RG10 Mar/Apr 2022

March/April 2022 | issue 93 | free

inside | Local news | Features | Puzzles | Food and Drink

Putting a spring in your step Yup, that’s the intention with this issue of RG10 magazine! Local life is good, with better weather to enjoy and plenty of fun events to look forward to.

I’m delighted RG10 is once again sponsoring both Henley Arts Trail, back in its usual slot over the May bank holiday weekend, and Twyford Beer Festival in June.

It was fascinating learning more about the facilities and running of the Polehampton swimming pool – a fantastic resource for local families, due to reopen in early May. I was also interested in the finance article about ethical investing. (The title makes me want to unleash my inner Aretha Franklin – but I’ll spare the neighbours that agony!)

If you’re confused about the recent changes to the Highway Code, hopefully our overview will help. We also feature ideas for sprucing up your home, both inside and out, take a look at some of the benefits of private schooling, and get an insight into retirement living at Loddon House in Twyford.

There's plenty more of interest inside, including pastimes and updates from local community organisations.

Wishing everyone an enjoyable spring and very happy Easter.

Contents Seasonal events 8–9 Henley Arts Trail 45–47 Easter: Local churches | Traditions Community 26–27 28–32 35 42

Polehampton Swimming Association Local news Thames Valley Police: Community update Twyford Together news update

Information and education 16–17 20 36–37 40–41

Independent schools: The benefits Look back in time Financial Planning: R-E-S-P-E-C-T The Highway Code: New rules

House and garden 12–13 Home interiors: Colour your home happy 21 McCarthy Stone: Loddon House, Twyford 24–25 Take your spring cleaning outside Time out 22 38 39 48 50

Children’s puzzle page Su doku, Wordsearch General knowledge crossword Books: Enhance your wellbeing Puzzle solutions

Food and drink 52 53

Seasonal food: March Recipe: Seared lamb, garlic minted dressing

Index 54 Mar/Apr 2022 Issue 93 Advertiser information RG10 is a bimonthly magazine reaching 7,000 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 our newsletter via www.RG10mag.com.

Join @RG10mag on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Contact information t 0118 907 2510 e nikki@RG10mag.com w www.rg10mag.com

Graphic design Magazine Design UK t 01543 317697 e studio@magazinedesignuk.com

Listen to the RG10 Podcast on Soundcloud, Apple, Spotify or Google.

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.

Sign up via our Facebook page or website to receive RG10 Living, our occasional email newsletter.

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.

Live well

your way

Your home is where you feel the most comfortable and the happiest. It is the place you know the best.

If you want to stay living well at home, Home Instead can help make that possible.

• Home Help

• Personal Care

• Companionship

• Dementia Care

01628 299 097

melissa.johnson@homeinstead.co.uk www.homeinstead.co.uk/maidenhead

Award winning support since 2012, from hourly care to live-in

Need support with your Business admin?

Let ABACUS ADMIN help!

Interior & Exterior Decorating No job too small Fully Insured Free Quotes Call Iain Tel: 01189 Mob:

343613 07740 431646

Over 20 years of Accounts Administration experience:

• Invoicing, banking and credit control • Customer enquiries, diary and email management • Creating and sending quotations • Book keeping services • General admin support

No job too big or too small!

Flexible, reliable, in person or virtual.

Contact Julie:

abacus.a@aol.com | 07771 825 588

4 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Established

22

YEARS

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

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

5

The best investment is in yourself Health | Mindfulness | Wellbeing ●

Why reflexology?

Relaxation ● Improves mood ● Anxiety & stress relief ● Well-being ● Aid sleep ● Promotes well-being ● Aches & pains 07900 403411 info@twyfordreflexology.com www.twyfordreflexology.com

6 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

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

Paul Butler T 0118 932 0484 M 07812 155750 pbdecorating1@gmail.com

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

7

henley arts trail

30 April, 1–2 May

Big Plant Nursery – Venue 23

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

9

­

10 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

home interiors

Colour your home happy Lift your spirits and freshen up your space by introducing bold, clear shades

by Katherine Sorrell

Choosing and using bright colours • Choose shades that are fresh and clear rather than muted or muddy, and neither too pale nor too dark.

Mid-spectrum brights such as sunny yellow, fuchsia pink, emerald green and brilliant blue will make your home sing.

• For this look, keep things simple with a backdrop of white or a pale neutral, which will allow you to experiment with adding pops of bold colour here and there as you wish. Some say it’s best to keep the area that’s covered by bold colours to around a quarter of the room at most, so as to let the eyes rest and not be overwhelmed.

• Choose two, or maybe three, bold colours and add them in gradually – an accent sofa or chair, a cushion or throw, a vase or candlestick, and so on. Alternatively, make bold colour part of the architecture by painting or papering a feature wall, or even sections of woodwork. See how things ook together, and move them around (or even take them out again) as necessary.

• Lovers of pattern may feel confident enough to mix pattern-on-pattern with brights; most of us, however, will prefer to play a little safer and stick to plain colours plus the occasional minimal pattern. Simple geometrics look great with this look, and have a mid-century style that works really well.

Bold colour probably won’t work all around the room, but used on a small section can create an eye-catching feature. Out of the Blue paint by COAT, £42 per 2.5l, coatpaints.com.

Use colour in unexpected places – such as on a staircase, dado rails or skirting boards. This cheering yellow makes a great contrast to a grey sofa that’s adorned with fun cushions.

Harlow grey L-shaped sofa, £999.99, Furniture And Choice.

Go for a tropical vibe with a bright and breezy accent lampshade, featuring abstract palm trees, a gold lining and looped fringing. Ravenala lampshade, £180, Mindthegap.

Nothing beats a blanket or throw as an easy way to introduce fresh new colour, texture and pattern, whether over a sofa, chair or bed. Manhattan reversible super-soft merino lambswool blanket, from £150, The Fine Cotton Company.

12 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

A sofa, chair or – in this case – loveseat can make a good focal point in a room, especially in a warming, bold colour such as this. The Rebel 1.5 Snuggler in marmalade velvet, £899, Snug sofa.

The smallest accessory in the right combination of colour and pattern can make all the difference, and a distinctive piece such as this terracotta vase, hand made in Portugal, is a great example. Tangerine Bold pitcher, £42.99, softstore.co.

This cool lamp, in a ‘mootard’ glaze, would liven up any desk, table or shelf. Nellie table lamp, £112, with 35cm straight empire shade in Heraldic Ikat, £79, Pooky.

STOCKISTS Coat: 07368 870 097; coatpaints.com Dartington Crystal: dartington.co.uk The Fine Cotton Company: 0345 602 9050; thefinecottoncompany.com Furniture And Choice: 03330 150 000; furniturechoice.co.uk Mindthegap: +40 265 264 121; mindtheg.com Pooky: 020 7351 3003; pooky.com Snug: 020 3095 6555; snugsofa.com softstore.co: softstore.co Sweetpea & Willow: 0345 257 2627; sweetpeaandwillow.com

Replacing some cushions is one of the easiest ways to introduce personality and pops of colour.

