Round & About Magazine - Wallingford/Didcot Edition - January 2020

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JANUARY 2020 | www.roundandabout.co.uk

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Contents JANUARY 2020 | Vol. 27 | No. 1

5 Disjointed Ramblings

31 Education for all

11 Help save the planet!

44 Witness the fitness!

16 Foodylicious mission

48 Vegan virtues & tips

18 Liz Bonnin Q&A

52 Stephen K Amos

24 Dogs are welcome!

63 Classified

Local news and charity events

Environmental advice

Planet-friendly coffee

Biologist’s wisdom

Wallingford paw project

Our guide to learning

16

Trends for better health

With Abi Barclay-Watt

Star at the Cornerstone

Your essential services

24

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AB OUT US

The monthly magazine delivered to homes by The Royal Mail across Oxon, Berks, Bucks, Hants, Surrey, W Sussex & Wilts

THIS EDITION IS DELIVERED TO ALL 28,825 HOMES IN ox10 & ox11 P­­ ublisher: Chris Savage Editor: Liz Nicholls email: lnicholls@roundandabout.co.uk Production Editor: Karen Neville email: kneville@roundandabout.co.uk Ramblings Editor: Peter Savage Sales Director: Luke Maitland Advertising Manager: Katie Marlow Display Advertising: Steve Warner, Sam Gillespie, Simon Johnson, Jennifer Sanders, Glynn Humphreys, Tara Harris Classified Advertising: Antonio Capuzzimati email: sales@roundandabout.co.uk Accounts: Vicki Charles, Stephen Clapton Production Manager: Michelle Miley email: mmiley@roundandabout.co.uk Design: Angus Scripps, Grace Tracey

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Tel: 01491 837621 enquiries@roundandabout.co.uk www.roundandabout.co.uk February publication date 3rd February 2020 COPY DATE LATEST – 1st of PRECEDING MONTH The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted without prior permission. The publishers cannot accept liability for loss or damage of material submitted to the magazine. LOOSE INSERTS delivered with your copy of Round & About have absolutely nothing to do with the magazine. Our inserts are secured into the magazine with staples. WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OTHERS. Round & About Publications Ltd does not endorse any advertisements published in Round & About Magazine. Please note all phone calls to and from Round & About are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

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4 | JANUARY 2020

RAMBLINGS

Ramblings Local news & events

Promoting your event in Ramblings is FREE Here we are at the start of a new year and who knows what it will bring. It’s the time when people make resolutions, often to make changes, but let’s be honest how many of us stick to them?

More often than not, they are forgotten about and discarded as soon as the decorations come down.

If you’re holding a charity event, fete, fair or anything of a non-commercial nature email it in by the 1st of the month prior to publication to psavage@roundandabout.co.uk

d

Max. 150 words. We cannot guarantee all entries will be published.

Karen Neville

your RamblER...

O

ne resolution we should all make this year is to be more green and more eco-aware and we’re highlighting that in this month’s edition.

However small a gesture you make, it all makes a difference if we do it together. So here’s to a happy, healthy and greener new year to everyone.

If you’re looking for a new interest in the new year then how about volunteering at Wallingford Museum?

The Wallingford Historical and Archaeological Society, a group of local volunteers, was given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for "engaging the community with local history through research, archaeology, publications and its museum". The museum is closed until March but will reopen with a new local exhibition that’s sure to attract many with its fascinating title: Plague, Pus and Pills – the history of Wallingford’s hospitals, from medieval times to the present day. There are events and workshops planned for the year ahead and to this end the museum is always keen to hear from anyone interested in helping, whether as a custodian, to assist with the archive, delve into research, assist at events, or be a walk guide. Call Jenny Carpenter on 01491 826734 or email jencarpenter@hotmail.co.uk

Think penicillin is just thanks to Fleming? Think again! The drug we use today was developed by a group of scientists based in Oxford. Learn about the wartime struggles to make this life-saving antibiotic in a talk

by Curator Without Museum’s Marie-Louise Kerr on Wednesday, 8th January, 7.45pm for 8pm, at St Mary’s Church, Wallingford. Visitors (£4) are most welcome.

Wallingford Art Club are all ready for the new year with an exciting programme lined up starting with a demo evening on 21st January when Linda Travers-Smith will present Landscape in Watercolour texture and ink. You can enjoy untutored painting evenings on 7th, 14th and 28th.

All meetings are at Centre 70, Goldsmith Lane, Wallingford OX10 ODT and further details can be obtained from David on 01491 681400 or www.wallingfordartclub.org.uk

Catherine Flye will perform George Don’t Do That! in St Michael’s Church, Blewbury, on Saturday, 25th January at 7.45pm. Catherine Flye, an actor and theatre maker, will transport audiences back to a time of gentle humour, with

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R&A | 5

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the music and magic of entertainer Joyce Grenfell. She conquered West End stages, toured extensively, made popular albums of her routines, and a number of films in her heyday, including the St Trinian’s series. Catherine has a remarkable resemblance to Joyce Grenfell and takes us to a classroom teaching naughty students and during a very fun show and tribute looks back at a legendary lady comic. Tickets available from Blewbury Post Office or email gillianloyd@gmail.com. £15 to include a glass of wine or soft drink in the interval. There will be a raffle and all proceeds will go to Project Resound as Blewbury completes its new stained glass window at St Michael’s Church.

