RG10 Sep/Oct 2017

September/October 2017 | issue 67 | free

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

ITALIA IN PIAZZA the real Italian Food Market

TWYFORD VILLAGE CENTRE Friday 1st September

Residential Sales & Lettings T: 0118 934 2470 E: mullie@mullie.co.uk

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TWYFORD WINDOWS

Trusted local professional service v Composite doors from just £900 your new composite door’ link on our website) v Save up to 30% off windows roofline and conservatories v Free upgrade to A rated energy

v Window and door repair specialists v (Registration # 34935) v Proud supporters of Twyford Together – www.twyfordtogether.org v Twyford Together Business of the Year 2011 v As Coco Loco says ‘a purrfect choice...’

Proud member of

0118 934 4600

Kevin Brown 11 High St, Twyford, RG10 9AB

www.twyfordwindows.co.uk

All change This time of year always seems to me to be one of change. Children move into different year groups at school and start talking about new friends and different teachers. Young people head off to further education or, after graduating, step out into the world. We look to the autumn fruits ripening on the trees and farmers bringing in the last harvests while we enjoy the early blackberries.

There’s change afoot here too: as well as putting together this bumper issue of RG10 magazine, we’ve been working hard on the finishing touches to our brand spanking new website, due to be launched shortly. Read more inside! I hope you’ll love it and make it your go-to site for keeping up with local events and searching for local services.

In other news, we update you on the situation with Hare Hatch Sheeplands and also Twyford Snooker Hall. There are superb articles too about Camp Mohawk and Twyford Comets and a progress report on the French twinning project for Twyford and Ruscombe.

You’ll also find professional advice from the experts at CMJ Insurance Brokers and Benedict Charles Financial Planning, and learn about the very personal approach to funerals offered by Berkshire Ceremonies. We applaud award-winning care agency Home Instead Senior Care and we hear about the benefits of mindfulness, with a new course being offered in Twyford. As to the latest recipe from Kran at the CookCurry Club, I for one can’t wait to try it!

What else? Oh yes, Twyford in Bloom, Twyford Together awards evening, Fun Run – and check out our Henley Literary Festival competition! This year’s line-up includes Fearne Cotton (see front cover), who will be talking about her first book for children.

Thank you if you already signed up to receive my new RG10 Living email newsletter. It will go out around the start of October as an update to this magazine.

Contents Community 29–33 34–35 36 41 44 46

Local news What’s on Twyford Comets: A new season begins Thames Valley Police: Community update Twyford Together: News update Twyford Together: Environment update

Business 7 42–44

Hare Hatch Sheeplands update Twyford Together: Edwin Ackers Awards

Charity 10-11

Camp Mohawk news

Family 51

Berkshire Ceremonies: Celebration of life funerals

House and garden 37

Twyford Tradesmen Together

Finance 18–19 24–25

CMJ Insurance: Business risks Benedict Charles Financial Planning: The lightbulb moment

Puzzles and competitions 20 48 49 50 56 57

Children’s page Quiz, Wordsearch , Step on it Crossword Logic, Su doku Puzzle solutions Competition

Food and drink 59 60–61

Recipe: Dairy-free kheer (rice pudding) Listings and news

Index 62 Sep/Oct 2017 Issue 67 Advertiser information RG10 is a bimonthly publication reaching 8,000 homes and businesses 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 new website to receive RG10 Living, our newsletter emailed out between issues of RG10 magazine.

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.

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rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

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6 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Hare Hatch Sheeplands update Watch this space That’s the message from Hare Hatch Sheeplands as it starts to regroup following the end of its planning dispute with Wokingham Borough Council.

A spokesman for Sheeplands confirmed in early August that they are working hard to create a long-term proposal which will meet with the council’s approval and ensure a successful future for the business.

Among future plans, subject to approval, is the creation of a ‘Cactus World’ feature. Owner Rob Scott is a cactus specialist and is the holder of two National Collections of succulents.

Meanwhile, the message from Sheeplands is: ‘We are open for business and need your continued support as we go forward.’

The spokesman explained: ‘By working closely with the council we hope to gain their approval for our plans and ensure that we safeguard the green belt.

‘We are drawing a line under the recent past but will make sure that we remain the fresh, local and friendly business that we have always been. We also intend to remain a strong supporter of local community activities.’

Sheeplands had already submitted a planning application that would enable fishmonger Paul Wheston to return to an area within the farm shop, and they were hopeful that this would be approved within the month.

Sheeplands also intends to develop even closer ties with local schools, enabling pupils to learn about plants and in particular where their food comes from before it reaches the supermarket shelves in packaged form.

The site has always been a popular location for events such as orchid and fuchsia shows and it is hoped that a way can be found to continue these.

There will also be more of the highly popular tasting sessions which have seen local brewers, wine merchants and food producers showcase their products to eager customers.

The business also intends to continue with its range of customer offers which have seen plants sold at half price and discounts given on the production of a supermarket loyalty card.

Plants are now available within the farm shop. and the late summer has seen customers snapping up some real bargains, including garden tools at half price.

The coffee shop remains fully open, offering anything from a quick coffee and cake to a full-blown traditional English breakfast or tasty lunch.

The spokesman added: ‘Our customers have been magnificent in their support during the difficult times and are now showing that support by continuing to visit us and buy what’s on offer.

‘We are excited by the future and can assure customers that our plans will, if approved, enable us to repay their loyalty by making Hare Hatch Sheeplands a must-visit location of choice for local residents throughout the Wokingham area and beyond.’

0118 940 1600 London Road, Hare Hatch RG10 9HW

www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

7

W. WILLIAMS

Proud member of

Plumbing & Heating

Our expert engineers specialise in: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

BOILER REPLACEMENTS FULL CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATIONS CENTRAL HEATING FAULT FINDING AND REPAIRS BOILER SERVICING BOILER BREAKDOWNS POWER FLUSHING GENERAL PLUMBING

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W. Williams Plumbing & Heating Ltd 36 Hurst Road, Twyford RG10 0AL

Call 0118 934 5898 or 07899 055406 www.wwilliamsplumbingandheating.co.uk Member of Twyford Together

8

rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ROOFING & EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE

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

ROOFING PROBLEMS? • Free quotations • Roof repairs/surveys • Flat roofs - all types of long term systems • Slate/tile work • Dormer & Velux windows

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Bondright Roofing Services Call 0118 963 9456 or Freephone 0800 169 2361

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Mercurial Systems Ltd.

Care that brings a smile…

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Home Care Respite Care Live in Care Please call 0118 430 0011 to see how we can help or e-mail wokingham@bluebirdcare.co.uk Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

9

twyford charities together Camp Mohawk news

Summer may be over, but the happy memories are long lasting for many local families who visit Camp Mohawk. There have been children with special needs enjoying themselves here ever since the charity was formed in 1980. We now support around 500 families and 45 special needs groups.

The children and young people have a variety of conditions including Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), Downs Syndrome, sight and/or hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, brain injury, genetic disorders and various other life-limiting conditions.

We’re open all year round and especially popular during summer as we have an outdoor heated pool with easy sloping access. There’s lots to do – including exploring our adventure playground, sensory garden or a variety of outdoor play areas – all in beautiful countryside, with wheelchair accessible paths. Plus we have a range of facilities to enjoy indoors, such as a woodland themed soft-play area, sensory rooms with interactive play equipment, chill-out lounges, and an arts and crafts room.

In the school holidays our excellent team of dedicated, experienced, sessional staff and volunteers help support the children, young people and parents during their visits.

Why Camp Mohawk is so important to families According to many families with SEN children (Special Educational Needs), Camp Mohawk is a ‘lifeline’, as they often find mainstream leisure activities virtually impossible to attend. They love visiting somewhere all their children can play together in a secure environment that is welcoming and accessible.

Adventure playground ‘As a parent of two SEN children (one with Cerebral Palsy), it is a place of support and acceptance. It is a place I can relax and play with my daughter. It is also a place where for half an hour I may get time for an uninterrupted coffee!’

‘The magic is in watching my son slowly practise interactions with other people, be they children, parents, or staff, in an environment where he isn't judged or laughed at. He can make mistakes and people have the patience for him to get his words out.’

Swings for all ages and abilities

‘It's an unbelievable feeling to be made so welcome and wanted at Camp Mohawk, as elsewhere my children may be rejected by others for being “different”.’

10 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Ways you can support us Fundraising opportunities • Sign up for an organised challenge event such as a tandem parachute jump, Santa Dash run or the Henley Swim on the Thames – all great opportunities to raise sponsorship • Ask if your employer would nominate Camp Mohawk as charity of the year, or hold some fundraising events

We work with many local companies and organisations, and we’re always happy to show visitors around. If you would like an experienced speaker or an engaging presentation at a community or corporate event, or have any questions about Camp Mohawk, please just ask!

Annabel Hill Fundraiser

• Enter a team in our regular Quiz Nights or Golf Days and have fun with friends or colleagues.

Sponsorship or contributions for upcoming events • Our popular fireworks displays on Saturday 28 October (open to the public) and Sunday 29 October (quiet display for registered families) • Seasonal fun – four days of Christmas parties.

Other ideas • Helping hands are always welcome for site maintenance and gardening, or volunteering at a range of other local events. If you can help in any capacity, even for a few hours occasionally – please do let us know!

• Donations of robust toys such as from the Little Tikes range • Hold a corporate team building day with a difference at Camp Mohawk.

Sensory room bubble tube

Camp Mohawk Highfield Lane Crazies Hill Wargrave RG10 8PU T: 0118 940 4045 W: www.campmohawk.org.uk E: annabel.hill@campmohawk.org.uk Follow us on Facebook

Building teams and fences with Johnson & Johnson Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

11

WentWorth Estate Agents offers a professional, friendly and personal service.

Proprietor Adrian Laflin has over 42 years’ experience and leads his team to offer a first class service.

Whether you are thinking of selling or letting, we would love to hear from you.

Contact us now for a free market valuation.

Visit our website for all our current properties.