Combine plains with bold patterns for variety and interest.

Jonathan Adler Milano Concentric Loops cushion in emerald/navy, £134, Sweetpea & Willow.

Coloured glass is one of the prettiest things – and this delightful vase is very on-trend, since Pantone’s colour of the year 2022 is Very Peri, a dynamic violet-blue.

Small cushion vase in amethyst, £27, Dartington Crystal.

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

13

Did you know?

• We are a Karndean Approved Retailer.

• Our fitting teams will move the furniture for you and uplift and dispose of existing floorcoverings.

Book your no obligation consultation today, or visit our fantastic showroom in Twyford!

Proud to be a member of

7 High Street, Twyford, RG10 9AB clare@thefloorstorecompany.co.uk | robert@thefloorstorecompany.co.uk

★ PET VISITING ★ DOG WALKING ★ PET STAYOVERS • Experienced and Professional • Reliable and Trustworthy • Fully Insured • DBS Checked Call Denise on 07808 868864

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

15

education

Independent schools What are the benefits of a private education?

Facilities Independent schools often provide better facilities than the state sector and offer more opportunities for trying different types of sport.

This may be one of the reasons that more than 40% of the UK’s medal-winning athletes at the London 2012 Olympics were privately educated, even though only 7% of the UK population have attended independent schools.

Art and music

Despite the cost, thousands of families choose private over state schools for at least part of their child’s education. Here are some of the perceived advantages…

Budget cuts have inevitably led to state schools needing to make difficult choices. Art, drama and music have been among the main casualties. Research carried out before the pandemic already showed a 47% decrease in theatre and drama opportunities and a 36% decrease in music activities.

Size

Grades

Class sizes tend to be considerably smaller in private schools. An average state-funded primary school now has 26.6 pupils per class, but many classes have more than 30 children.

Also, not all classes have the back-up of a full-time teaching assistant. According to the Independent Schools Council, which represents 80% of private schools in the UK, the average number of pupils per teacher is just 8.9, meaning more individual attention can be given to each student. Plus, independent schools tend to be smaller than state schools, enabling them to build a close-knit community where pupils know more of their peers.

Children at independent schools typically achieve higher grades than their state-educated peers. Last year, 61% of GCSEs gained by privately educated children were grade 7 or above, compared to 26% in state schools.

Culture Many independent schools (particularly those that offer boarding facilities) attract children from overseas, giving children a greater opportunity to socialise with others and learn from different cultures and traditions.

University choice State-educated pupils are often at a disadvantage when it comes to getting places at top universities. Not only are young people who have studied at a grammar or private school more likely to get the grades they need for Cambridge and similar settings, they’re also more likely to be accepted than their state-school peers.

Earning potential Privately educated people typically earn more than their state-educated peers. In fact, by the time they’re 42, people who have been privately

16 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

educated are likely to have earned around £200,000 extra. There are many reasons for this: for example, privately educated people are more likely to be able to afford to take unpaid internships to kick-start their careers. However, higher grades, better universities and more connections all play a part in helping people to climb the ladder.

Interested?

If you’re reading this and thinking, ‘Well, that’s all very well, but I can’t afford the fees,’ you’re certainly not alone. Independent schools now cost, on average, over £15,000 a year.

However, many do offer means-tested bursaries and scholarships, so it’s certainly worth doing some initial research before discounting the idea of a private education for your child.

An Independent Prep School for Boys & Girls aged 3-13

Inspiring a love of learning that lasts a lifetime…

To learn more, email Kate Spooner admissions@dolphinschool.com Or visit our website www.dolphinschool.com 0118 934 1277 | Waltham Road, Hurst, Berkshire, RG10 0FR

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

17

How can we help?

• Bathroom re-fits

• General plumbing and repairs

• Cylinder and water tank replacement • Radiators, valves, thermostats fitting / replacement • Kitchens and tiling • Leak detection • Pumps

• Waste repairs / blockages • Supply pipe repairs

T: M: E: W:

0118 903 4020 07973 173872 services@jjandsjplumbing.com www.jjandsjplumbing.com

General building, Extensions Kitchens & Bathrooms, Roofing Carpentry, Plumbing, Plastering

No job too small

Proud members of

Practical accounting for limited company owners who feel like imposters in their business

Professional & reliable | Reasonable rates Free estimates | Fully insured References and photos available

Robert Cox bocedevelopments@gmail.com

Home: 0118 934 3613 Mob: 07850 057249

Tel: 01628 828855 www.starfishaccounting.co.uk info@starfishaccounting.co.uk

18 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Financial wellbeing is all about getting your ducks in a row It can be time-consuming and complex keeping on top of all the aspects of your financial planning.

Having access to an experienced local adviser with the backing of a FTSE 100 wealth management company will help you understand your current position and plan for a secure future.

●

Investment planning

●

Retirement planning

●

Financial protection

●

Intergenerational planning

Josephine Blythe DipPFS I have 30 years’ experience in helping individuals understand and manage their finances and plan for their futures.

I provide a comprehensive wealth management service offering advice tailored to you and your goals.

Contact me for a no-obligation initial consultation.

17 Sheeplands Farm, Wargrave, Berkshire RG10 8DL Proud to be a member of

Tel: 0118 313 0270 | 07956 277750 Email: josephine.blythe@sjpp.co.uk www.josephineblythe.co.uk

Josephine Blythe is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

19

spotlight

McCarthy Stone Twyford retirees find warmth in community at Loddon House When Twyford retirees, Dermot and Sue Bradley, made the decision to downsize from their five-bedroom house after 15 years, they found the comfort they were looking for at McCarthy Stone’s Twyford retirement living development, Loddon House.

Fast forward to today, and Dermot and Sue are enjoying spending time in their new home.

Dermot adds: ‘We definitely have no regrets about moving into Loddon House. We had to go back to our old house a couple of weeks after moving to pick up something we’d left behind, and we didn’t miss it at all. I’d 100 per cent recommend downsizing into a McCarthy Stone property – you won’t look back.’

Loddon House has been carefully designed for the over 60s to provide the very best in independent living within a safe and secure environment, with the opportunity to benefit from companionship when desired, as well as privacy when needed.

Dermot, 76, says: ‘We had been living in our detached house for many years – it is a large house with a big garden. As we are getting older, it was beginning to become difficult to maintain the upkeep ourselves, so we wanted to move into a more low-maintenance home. We had searched on and off for a new apartment for several years, but when we saw Loddon House, we thought it was perfect for us. We loved the location, our apartment was fitted with high specification fixtures and fittings with adequate storage space, and there was also a team of experts to help take care of us.’

The running of the development is overseen by a House Manager, and, for added peace of mind, there is also a 24-hour call system and camera entry system. Facilities include a spacious communal lounge and stunning landscaped gardens.

Over 50 per cent of apartments have now been sold at Loddon House, with rental and part-buy part-rent options also available.

For further information, please call 0800 310 0383 or visit www.mccarthystone.co.uk/loddon-house.