Anita's back with her third series of Wallingford Winter Recitals in St Mary’s Church Wallingford early in the new year. Details are being finalised, but there will be three or four concerts spread across 17th January, 8th and 22nd February and 3rd March. Pianist Anita D’Attellis has built up a great following so put the dates in your diary! Full details at www.anitapiano.com/wrw2020 with tickets online or at Wallingford Town Information Centre.

Free computer help is on offer which anyone can attend as many times as they need: if you had a shiny new a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop or voice assistant for Christmas and would like to get the best out of it,

Soha Housing’s free Get Online sessions are just what you need. Take your own device or borrow one of Soha’s for the session. The groups are designed for anyone from beginners to those looking for job skills and take place regularly in local venues including Abingdon, Benson, Berinsfield, Cholsey, Didcot (two locations), Goring, Henley, Thame and Watlington. Call 0800 014 15 45 (freephone) or email digital@soha.co.uk. Booking is essential!

On 7th January Steve Rock will deliver Floating across the Pennines to Goring Gap Photo Club. He spent three weeks taking in the surprisingly sunny scenic delights of Wigan, Rochdale and Leeds by narrow boat proving it’s not all grim up north! The meetings take place in the Free Church Hall in Goring, starting at 8pm. All welcome!

Non-members £3 or visit www.goringgapphoto.co.uk

Back to Wallingford Museum which closes for its winter break (January and February) to prepare exciting new exhibitions. The museum will reopen on 3rd March.

Meanwhile, book-lovers and present-seekers should visit Wallingford Museum’s bookstall while the museum is closed for winter refurbishment. There is an excellent selection of good second-hand books (fiction and non-fiction) at sensible prices. They’re open January and February every Friday, 10.30am-3pm, and Saturdays 10.30am to 1pm.

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Families come in all shapes and sizes, what are you doing to protect yours?

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We have a range of experienced fully qualified experts trusted to provide the best legal advice in the areas of wills, wealth and inheritance tax planning, lasting powers of attorney, estate administration (probate) and trusts.

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E N VI RO N M E N T

Go green!

If we each make small changes to our lives we can collectively make a huge impact to protect our planet for future generations.

Here are some positive ideas…

H

ere we are, at the dawn of a new year, a new decade. Recent news has delivered bleak news. We all know – thanks to Greta Thunberg et al – our species must take action now to mitigate the damage wreaked upon our planet. We believe positivity is the only way toward change so consider these tips inspirational rather than guiltinducing. Some might seem like common sense (especially to those who’ve always been frugal) but together we can make a huge difference.

Tree’s company

Scientists have found billions more trees could remove two thirds of all the carbon dioxide created by humans. The Woodland Trust is working hard to protect the 1,064 ancient woods threatened by development in the UK. Buy saplings to plant yourself or donate at www.woodlandtrust.org. uk. Also plant bee-friendly plants and wildflowers.

Aim to use only naturally derived products and fertilisers and keep lawns real rather than paving.

Your council cares!

Garden compost bins will reduce your household waste. Ensure you utilise food waste, green waste and recycling schemes in your area – they vary greatly but all local authorities are under pressure to hit targets so you might be surprised. Do check online what can and can’t be recycled to reduce landfill, e.g. Christmas trees. Reusing, and buying

less packaging in the first place is still the best way to lessen your carbon footprint.

Monitor and aim to reduce your levels over time.

Shower power

Just 2.5% of the world’s water is freshwater (the rest being saltwater) and most of it is frozen or deep underground so we can’t afford to waste a drop. According to the Environment Agency, we could run short of water within the next 25 years.

We’re not asking you to be stinky, but shortening your shower will save 10 litres per minute. Look for a water-saving shower head. An average fiveminute shower uses 40% less water than a bath.

R&A | 11

ENV I RON ME N T

Feeling flush

Using the small button on your loo saves half the water. Or fit a low-cost water saver in your cistern.

Perhaps surprisingly, dishwashers use far less water and energy than washing up. Run taps slowly & less frequently and get a water butt if you can.

Home heating

Turn radiators off or down in less-used or unused rooms. It sounds obvious but popping a jumper on or snuggling under a warmer duvet might mean you don’t need the heating on. Turning down your thermostat by just one degree can save up to £80 a year. Home boiler heating is responsible for nearly 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Bright sparks

You can save electricity – and about £30 a year off your energy bills – just by remembering not to leave your appliances on standby (and more by unplugging). Don’t leave devices charging unnecessarily. Switch to energy-efficient LED lightbulbs and save about £40 per year.

People power

Switch to renewable electricity and green gas at home and reduce your carbon footprint and bills. Leading providers include Bulb, Octopus Energy and Ecotricity.

The average home can stop 1.5 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Install a Smart Meter too – get inspired at www.uswitch.com

Holiday

at home

Consider a UK staycation for your next holiday. A longhaul return flight, say to New York can generate 1,000kg of CO2. A flight to America’s west coast would 12 | JANUARY 2020

produce 50% more emissions, and a flight to say China or Australia double that.

Web wise

Forget the big search engines and instead switch to Ecosia which commits 80% of its profits to supporting reforestation projects. To date, it’s helped to plant more than 70 million trees.