0118 934 0027

www.wentworthea.com

twyford@wentworthea.com

15 High Street, Twyford, Berkshire, RG10 9AB

Proud member of

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

The Painting, Pottery and Party Centre in Twyford

Time to get planning for Christmas...?

Our very popular Pots and Pinot evenings make the perfect activity for group or corporate Christmas Party outings.

Pottery painting can be just as much fun for adults, as it is for children, so these evenings give you the chance to relax with friends or colleagues and paint your own fantastic pottery masterpiece.

Thursday 14th & 28th September 2017 Thursday 12th & 26th October 2017 Thursday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th November 2017 Thursday 7th & 14th December 2017 Check our website for prices and more info. Book early to avoid disappointment.

www.haahoosceramics.co.uk Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

13

JAZZ IN WARGRAVE – SATURDAY 11TH NOV 2017

London based Soul Jazz group THE FILTHY SIX return to Wargrave’s Woodclyffe Hall after their sell out show in May 2016. Performing their stylistic blend of Soul, Jazz and Blues these world-class musicians have worked alongside such greats as Tom Jones, Amy Winehouse, Dionne Warwick, Mumford & Sons and Robbie Williams to name a few –

www.thefilthysix.com ‘Impressive Soul Jazz sounds. A groove Monster!’

Craig Charles, BBC Radio 2 ‘Stylistic, funk-soaked Jazz’ Jazzwise ‘Consumate musicianship, groove and panache’ Blues & Soul Magazine

Saturday 11th November 8pm Woodclyffe Hall, Wargrave Doors 7.30pm - Bar available Tickets £12.50

Contact laetwell@aol.com Tel: 0118 9404611

Joinery Manufacturer We will manufacture anything in wood, i.e. windows, staircases, doors and conservatories.

Our craftsmen will see the work through until completion and to your satisfaction. We take a personal approach to all our clients who often recommend us and return for future projects.

0118 940 4948

www.woodsandlangtonjoiners.co.uk Milley Lane, Hare Hatch RG10 9TH 14 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

spotlight

Home Instead Senior Care Local care company gets seal of approval Home Instead Senior Care, which provides care to older people so they can continue living in their own homes across Maidenhead, Henley, Sonning and Twyford, has been announced as one of the top ten most recommended home care companies in the homecare.co.uk ‘Top 10 Awards 2017’.

company achieved high ratings in all categories, giving huge confidence to existing clients and those considering becoming clients.

Melissa Johnson, owner of Home Instead Senior Care said, ‘I am so proud that the service we provide, keeping older people happy and independent by caring for them in their own home, has been acknowledged by homecare.co.uk. It is even more special as it is from reviews from the people that matter – our clients. We want to say a big thank you to all our fantastic office team and our wonderful caregivers who support our local elderly community with compassion, respect and dignity, providing the care our clients deserve.’

A daughter of a Home Instead client said in her review, ‘Carers are exceptional. They look after mum as I would myself with attention to detail and a totally personal approach. They share helpful practical information, work together as a team with the family to keep mum safe and well. We have been well supported and communication is excellent. They make mum's life happy and secure – life is so much better with them involved!’

Home Instead Senior Care team with their award This seal of approval has come from the most important people: those who they care for, their friends and family.

The online review site homecare.co.uk lists all registered UK home care providers, enabling people to submit independent reviews which are then shared after verification online. The site is a valuable tool to help those searching for the best home care for their needs, which is so important.

Over 5,000 people took the time to provide a review on the site and it was these that were used to find out just who are the best providers across the UK. Home Instead was reviewed on the following criteria: overall standard, staff, care/support, management, treated with dignity and value for money. The

Davina Ludlow, director of homecare.co.uk said, ‘Home Instead Senior Care has shown that it provides high quality care, and we would like to congratulate them on being one of the top home care providers in the country.

‘Looking for the right home care provider can be tough. We hope our awards will help to make people’s search that little bit easier.’

Home Instead Senior Care provides home care which is tailored to the individual needs of each client.

Services typically include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping and personal care.

These are provided by devoted caregivers who spend a minimum of an hour on each visit with their client.

For more information please call us or visit our website:

01628 299097 www.homeinstead.co.uk/maidenhead Now recruiting caregivers.

No experience necessary, full training given.

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Vaughan’s Window Cleaning Services ● ● ● ●

Pure water system Covering RG10 area Regular and reliable Fully insured

Call Daniel on 07791 981014

Loft Ladders | Loft Boarding | Loft Hatches

Make the most of your loft today!

Loft Lighting | Hobby Rooms | Conversions

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17

insurance

CMJ Insurance Brokers, Hare Hatch

New world risks to your business Are you covered?

Insurance is seen as a necessary evil by many, and some businesses fall into the trap of being driven more by price than quality of cover. Reading this short article could save you thousands of pounds in the future.

Why is it so important to have the right cover? If I have insurance surely I am covered if something happens to my business?

The sad truth is that you only know the true value of insurance in the unfortunate event of a claim.

In recent times we are seeing two areas in particular where businesses are being left exposed: Under-insurance and Cyber Liability risk.

Under-insurance occurs when you have not selected the correct sum insured to cover your assets.

This is often caused by a failure on the part of a broker to explain the basis of valuation, focusing instead on trying to minimise the premium. In the event of a claim occurring when a business is Under-insured, most insurers’ policies will allow them to apply ‘average’, which means reducing the claims settlement by the same proportion as the level of under-insurance. In respect of physical assets this can be very painful, but if it is applied to the cover for gross profit (the cover that pays the bills whilst a business is unable to trade), it can be fatal.

How reliant are you on your computer systems to conduct your business? How would you be affected if you were ‘hacked’ or suffered a virus attack?

Cyber risk is an area of exposure we have been highlighting to our clients for some time now. As businesses become ever more reliant on technology, the risk of suffering a loss related to IT problems continues to grow. Computer systems do more than provide email and internet access: they also hold sensitive data such as customer databases and employee payroll.

Data breaches impact business owners significantly in terms of time, money and reputation. A recent survey reported that 74% of SMEs had experienced an IT security breach. And you're not just at risk from malicious attacks like hacking, stolen laptops and viruses: internal system failure and employee error are equally common and can be just as damaging.

Could your business survive without access to your systems and data? Losing sensitive data could be seriously damaging, so it's vital that you have the protection you need.

Colin Bailey, Director of CMJ Insurance Brokers said: ‘We enjoy working with many local businesses throughout the Thames Valley. Ultimately we want to make sure businesses are able to return to the position they are currently in, should the worst happen.’

CMJ Insurance can advise how best to protect your systems against cyber exposure including cover for payment demands and reputational damage, giving you peace of mind and leaving you free to focus on running your business.

Using an independent broker such as CMJ Insurance takes the hassle out of all insurance arrangements. They will provide you with: • A complimentary review of your existing insurance arrangements • Expert advice on all types of commercial insurance policies • Personal service from friendly professional staff with over 200 years combined insurance experience • Tailor-made policies designed specifically for your needs with cover arranged for any size business.

For a no obligation complimentary insurance review to see if they can improve your current cover, contact CMJ Insurance Brokers on 0118 940 6175. www.cmj.co.uk.

18 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

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19

Are you Puzzled by Pensions?

We offer a friendly and responsive service and have expertise in helping you understand your pension plans.

Due to expansion of our team we have moved to new premises.

Contact Josephine Blythe 17 Sheeplands Farm, Wargrave, RG10 8DL Telephone: 0118 313 0270 Email: josephine.blythe@sjpp.co.uk www.josephineblythe.co.uk Proud to be a member of The Twyford Village Partnership Business Forum Josephine Blythe 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.

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21

Unlock your potential Promote your business in our magazine, on our wide screen at Twyford Surgery, and via our website

website Check out our new mber 2017! launching Septe Making your business everyone's business Call 0118 907 2510 | Email info@rg10mag.com | Visit www.rg10mag.com

Supporting our local community

ITALIA IN PIAZZA the real Italian Food Market

TWYFORD VILLAGE CENTRE Friday 1st September from 9am Now nearer the car park! Find us in front of your newly refurbished Waitrose store

22 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

finance

Benedict Charles Financial Planning The Lightbulb Moment

by Twyford based Robin Yeadon

In my last article (RG10 May/June), I wrote about the benefits of financial planning and the important role played by cash flow modelling.

Recently I was talking with a prospective client about his retirement plans and asked him to consider what he wanted his future to look like. Not an onerous task, he later admitted, but one that he had just kept ‘putting off'. At our next meeting, I sat down with him and demonstrated the power of cash flow modelling. He called it his ‘Lightbulb Moment': it dawned on him that his years of investing and saving were now going to bear fruit and enable him to reach his goals.

What is a financial plan?

In simple terms a financial plan answers three important questions:

using assumed rates of growth, income, inflation, wage rises and interest rates. We can go further and create a series of ‘What If' scenarios that will enable you to make decisions about your future and put together a clear action plan to meet your goals.

John Maynard Keynes once said, "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?" Good cash flow modelling should apply the same principles. We understand that goal posts move, circumstances change and ‘life happens'. When they do, it is essential to revisit the cash flow model to remain on track. In most cases, this involves making minor ‘tweaks' to your plan rather than wholesale changes.

• Where are you now?

• Where do you want to get to?

• What do you need to do to get there?

We understand that you have worked hard to accumulate your wealth, whether in investments, pensions or other assets. A financial plan provides you with direction and allows you to understand how one financial decision impacts on another.

What is cash-flow modelling?

Cash flow modelling is a valuable financial planning tool that depicts your financial wellbeing in visual terms. Armed with a detailed picture of your financial arrangements, we can project forward year by year, 24 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

What information do we need?

The first task is to put together a detailed summary of your financial arrangements, so that we understand your financial state of health. Secondly, we need to understand other facts that drive your financial planning needs, so we would ask you to think about: • Your version of what a good standard of living is • Your goals over the short, medium and long term • Your current and future expenditure • Any planning you have already done • Any long-term care assumptions • How the death of a partner would change your planning.