When the time came for Dermot and Sue, 75, to move into their apartment, the couple took advantage of McCarthy Stone’s part exchange scheme, which made the move easier for them.

‘It was a huge amount of help,’ Dermot says.

‘Moving can often be stressful, so using the part exchange scheme made everything run so much smoother. We didn’t have the bother of estate agents and prospective buyers coming to view our house and didn’t need to worry about any chains collapsing either.

‘We were able to complete the sale within three weeks and move in within five, which is testament to the sales team at McCarthy Stone. They truly put our minds at ease and made the whole process really seamless – I don’t know what we would have done without them.’

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

21

Your local mortgage adviser Speak to Paul Duffield for free, friendly, expert advice on the most appropriate mortgage and insurances to achieve your aims.

Proud to be a member of

Call: 07920 066174 Email: paul@vickersyoung.co.uk

www.vickersyoung.co.uk

ADD Plumbing & Heating Experienced plumber & heating engineer Free written estimates – no job too small Many positive testimonials from local residents ‘Trustworthy, reliable and efficient’ ‘Excellent attention to detail’ ‘Meticulous in his work’

0118 934 4624 07932 072912 A mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up the payments of a loan secured on it.

addplumbingsolutions.co.uk

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

23

house & garden

Exterior cleaning Take your spring cleaning outside Inside the home, we can see when we need to do some cleaning or carry out maintenance work. However, any deterioration to the exterior of the property may go unnoticed through the winter months, until we spend time outside in the brighter days of spring.

The roof If any part of your roof is north facing, near trees or both, you are likely to see a build-up of moss. Not only is this unsightly, but as moss absorbs water it could lead to moisture getting underneath the tiles and rotting the wood.

If your roof is at a low level or can be accessed from an upper window, you can gently brush the surface to loosen the moss. Of course, this is likely to end up in the gutters, creating another job to be dealt with.

Generally, though, unless you happen to own the specialist equipment to ensure you are safe on a roof, this really is a job best left to the professionals.

Gutters Even if you don’t have many trees close by, leaves and twigs will still get blown into your gutters and there may also be an accumulation of moss. Some debris will mulch down and get washed away, but often it’ll just build up. If you have a section of gutter that overflows every time it rains, it’s time to address the problem.

Locating and clearing the blockage yourself would need a really long ladder, a good head for heights and a pair of thick rubber gloves to remove the slimy mess. A professional would use a camera on a pole to locate the worst spots and help them clear out all the winter debris. Ask about having gutter guards fitted too, to help prevent future build-ups.

Facias and soffits If you still have original facias and soffits on your house, they are probably made of wood and can become tatty over time. Stripping and repainting is the lower-cost option, but it is fiddly work and won’t last that long.

24 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Replacement facias and soffits are made of uPVC and will last for years. If making this investment, you may want to consider replacing the guttering at the same time.

Pathways

Since we look at our windows all the time, it’s best to set up a regular arrangement with a window cleaner – typically every six to twelve weeks. Most professionals now use a pole system with purified water, meaning that the windows dry sparkling clean.

Clearing paths is one outside job that doesn’t involve risking life and limb climbing a ladder.

The inexpensive method is a bucket of water and a stiff brush, although this won’t give the best results.

In summary

A jet washer is very thorough and reasonably affordable to buy, but you may only use it once or twice a year and would need somewhere to store it. It’s also harder work than you might think – controlling the pressurised hose can give the arms quite a workout!

However, when it comes to the outside tasks, they often pose additional risks, require specialist tools, or are physically more taxing.

It can be difficult to avoid dislodging the mortar between paving slabs. Again, it might be worth hiring a professional for the job.

Windows Methods of cleaning glass have been around for years. Vinegar is said to be very effective, if rather unpleasant smelling, and there are many proprietary cleaning fluids available.

This is another one of those jobs that is hard work, though. Many people are able to access the inside of their windows themselves, but use a professional window cleaning company to clean the outsides.

There are many jobs around the home that we are capable of and choose to do ourselves, especially if on a budget.

A professional will have the necessary equipment, safety training and insurance to do the job efficiently and quickly.

THE WINDOW CLEANER ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

All types of windows Windows inside & out Doors, frames & sills Conservatories Gutter Vac cleaning system All year service Attention to detail Genuine competitive prices

Call Mike on 07967 00 44 26 for a free quote or email thewindowcleaner1@gmail.com Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

25

Polehampton Swimming Association The Polehampton pool – Twyford’s best kept secret?

Some claims to fame Did you know that our pool once featured in Jollywobbles, the CBeebies children’s series?

(Produced by and starring none other than Justin Fletcher, a.k.a. Mr Tumble, and Phil Gallagher, a.k.a. Mr Maker!)

The RH Theresa May has also visited the pool several times. During her speech following the refurbishment of our changing rooms and WCs, she exclaimed that she had never officially been asked to open a toilet block before!

Did you know that Twyford has its own lido?!

Many of you will know of Edward Polehampton. His legacy can be found all around Twyford, and many buildings still bear his name. Set within the grounds of Polehampton Junior School, the Polehampton swimming pool is one such example. This fully heated, 25m outdoor pool has been serving the local schools and community for over 50 years and has benefited from the Polehampton Trust over the years. Despite this, it’s surprising that not everyone knows we are here!

How you can get involved The pool is run by a small committee along with volunteers from the local community.

We need your help! You are never too old or too young to get involved. No specialised knowledge is needed as full training will be given. Volunteer opportunities are varied and include manning the reception desk, gardening, maintenance, tuck shop, supervision and water monitoring. If you would like to get involved, please contact the chairperson, Sharon Searle, on 07765 842323.

A pool for the community, run entirely by volunteers Our story began back in 1968, when the headteacher David George had the vision to build a swimming pool for the local schoolchildren and inhabitants. The pool was officially opened in 1969 by actor Robert Morley and our charity, the Polehampton Swimming Association, was founded to manage it – which it still does to this day!

26 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

What facilities are there?

How can I become a member?

We may be a little biased; however, we think we offer a wonderful facility for a very modest membership fee – still only £45 per family for the season.

For further details and instructions on how to sign up, please visit our website www.psaswimming.co.uk and click on the orange button ‘Join us/Renew’ to register.

Facilities include:

You can also follow Polehampton Swimming Association on Facebook, where you will find up-to-date news and a link to our booking system.

● ● ● ● ●

● ● ●

25m heated pool Heated showers Changing rooms, lockers and toilets Pool toys and swim aids Swimming sessions for all ages and abilities – see timetable below and please retain for information Access to children’s swimming lessons Private hire and children’s pool parties Well equipped kitchen area with tea and coffee facilities and fridge

Our swimming sessions The pool is open outside of school hours and there is a range of sessions to suit all ages. (Please note that family swim sessions change to the earlier time of 2pm–4pm during school holidays.)

Reopening for the season at 10am on Saturday 7 May 2022 Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

27

Local news Woodley & District u3a Woodley & District u3a has lined up interesting speakers for its next two monthly meetings, held on the first Wednesday of the month at 2pm.