Shopping savvy

Shop responsibly to significantly reduce your output. And “punish” big supermarkets for their inaction! Look for local suppliers of milk, bread, fruit and veg, meat, dairy and more. Buy products made or grown in the UK, less wrapped, such as loose veg. Sign up to Freegle and for clothing, join the kids & buy vintage on apps such as Depop.

Waste not

Switch to a disposable safety razor, a bamboo toothbrush, planet-friendly deodorant, bamboo loo roll, soap bars or refillable shampoo and shower gel. Plus Mooncup for women. More zerowaste shops and pop-ups are appearing across the UK: we will keep bringing you news of these locally.

Cleaning up

There are great eco dishwasher and washing machine aids, from brands such as Ecoleaf to soap nuts, household cleaner such as Koh, refillable detergent and more (try Splosh or Smol) and plasticfree cloths and scourers (Ecococonut or Loofah).

Avoid palm oil

Research by Rainforest Rescue shows the equivalent of 300 football fields are destroyed every hour to produce palm oil, which can be found in close to 50% of the packaged products. Visit www.wwf.org.uk for a list of ingredients to avoid.

Drinking problem

Invest in a reusable cup (from R Cup or Stojo) or bottle (Klean Kanteen /Jedz / One Green Bottle).

Food for thought

Every year in the UK we throw away £13 billion worth of food (an average of £500). See our monthly Ramblings for a wealth of gardening clubs to grow your own or share the fruits of others’ labours in various swap sales in your community.

Visit www.sustainweb.org, www.ilovefreegle. org and www.theplasticfreehome.com

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"Donkathon" is the latest idea from one of the world’s top female pilots and serial fund raiser, Polly Vacher. Polly plans to take her two donkeys, Wizard and Muffin, on a month long 200-mile journey from south Oxfordshire to North Wales to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Polly’s nephew has MS. Polly has flown twice around the world in a single-engined aircraft and raised £500,000 for charity, following eye surgery she is no longer able to fly but is putting all her efforts into raising money through Donkathon. In July she plans to travel about 10 miles a day, the donkeys will start their journey to St Melangell, North Wales. To donate or for further info, go to www.donkathon.org or Just Giving.

Ukulele quartet Only Ukes present a Concert of Winter Songs in St Mary-le-More Church in Wallingford, in aid of church funds on Saturday, 25th January at 7.30pm.

Tickets £10 and £8 for under-16s from Wallingford Tourist Information Centre or call 07710 177004.

Free IT advice for computer users is available on Tuesday 21st January from 10am to noon in Aston Tirrold and Aston Upthorpe Village Hall (OX11 9EQ). At about 10.30am there will be a discussion on Termination of support for Windows 7. Astons Online helps people be confident, effective and safe users of email and the internet. Its free events cater for all types of computer and user issues in a friendly, informal atmosphere: visit www.astonsonline.uk. Tell them you’re going if you can, especially if you want one-to-one help. Email theastonsonline@gmail.com or call 07780 958249.

Wallingford Photographic Club allows people of all ages and levels of experience to meet like-minded individuals and learn how to improve their photography through conversations with other members, presentations by visiting speakers, practical evenings and regular competitions. The club meets every Thursday at 7.30pm for an 8pm start (7.45 start on competition evenings) at Crowmarsh Pavilion. There is an exciting and varied programme lined up for January. On the 2nd, there’s a “You are the judge” evening, which is a chance for members to critique each other’s photos and learn more about how photography competitions are judged. An 8x10s evening is on 9th at which several members will give a short presentation on a topic of their choice. On the 16th, Robert Harvey will give a talk called Winter Photography. Awardwinning wildlife photographer Tom Way will join the club on the 23rd, and finally on the 30th it will be the No Set Subject 3 competition. See www.wallingfordphoto. club for more information and head along to a meeting – visitors are always welcome!

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S US TAIN ABILITY

Beyond the daily grind Simon Collison explains more about his Didcot-based business Foodylicious which provides excellent coffee-related products that don’t cost the earth

E

nvironmental and sustainability are on everyone’s minds. This is especially applicable given the focus on plastics and the damage they cause to our planet.

Here at Foodylicious, based in Didcot, we have been leading edge in bringing to market exceptional coffee related products that also take account of the environment.

technology means that roast and ground coffee can be diffused in a cup and you don’t need a filter machine or cafetière to make the perfect cup.

No mess, and a delicious coffee, made as easily and quickly as a cup of tea.

Once finished, the bags and sachets can be composted – enriching the earth rather than polluting it!

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At Foodylicious we attend more than 30 food & drink events across the UK. Our stand is environmentally friendly, from the recycled stand to the compostable sampling cups we use, along with biodegradable bags and of course the products themselves.

We have a number of new products launching in 2020, including an award-winning iced coffee and much more. Why not find out where we’ll be on our website and come along?

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Financial fix-up: how to boost your chances of mortgage success In its 2018 mortgage survey, consumer watchdog Which? reported that one in six of those surveyed admitted they had a mortgage application declined in the past; 41% were aged 18 – 24.

So, what can you do to boost your chances of being approved first time?

Below, you can find tips to help whip your finances into shape before you submit a mortgage application: 1. Check your credit score First things first, you need to ensure your credit report is up to scratch before submitting an application. This is because lenders will check to make sure you would be a good customer.

A credit check will be taken to try and predict your future behaviour based on past experiences. So, if your credit score is unfit – you missed a series of mobile phone payments for example - lenders may decline your application.