What are the benefits?

Simply put, cash flow modelling provides you with peace of mind by answering the following questions: • What will my situation look like when I retire?

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current situation?

• What level of income could I draw without running out of money?

• What would the situation look like if I needed to go into care?

• How can I minimise my present and future tax liabilities?

By understanding your goals, what planning is in place and what scope there might be for additional investment, we can create a solution that works for you. The more that you engage, the better you will understand your financial planning and ultimately improve the decisions that you make.

What is a financial planner and why are we different?

At Benedict Charles, our focus is to understand your unique situation. We will work with you to develop and carry out financial planning solutions to help you reach your goals.

We offer a financial planning service for clients seeking a long-term relationship with their adviser. This starts with creating a bespoke financial planning report, which will form the foundation for future reviews. We will be there to support you through every stage of your financial journey.

What next?

If you would like to have your own ‘Lightbulb Moment', or have any questions about your financial planning, feel free to get in touch.

Robin Yeadon Director and Independent Financial Planner

0118 391 3950 or 01628 876069 info@benedictcharles.co.uk www.benedictcharles.co.uk Financial Planning | Pensions | At Retirement | Investments | Cashflow | 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.

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25

community pages

Twyford snooker hall update A story of hope Thanks to the generosity of the community, a 164-year-old building on the Wargrave Road has had a make-over but still needs your help. along with an upgraded security system. The site wall at the front has also been repaired and all internal electrics have been replaced.

The former Wesleyan chapel, now home to Twyford Snooker Club, was originally given to the men of the village in 1919 by the then vicar as a place of relaxation after their return from World War 1. An interesting memorial hangs in the hall naming both those who lost their lives in the conflict and those who returned.

Members of Twyford Snooker Club still commemorate those who died on the anniversaries of their deaths. During the summer posters displayed outside the hall told the stories of Alfred Charles Goff of Twyford and Stephen Prater of Ruscombe, who both died on 31 August 1917.

None of this would have been possible without the massive amount of help from both club members and the community at large. Thanks in particular are due to Jamie Busby, his staff at Ruscombe Designs and Buildings and other sponsors such as The Baylis Trust. Help also came from Piggott School pupils, Waitrose, and especially from The Berkshire Masonic Charity through Ashley Hill Lodge. In addition to making individual donations, members also supported various quizzes and other fundraising activities.

While the improved exterior is a cause for celebration, the interior is still in need of a lot of work to bring it up to an appropriate standard. A new insulated ceiling is required, the walls need replastering, the toilets replacing, and flooring and heating work undertaken.

The objective remains to re-dedicate the hall to the community in a much-improved state on or before 13 July 2019 – the centenary of its gift.

Ways you can help

Unfortunately, no money had accompanied the gift of the building to provide for its future upkeep, and the hall gradually fell into serious disrepair. The club committee seriously considered closing the building in 2014 as the roof was a danger and insurance was proving difficult to obtain. In the end a renovation appeal was launched to raise £56,000 for essential repairs.

Although much remains to be done, the club is celebrating the completion of the first stage – securing the exterior of the building. The roof has been replaced, the walls have been stripped, repaired and re-painted, and new windows are being installed

• Support the next quiz night in November (date to be confirmed) • Visit www.helpourhall.co.uk and follow the link ‘How you can help’ • Donate via the club’s fundraising page on www.gofundme.com • Consider whether you or your business could join the list of sponsors • Offer practical help such as plastering or any useful building skills • Join the club! Snooker memberships available for men and women.

If you can help or would like more information, please contact the club secretary (details below) who will be happy to arrange for you to view the building and have a snooker taster session.

Malcolm George Honorary Secretary, Twyford Snooker Club T 07989 893987 E twyfordsnookerhall@gmail.com W www.twyfordsnooker.com

28 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Local news Terry Pratchett’s Mort

Springfield Table Tennis Club

Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group present Terry Pratchett’s Mort, adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs, on 5–7 October 2017 at Loddon Hall, Twyford.

You may have heard this quote summarising Terry Pratchett’s popular discworld book: ‘Death comes to us all, but when he comes to Mort, he offers him a job.’

Commenting on her choice of play to follow on from the success of Wyrd Sisters in 2009, theatre group director Jocelyn Robinson said: ‘It had to be Mort, with its view of human nature, its wonderful comedy moments and its flying horse.

‘In Mort we have a simple coming of age story, but presented with Terry Pratchett’s unique style and imaginative depths.

‘I have an amazing cast who are putting hours of work into bringing all the different characters alive.

Some of them are new faces, never seen before at Loddon Hall. Meanwhile backstage people are busy creating the simple but appropriate scenery that I feel is essential to telling a Terry Pratchett story.’

Mort promises to be an exciting and entertaining production – an hilarious sideways look at the grim reaper and his role in all our destinies.

Members of Springfield Table Tennis Club look forward to returning after the summer break that followed another successful season.

Formed in the 1960s by residents of Springfield Park in Twyford, the club has fielded teams in the local Reading league ever since. They would like to thank Polehampton Junior School for accommodating their home league games on Wednesdays as well as the club nights, held on Mondays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, when friendly competitions are arranged with a mix of singles and doubles games.

The club currently has four teams involving over 20 players in the Reading and District Table Tennis League and is seeking sponsorship for personalized team shirts. If you might be interested in sponsoring, or simply fancy joining a local club to play table tennis, please email twyfordtabletennis @gmail.com.

Caterpillar Club new term

Broadway Musical Magic afternoon Local music teacher and choir director Suzanne Newman will run a Broadway singing afternoon for female voices from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 9 September at Charvil Village Hall. It is open to any women and girls who love singing!

Join in the fun and learn to sing a medley of songs from Broadway shows arranged for two-part female voice choir, including Into the woods, Electricity, Seasons of love, Mamma mia and Let’s hang on!

The cost is £10 including music and refreshments.

Booking essential: call Suzanne on 0118 934 0589 or email suzanneynewman@btinternet.com.

Caterpillar Club playgroup returns on Wednesday 13 September. It’s a friendly and fun playgroup for 0 to 5-year-olds, held in Charvil Village Hall from 9.45am to 11.30am on Wednesdays during term time.

Adult and child refreshments are served during the session, so have a coffee and a chat while your little ones play. There’s also singing and a weekly craft activity!

The first visit is free and there's no need to book.

Thereafter sessions cost £2, plus £1 for each additional child. There’s plenty of onsite parking too.

For more information email CaterpillarClubCharvil @yahoo.com, call Alison on 07876 336716 or find them at www.facebook.com/groups/Charvil CaterpillarClub.

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29

Local news (continued) September Song concert

Twyford Tennis Club

The High Voltage Singers are once again joining up with The Woodford Singers to give a concert on 9 September, starting at 7.30pm at the Woodley Theatre in the Oakwood Centre.

Twyford Tennis Club held its traditional annual Alan Saker tournament in early July. This involves 16 players from any level competing in a fun ‘American doubles’ format, with partners drawn on the day.

It provides a great opportunity for members and families to enjoy a summer social event in a competitive environment.

September Song will include a wonderful mix of jazz, swing, rock ‘n’ roll, plus many other upbeat, toe-tapping sounds.

There will be refreshments by the Brown Bag Café and a raffle in aid of Just Around The Corner Independent Living Project. Tickets cost £10 from Allan on 0118 969 8695 or Jacky on 0118 934 5998, or email allanmodd@gmail.com or j.crossman@ymail.com.

Twyford and Ruscombe Cricket Club Twyford and Ruscombe Cricket Club celebrated the end of a hugely successful colts season in late July by holding a festival of cricket at Stanlake Meadow in Twyford.

The club's under 7, under 9 and under 11 teams all held simultaneous games of cricket in front of a crowd of well over a hundred people before receiving their end of season awards.

The stars of the season received club caps from their coaches before enjoying a well-deserved BBQ. The club’s colts scheme has been a remarkable success thanks to the efforts of all involved. Just a few years after setting up the sides, the club now has 98 boys and girls signed up as members, with four level two coaches and invaluable help from a number of parents who have completed the Coach Support Worker qualification.

Nic Downes, the club's youth cricket co-ordinator, said: ‘It really has been a tremendous season for TRCC's colts section. We've seen all the boys and girls involved make big improvements in their cricket, and it's great to see more of our coaches getting their Level Two qualifications, as well as more parents getting involved.

‘I'd like to thank all the coaches, players and parents who have given so much this season and I'm sure I speak for all involved when I say we can't wait to get going again next year.’

Anyone, young or old, interested in taking up cricket in Twyford is more than welcome at the club. For youth cricket email juniors@twyfordcc. org.uk or call Nic Downes on 07785 738655. Adults can email chairman@twyfordcc.org.uk.

After a fearless four-hour battle, Susie Oldroyd and Johnny Worrall emerged as the 2017 winners and the celebrations continued into a BBQ organized by the club.

Twyford Tennis Club was founded in 1939 and Alan Saker joined shortly afterwards. He became a very active club member: owner of the DIY store in the village, he put a great deal of effort into helping maintain the clubhouse and courts. Alan founded the tournament with the idea that it should be a fun competition open to all. He was president for many years until the end of his life, and the trophy is a testament to everything he achieved for the club.

Divorce Recovery Workshop University of Washington research published last year showed there are consistent spikes in people instigating divorce proceedings following holiday periods. Indeed, Wokingham borough based charity Divorce Recovery Workshop is now busy taking bookings for their next course in November.

Holidays are often a make-or-break point for couples having difficulties and can be an emotionally charged and stressful time, especially when there are children involved. DRW offers a course to help individuals overcome the pain following the end of a relationship. It is open to all, regardless of when the break-up was or whether the couple were married.

The next DRW course will be held on 3–4 and 10–11 November at Brookside Hall in Earley, consisting of two Friday evenings and Saturdays during the day.