At the meeting on 2 March, members will hear what happened when Graham Horn set out to walk the MacMillan Way from Lincolnshire to Dorset (300 miles in 18 days), taking in some of England’s most attractive villages and historic gems.

On 6 April, David Hunt will return to give a talk on the River Wey and Godalming Navigations, owned by the National Trust.

David’s talk spans the whole 20-mile length of the property, including some of its history.

For more details, send an email to membershipsecretary@woodleyu3a.org.uk or call 07565 585545.

Joining the choir will be the Crosfields Senior String Ensemble, with pieces including Star Wars and For Your Eyes Only.

The concert starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are available for £10 from the Norden Farm box office on 01628 788997.

Daisy’s Dream Golf Day Golfers: consider supporting local child bereavement charity Daisy’s Dream by entering a team for their golf day on 5 May. Enjoy 18 holes at the stunning Sonning Golf Club and round off the day with a delicious two-course meal.

To enter, complete the online form at daisysdream.org.uk/event/golf-day

If you're retired or approaching retirement, visit www.woodleyu3a.org.uk to find out how to get involved in your local, friendly u3a.

In addition to monthly speaker’s meetings like the above, you'll find over 40 interest groups and regular social events.

A Night at the Movies Charvil-based choir The Project Singers invite you to their concert – A Night at the Movies – on Saturday 26 March at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead.

The Project Singers will be performing some great songs from films, including City of Stars from La La Land, Papa can you hear me? from Yentl, Hopelessly devoted to you from Grease, A million dreams from The Greatest Showman, and a medley from The Sound of Music.

28 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Les Misérables singing course

Igniting Writing

Local music teacher and choir director Suzanne Newman will be leading a course for female voices over three evenings in April. Book now for the opportunity to learn a medley of songs from the movie version of Les Misérables, arranged for two-part choir.

After a long break due to the pandemic, this teen creative writing club is back offering face-to-face sessions on Saturdays at Wokingham Library.

The sessions will be held from Sunday 10 to Tuesday 12 April, running from 6pm to 8pm in Charvil Village Hall. The cost is £30 per person, which includes a copy of the music.

To reserve a place, please contact Suzanne on 0118 934 0589 or email suzanney newman@btinternet.com.

Twyford Over 60s Club The Twyford Over 60s Club meets every other Wednesday, with activities including talks, outings, slideshows and quizzes.

Anyone over sixty is most welcome to join.

Igniting Writing aims to bring young writers together to develop their creative writing in a relaxed group setting, enabling them to have fun and make friends at the same time.

For more information, including testimonials from group members, search for Igniting Writing on the borough council website www.wokingham.gov.uk.

The club is open for new members to join: please register your interest by email to libraries@wokingham.gov.uk.

Meetings are held from 2pm to 4pm at St Mary’s Church Centre in Twyford.

Forthcoming dates and topics are as follows: 2 March 16 March 30 March 13 April 27 April

Sing Your Pain Away Jane Gatfield East Sussex Curiosities AlanCopeland Long Walk Through England Graham Horn The Emergence of England Jaye Windmill My Alan Titchmarsh Experience Jean Shepherd

Future dates can be found on our What’s On calendar at www.rg10mag.com.

For more information, contact chairperson Annette Stain on 0118 934 5312.

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

29

Local news (continued) New railway station planters

Wokingham arts & crafts workshops

Several local train platforms received their smart new containers in time to be planted up for a beautiful display this spring.

The Arts and Culture team at Wokingham Borough Council have organised a series of art & craft workshops and courses, running on most Thursdays in the Ashridge Room above the café in Cantley Park, Wokingham.

The initiative resulted from a joint bid to GWR from Twyford Together, Henley Town Council and the Wargrave and Shiplake rail user groups to enhance the stations along the Henley branch line. Local volunteer groups will be in charge of maintaining and watering the planters.

The two-hour workshops include candle making, collage for wellbeing, floral lino printmaking, artificial spring wreath making and Japanese brush calligraphy.

They are suitable for beginners, with all materials provided. Costs vary depending on the workshop, with a reduction for over 60s.

Free parking is available on site and refreshments can be purchased at the café.

For full details and booking links, check the www.rg10mag.com calendar. Alternatively, look for the Sports and Activities page on www.wokingham.gov.uk and choose the Arts and Culture programme.

Twyford Beer Festival

Inspire the next generation into cycling My Journey Wokingham, the organisation for promoting sustainable travel behaviour across the borough, are appealing for new instructors to run Bikeability sessions due to a shortage in local schools.

Could you help to inspire the next generation into cycling? If you’ve been considering a change of career, now's the perfect time to retrain as a cycle instructor thanks to a £500 bursary available from Bikeability.

For more information visit www.bikeability.org.uk/for-instructors

The 12th Twyford Beer Festival is due to return to Stanlake Meadow on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June. The organisers are looking forward to seeing everyone back on the field, having fun and helping to raise funds for Orchid, the male cancer charity.

This year the performance stage will be getting a warm-up on Thursday 9 June with Crazy Diamond in concert – a fantastic Pink Floyd tribute band.

Every year the festival creates a wonderful atmosphere through the afternoon and into the night, with a great selection of beers, ciders, soft drinks and food available along with brilliant live music from the stage.

Tickets are available via www.twyford beerfest.co.uk (full price adult £15).

30 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Volunteer opportunity: Can you help Twyford Beer Festival and Orchid Cancer Charity by helping with infrastructure build/take down, bar work and a host of other tasks?

Attractions:

Perks include food, drinks and free entry to Thursday’s band night. Enquire by email to nigel@twyfordbeerfest.co.uk.

Fun for all the family, including tea and beer tents, BBQ, entertainment by Maidenhead Concert Band, dog display, donkey rides for children, fun fair, plenty of stalls providing a wide range of games and products, and information about local organisations.

Twyford Scouts Donkey Derby

Business opportunities:

The 1st Twyford Scouts Summer Fair & Donkey Derby celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019.

Be seen to support a local community event and raise your profile among those present by advertising in the professionally produced programme (approx 3,000 printed), sponsoring a donkey or a race, or booking a stall.

Known simply as 'the Donkey Derby', the event is very popular among both local residents and visitors from surrounding areas, with typically over 3,000 people attending on the day.

The 2022 date falls during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend, so everyone is invited to bring along their Big Jubilee picnic lunch to enjoy on the field. There's plenty of space, with loads of entertainment, refreshments and attractions laid on too!

When planning your picnic, be mindful that 1st Twyford Scouts support the TRIP initiative – Twyford Rethinks Its Plastic – so please choose carefully what you bring and how you dispose of any waste.

Below are some of the key highlights.

The Donkey Derby: Six races around a pre-set course, each involving six donkeys with their riders aged 10-15 who apply on the afternoon. There is then a final race involving the winners. A tote is run enabling visitors to try their luck at picking a winner. Enough donkeys are available to offer younger children donkey rides during the afternoon. Stalls are laid out around the outside of the race track.