You can check your credit file through a credit reference agency – Equifax or Experian for example. You shouldn’t be charged unless you opt for a premium account. Once you receive your report, go through it carefully to make sure it is correct. If it contains errors, contact the credit agency you used for further information.

2. Cut out excess spending Although your mortgage will be secured against your home, lenders still want to make sure you can afford the monthly repayments.

To do this, your spending habits will be assessed as will your income and debt-to-income ratio. Lenders will ask to see at least three months’ of bank statements dated most recent before you undergo affordability checks to see if you are a reliable spender. If you are viewed to be consistently overspending or living in an overdraft, this will be viewed negatively.

3. Pay off any debts you can Lenders will want to see how much debt you might currently have. This is so they can determine if you are going to be able to make monthly repayments by establishing your spending habits.

If you have savings you can quickly put towards paying off your debts before you apply – or at least reduce the amount of debt you have – this will work in your favour.

4. Get your paperwork sorted It may seem like a laborious task, but gathering and packaging up the documentation you need to produce will help streamline the mortgage application process.

Any discrepancies – for example if the address on your driving licence is different to that on the electoral role – this could result in your application be delayed or even rejected. For this reason, it is worth checking that the details on the documents you want to submit are up-todate, consistent and correct.

A mortgage adviser will need to see documentation to determine affordability. For example, three months’ worth of payslips or three years’ worth of certified accounts if you’re self-employed, your P60 and any credit commitments and/or outstanding debt. Lenders may still come back and ask for additional information, for instance, a First-time buyer may need to demonstrate that the deposit from their parents was a gift and not a loan.

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S TAR Q&A

Heal

the world

Liz Nicholls asks award-winning presenter and biologist Liz Bonnin about school, the live tour of the BBC’s Planet Earth II this spring and how we can all do our bit.

Q.

Which early experiences or teachers sparked your love of nature? “I grew up in France, in the mountains above Nice. My sister and I were always out in the wood near our house with our two dogs, having adventures with hedgehogs, snakes and spiders. Nature just works its magic if you plonk kids in the middle of it. At school, I was fascinated by little birds, how everything worked inside that perfect little body, which led me to biology. Then I wanted to understand how everything worked in every living system and I had a great chemistry teacher in Ireland who nurtured my passion. A good teacher will do that. I wasn’t very good at physics or maths but I loved school.”

Q. Do series such as Planet Earth, and Sir David Attenborough’s latest Seven Worlds, One Planet have an influence on how we treat our planet? “We’ve reached a tipping point in terms of our impact, and one of the things I’m most astounded by is that petrochemical companies are just seemingly carrying on as if it’s ‘business as usual’. I believe we can make a difference, but need to be aware of the facts. I think series like Planet Earth can both move and inspire people.”

18 | JANUARY 2020

Q. Has filming Meat: A Threat To Our Planet changed your eating habits? “I already was eating less meat. The show certainly made me think again about how we treat a food that, considering its impact, should be a luxury rather than an everyday staple. I don’t eat red meat and any chicken I eat is free range, high welfare.”

Q. How do you feel about Planet Earth II’s live tour? ”It hasn’t quite sunk in that I’ll be involved.

So, to be stepping out as part of the tour and getting to see it all on a gigantic screen with a full orchestra as well... I think I’ll be quite emotional.”

Q. What is it like working with a national treasure Sir David? “I’ve met Sir David on a few occasions now, and I’ll never forget the first time I saw him about 12 years ago when he was talking at an event. I was a bit starstruck; he was my hero when I was growing up. He went from production work into inventing natural history programming with the BBC. There really is nobody else like him and I doubt there ever will be again. He’s not just a national treasure, but one for the whole world.” ● For Planet Earth II Live in Concert 2020 visit www. planetearth2live.uk and see our competitions.

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RAMBLIN G S

Reflections

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á ...Continued from page 14.

On Monday, 20th January the RSPB Vale of White Horse Local Group will meet in Didcot Civic Hall at 7.45pm for a talk entitled Birds & Wildlife of Namibia by Dr Graham Lenton. This will focus on the area's game and birds. On Sunday, 19th January there's a coach outing to WWT Slimbridge. For details on the coach outing call 01235 771716. Visit www.rspb-vwh.org.uk

Ladies, Didcot Evening WI would love to see you at their next meeting on Wednesday, 15th January, in the Ladygrove Room, Didcot Civic Hall, when William French will entertain the with stories of My World: Butler to the Royal Family and the Stars. They are a friendly group who meet on the third Wednesday of each month, your first visit is free. For more information contact us on didcoteveningwi2@gmail.com

If you're a European Union citizen living or working in the UK, you might be wondering what will happen when the United Kingdom leaves the EU and what you should do so that you have the right to remain in this country. It is important you apply NOW, without waiting until the UK actually leaves. You can begin the process at www.gov. uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-forsettled-status. If your application is successful you will be able to continue living in the UK after 30th June 2021. You will also have the right to work in the UK, use the National Health Service, get access to benefits and pensions if you are eligible, and travel in and out of the country. The new deadline for the UK to leave the EU is 31st January but it is still unclear exactly how it will take place. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, you will need to be living in the UK BEFORE it leaves the EU to apply. Check www. citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/staying-in-the-ukafter-brexit South Oxfordshire District Council also has up-to-date advice on www.southoxon.gov.uk/brexit Visit Citizens Advice in person or call Adviceline (0300 330 9042). For offices and opening hours see www. citizensadvice.org.uk/local/oxfordshire-south-vale

Didcot Phoenix Drama Group present their 36th pantomime, the very non-traditional Dracula – the pantomime at the Didcot Civic Hall on 24th and 25th January, and also Harwell Village Hall on 1st February.