30 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

The charity’s national chair, John Kemp, of Wokingham said: ‘The US research is interesting; it reflects what we’ve seen in the UK. ‘Being in close proximity for an extended period during a holiday can be stressful. It can highlight problem areas in a couple’s relationship. People may also have time, away from day-to-day routines, to reflect on their relationship. We certainly hear about relationships ending after a holiday. The split can be amicable, but when it’s not, that’s where DRW can help people deal with their emotional trauma.’

Smart Works events Congratulations to Smart Works, the charity helping unemployed women to succeed at job interviews.

The Reading branch received two important awards this summer: the volunteer team won recognition at the Reading Voluntary Action Volunteer Awards, and volunteer Maggie McMillan won an individual award in the ‘Can-do’ category. To top it all, Smart Works as a whole also won The Charity Awards 2017 prize for the ‘Social care, advice and support’ category.

Smart Works would like to thank all the individuals, retailers and organisations who so generously support the charity by donating clothing, accessories, time, or financial help.

The charity has several events coming up: If you would like to attend any of these please email reading@smartworks.org.uk.

For more information visit www.drw.org.uk, contact John on 07880 702337 or email reading@DRW .org.uk. A charge covers course costs including lunch and refreshments.

Sonning Village Show Sonning Village Show will take place on Saturday 16 September at Sonning C of E Primary School in Liguge Way from 2pm to 5pm. Entrance is 50p for adults and children go free.

The annual event showcases the finest crafts and the biggest and best produce in the area – including fruit, vegetables, yummy cakes, jams and chutneys – with prizes for the winning entrants.

There will also be a variety of stalls from people in the local community, including a craft stall, fête games like Hook A Duck and Lucky Dip, along with a Tombola.

28 September: Shopping event at Winser London, 29 High Street, Marlow, from 6pm to 8pm 4 October: Shopping event at Hobbs, Unit 29, The Oracle, Reading, from 6pm to 8pm 28 October: Designer sale at South Street Arts Centre, 21 South Street, Reading, from 10am to 3pm 11 November: Black & white charity ball at Trunkwell House, Reading, from 6.45pm.

Twyford Singers Come and Sing Twyford Singers invite you to join them for a Come and Sing day led by musical director Helen Styles at Christ Church in Crockhamwell Road, Woodley, on Saturday 14 October 2017.

The programme will include Vivaldi’s Gloria and extracts from Kodaly’s Missa Brevis.

Tickets are £18 if booked before 14 September (£15 for groups of 10+) or £20 thereafter. The charge covers music scores, tea/coffee and delicious home made cake.

Visit www.twyford-singers.org.uk for further information and an application form.

In addition there will be Maypole Dancing, a gym display by Bulmershe Gymnastics Club, Circus Skills, Tug of War and Peg’s Challenge, plus a bouncy castle and climbing wall. The Sonning Scouts will be manning the BBQ and all produce will be available to buy at the end of the show.

Twyford Surgery ‘flu clinic

Later on continue the fun atThe Sonning Club where there will be live music and a BBQ from 7pm –entrance just £2.

If you cannot make either date, they can arrange an alternative time for you to have your ‘flu jab.

Protect yourself ahead of the winter: Twyford Surgery is holding two Saturday ‘flu clinics on 23 and 30 September. Please ring 0118 934 6680 to make an appointment.

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31

Local news (continued) Hare Hatch Sheeplands Front Garden Competition Charvil gardeners took the honours in this year’s RG10 front garden competition organised by Hare Hatch Sheeplands. Residents of Charvil won first, second and third prizes with a Wargrave gardener sharing third place.

First prize, and a £100 voucher to spend at Sheeplands, went to Robert Knight from Thames Drive. Robert was second in last year’s competition.

Second place and a £75 voucher went to Marion Davis of The Hawthorns. Marion was third last year.

Frank Moore from Thornbers Way shared third place with Hilary Thomas from Victoria Road, Wargrave. They each received a £30 voucher.

The gardens were judged by Sheeplands General Manager Andy Sherwood and Plant Area Manager Maria Witowska. They awarded marks in ten different categories including first impressions, plant quality and health, colour combinations, features and future promise. They commented that the standard was really high this year and that it had been a pleasure to visit the gardens and give advice in situ when requested.

are running taster sessions on 21 and 28 September at Hurst Village Hall, starting at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to have a go at these free sessions – men and women, with or without any previous dancing experience, and also any musicians interested in playing with the band that provides live music wherever the side performs.

Describing her experience last year, Phillipa Henderson said: ‘Coming to the taster sessions was enormous fun. The Hump members were so friendly and welcoming. There were no expectations as to my ability, or lack of it, and I was just encouraged to join in.

‘No-one wanted to know my age, my job, or where I was from. It was simply people getting together to share a common interest – a pleasant change from what often happens when joining a new group. I can clearly remember laughing so much I had tears in my eyes when attempting some of the dances.

Having the chance to try something new, eat homemade cake and listen to great live music was enough to make me decide that this is what I wanted to do.’

Hump Squire (leader) Karen Ricketts added: ‘People often tell us they’ve thought of having a go at morris dancing and never got round to it. It’s great exercise and good fun. Hump are a friendly, welcoming crowd.’

The side performs Cotswold tradition dances – the type with hankies and sticks – at pubs, fairs and festivals.

For details visit www.hump.org.uk, email contact@hump.org.uk or call Sue on 0118 932 0571.

L–R: Andy Sherwood, Robert Knight, Marion Davis, Hilary Thomas, Frank Moore and Maria Witowska

HuMP – laugh until you cry A woman who discovered morris dancing just a year ago is urging others to have a go. Phillipa Henderson (48) says she ended up crying with laughter at her taster sessions with Hurst Morris People! A counsellor and sign language interpreter, Phillipa (centre) has gone on to become a regular dancer with the side.

This year Hurst Morris People (known as Hump)

A little mouse told me…

Upcyling furniture and interiors store Country Mouse has closed its doors in Twyford. Sad news, but for a happy reason: Lindsay is expecting a baby in October! We wish her all the best in her exciting new role as a mother.

The other Country Mouse shop, run by Lindsay’s mother Karen, remains open a short drive away at Moss End Garden Village. Their mission is to give unloved pieces of furniture a new lease of life and give advice and encouragement to others doing the same. They stock a selection of hand painted furniture and brocante finds, together with Annie Sloan chalk paints and other products. They also take commissions and run creative workshops.

The other good news is that the shop front won’t be empty for much longer… Can’t say more just yet!

32 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

ART for art’s sake In other news from the High Street, reluctantly Sue Leigh will be closing ART for art’s sake at the end of November. The gallery has become very well established over the past five years, but it’s time for Sue to give up working full time and focus on her health. She says that as a Twyford resident, one of the best aspects of having the gallery has been getting to know so many lovely people within the village, and she will definitely miss the privilege of sharing the ups and downs of their lives.

It will be business as usual at ART for art’s sake for the next few weeks before Sue starts the final sale of any remaining stock, fixtures and fittings, so do drop in for a chat. There’s still time to find that piece of art you’ve been meaning to buy, and maybe even to pick up a bargain.

We wish Sue a happy and healthy retirement.

Twyford and Ruscombe twinning project Twyford Parish Council was approached by the town council of Cuincy last year to propose a twinning project. Cuincy is located in northern France, close to Lens and Lille. With around 7,000 residents, it is similar in size to Twyford.

The parish council met with a number of interested parties and raised awareness in the community. It was agreed to express a serious interest in pursuing the twinning with Cuincy, and to include close neighbour Ruscombe in this association.

club, business or other group, please email twyfordtwinning@gmail.com stating the nature of your interest and your contact details. The twinning association would love to include a wider representation from the community. Allez!

Twyford bonfire and fireworks The annual bonfire and fireworks organised by Twyford and District Round Table will take place on Saturday 28 October on King George V Field. This year’s theme is Space!

Advance tickets will cost £6 for adults, £3 for youth/seniors and £1 for under 12s. On the gate the entry fee will be £7, £4 and £1. Tickets will be available a couple of weeks before the event from Brightons newsagents and Hare Hatch Sheeplands.

All money raised will go to local charities.

Further details will be posted nearer the time on www.twyfordroundtable.org, on Twitter @TwyfordRT or on Facebook.

Cuincy is seeking a twinning relationship that would include regular cultural or sporting exchanges. The aim is to have something in place ready for the centenary celebrations in 2018 marking the end of the First World War. There is a British cemetery in Cuincy and others close by, for anyone interested in the history of WW1 and WW2.

Twyford and Ruscombe offer a variety of sports clubs, societies and businesses which may be of interest to Cuincy and provide opportunities for exchanges and new friendships. We have clubs for football, table tennis, bowls, snooker and more as well as societies for music, theatre, horticulture and history among others – and of course Twyford Together. Any of these groups could benefit from being part of the twinning project.

The Twyford Twinning Association has been established to take the project forward. The committee is in the process of setting a budget and making contact with groups who may be interested.