Information for potential stallholders: • Set up on the field during the morning from 10.30am.

• Pitches are approx 3m wide. It is up to exhibitors to supply their own table, chairs, gazebo, displays etc.

• Pitch hire costs £30 for businesses and £15 for local community groups and charities.

• When planning what items to use, prizes to offer etc, be mindful that 1st Twyford Scouts support the TRIP initiative – Twyford Rethinks Its Plastic – so please help them minimise the environmental impact of the event.

Anyone interested in offering an activity, booking a pitch, sponsoring a race or advertising in the programme should contact the Chairman, John March, by 1 May 2022.

Call 0118 934 0584 or email johnmarch58@btinternet.com.

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

31

Local news (continued) Twyford & Ruscombe Horticultural Association The TRHA store in Loddon Hall Road, Twyford, opens on Sunday mornings selling a range of horticultural goods to members.

The store is well stocked for all their planting needs, with knowledgeable volunteers on hand to give useful advice.

Newcomers are also welcome to pop in to the TRHA store to enquire about joining.

The opening hours are from 9.30 to 11.00am on Sundays.

Alternatively, visit their website at www.trha.org.uk for details about the organisation and a membership form, or contact the Membership Secretary Jenny Wager: email trhamembership@gmail.com or call 0118 932 0127.

If you can help swell the ranks of the Home-Start Wokingham District team, please call 0118 988 8025 or email amy@home-startwd.org.uk.

For more details about the event, visit www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk.

If you’re a golfer, why not get a team together for the joint Home-Start and WADE golf day on 10 June at Hennerton Golf Club?

The £60 per head includes breakfast rolls and carvery lunch. There are also sponsorship packages available.

To enter, call 0118 9787025 or email homestartwadegolfday@wadecentre.org.uk.

Home-Start will be taking a stall at the Wokngham May Fayre on Monday 2 May, so if you're going, drop by to say hello!

The TRHA are hoping to hold their usual three horticultural shows in Loddon Hall this year, after a smaller informal Autumn Show was held last year due to Covid restrictions. This was so well received that some elements will be retained to ensure there will be something for everybody to enjoy. Details of all activities and entry forms for shows will be published in advance on www.trha.org.uk.

Walk or golf for Home-Start Sunday 8 May sees the return of the Wokingham Walk organised by the Lions.

Local family support charity Home-Start Wokingham District is looking for people to join its Home-Start Hikers team.

Team funds raised will help the charity provide support to more disadvantaged parents with young children in our local communities. Those taking part can choose to walk 5, 10 or 15 miles.

32 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Get Your Oven’s Sparkle Back Before

Ovens Filters ● Hobs ● Grills ● BBQs ● Ranges ● Extractors ● Microwaves ● AGAs

White Goods Repairs & Cleaning After

●

●

●

●

I’m simply delighted at how sparkly clean my oven and hob look now! It really does look like the cooker is brand new again!

Call Trevor & Dominic or go online for your FREE quote

07397 394232 or 0800 840 7127 ovenclean.com

●

Ovens Fridges Freezers

● ● ●

Washing Machines Dishwashers Tumble Dryers

End of Tenancy Cleans | Patio Cleaning Gutter Cleaning | Man and a Van Services Grass Cutting

Call 07397 394232 for a free NO OBLIGATION quote from either Dom or Trevor Cox

34 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

thames valley police

Community update • • • • •

Spring into action and protect your shed, garage and garden buildings from theft.

•

The 15–20 minutes you spend on the school run or popping out to the shops is all a thief needs to break-into your property.

• •

The top five items stolen from sheds are: 1. Bikes 2. Mowers 3. Sports equipment 4. Power tools 5. Garden tools

•

•

Please consider these crime prevention tips to protect your shed, garage and garden buildings this spring: • Never leave doors unlocked when you are not around.

• If you have a detached garage in a block, consider fitting additional security locks to

•

the door to reduce the risk of offenders prising it open.

Check whether your home insurance covers contents of outbuildings from theft.

Remove valuable equipment like laptops from outbuildings used as offices.

Use strong padlocks on doors with no exposed screws and pay attention to hinges, which can be easily removed.

Consider securing windows with wire mesh or grilles.

Alarm it – there are systems on the market for all budgets.

Security mark and register tools and other items so they can be identified at: www.immobilise.com Lock your tools inside a locker or box or secure them with a chain.

Secure bikes to the ground or a lockable stand and drape an old sheet or blanket over them to keep them covered from view.

Consider installing CCTV (closed circuit television). Some systems can be accessed remotely via the internet or smart phone.

Ensure you check privacy laws when installing CCTV systems.

Thorny or prickly plants can be a deterrent in strategic positions, such as underneath windows or below walls and fences.

Ensure hedges and shrubs are trimmed back to prevent areas intruders could hide or observe you. Crunchy gravel is also good for paths or areas around outbuildings.

Please contact us if you have any information relating to crime, suspicious vehicles or activity in your neighbourhood. Report online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk, call 101 or in an emergency 999. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.

Receive free crime and information updates by registering for Thames Valley Alert at www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk.

Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme – visit www.ourwatch.org.uk for more information.

You can contact your local neighbourhood team via: WokinghamNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk – please note this address cannot be used to report crimes or for any urgent matters.

Follow us on social media to find out what your local policing teams are up to TVP Bracknell & Wokingham

|

@TVP_Wokingham

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

35

finance

Benedict Charles Financial Planning Show a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T

by Twyford based Independent Financial Planner Robin Yeadon

Since my last article in the September/October edition, the UK has hosted COP26, focusing on changing how we live. Climate change and global warming are hot topics (no pun intended), with much of our news being dominated by wildfires, floods, and famine around the world.

Eating less meat, turning down the heating thermostat, volunteering, making donations to charitable organisations, investing…? When it comes to making the world a better place, investing isn't the first thing that comes to mind.

Could your financial footprint make a difference?

Very few of us have sufficient wealth to make an individual difference, but by making a conscious decision on how and where we invest, our pooled money just might. Responsible, ethical, sustainable investing has gained in popularity, with 35.9% of total global assets now under management in these types of investments 1. Fund managers can use their sizable ownership rights to influence decisions

1

made by companies and effect change.

Responsible investing is a catch-all expression used to cover a range of approaches that aim to deliver a financial return whilst intentionally seeking to effect positive change. This will mean different things to different people and is very much about personal beliefs, so you must take time to read and understand any documents provided.

We recognise that not everyone uses the same language or terminology when talking about responsible investments, so here are some of the most common terms.

Ethical funds – These funds will apply a negative screening process; companies that damage the environment, such as those in mining and fossil-based fuel industries, are often excluded, as are weapons manufacturers and tobacco companies.

ESG integrated funds – Investing in a fund that looks at ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors in its investment process is one of the least restrictive ways to incorporate these values into an investment. That

. Global Sustainable Investment Alliance Review 2020

36 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

said, some will still avoid investing in certain areas, like mining and tobacco, even though they technically could invest here.