Although a slightly quirky choice, it still has all the traditional pantomime elements you have come to expect – songs, dances, a villain, a dame and plenty of terrible jokes! Think Hotel Transylvania and Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets panto and you are somewhere in the right vicinity! Count Dracula arrives in England in search of the key to his hoard of stolen treasure. Assuming the guise of

20 | JANUARY 2020

d...Continued on page 22.

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á ...Continued from page 20.

property tycoon Major Artery, he crosses paths with Duffy the Vampire-slayer, whose mother rents a house from him. Dracula escapes back to Transylvania, but is pursued

by Duffy. Who in turn is followed by her mother, Dame Plasma. A terrific gothic-style panto, which contains all the elements needed to keep your audience spellbound.

Suspense, mock horror and heaps of tongue-in-cheek humour. Visit www.didcotphoenixdrama.co.uk

Oxfordshire Grandparents' Support Group (OGSC) looks forward to 2020 in which the Campaign to Protect Grandchildren's Rights will become a force for an amendment in the Children Act. This will give grandchildren an automatic human right to see their grandparents. At present an estimated 2million are denied access. OGSG is a supporter of the newly launched campaign and of estranged grandparents across Oxfordshire. They meet every second Tuesday of the month in a Faringdon home setting and our next meeting is on Tuesday, 14th January, 10.30am-1pm. Newcomers always receive a warm welcome with support and understanding over coffee and cake. For further details contact Diana Dunk on 01367 244636, email oxfordshiregsg@gmail.com or text 07979 410998.

Didcot repair café will take place on Saturday, 18th January, 2-5pm at Didcot Civic Hall. Volunteer fixers will

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be on hand to take a look at bicycles, clothes and various household items, offering electrical or mechanical fixes, glueing, sharpening, as well as tips on fixing. Perfect if that gift is already broken! www.sustainabledidcot.org.uk The bi-monthly Cholsey Repair Café will be open at the Cholsey Pavilion on Saturday 18th January, 11am to 1.45pm. All manner of broken items have received the volunteers’ attentions at past sessions, with most of them being returned to use, while the sharpening service has been particularly popular. Refreshments are available from the Cholsey Community Café in the next room. You can find more detail at www.cholseyrepaircafe.com

At the Abingdon Anglo-German Club on Thursday, 9th January, Dr Andrew Welburn, former lecturer in English, New College, Oxford will be giving a talk on Heinrich Heine: the Poet, the Humorist and his Problem with England. Join his talk at the Abbey Chapel, Checker Walk, Abingdon OX14 3JB. Refreshments provided. Recommended contribution by nonmembers £7. For further information call 01235 533887 and visit www.abingdonagc.wordpress.com

St Mary’s Players in Ipsden are celebrating 20 years of putting on one of their much loved pantos and this year

d...Continued on page 28.

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Everything to play for Liana Ainge explains more about her interesting journey to launching her business Pianoprima and how music can help people working in stressful professions

P

ianoprima club is a piano club open to any pianist, regardless of age or standard. For pianists perhaps preparing for an exam or concert it is real opportunity to play in front of a friendly audience so help ease initial nervousness.

The club was founded by Liana Ainge who studied music and psychology in Russia before she emigrated to the UK in 1999. “My main work is teaching the piano, in particular to lawyers and other professionals. Over the years I’ve developed a method of reaching such students that is designed not only to teach them how to play the piano per se but also to help them to develop their emotional intellect to protect them from emotional exhaustion.”

So why do lawyers need music? The answer can be encapsulated in one simple statement: studying music helps them in their work.

Liana recently published a book (pictured) called The Influence of Piano. “A lawyer’s work is highly stressful,” explains Liana. “There is a constant need to study complex documents and to consider each written and spoken word and they need to constantly prove their position.

They have to remember that other’s as well as their own destiny depends on their work. Music

provides what an individual needs at a particular moment: relaxation, aggressiveness, energy, comfort or humility.

“The human brain is an incredibly complex and interesting mechanism. It is divided into two hemispheres. Music causes not only emotions and feelings but also physical reactionsr. Brain cells respond to the intensity and frequency of music, movement of the hands and position of the body in the case of playing the piano.

Brain electromagnetic pulses, breathing The human and heartbeat are adapted to musical rhythm. Music influences hormones and brain is blood pressure.

“

complex &

“I started teaching lawyers 12 years ago. interesting Now most of my students are practising lawyers or training to be lawyers. Listening to music has a therapeutic effect and develops musical thinking, but more effective therapy is to be enjoyed through performing. That’s why studying music and learning to play the piano is so beneficial to those in stressful occupations.  Why not book in for a taster session and meet other members? Email liana@ pianoprimalessons.co.uk or contact Liana on 01865 858873 or 07970 955341. You can find more details at www.pianoprimalessons.co.uk

R&A | 23

COMMUN ITY

Pawsfor thought!