If you would like to learn more about becoming involved, either as an individual or representing a Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

33

September Sat 2 Italia in Piazza market 9:00 Twyford village centre, in front of Waitrose Sat 2 RSPB guided walk 9:00–12:30 Meet in the main car park, Dinton Pastures Sat 2 Saturday Storytime 10:30–11:00 Stories, rhymes and crafts for under 5s and parents at Wargrave Library Sat 2 Twyford and Ruscombe Art Group Annual Exhibition 12:30 Twyford Room, Loddon Hall, Twyford Sat 2 Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association Summer Show 14:30 Opens to public, Loddon Hall, Twyford Sat 2 Twyford Salsa Club 20:00–late Loddon Hall, Twyford Mon 4 and 18 Wargrave Writers’ Forum 10:30–11:30 Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave Mon 4 Monday Bookworms 14:15–15:15 Book group at Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave Mon 4 Author book group 14:30–15:30 Twyford Library Mon 4 and weekly during term time Storytime 16:00–16:30 Stories and rhymes for under 5s and parents at Wargrave Library Mon 4 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 4 Hurst Parish Council meeting – www.hurstpc.org.uk 19:30 Hurst Village Hall committee room Mon 4 and weekly Springfield Table Tennis Club 19:30–21:30 Polehampton Junior School, Kibblewhite Crescent, Twyford Tue 5 Reminiscence Club 10:30–12:00 Discuss memories of days gone by at Twyford Library Tue 5 and 19 Twyford Whist Drive 19:30 St Thomas More Church Hall, London Road, Twyford Wed 6 and every Wed and Fri during term time Twyford Toddler Group 9:30–11:30 Twyford District Youth and Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road Wed 6 and 20 Crafts and Laughs 13:30–15:30 Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave Wed 6 and 20 Twyford Over 60s Club 14:00–16:00 St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford Wed 6 and weekly Charvil Short Mat Bowling Club 18:45–21:00 Charvil Village Hall Wed 6 and weekly Twyford Youth Club session 19:15–21:15 School years 9+, Twyford District Youth and Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road Wed 6 and weekly Charvil Art Group 19:30–21:30 Charvil Village Hall Wed 6 Ruscombe Parish Council meeting – www.ruscombeparishcouncil.co.uk 19:30 William Penn Room, Loddon Hall, Twyford Wed 6 Folk Music Workshop 20:00 Loddon Hall, Twyford Thu 7 and 21 Carers’ Coffee Mornings 10:00–12:00 For all carers and those for whom they care, at The Twyford Centre Thu 7 and weekly Bridge group 14:00–16:00 Tutor led session at Wargrave Library

Sat 9 Broadway singing afternoon 14:00–16:00 for female voices, Charvil Village Hall Sat 9 September Song 19:30 High Voltage Singers and Woodford Singers concert, The Oakwood Theatre, Woodley Sun 10 Friends of Lavell’s Lake bird walk – www.foll.org.uk 9:00–12:00 Meet in the Sandford Lane car park, Woodley Sun 10 Maidenhead Farmers' Market 10:00–13:00 Grove Road car park, Maidenhead Mon 11 Twyford and Ruscombe Art Group 14:00–16:00 Memories of summer, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford Tue 12 Twyford Tuesday Reading Group 14:30–15:30 Themed book discussion at Twyford Library Tue 12 Twyford and Ruscombe Floral Art Club 19:30 Going just a little bit potty! Charvil Primary School Tue 12 Knowl Hill WI meeting 19:30 Knowl Hill Village Hall Wed 13 and weekly during term time Caterpillar Club 9:45–11:30 playgroup from birth to pre-school, Charvil Village Hall Wed 13and 27 Knit Wits 14:00–16:00 Knit and crochet at Wargrave Library Thu 14 and 28 Pots and Pinot evenings 18:00 Adult pottery painting with wine at HaaHoos in Twyford Thu 14 Reading Cigarette Card and Postcard Club 19:30–22:00 Charvil Village Hall Sat 16 Sonning Village Show 14:00–17:00 Sonning CofE Primary School, Liguge Way, Sonning Sat 16 Dance Through the Decades 19:30–midnight ‘Hurst Hippodrome’, Hurst Village Hall Sun 17 Sunday Club – www.ageconcerntwyford.org.uk 14:00–17:00 Offering older people company, tea and a good film at The Twyford Centre, Polehampton Close Mon 18 Twyford and Ruscombe WI meeting 14:00–16:00 Makeup for mature skins, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford Mon 18 Charvil Parish Council meeting – www.charvil.com 20:00 Charvil Village Hall Tue 19 Knit and Natter 14:00–15:00 Drop in for knitting and a chat at Twyford Library Wed 20 Woodley Farmers’ Market 9:00–13:30 Woodley town centre Wed 20 Woodclyffe Book Group 17:30–18:30 Reading group at Wargrave Library Thu 21 and 28 Hurst Morris People taster sessions 20:00 Hurst Village Hall Sun 24 Legendary Twyford Blues session 20:30 Featuring Jive Alive plus special guest at the Waggon and Horses, Twyford Mon 25 Twyford and Ruscombe Art Group 14:00–16:00 Drawing tuition, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford Tue 26 Reading Cigarette Card and Postcard Club 19:30–22:00 Charvil Village Hall Tue 26 Twyford Parish Council meeting 19:45 Loddon Hall, Twyford Thu 28 Smart Works charity shopping event 18:00–20:00 Winser London, High Street, Marlow Fri 29 LFM Breakfast Club 7:30–9:00 Business networking at Emma’s Kitchen, Twyford

34 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

October Sun 1 It’s Your Life! Natural Health Show 10:30–16:30 The Oakwood Centre, Woodley Sun 1 Twyford Charity Family Fun Run 9:00 King George’s Field, Twyford Mon 2–Sun 8 Henley Literary Festival See www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk Mon 2 and 16 Wargrave Writers’ Forum 10:30–11:30 Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave Mon 2 Monday Bookworms 14:15–15:15 Book group at Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave Mon 2 Author book group 14:30–15:30 Twyford Library Mon 2 and weekly during term time Storytime 16:00–16:30 Stories and rhymes for under 5s and parents at Wargrave Library Mon 2 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 2 Hurst Parish Council meeting – www.hurstpc.org.uk 19:30 Hurst Village Hall committee room Mon 2 and weekly Springfield Table Tennis Club 19:30–21:30 Polehampton Junior School, Kibblewhite Crescent, Twyford Tue 3 Reminiscence Club 10:30–12:00 Discuss memories of days gone by at Twyford Library Tue 3, 17 and 31 Twyford Whist Drive 19:30 St Thomas More Church Hall, London Road, Twyford Wed 4 and every Wed and Fri during term time Twyford Toddler Group 9:30–11:30 Twyford District Youth and Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road

Thu 5–Sat 7 Terry Pratchett’s Mort 20:00 presented by Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group, Loddon Hall Sat 7 RSPB guided walk 9:30–12:30 Meet in the main car park, Dinton Pastures Sat 7 Saturday Storytime 10:30–11:00 Stories, rhymes and crafts for under 5s and parents at Wargrave Library Sat 7 Twyford Salsa Club 20:00–late Loddon Hall, Twyford Sun 8 Friends of Lavell’s Lake bird walk – www.foll.org.uk 9:00–12:00 Meet in the Sandford Lane car park, Woodley Sun 8 Maidenhead Farmers' Market 10:00–13:00 Grove Road car park, Maidenhead Mon 9 Twyford and Ruscombe Art Group 14:00–16:00 Drawing, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford Tue 10 Twyford Tuesday Reading Group 14:30–15:30 Themed book discussion at Twyford Library Tue 10 Twyford and Ruscombe Floral Art Club 19:30 Practice night, Charvil Primary School Tue 10 Knowl Hill WI meeting 19:30 Knowl Hill Village Hall Wed 11 and 25 Knit Wits 14:00–16:00 Knit and crochet at Wargrave Library Thu 12 and 26 Pots and Pinot evenings 18:00 Adult pottery painting with wine at HaaHoos in Twyford Thu 12 Reading Cigarette Card and Postcard Club 19:30–22:00 Charvil Village Hall Sat 14 Twyford Singers Come and Sing event 9:30–17:00 Christ Church, Crockhamwell Rd, Woodley Sun 15 Sunday Club – www.ageconcerntwyford.org.uk 14:00–17:00 Offering older people company, tea and a good film at The Twyford Centre, Polehampton Close

Wed 4 and weekly during term time Caterpillar Club 9:45–11:30 playgroup from birth to pre-school, Charvil Village Hall

Mon 16 Twyford and Ruscombe WI meeting 14:00–16:00 Talk on honey bees, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford

Wed 4 and 18 Crafts and Laughs 13:30–15:30 Wargrave Library, Church Street, Wargrave

Mon 16 Charvil Parish Council meeting – www.charvil.com 20:00 Charvil Village Hall

Wed 4 and 18 Twyford Over 60s Club 14:00–16:00 St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford

Tue 17 Knit and Natter 14:00–15:00 Drop in for knitting and a chat at Twyford Library

Wed 4 Smart Works charity shopping event 18:00–20:00 Hobbs, Oracle Shopping Centre

Wed 18 Woodley Farmers’ Market 9:00–13:30 Woodley town centre

Wed 4 and weekly Charvil Short Mat Bowling Club 18:45–21:00 Charvil Village Hall

Wed 18 Woodclyffe Book Group 17:30–18:30 Reading group at Wargrave Library

Wed 4 and weekly Twyford Youth Club session 19:15–21:15 School years 9+, Twyford District Youth and Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road

Mon 23 Twyford and Ruscombe Art Group 14:00–16:00 Winter landscape, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford

Wed 4 and weekly Charvil Art Group 19:30–21:30 Charvil Village Hall Wed 4 Ruscombe Parish Council meeting www.ruscombeparishcouncil.co.uk 19:30 William Penn Room, Loddon Hall, Twyford Wed 4 Folk Music Workshop 20:00 Loddon Hall, Twyford Thu 5 and 19 Carers’ Coffee Mornings 10:00–12:00 For all carers and those for whom they care, at The Twyford Centre Thu 5 and weekly Bridge group 14:00–16:00 Tutor led session at Wargrave Library

Tue 24 Twyford Parish Council meeting 19:45 Loddon Hall, Twyford Thu 26 Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association talk 20:00 The build up to RHS flower shows, St Mary’s Church Centre, Twyford Sat 28 Smart Works charity designer sale 10:00–15:00 South Street Arts Centre, Reading Sat 28 Twyford Bonfire Night 19:00 King George V Field, Twyford Sun 29 Legendary Twyford Blues session 20:30 Featuring Jive Alive plus special guest at the Waggon and Horses, Twyford

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35

twyford comets

A new season begins As part of this, the club presents an award each year to the sponsor they believe has gone beyond the call of duty. This took place in July this year at the Twyford Together Edwin Ackers Business and Community Awards. Twyford Comets were delighted to present our Sponsor of the Year award to Lisa Fouweather from the Tile and Bathroom Place in recognition of the support she has provided to the club over several years.