Sustainable and impact funds – No area is specifically off limits. Instead, the fund manager will look for companies acting responsibly.

There are different ways a fund manager will define ‘sustainable’. Some look at how responsible a company is – they might look at whether its products can be recycled, or whether it engages with the local community and social projects. Other managers only invest in companies that are actively trying to improve our future world, such as green technology developers or clean energy providers.

Impact funds go a step further. They try to generate a social or environmental benefit that can be measured. They might invest in companies that save a quantifiable amount of water or avoid producing a certain amount of carbon dioxide. That means they are more restricted on where they can invest. Importantly each investment has a direct, measurable impact on society.

At Benedict Charles Financial Planning, we are here to help you achieve your financial goals and offer a suite of portfolios designed to match different levels of investment risk.

Called RESPECT (Responsible, Environmental, Sustainable Portfolios Encouraging Change Today), they take a blended approach, using a combination of investment strategies to create a diversified portfolio whilst seeking to make a positive social and environmental change.

What next?

If you would like to discuss your finances or understand more about responsible investing, feel free to get in touch.

You should remember that unit prices and the value of your investment can fall as well as rise, and there is no guarantee you will receive a return of your original capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.

Contact Robin Yeadon DipPFS 0118 391 3950

Proud to be a member of

info@benedictcharles.co.uk www.benedictcharles.co.uk Financial Planning | Cashflow | Investments | Pensions | At Retirement | Protection Benedict Charles Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of DEWM Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England no. 10398683 Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

37

Sudoku

Level - Medium

38 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

General Knowledge Crossword

Across 1. Ornamental plaster used to cover walls (6) 4. Native North American tribe (6) 9. Pear-shaped fruit with green skin ripening to black (7) 10. Writing material (5) 11. Asian water lily (5) 12. Volatile liquid used chiefly as a solvent (7) 13. Narrow strip of rubber formed into a loop for holding objects together (7,4) 18. Book of the New Testament (7) 20. Long, narrow passageway (5) 22. Measuring stick (5) 23. Small guitar with four strings (7) 24. Agitated (6) 25. Insect which rests with forelimbs raised as if in prayer (6)

Down 1. Building for housing horses (6) 2. German submarine in World War II (1-4) 3. Frame supporting the body of a car (7) 5. Appear suddenly or unexpectedly (3,2) 6. Windlass used when weighing anchor (7) 7. Soft yellow substance secreted by aural glands (6) 8. Expert in art, food or drink (11) 14. Blue-flowered trailing plant (7) 15. Brilliant and showy technical skill (7) 16. Group of people assembled to sing (6) 17. Mary ___, women’s pentathlon gold medal winner in the 1972 Olympic Games (6) 19. Lofty nest of a bird of prey (5) 21. Mixture of rain and snow (5)

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

39

The Highway Code Are you up to date with the new rules? others. This applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles.

Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

Pedestrian priorities at junctions Prior to the rule change, road users would give way to pedestrians who had started to cross the road into which they are turning.

Under the new rules, priority must also be given to any pedestrians waiting to cross, meaning drivers and riders need to be extra vigilant.

The Highway Code has had an extensive review, with a new set of rules in effect since 29 January 2022. About 49 existing laws have been updated to reflect the changes.

Drivers and motorcyclists at junctions

For full details, head to the web link shown at the end. However, the key changes are summarised below.

The new rule states that when turning into or out of a junction, drivers should not cut across the path of any other road user, including cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles, if doing so would cause them to slow down, stop or swerve.

Hierarchy of road users

Safe passing distances

Previously, The Highway Code gave equal responsibility to all road uses – whether pedestrians, drivers, cyclists or anything else – to show due consideration and ensure the safety of others. The principle of considerate road by all continues to apply, but there is now a ‘hierarchy of road users’ in place, with those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top.

An amendment to existing Rule 163 sets out safe passing distances for drivers when overtaking cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and those in horse-drawn carriages.

Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the highest level of responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to

Drivers must leave a space of at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph. More space should be allowed when overtaking at speeds of more than 30mph. Rule 72 establishes the right for cyclists to ride in the centre of the lane to ensure that they remain visible, moving to the left when safe to allow faster vehicles to overtake.

40 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

When passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road, drivers should allow at least two metres of space and maintain a low speed.

Rule 213 has also changed and now states that on narrow sections of roads, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane and drivers should allow them to do so for their own safety, to ensure they can see and be seen.

Drivers should pass a horse at a slow speed, allowing at least 2 metres distance.

In all cases, drivers will now have to wait behind a motorcyclist, cyclist, horse rider, horse-drawn vehicle or pedestrian and not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.

Extra care should be taken in poor weather, including high winds.

For a more in-depth look at the new rules, visit:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/1037306/table-ofchange-to-the-highway-code.pdf

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

41

twyford together

News update

Hi folks I trust everyone has had a good start to the year and is looking forward to the spring and summer season ahead.

At Twyford Together, we are glad that 2022 should be busier in terms of activities and events than the past two years.

Enterprise Project

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Working with Ashley Pearce at the Piggott Senior School, we are back to running the Twyford Together enterprise project, whereby teams of year 11 students in Business Studies put together business plans with help from mentors from the local business community. The students then present their pitch (a bit like Dragon’s Den!) for a chance to win prizes.

Working together with Ian Wisdom of Twyford Beer Festival, we aim to schedule some events over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June at Stanlake Meadow. The following weekend will see the return of Twyford Beer Festival on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June.

Student teams have come up with some fantastic ideas over the years, and 2022 is no exception. The business plans will be judged towards the end of March, so I will mention the winners in the next edition of RG10.

Planning for a Kids’ Activity Day is underway, and we are looking at a number of other ideas for the other days.

I would encourage anyone who wants to be involved, either in a volunteering capacity or who has some ideas for the events, to get in touch at hello@twyfordtogether.org.

Hopefully we can put together a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee itinerary for the next issue of RG10!

Stay safe.

All the best.

Rob Yeadon Twyford Together Chairman

42 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

YOUR LOCAL FRIENDLY, RELIABLE PROFESSIONAL GARDENER

Need an emergency plumber or heating engineer?

Garden maintenance Lawn mowing Garden design Border preparation Planting Turfing Jetwashing and much more......

Call Chris on 07909 937419

Call us for a chat and to arrange your free no obligation estimate We’re on Facebook @cartmellgardens or call Jim on: 07879 442231 email: cartmellgardens@outlook.com

See website for more information

walterworksplumbingandheating.com

PERSONAL & BUSINESS USE

CALL US NOW 0118 940 2277 Sheeplands Farm, Twyford Road, Wargrave, RG10 8DL

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

43

• Boiler installation • Servicing and repairs • Fireplaces and cookers

• Landlord certificates • LPG • Oil boilers

Proud to be a member of

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

HAZELWOOD Tree Care And Landscaping

All types of tree surgery and landscaping • Hedge Cutting • Tree Removal • Pruning • Turfing • Patios and Driveways • Fencing • Stump grinding

Tel: 07503 948025 or 0800 0075329 Email: hazelwoodtreecare@gmail.com

www.hazelwoodtreecare.co.uk

Professional family-run carpet and upholstery cleaning service. We use a top-of-the-range highpressure hot water extraction system leaving your carpets and soft furnishings looking and feeling fresh.