S

hops, restaurants and businesses taking part are encouraged to display a paw sticker in their window, so dog parents – and their furry friends – know they are welcome.

So far more than 50 businesses have taken part, including independent and national companies such as Barclays Bank and Clarks. Wallingford, which is well known for its excellent independent shops, has seen the benefits and taken on the campaign with great enthusiasm. With more than 26% of us being dog parents, businesses can see the benefit of a higher I’m a footfall when dogs are welcomed at shops supporter and favourite restaurants.

“

of local businesses

Le Clos wine bar & French restaurant was one of the first businesses to welcome the idea. Other restaurants such as Shellfish Cow also see the value, and display the paw sticker with pride. Most pubs have signed up and many even have dog-friendly rooms.

The vast array of shops taking part include the lady’s clothes shop First Edition; lifestyle shops such as Raspberry Tart and also The Lamb Arcade – an Aladdin’s Cave of antiques. The shops you would also expect in a market town are also behind the campaign including shoe repair shops,

24 | JANUARY 2020

Dogs Welcome is the name of the new campaign that’s taking off in Wallingford

newsagents, florists and hardware stores.

Joe Quilter, one of the founders of the scheme and a dog parent to Bramble, a Cockapoo said: “After a visit to North Norfolk and seeing written signs in shops inviting dogs into their premises, I thought it not be a great idea to have a standard paw sticker for my town so local people and visitors know they are welcome with their dogs.

“People don’t like to ask, as they don’t like to be refused entry, so this takes the issue away.

“I’m also a big supporter of local business, and thought this is a win-win for both dog parents and our fantastic shops, restaurants and businesses.”

Another important factor that spurred Joe on was avoiding dogs being stolen. “One in 20 dogs taken are outside shops, and I just don’t want anyone living or visiting our town to ever suffer this.”

Since starting the campaign, other towns and villages have signed up to the campaign including Goring, Streatley, Didcot and Pangbourne, and the sticker is in print again to the reach further afield than the founding town.

To find out the shops, restaurants and businesses taking part please visit www.facebook.com/ groups/dogswelcomecampaign

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IN the

mix!

A happy, prosperous 2020 to you! Have you made any resolutions?

I

used to make one or two and then break them so I don’t bother any more. I just resolve to try and look after myself generally, have fun and – most importantly of all – still enjoy my baking!

It’ll be seven years since I took part in the Great British Bake Off and already I have over 30 bookings for this year which is amazing considering all the bakers that have gone through since our series, but also gratifying. Lot of you ask me if I ever get fed up with all I do. I reply that when I feel that way I’ll give up but while I enjoy it all I shall carry on!

2020 is full of fun with the fifth Didcot Food Festival, Street Fair Parade and much more! Of course, I can’t do it all alone… I’m a part of Didcot Events and have tremendous help from the committee. Our chairwoman is Jeanette Howse who founded the Street Fair in 1994 and has masterminded them all. The committee are all volunteers who work so hard purely for the good of the community.

I hope new residents to Didcot support us! If you or your group wish to join in email chris@didcotevents.co.uk Now food…if you still have any leftover cooked poultry visit www.bakerchristine.co.uk and try my Curry in a Hurry or Leftover Turkey Pie. The lovely Chicken Caesar wraps use chicken fillets, but you can easily substitute with cooked meat. These are particularly fun to make, perhaps with the children as they love to see the pitta wraps puff up, delicious for a lunchtime snack or quick supper.

When I’m visiting various WIs I get great feedback on my recipes and super hints and tips. No one ever knows everything; I learn new things every day so if YOU have any gems or new recipes let me know through my website!

Before Bake Off I NEVER created recipes but I do it all the time now and find it SO rewarding. I worked a couple of years ago with a local brewery to develop different dishes using their beers and it was so much fun! My husband loved time as the garage was full of different beers!

See you in February, keep warm, be happy!

26 | JANUARY 2020

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RAMBLIN G S

á ...Continued from page 22.

it’s the turn of Aladdin, written by one of their own, Eddy Hildred. From the beginning they have always written or (made up) their own scripts so no one will have seen this before so very homegrown. All profits are split between the village (church, hall, anyone in need) and charities the cast and crew are involved in, Hands Around The World, Great Ormond Street, Sue Ryder, the list is long and changes every year. They make it as low-cost as possible to keep it accessible to all, especially families. It’s noisy, fun and chaotic and everyone goes away with something. There’s a fully stocked licensed bar with snacks, sweet throwing, live music and nothing goes according to plan. Catch Aladdin at Ipsden Village Hall, OX10 6AG, on Thursday 23rd, 7.30pm, all tickets £2; Friday 24th, 7.30pm, all tickets £5 and Saturday 25th, 2.30pm, adults £5, under-16s and concessions £2.50 and Saturday 25th, 7.30pm, all tickets £5. Tickets from ticketsource.co.uk/ipsden/e-kyrgvr or from Shirley at Ipsden Stores.

Concerts@Cholsey will open their programme for 2020 with four-piece folk band Crows, appearing at The Cholsey Pavilion on Saturday, 1st February. This will be this popular group’s new line-up of the evergreen Paul Downes, Pete Harris and influential founder member Mick Ryan, joined last year by Dave Bordeway. Doors open at 7pm for 7.45pm start and there will be a support act and real ale

28 | JANUARY 2020

bar. Advance tickets £10; email concerts@cholsey.com or call 01491 651350 or 01491 652295. Any remaining tickets will be available on the door at £12.