After a fantastic end to the 2016/17 season, with three Twyford Comets teams contesting cup finals, it is now the start of a brand new season for the club and all the teams are raring to go. All 250 players have had time to relax and prepare themselves for another 32 weeks of fun filled football!

The club has made a number of improvements over the last year and we look forward to making many more this season. We sent all our volunteers on more courses, trained an extra 18 first aiders, and most of our coaches are now licensed FA coaches.

This year we continue to focus on growing our membership, providing more footballing opportunities for youth and expanding our presence within the community. We have kicked off a number of initiatives to achieve these aims, and will keep you updated in the coming months.

Twyford Comets are supported by a number of sponsors including several business members of Twyford Together. Sponsorship is a key part of running the club and we are extremely grateful for all the support we receive.

Email Facebook Website

Special mention also goes to Nikki Ochtman at RG10, who will be sponsoring the Twyford Comets football skills relay at the Twyford Together Charity Family Fun Run in October for the fifth year running. We are also grateful for the publicity we are given through RG10 magazine, helping to raise awareness of our activities.

Thank you to all our other sponsors too, who make it possible for us to do what we do. It is all very much appreciated! We would encourage local people to please support our sponsors in turn, and to mention Twyford Comets when you use their services.

If you have a child who is keen to take part in football, learn new skills, make new friends and have loads of fun then please email me to express an interest. We cater for all age groups, from 4–6 year olds at our pay-as-you-go Mini-Comets sessions on Saturdays at King George V Field all the way through to our men’s team.

Finally, please join our new Facebook group for more news and ways in which you can help support your local community football club!

Brandon Murphy Club Secretary

clubsecretary@twyfordcomets.com www.facebook.com/groups/twyfordcometsfc www.twyfordcomets.com

36 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

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38 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

health

Mindfulness Are you too busy? Finding life stressful?

Continually distracted?

Practising mindfulness regularly improves your health and happiness People from all walks of life are learning to manage their minds for many different reasons.

• Mind Fitness Training protects US Marines against the psychological effects of stressful environments.

• Over one hundred MPs have attended an eight-week mindfulness course, resulting in improved listening skills and cross-party communication.

• Mindfulness is being taught in schools to help children learn more effectively and manage the stresses of growing up.

• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy is available on the NHS to those with severe recurrent depression to prevent relapse: studies show this is as effective as anti-depressants.

• Companies are training their top teams to be more mindful leaders.

• Mindfulness at work enhances creativity in marketing agencies and safety in engineering firms.

‘beginner’s mind’ in everyday activities such as eating, chopping vegetables or brushing your teeth. Developing a habit of practising daily makes you more aware of how your mind works, and of the subconscious decisions that drive our daily lives. Creating this mental space allows us to slow down, resulting in more clarity and healthier choices.

Learning mindfulness as part of a group provides a supportive environment for establishing the habit of a daily practice. Developing Mindfulness teaches the skills required through eight-week courses in Twyford and Central London. Classes are two hours long (morning or evening) with an all-day practice one Saturday.

This Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course was originally created by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979.

Since then, tens of thousands of people have benefited from it worldwide. Kabat-Zinn said ‘You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf’.

I have learnt how to manage my own wellbeing through developing these skills. I am happier and healthier for it, and more creative too.

If stress, physical illness or distractions are preventing you from moving forward, this is an opportunity to regain control over your life. For more information or to book a place on one of the next courses below, please visit the website or contact me direct.

So, what is mindfulness exactly?

Mindfulness is a natural human characteristic that you can learn to enhance. If you are curious and open-minded, you can improve your attention span and awareness of what is happening around you. By focusing on what you can see, hear, taste, smell and feel, rather than on thoughts, you are undertaking scientifically researched mind fitness training.

Doing simple exercises for ten minutes a day has many benefits. This takes patience and you need to be kind to yourself when your mind becomes distracted. You can also improve your mind fitness outside formal sessions by adopting a

Tessa McEwan Developing Mindfulness

Forthcoming eight-week courses Emma’s Kitchen Twyford

Starts Wed 20 September, 7.30–9.30pm

Moorgate, London

Starts Mon 18 September, 6–8pm

Contact: tessa@developingmindfulness.co.uk 07973 280432 www.developingmindfulness.co.uk Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

39

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: 0118 903 4020 M: 07973 173872 E: services@jjandsjplumbing.com W: www.jjandsjplumbing.com

Proud members of

40 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

thames valley police

Community update Twyford Neighbourhead Policing Team update

by PCSO Dan Taylor

‘Purse dipping’

Thames Valley Alert

We have seen a couple of incidents recently where people have had their purses or wallets removed from pockets or bags whilst shopping. We encourage people to avoid putting valuables in back pockets, insecure pockets, and bags that are not closed properly. Above all, be mindful of who is around you.

Officers now have the ability to create and send Thames Valley Alerts instantly, enabling timely updates of emerging crime patterns. This is a free service allowing you to receive crime alerts and information about where you live. Please register online at www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk.

Thefts from motor vehicles; Land Rover/Defender series; bicycles

Personnel changes

Following on from PC Simon Botham’s update earlier in the year, whilst the thefts from motor vehicles and Land Rover/Defender series have become less common, they are still ongoing. Please ensure valuables are out of site, windows are closed and physically check that doors have locked when leaving your vehicle.

Land Rovers are more of a challenge to secure, but we would reiterate Simon’s advice from earlier in the year: • Fit a tracking device • Fit a mechanical immobiliser such as a steering or pedal lock • Fit an alarm • Thieves will target component parts so consider marking them using a forensic marking solution or system • Keep the vehicle in a lockable garage/building or park in well-lit areas, which are overlooked • Have the vehicle identification number etched on windows • Consider fitting a hidden battery isolation or a fuel cut-off switch • Take photographs of unusual features, modifications, damage or repairs which could aid identification if stolen • Ensure any valuables are removed from the vehicle We would also like to remind people to ensure that bikes are as secure as possible (use ‘gold’ approved locks and remove lights, GPS and other attachments).

Sadly, we have been compelled to say cheerio to our Neighbourhood Supervisor PC Simon Botham, who has been promoted to Sergeant and taken up a posting in Oxford. He will be sorely missed.

PC Jon Hare is the Neighbourhood Supervisor for Woodley and will also take on Simon’s responsibilities for Twyford.

We are looking forward to welcoming a new neighbourhood officer to Twyford and will update you further on this later in the year.

Contact us Ask the neighbourhood team for advice: Call 101 or email twyfordnhpt@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.

Visit the station: Twyford Police Station is manned by volunteers and open Wednesdays 2–6pm and Saturdays 9am–1pm.

Report an emergency such as a crime in progress: Call 999.

Pass on information about crime or antisocial behaviour without talking to the police: Call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.

View information on your neighbourhood team: Visit www.thamesvalleypolice.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter @TVP_Wokingham.

Register for Thames Valley Alert: Visit www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk.

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41

twyford together

Awards evening Edwin Ackers Business and Community Awards Congratulations to all the winners at the 7th annual Twyford Together awards evening, which took place on 17 July. The event has been renamed the Edwin Ackers Business and Community Awards in memory of the practice manager of Ackers Clayton Reeve solicitors in Twyford, who died late last year. Edwin had been an active member of Twyford Together in its early years as Twyford Village Partnership, with a particular interest in encouraging local businesses to work more closely together and support each other.

What an enjoyable and inspiring evening it was this year!

The event was held in the garden at Buratta’s in Ruscombe on a lovely summer evening. Sixteen 'Oscar' type trophies were presented to individuals and businesses in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community, mainly by Gordon Storey, coordinator of the business and charity groups of Twyford Together.

In addition, Twyford Together chairman Daniel Taylor presented the Chairman’s Award, Twyford Parish Council announced their Citizen of the Year, Twyford Comets awarded their Sponsor of the Year and The Piggott School recognised their business mentors for students. Finally, several gold medals were given out by Twyford Together in recognition of other achievements.

Here is the full list of the award winners.

Business of the Year – Winner Ruscombe Designs and Buildings – Simon Plummer

Business of the Year – Runner-up Sports-alive photography – Gareth Jones

New Business The Picture Framer – David Meadowcroft

Business Support Gisela Sharpe Accountancy – Gisela Sharpe

New Member Newdays Pharmacy – Olivier Picard

Environment Treetop Landscapes – Nick Barnes

Community Benedict Charles Financial Planning – Rob Yeadon Charity Support The Duke of Wellington – Karen and Paul Williams

Health and Wellbeing

Shirley Pearce – Independent Occupational Therapist and Dementia Troubleshooter

42 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Twyford Tradesmen Together Westgate Electrical Services – David Cox Best Individual Performance Andy Dicks – Hare Hatch Sheeplands

Gordon Storey’s Special Award Alexander Barfield – The David Brownlow Charitable Foundation and Twyford Together Vice-Chairman Twyford Parish Council Citizen of the Year Jenny Hay – Noah's Ark Toddler Group Gold medal for instigating the awards in 2011 Kevin Brown – Twyford Windows

Chairman’s Award Paul Cassidy – Twyford Together Environment Officer

Gold medal for long service H F Newberry – Andy and Mark Norris

Piggott School Business Mentoring Terry Whiter – TW Computer Services Lisa Fouweather – Tile & Bathroom Place

Gold medal for hosting Twyford Together meetings Buratta’s at the Royal Oak – Stefano and Jenny Buratta Photos taken at Buratta’s reproduced by kind permission of The Wokingham Paper.

Twyford Comets Sponsor Tile & Bathroom Place – Lisa Fouweather Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

43

twyford together

News update Twyford Kids’ Triathlon

Run Together

It was super to have so many local kids and parents getting involved with our Kids’ Triathlon on 17 June, expertly organised again by Ellie Gosling of Barnes Fitness (pictured). Many thanks to her and the other experienced athletes that helped out, as well as many wonderful volunteers that gave their time. This annual event is now part of the Triathlon England South Central Junior Series, attracting competitors from far and wide.

