Wheelwrights Arms (Wadworth) .. 0118 934 4100 www.thewheelwrightsarms.co.uk

Waltham St Lawrence and Shurlock Row The Bell .................................................. 0118 934 1788 www.thebellwalthamstlawrence.co.uk The Shurlock Inn .................................. 0118 934 9094 www.shurlockinn.com

Wargrave and Crazies Hill The Bull (Brakspear) ............................ 0118 940 3120 The Greyhound .................................... 0118 940 2556 Hennerton Golf Club ............................ 0118 940 1000 www.hennertongolfclub.co.uk The Horns (Brakspear) ........................ 0118 940 6041 www.hornsatcrazieshill.co.uk The Old Post Office café ...................... 0118 940 4800 find us on Facebook The St George and Dragon .................. 0118 940 4474 www.stgeorgeanddragon.co.uk Weir Grove ............................................ 0118 940 1836 www.theweirgrove.com

54 rg10 July/August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

News Burattas at the Royal Oak

Waggon & Horses This Twyford pub near the Loddon Nature Reserve came under new management in March.

We hope that Margaret and Murdo are now enjoying their retirement and extend a belated welcome to landlords Simon and Richard.

Visiting this Ruscombe pub on the Henley Arts Trail this year reminded me what a lovely little place it is. With its quirky décor and homely feel, there is always something new to look at, books and papers to read, the garden to enjoy and of course great food and drink.

It had been a while since I’d been, and I’m looking forward to returning soon for the Twyford Community Awards Evening on 15 July.

The pair’s focus has been to provide locals with good quality food, drinks and music. They began by freshening up the look of the pub without losing any of its charm: there are some new tables and additional lighting, and bench seats have been recovered. There’s also a smart new logo!

A few things you may not know about Buratta’s:

Recent reviews tell of a warm welcome, friendly bartenders, a fun atmosphere and good value.

The menu centres on traditional pub favourites such as home made pies, burgers and curry, sausage & mash, ham, egg & chips – with the curious inclusion of tartiflette (a rich cheese and potato speciality of the Alps).

For those looking for evening entertainment, the pub continues to host the lives blues sessions on the last Sunday evening of each month, and there is a quiz night every Wednesday.

• The extensive choice behind the bar includes local ales and wines, including from Binghams Brewery and Stanlake Park Wine Estate.

• This summer there is a lovely new covered outdoor seating area to enjoy.

• You might encounter their two pet hens roaming free (as long as no guests object).

• The friendly team has recently been joined by a new barman from Australia.

Plus, as well dining in the excellent restaurant you can order snacks to take away. A sandwich, panini or burger and a soft drink cost from just £5. The service is available from 12pm to 2.30pm and again from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Just call ahead to place your order – unless of course you’re happy to prop up the bar for a while! (Number on facing page.)

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Food and drink 54–55 Pubs, restaurants and cafés *

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For more local services see our online directory at www.rg10mag.com

58 rg10 July August 2019. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

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