Would you like to test drive watercolour painting without having to enrol on a regular class or buy the materials? Join professional artist Denny Webb at her studio in Ipsden for a watercolour taster morning for beginners on Saturday 11th January and 8th February. The courses are held at Boundary House, Crabtree Corner, Ipsden, OX10 6BN, 10am to 1pm.For further information call Denny on 01491 680942, email redkites1@gmail. com or visit her website www.dennywebb.com

At Wallingford Garden Club, on Thursday 9th January at 7.30pm, Aleck Harrison will be asking What’s Been Bugging You? Members have been asked which plant pests and diseases have troubled them during the last year, Aleck with his early career experience in agricultural research, will suggest possible remedies and control programmes.

Top of the list appears to be the dreaded vine weevil!

In addition, he will bring to our attention the pests and diseases that are likely to be invading the country in the near future. The meeting is at Ridgeway Community Church, Old Buildings off Wood Street, OX10 0EW. Membership renewal is due this month at £12 for the year.

d...Continued on page 42.

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For further information or enquires please email: thegrange@goringcarehomes.com | www.goringcarehomes.com R&A | 29

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E D U C AT I O N

Education Guide d Winter 2020

Find your brave S

uperheroes would probably feature highly for most children if they were asked who they thought was brave.

However, bravery comes in all shapes and sizes as this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is out to prove.

The week from 3rd to 9th February invites schools, youth groups, organisations and individuals to take part with one goal to “Find Your Brave”.

Bravery is about so much more than just fighting evil villains, it can be about fighting your own enemies, sharing worries and not being afraid to ask for help. Perhaps you want to try something new or push yourself outside your comfort zone, build your self confidence, improve your selfesteem and feel good about yourself.

Now in our 6th year of producing our highly regarded education report, we offer the best way of promoting to parents and students in the local area. If you have a message or open day you want to share, use Round & About Magazine to ensure it’s seen.

Wellbeing is becoming as much a part of the curriculum as maths and English. Find out how it can help you and your school

Children’s mental health charity Place2Be which provides counselling and mental health support and training in schools, says bravery is all about finding positive ways to deal with things that may be difficult, overcoming physical and mental challenges and looking after yourself.

Place2Be launched the first Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to highlight the importance of children and young people’s mental health. Now in its sixth year, they hope to encourage more people than ever to get involved and spread the word.

Would you like to feature in our next education report?

T R

A

E V D!%

d

Next Schools Feature: September 2020

To be included contact a member of the sales team.

01491 837621

2

sales@roundandabout.co.uk www.roundandabout.co.uk R&A | 31

The power of reading

EDUC ATION

Find out how ARCh can help

R

eading for pleasure can increase self-esteem, reduce symptoms of depression, help build better relationships and reduce anxiety and stress. When immersing yourself in a good book, you can be swept away to a happy world, away from any dilemmas or stresses. Certain books can also help you realise you are not alone, which is often a focus for the healing process; recognising others may be going through similar struggles.

But what happens if you can’t read well? Assisted Reading for Children Oxfordshire (ARCh) has over 300 volunteers visiting primary schools twice a week to read with three children for 30 minutes each. Each volunteer has a box of books and games to engage with each child and they endeavour to find the right book to inspire a love of reading. An ARCh session focuses on the child improving their reading skills, but it’s about so much more; it’s about a special relationship helping that child gain confidence and knowing it’s OK to make mistakes.

The children and their adult volunteers benefit from the connection between reading and mental wellbeing. People who read into old age can reduce memory decline and have fewer physical signs of dementia. By sharing the magic of reading with a child, the volunteers can gain empathy and perspective at a time when their own connections may have reduced and a sense of loneliness may have crept in.

To share the magic of reading and enhance your wellbeing in 2020 visit www.archoxfordshire. org.uk or call 01869 320380 to find out more.

Happy reading!

d Continued...

Last year, Place2Be worked with 639 schools in England, Scotland and Wales, reaching 364,080 children and young people and more than 300 schools took part in Mental Health Champions programmes, equipping staff with the skills and confidence to support pupils’ mental health.

Be mindful

The Mental Health Foundation offers The 5 Ways to Wellbeing, a set of actions which have been proven to improve wellbeing, offering a starting point for schools.

Keep learning

Connect Get to know your classmates, it’s a great support network, get together over activities or just tea and a chat.

Get active Exercise can be good for your mind as well as your body, whether you cycle, dance, run, swim, jump or walk, it’s a great way to deal with negative thoughts and feelings.

32 | JANUARY 2020

Take time to check in with your thoughts and feelings, you may notice things you’ve missed, try a yoga session or mindfulness, breathing techniques can be a real help especially at exam time.

Lifelong learning is the way to keep the brain healthy, the sense of achievement from learning something new can be great for your mood, or try a quiz or a new skill.

Give to others Helping others can help reduce your own stress, improve your own emotional wellbeing and even benefit your physical health. ● To find out more about how these charities can help you or your school, visit www. childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk and www.mentalhealth.org.uk

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EDUC ATION

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Abingdon 18

11 20

Wallingford 3

Wantage

22

16

32 6

14 13

25 38

33 1

28 30

Marlborough 19

35

5 7 21

READING 37

Newbury 39 10 34 17 29

40

Bath 34 | JANUARY 2020

Basingstoke

9

Slough 31

E D U C AT I O N

THAMES VALLEY

d Schools & organisations

1.