Over 200 children aged 8–14 took part, including 29 from within the RG10 postcode area. A handful were members of the Barnes Fitness Reading Rascals Junior Triathlon Club or Thames Valley TriStars but the vast majority were regular kids eager to have a go at completing the pool swim at Polehampton Junior School followed by the cycle and run sessions around the King George V Field. The distances varied across the age groups.

Every finisher received a medal and goody bag, and this year there were prizes for the first boy and girl in each age group living in RG10.

Congratulations to all who took part.

Less arduous but a fantastic community event, this year’s Twyford Together Charity Family Fun Run will be held on Sunday 1 October at the King George V Field. This is the sixth annual event, raising funds for the seven organisations making up Twyford Charities Together. Distances range from 100m for the Pre-School Toddle to 2km for secondary year 5 upwards. Adults can join in the 2km run with the year 12 and 13 kids and business teams.

The day starts with registration from 9am. The scouts will provide their magnificent breakfast BBQ and other refreshments will be offered by Twyford Youth Club. There will also be a bouncy castle and face painting, and fun pre-race warm-ups with Fit & Able Physiotherapy. Enter online via the website www.twyfordtogether.org.

Gordon Storey

(Photos by Chris Drew) 44 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Twyford Tradesmen Together Mike Seddon Painting & Decorating ●

Local ● Professional ● Reliable ● Experienced

mike.seddon.decorating@gmail.com 07748 647005

T: 0118 903 4020 M: 07973 173872

Call Andy Ward 0118 348 6040 07957 386008 Design, Construction and Maintenance

Email: services@jjandsjplumbing.com Website: www.jjandsjplumbing.com

twyfordlandscapes@gmail.com

Gene Walter Carpentry Carpentry & Joinery

We are a group of independent tradesmen serving RG10 and surrounding areas.

We operate separately but have no hesitation in recommending each other’s services to our customers. No commission is involved.

Renovate

|

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We believe in providing a friendly, professional service and delivering excellent results at a fair price. We are proud to support the local community through our membership of Twyford Together.

Why look any further?

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Restore

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45

twyford together

Environment update Twyford Village Wildlife Safari This event was held on 27 May on the first weekend of TwyFest. Over 100 people booked in to enjoy exploring the Loddon Nature Reserve.

Families with children aged 5–11 followed a wildlife trail organised by BBOWT lasting around an hour and a half. The trail around the lake was dotted with fun activities including mini beast hunting and bird spotting. Everyone ended up back at the Duke of Wellington for a BBQ and over £500 was raised for charity.

The flower bed by Tesco’s was the last project delivered in time for the judging. Part funded by the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme, the raised bed was created by Ruscombe Designs and Buildings as their contribution to the village, planted by Treetop Landscapes, Mulberry Plants and Twyford Landscapes, with irrigation installed by W Williams Plumbing & Heating. Many thanks to these local businesses for their generous input.

The flower bed has greatly enhanced this area of the village.

Twyford in Bloom The village looked amazing in time for the Thames Valley and Chilterns judges’ visit on 14 July. The judging route was very well planned and timed, and many sections of the local community were involved along the way. Highlights included: • 90 well maintained hanging baskets around the village • Community beds on the Hurst road allotments as well as osier beds, cane making area and recycling of copse wood, farmyard manure and woodchips • Twyford & Ruscombe Local History Society display Station Road (read window of Evolve Portraits in Waltham Road) • New sign at the almshouses • Twyford in Bloom 2016 Silver Gilt award sign at Jubilee Corner • New raised flower bed alongside Tesco car park • New planting display at United Reformed Church • Drive area tidied at St Mary’s Church

Thanks also to all those who so generously gave their time to litter-pick, weed and sweep individual areas of the village ahead of the judging.

We now await the results of the Thames & Chilterns in Bloom regional awards, due to be announced in September. Fingers crossed!

Paul Cassidy Twyford Together Environment Officer

• Involvement of Twyford’s artist community at the presentation to judges • Twyford Together photography competition and calendar.

46 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Both Tai Chi & Qigong can help you: • Improve your sense of well-being • Relax your body and mind • Reduce stress • Improve your balance • Boost your immune system • Strengthen your muscles and bones Monday 10.00 – 11.00am Friday 10.00 – 11.00am Twyford Scout HQ, Loddon Hall Rd, Twyford RG10 9JA Free Parking

www.taichi-for-well-being.vpweb.co.uk

Tel: Tricia 07870 912084 or 0118 901 6511 Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

47

Q.

A 48 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

49

Su Doku - medium

50 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

life

Celebration of life funerals When someone passes away, we need to express our grief and say goodbye Funerals do not have to be a solemn or traditional affair; instead, many choose to celebrate the life of the one they have lost in a positive way. The unique life that person had and their individual achievements can all be recognised, remembered and celebrated among friends and family.

What is the difference between an independent celebrant and a humanist celebrant?

An independent celebrant can work with you to ensure that a ‘Celebration of Life’ ceremony reflects what you want to say and how you want to say it. They will be with you to help at your most difficult and upsetting time. The ceremony will be conducted in a caring, sensitive and professional manner, expressing your wishes and those of your loved one.

Independent celebrants can also create a ceremony for you that is completely non-religious – but we can include some religious or spiritual elements if you wish, such as prayers, hymns or music with a religious connotation.

Where, when and what else should I know?

Celebration of Life services are often held at a crematorium – but they do not have to be. You may prefer a woodland burial site or even your home, a hotel, place of significance or somewhere that holds special memories.

The actual cremation can take place before or after the ceremony – the choice is yours. If you decide to have the ceremony afterwards, you may wish to wait until you have collected the ashes.

Whatever you choose, an independent celebrant will ensure that the day is meaningful, personal and memorable.

The commitment of the celebrant to you will include: • Meeting at a time and location convenient to you to discuss your requirements for the ceremony, how you would like to say goodbye, memories of your loved one and any fascinating stories we can include • Talking about the person, their life and loves, who you would like to be involved in the ceremony and in what capacity • Going through any music, readings or poem choices you may have • Considering any religious or spiritual aspects you may wish to include • Helping you write a tribute, or writing and reading it for you if you would prefer • Working closely with your chosen funeral director and the staff at the crematorium or burial ground to ensure the day runs smoothly and in accordance with your wishes • Sending you a script for the service for you to review and approve • Being there for you throughout the process to answer any questions you may have as well as being with you on the day to conduct the service.

Many people think that if they want a non-religious funeral then they need to ask for a humanist ceremony. However, this is not the case.

We have the ability to create the ceremony you want without the usual restrictions.

If you decide to employ a humanist celebrant, the service will be completely non-religious, with only poems and music without any religious connotation permitted.

Otherwise, humanist ceremonies are created in very much the same way as those with an independent celebrant: both will create a bespoke service which is unique and personally written for you, incorporating the elements you wish to include.

Both will meet you and obtain the information necessary to enable them to prepare a script for the service that is written just for you. If it is helpful, we can offer examples of certain common phrases, but your script will still be uniquely yours as no-one else will have the same one.

If I can be of help to you, please rest assured you will be in safe hands.

Judy Wheeler Independent Celebrant

Contact Berkshire Ceremonies to discuss ceremonies for all occasions, such as a wedding, renewal of vows, child or baby naming, or celebration of life funeral service.

07771 895728 www.berkshireceremonies.co.uk judywheeler@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/JudyWheelerCelebrant Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

51

TWYFORD ROOFING & BUILDING 0118 405 0019 07742 583905 07468 563497 ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING AND BUILDING PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE NEW AND OLD ROOFS FLAT ROOFS FACIAS AND SOFFITS GUTTERING LEADWORK GENERAL ROOF MAINTENANCE INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING & DECORATING PLASTERING & RENDERING Email: twyfordroofing@hotmail.co.uk www.twyfordroofing.co.uk 22 GRANGE FARM BUSINESS PARK, HURST, BERKS RG10 0RR 52 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

53

rg 10 marketing

Launching our new website

As I write this, we’re almost ready to launch our new website. I can’t wait to see what you all think!

The old website has served us well, but you will find the new one easier to use, more interactive, up-to-date and of course mobile-friendly.

The website address will remain the same – www.RG10mag.com. If you pay us a visit and find the home page already looking like the image above, you’ve arrived!

Key features of the new website • Simple, user-friendly layout • Directory of local businesses, clubs and services– searchable by keyword, category or location • What’s On calendar – viewable by week or month, or as a list of events • Interactive – online forms for entering competitions, requesting our media pack, contacting us, submitting events for our calendar or adding details of your own organisation for our directory* • Responsive – problem-free viewing on smartphones and tablets, even in portrait format • Social media friendly – share individual pages easily on your preferred platform, and view our live Facebook and Twitter feeds • Link to the latest RG10 magazine online • Banner advertising available on several pages – starter rates from £40 for the rest of this year. *A listing on the RG10 Directory is available free for local charities, public services, clubs and societies.

The cost for businesses is £180/year unless currently advertising all year in RG10 magazine.

What do you think?

I look forward to receiving feedback about the new website. We already have details of many organisations in the directory and many events in the calendar. If you represent any local clubs, community organisations or businesses do check out whether they feature (and if not, try out the Submit your details option!)

Also please contact me if you are interested in prime position banner advertising. The new RG10 website will attract a lot of traffic following its launch thanks to the buzz that will be generated on social media.

Finally, I’m happy to recommend Sanzen Digital as the agency behind our new website – and our email newsletters, RG10 Living (for local life) and RG10 Business Extra (for marketing and advertising).

Sanzen Digital provide SMEs in the Thames Valley with flexible, cost-effective access to digital marketing services for greater success online – and they’re great to work with.

Nikki Ochtman RG10 Marketing nikki@RG10mag.com @RG10mag

54 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

The Rubber Roofing Company therubberroofingcompany@gmail.com

The Rubber Roofing Company Specialists in flat roofing and leadwork ■ ■ ■

Rubber Roofing Torch on felt roofs ■ Lead Work Slate work ■ Soffits ■ Guttering

Free Estimates | References available | no job too small!!