• Friendly & reliable service • Solutions safe for pets & children • Domestic & commercial work • Fully insured To discuss your requirements call David on

07887 565009

info@peacockcarpetcleaning.co.uk www.peacockcarpetcleaning.co.uk

44 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

easter

Local churches Anglican

Catholic

I think that we all need again messages of hope, joy, love, healing, courage and new beginnings after the last few years. All of the above are wonderfully interwoven in the stories we will be listening to over the Easter weekend in our churches.

Services in the parish of Twyford and Wargrave:

The Easter stories come to an exciting end on Easter Day with the resurrection of Jesus. This is when, as the Church, we boldly say in our words and songs that death has been defeated, and that hope, love, forgiveness and new beginnings have won the day.

Why not come along and join us at this time of celebration? The churches of St James, Ruscombe, St Mary’s, Twyford, St Nicholas, Hurst and Twyford United Reformed are looking together to ‘build up and out’ as we seek to bring good news and hope for our communities, all rooted in the words and teaching of Jesus.

Everyone is welcome: just come as you are, and we will be ready to offer you a place of rest, safety and healing from the storms of the last few years.

Revd Anna Harwood www.THRU-christ.org.uk

Palm Sunday, 10 April Celebration of Our Lord’s entry into Jerusalem 9 April, 6.30pm Mass at St Thomas More, Twyford 10 April, 9am Mass at Our Lady of Peace, Wargrave 10 April, 10.30am Mass at St Thomas More, Twyford Maundy Thursday, 14 April, 7.30pm Mass of the Last Supper, Twyford Good Friday, 15 April, 3pm Celebration of Our Lord’s Passion, Twyford Holy Saturday, 16 April, 8pm Easter Vigil (Readings and Mass), Twyford Easter Sunday, 17 April, 9am Mass at Our Lady of Peace, Wargrave Easter Sunday, 17 April, 10.30am Mass at St Thomas More, Twyford Wishing everybody a very happy and blessed Easter.

Fr Jude

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

45

easter

History and traditions Why bunnies and eggs at Easter?

by Catherine Rose If Easter is the religious festival celebrating the resurrection of Christ, how did the annual tradition of a rabbit leaving chocolate eggs for children come about?

Although eggs have featured symbolically in ceremonies throughout the world for hundreds of years, the tradition of eggs given at Easter seems to have been born in Europe in the twelfth century.

The Easter Bunny, in particular, is said to originate in Germany, where it was actually the mystical hare, not a rabbit, who gifted the eggs. This hare was mentioned as early as 1682 in George Franck von Frankenau’s book About Easter Eggs. And early in the 20th century, Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia published the following: ‘In Germany, it is the timid hare who is supposed to be responsible for the plentiful supply of brightly coloured Easter eggs so eagerly sought for by the children in all manner of hiding places. The hare, therefore, plays a very important part in German Easter observances, and representations of the gentle, long-eared little creature are immensely popular.’

Further afield, Dutch immigrants to Pennsylvania were telling their children about Osterhase or the Easter Hare in the eighteenth century. By the time it was mentioned in the San Francisco Call in 1901, the hare had become a rabbit: ‘From Germany – rich in weird traditions – comes the quaint conceit that the week before Easter rabbits are endowed with the power to lay eggs.’

But why a hare originally? The hare was once a symbol of the sixteenth century German

Lutheran Church because it was believed – perhaps due to its solitary nature – that it could reproduce itself without a mate and was therefore likened to the Virgin birth of Christ.

There is another possibility that the idea of an Easter hare was born from the pagan worship of Eostre, the Saxon goddess of spring, who was said to have the altered shape of a hare.

The origin of the Easter egg is not certain.

Some see it as a symbol of new birth or the resurrection. It can also be linked to the forty-day period of Lent, which represents Christ’s time in the wilderness. Lent begins after people eat up their last eggs and flour as pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, in preparation for the fasting period between Ash Wednesday and Easter.

During the Middle Ages, it was forbidden to consume eggs during Lent, which could help to explain why they became central to Easter celebrations. They would be in plentiful supply by then, too!

However, since spring is the time of new birth in nature generally, it is likely that the idea of giving decorated eggs at this time of year began as a pagan one.

The tradition of egg gifting has long existed throughout Europe but with different twists on the theme. For example, in Italy it was believed that angels would descend from heaven on Easter Sunday and bless the faithful with a basket of eggs. In Switzerland, Tyrolean musicians would go from house to house performing and receiving eggs as payment.

46 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

It has long been customary to serve painted or dyed hard-boiled eggs for breakfast on Easter morning. Early dyes would have been natural, made from bark, walnut shells, flowers and onion skins. The eggs were often wrapped in pieces of fabric or decorated with beeswax to provide a ‘resist’ and therefore leave a pattern on the eggshell (a bit like tie-dye).

The wealthy also gifted extravagant eggs to one another – gilded and decorated. At Easter in 1885, the Russian Tsar asked Fabergé to make one of his jewelled eggs to present to the Tsarina and there are examples of beautifully made and expensively decorated artificial eggs throughout history.

So how did Easter eggs come to be made of chocolate? The Victorians popularised giving a decorated cardboard egg filled with sweets and chocolates at Easter. At the beginning of the 20th century, chocolate manufacturers such as Fry’s and Cadbury began cashing in on the idea of marrying the two, the former having produced the first commercially available chocolate Easter egg in 1873.

The first eggs were solid but soon they were being manufactured to be hollow so that they could be filled with sweets or toys.

There does not seem to be much in the way of records that show how the Easter egg hunt began, or other games with eggs, such as egg rolling and egg tapping (a bit like conkers), which also still feature in some community activities at Easter today.

In any case, there is no doubt that they provide a lot of fun for children. Even Queen Victoria was partial to an Easter egg hunt, writing in her diary when she was fourteen: ‘Mama did some pretty painted and ornamented eggs, and we looked for them [in Kensington Palace gardens].’

It was a tradition that she carried on with her own children, giving them moss baskets in which to collect the eggs.

There will no doubt be many hunts taking place either inside or out this Easter, thanks to the generosity of the Easter Bunny, wherever it came from.

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

47

books

Wellbeing Inspirational reads to enhance your wellbeing

By Kate Duggan

The Comfort Book – Matt Haig Author Matt Haig has been very open about his struggles with depression. His latest book is a collection of sayings, thoughts and recollections that offer comfort when times are hard. Many of us find it difficult to focus when we’re feeling down, anxious or burnt out. With The Comfort Book, you can just flick through and read the quote that catches your eye. That might be a story snippet, a list, music recommendations or a recipe.

Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention – Johann Hari We often berate ourselves for spending too much time scrolling through social media or getting distracted when we should be concentrating. Johann Hari explains why the inability to focus is not a personal failing – it’s an all-too-common side effect of modern life. Crucially, he also shares science-backed advice to help you reclaim your ability to focus.

Good Vibes, Good Life – Vex King Stuck in a rut and not sure how to move forward? In Good Vibes, Good Life, Vex King gives practical and inspirational tips for tackling negative thoughts, improving self-esteem and finding the motivation to make positive changes.

Ultimately, his goal is to help you to both love yourself for who you are now and to make the changes that will improve your life for the better.

Broken (in the best possible way) – Jenny Lawson We all need a good belly laugh sometimes. Broken gives you that, plus so much more. As the blurb says, it’s a book about ‘living, surviving and thriving with anxiety’. It’s written like a stream of consciousness in parts, as Lawson shares anecdotes and lessons from her life. Raw, honest, relatable.

The Sleep Book – Dr Guy Meadows Anyone who struggles to sleep knows the impact it can have on daily life. The Sleep Book isn’t a recent release, but it’s one of the most well-researched – Dr Meadows has worked with more than 2,000 insomniacs. The result is a five-week plan to solve insomnia, mainly focusing on mindfulness and ACT (‘act and commitment’) therapy. It’s not a magic cure, but the advice is practical and easy to follow.

Reflections – Holly Willoughby TV presenter Holly Willoughby shares her ‘toolkit’ for living a happier, more connected life. She talks of the rituals, techniques and positive habits that have helped her to reconnect, tackle anxiety and feel more grounded. It’s a deeply personal book – she discusses body image, burnout and other challenges – but it’s not an autobiography. While most of us don’t lead a celebrity lifestyle, there are still many nuggets of wisdom that readers will find useful.

48 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Your ideal cleaner ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Family run business Prompt and reliable Own materials and equipment Regular cleans One-offs eg Spring clean, end of tenancy References available Free quotations and advice

That’s us!

Give us a call today.

Loft ladders supplied and installed from only £175 plus vat

Call now for a free quotation!

01753 840 485 www.theloftaccesscompany.com

Steve and Lyn

07807 002059

ALL AND GOOD HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

49

Puzzle solutions

Crossword

Wordsearch

Across: 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 18 20 22 23 24 25

Stucco Apache Avocado Paper Lotus Naphtha Elastic band Hebrews Aisle Ruler Ukulele Shaken Mantis.

Down: 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 19 21

Stable U-boat Chassis Pop up Capstan Earwax Connoisseur Lobelia Bravura Chorus Peters Eyrie Sleet.

Sudoku

Children’s page The animal fur answers are: A – Leopard B – Zebra C – Cheetah D – Giraffe E – Tiger

50 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Proud to be a member of

Over 20 Years Experience Design and Construction ●

●

●

●

●

Patios Decking Complete garden construction Turfing Garden lighting

●

●

●

●

Fencing Fully insured Block paving Ponds

Call Andy Ward Tel: 07957 386008 Office: 0118 376 1467 Email: twyfordlandscapes@gmail.com Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

51

xx rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

food and drink

Recipe Preparation time: 15 minutes Marinate: 1 hour or overnight Cooking time: 50 minutes Serves: 4

Seared lamb fillet with beans and garlic minted dressing Spring is the perfect time to enjoy lamb. This is a light, flavoursome dish that is delicious served warm or cold. Ideally, marinate the lamb the night before to enhance the flavour.

Ingredients 500g lamb fillet 1 garlic clove, crushed Grated zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra for frying 150g green beans or sprouting broccoli, trimmed 250g mixed leaves, baby spinach or rocket 150g cherry tomatoes, halved ½ red onion, finely diced or sliced

Dressing 1 whole bulb garlic Drizzle of olive oil 200g Greek yoghurt Handful of mint leaves 1 tsp honey or maple syrup 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Pinch of cumin ½ tsp Dijon mustard

Method

1. For the lamb, mix together the garlic, lemon zest, cumin and olive oil and rub over the lamb. Leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. For the dressing, place the garlic bulb in a piece of foil and drizzle over a little oil. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes. Cool slightly, then squeeze out the garlic pulp into a blender. Add the remaining ingredients for the dressing and blend together. Season to taste.

3. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas mark 7. Sear the lamb in a frying pan with a little olive oil so that it is brown all over. Place in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly.

4. Blanch the beans or broccoli in boiling water until al dente, drain and refresh under cold water. Pile the leaves on a platter and top with the vegetables, tomatoes and onion.

Arrange the lamb on top and drizzle over the dressing to serve.

Nutrition per serving: 437kcal, fat 33g (of which saturates 15g), carbohydrates 6.7g of which sugars 5.7g), protein 28g, fibre 1.9g

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

53

Index Accounts and administration 4 Abacus Admin 18 Starfish Accounting Arts and crafts 34 HaaHoos Painting & Party Centre 8–9 Henley Arts Trail 41 VB Glass Art Building services 18 Boce Developments 49 The Loft Access Company Care providers 11 Bridge House of Twyford 10 Hightown Housing Association 4 Home Instead

Finance, insurance and legal 36–37 Benedict Charles Financial Planning 7 Blandy & Blandy Solicitors 19 Josephine Blythe 23 Vickers Young Florists 10

Beauty in Blooms

Food and drink 6 Stanlake Park Wine Estate Garage doors 49 Garolla

Carpets and flooring 14 The Floor Store

Gardens and landscaping 43 Cartmell Gardens 23 Hare Hatch Sheeplands 44 Hazelwood Tree Care 51 Twyford Landscapes

Charities 6 First Days Children’s Charity

Gifts 41

Cleaning 49 34 15 44 25

Interior design 13 Dan Smith Design

All and Good House Cleaning Oven Clean OvenU Peacock Carpet Cleaning The Window Cleaner

Community 26–27 Polehampton Swimming Association 35 Thames Valley Police 2 Twyford Beer Festival 42 Twyford Together 45 Local churches

Phoxy Design

Health and wellbeing 6 Claire Jarvis Reflexology Kitchens and bathrooms 7 AHM Installations 33 Kitchen & Bathroom Place Painting and decorating 4 Cox Decorators 7 PB Decorating

Domestic appliance repair 34 D&T Services

Pets 15

Dressmaking and alterations 15 Can’t Sew Education 12 Dolphin School

Plumbers 23 ADD Plumbing & Heating 18 JJ & SJ Plumbing 44 S Green Plumbing & Heating 43 Walterworks Plumbing & Heating

Electricians 5 Westgate Electrical Services

Self storage 43 Sheeplands Farm

Estate agents and property developers 21, 55 McCarthy Stone

New or returning advertisers are shown in green.

The Furry Godmother

For more local services see our online directory at www.rg10mag.com 54 rg10 March/April 2022. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

A local magazine putting your business in front of potential new customers

Reach over 7,000 homes and businesses in and around Twyford, Ruscombe, Wargrave, Charvil, Knowl Hill and Hurst For more information call 0118 907 2510 or nikki@rg10mag.com www.rg10mag.com