CONTACT ROBERT ON: 07506 569268 OR 0118 934 3613

LAND REQUIRED

Do you own land that might be suitable for residential development?

If so, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

We are local developers with an excellent track record and an experienced team.

We buy sites and manage the planning process at little or no expense to the owner.

We can purchase outright or with an option agreement.

We take care of the planning at our risk and of course cost.

To learn more please contact Craig Pargetter in confidence:

Call: 01494 854003 Email: cp@jkhomes.co.uk Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

55

Puzzle solutions

Crossword

Wordsearch

Step On It POSER POSES NOSES NOTES NOTED VOTED

Children’s page

Logic * Julie was married to Dave and drove a Mini.

She left at 11:15 * Jane was married to James and drove a Golf.

She left at 11:30 *Sam was married to Stuart and drove an MLK. She left at 11:00.

Su Duko

56 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

Competition Welcome to our competitions page, giving RG10 residents the chance to win some fabulous freebies.

We’ll do a random draw from the valid entries received to determine the winner(s) on the closing date stated, and then contact them confirming details of the prize.

Congratulations to our last competition winner (to be revealed on Facebook after this edition goes to print), who won tickets to The Magic of Motown at the Swan Theatre on 23 September.

Enter via the competitions page on our website www.RG10mag.com. For any queries contact us by email or telephone (details bottom of facing page). For entries to be valid, you must: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Read the T&Cs on our website Enter by the deadline State which competition you are entering Give your address with an RG10 postcode as well as an email and phone contact.

Good luck!

Top tickets to Henley Literary Festival!

Now in its 11th year, Henley Literary Festival is established as one of the UK’s biggest book festivals. This year, over 160 events will take place across a host of venues from Monday 2nd to Sunday 8th October including talks, Q&As, workshops and performances for adults and children.

The line-up features bestselling novelists Roddy Doyle, Katie Fforde, Joanne Harris and Paula Hawkins with her follow-up to The Girl on the Train. They appear alongside speakers from politics, entertainment, sport and more, including Russell Brand, Mary Berry, Phil Tufnell, June Sarpong, Fearne Cotton, Michael Parkinson, Princess Michael of Kent, Vince Cable and Chris Patten.

Family events include War Horse author Michael Morpurgo, Clare Balding, Katherine Rundell, Charlie and Lola and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, plus popular actress Alison Steadman and Radio 1 DJ Greg James with their first children’s books and award-winning author-illustrators Rob Biddulph and Steve Antony.

For information and tickets, visit www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk.

Prize: Henley Literary Festival are offering THREE lucky winners two prime seats at their choice of event*. * Standard events only (excludes 'book-and-ticket' events) and dependent on availability of tickets.

Where available, front-row seats will be allocated.

Competition entry deadline: Sunday 17 September. Winner will be notified as soon as possible.

Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

57

food and drink

Recipe Dairy-free kheer (rice pudding), also free from processed sugar

Healthy option sweet treat More and more people are cutting out dairy products from their diet, or becoming totally vegan, and often also reducing or even eliminating their sugar intake.

Ingredients: 75g rice (pudding rice or long grain eg basmati) 1 litre unsweetened almond milk 2 green cardamom pods (optional) 25g desiccated coconut or ground almonds A handful of raw unsalted pistachios, shelled and crushed (optional)

Last year a 360% increase in veganism was reported, most of which were Millennials.

Fortunately, gone are the days where fruit salad was the only dessert option for them.

Method 1. Wash rice and put into a heavy based pan.

2. Add the almond milk and cardamom and bring to the boil.

3. Lower the heat and allow kheer to simmer for about 20mins 4. Stir occasionally: if it is looking dry add more almond milk (or water if too thick); if too much liquid then allow to simmer off.

5. Once rice is cooked stir in the desiccated coconut or ground almonds and simmer until you get the thickness you like.

Bear in mind that as it cools it will thicken too.

6. Take off the heat.

7. Serve hot or cold, perhaps with a few crushed pistachios sprinkled over the top.

NOTE: if you like a sweeter dessert then add some raisins or chopped dates during cooking, or serve with a little honey or agave syrup drizzled over the top.

This vegan version of kheer – Indian rice pudding – is absolutely delicious. The natural sweetness of almond milk makes it perfect to use in many traditional milk based puddings, so give it a go. It contains no cholesterol or saturated fat, is low in sodium and high in calcium, vitamin E and the omega fatty acids typically found in fish.

I use the Rude Health almond milk because it has no sugar or thickeners added.

Kran Sondh, founder of the CookCurry Club.

Visit www.thecookcurryclub.com for information about our healthier home-cooked meals, available from six local collection points.

If you love curry and care about what you eat then our home-cooked takeaways are for you. We cater for a range of dietary needs including gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian or vegan.

Just head to our website for menus, dates, collection points and easy online ordering (at least two days in advance).

EXCITING NEWS: You can now pick up your pre-ordered curry from Bingham’s Brewery! We are proud to have partnered up with this fabulous Ruscombe based business. Collection times will be between 5.30pm and 7pm roughly twice a month.

The

cookcurry Club

Takeaways available from Knowl Hill, Henley, Dunsden, Ruscombe, Wokingham and Binfield Heath.

For menus, dates and collection points see

www.thecookcurryclub.com

WINNER Newcomer of the Year

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59

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 Land's End (Brakspear) ................ 0118 934 0700 www.thelandsend.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

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 Haweli Indian restaurant .................... 0118 932 0939 www.haweliwargrave.co.uk 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

60 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com

News The Crown at Burchetts Green

Games at The Green Man

This charming pub and unpretentious Michelin starred restaurant were due to reopen at the end of August following a month-long project to upgrade the facilities. Which begs the question: if Simon Bonwick earned the Crown a Michelin star for 2017 (and tenth place in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list) with facilities that needed upgrading, how much of a culinary genius must he be? Looking forward to finding out!

Also in Hurst, The Green Man offers a rather charming way to spend a Monday evening: Monday night is games night from 7.30pm.

Relive your childhood by playing your favourite classic board games, whilst enjoying an adult drink or two and free chips for all players!

Alternatively you might like to try something from the home cooked menu, offering traditional British fare and also freshly prepared stone baked pizzas.

@Crownburchettsgreen

Wheelwrights Arms beer festival It’s National Cask Ale Week in late September and The Wheelwright’s Arms in Hurst are holding a beer festival to celebrate on Saturday 30 September. The doors will open from midday as normal, and there will be live music from 6pm.

They have three live acts playing a mixture of genres of music, and booking a table is advisable.

@Greenmanhurst

Duke of Wellington events Are you following the Duke of Wellington, Twyford, on Facebook? It’s the only way to keep up with all their fun events!

From Wicked Fish ‘n’ Chip Wednesdays to Drag Queen Sundays, from Elsie Crumpet’s Bingo Bongo to sports screenings and live music nights, there’s always something in the month well worth getting a group together for. @TheDukeTwyford

Made for Drink accolades Remember us featuring Made for Drink a couple of editions ago, the artisan snack company set up

by Twyford’s Daniel Featherstone? Well, since then they have been busy collecting awards, upscaling production and planning new product ranges.

First up they won Silver for ‘Clean eating’ at the Food Talk Gourmet Guerrilla Awards. Then they found out that their Duck Fritons had been shortlisted for the Great British Food Awards.

Most recently their Chorizo Thins were awarded a star at the Great Taste Awards.

That’s quite a summer! And now everyone can purchase their products directly from their website, it’s easy to find out what all the fuss is about. @madefordrink www.madefordrink.com Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements

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Index Advertising 54 RG10 Arts and crafts 13 HaaHoos Painting and Party Centre 55 The Picture Framer Building services 4 Boce Developments 9 Bondright Roofing 17 The Loft Access Company 55 The Rubber Roofing Company 52 Twyford Roofing and Building 14 Woods and Langton Joinery Carpets and flooring 58 Floor Store Charities 10–11

Camp Mohawk

Care providers 38 Blue Angel Care 9 Bluebird Care 15 Home Instead Senior Care Cleaning 6 13 53 17

AJB Window Cleaning Oven Clean OvenU Vaughan’s Window Cleaning

Community 41 Thames Valley Police 42–46 Twyford Together Domestic appliances 53 Domestic Appliance Care and Repair Dressmaking and alterations 14 Can’t Sew Electricians 16 PJC Electrical Services 5 Westgate Electrical Services Estate and land agents 26-27 Grapevine Estate Agents 55 JK Homes 1 Mullie 12 WentWorth Estate Agents Financial services 18-19 CMJ Insurance Brokers 24–25 Benedict Charles Financial Planning 21 Josephine Blythe Food and drink 59 The CookCurry Club 61 Food and drink news 60 Pubs, restaurants and cafés *

Gardens and landscaping 7 Hare Hatch Sheeplands 63 Clear Cut Tree Care 13 Twyford Landscapes Health and wellbeing 47 Tai Chi for Wellbeing 39 Developing Mindfulness 22 It’s Your Life – Natural Health Show Kitchens and bathrooms 37 Tile and Bathroom Place Life events 51 Berkshire Ceremonies Music and dance 14 The Filthy Six 40 JG Dance 6 Madelaine Kelly School of Dance 47 Mark Underwood Painting and decorating 4 Cox Decorators 9 PB Decorating Pets 4

The Veterinary Centre

Plumbers 47 40 37 8

ADD Plumbing JJ and SJ Plumbing S Green Plumbing and Heating W Williams Plumbing and Heating

Property maintenance 38 JG Chimney Services 45 Twyford Tradesmen Together * Security 53 38

Earley Locks Vision On Systems

Self storage 6 Sheeplands Farm Sports 26

Twyford Comets

Windows, doors and conservatories 23 Amazon Windows 64 Style Double Glazing 2 Twyford Windows * Denotes grouping of several businesses

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

62 rg10 September/October 2017. To advertise please call 0118 907 2510 or email nikki@rg10mag.com