Oratory Preparatory School, RG8 7QA, 0118 984 4511

2.

Abingdon Preparatory School, OX13 5NX, 01865 391570

3.

Brightwell cum Sotwell C of E Primary School, OX10 0QH, 01491 837024

4.

Oxford Science Studies Ltd, OX4 1BD, 01865 240637

5.

Hemdean House school, RG4 7SD, 01189 472590

6.

Herries Preparatory School, SL6 9BD, 01628 483350

7.

Caversham Preparatory School, RG4 8JZ, 0118 947 8684

www.oratoryprep.co.uk/ www.abingdon.org.uk/prep/ www.brightwell.oxon.sch.uk/ https://www.oxss.co.uk/ www.hemdeanhouse.co.uk/ www.herries.org.uk www.cavershamschool.com

8.

Summer Fields School, OX2 7EN, 01865 459204

9.

Little Ducklings Day Nursery, RG5 3NA, 0118 430 2822

www.summerfi elds.com

10.

Newbury College, RG14 7TD, 01635 845000

www.newbury-college.ac.uk

11.

Abingdon & Witney College, OX14 1GG, 01235 555585

www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk

12.

Abingdon & Witney College, OX28 6NE, 01993 703464

www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk

13.

Cranford House School, OX10 9HT, 01491 651218

14.

Moulsford Boys Prep School, OX10 9HR, 01491 651438

15.

Chandlings, OX1 5ND, 01865 730771

www.littleducklingsdaycare.co.uk

www.cranfordhouse.net www.moulsford.com www.chandlings.org.uk

16.

Puddleduck Nursery, OX10 8BA, 01491 839815

17.

St. Gabriel’s, RG20 9BD, 01635 555680

www.puddleducknursery.com

18.

The Manor Preparatory School, OX13 6LN, 01235 858462

19.

Marlborough College Summer School, SN8 1PA, 01672 892388

20.

Our Lady's Abingdon School, OX14 3PS, 01235 524658

21.

Queen Anne’s School, RG4 6DX, 0118 918 7333

22.

St. Laurence C of E School, OX10 7DX, 01865 858270

23.

Buckland Church of England Primary School, SN7 8RB, 01367 870236

24.

ARCh Oxfordshire, OX26 6AA, 01869 320380

25.

Checkendon Church of England Primary School, RG8 0SR, 01491 680693

26.

Kingham Hill School, OX7 6TH, 01608 658658

27.

NTC – School De Droomtorens, OX1 4NA

28.

The Downs School, RG20 6AD, 01635 270000

29.

Horris Hill, RG20 9DJ, 01635 40594

30.

Pangbourne College, RG8 8LA, 0118 984 2101

31.

St John's Beaumont Preparatory Boys, SL4 2JN, 01784 432428

32.

Little Roos Marlow, SL7 1JW, 01628 476672

33.

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge, RG4 9LN, 0118 972 1500

34.

Mary Hare Primary School, RG19 8XA, 01635 244215

35.

Mary Hare Secondary School, RG14 3BQ, 01635 244215

36.

Dragon School, OX2 6SS, 01865 315400

37.

Practical Philosophy Berkshire, RG1 4HJ, 01628 947 848

www.practicalphilosophyberkshire.org/

38.

Practical Philosophy Berkshire, SL6 6JE, 01628 947 848

www.practicalphilosophyberkshire.org/

39.

Progressive Technology Ltd, RG14 5TS, 01635 500480

40.

Kingswood School, BA1 5RG, 01225 734210

41.

Master Builders Club, info@masterbuildersclub.co.uk

www.stgabriels.co.uk www.manorprep.org www.summerschool.co.uk www.olab.org.uk/open-morning www.qas.org.uk/ www.st-laurence.oxon.sch.uk/ www.bucklandprimaryschool.org.uk www.archoxfordshire.org.uk www.checkendon.oxon.sch.uk www.kinghamhill.org.uk www.dedroomtorens.org.uk/ www.thedownsschool.org.uk/ www.horrishill.com/ www.pangbourne.com/ www.sjbwindsor.uk/ www.littleroosdaynursery.co.uk www.maidenerleghchilternedge.co.uk www.maryhare.org.uk www.maryhare.org.uk www.dragonschool.org

http://progressive-technology.co.uk www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk

R&A | 35

EDUC ATION

Story

competition winners Our younger readers have proved to be a very talented imaginative bunch if the entries for our short story competition are anything to go by. We received a great variety of stories demonstrating there could well be some future any David Walliamses or J K Rowlings out there. Well done to all who took part! Here are the winning entries…

Keep Dreaming by Bethan Hopton

B

ethan’s entry charmed us for the way she showed how small random acts of kindness can make all the difference, often in the most unexpected ways and how dreams can come true Sam was cycling down a hill when all of a sudden… ”STOP”. He looked behind him and saw an elderly man next to a road. “Little boy” he croaked “can you be a dear and help me across the road?” Sam flinched at the world little but he couldn’t help stopping his bike and going over to help the man.

He checked the road to see if there was any traffic.

He was used to checking the road as he was twelve.

He went out on his own all the time!

They walked across the road really slowly because it took ages for Sam to walk whilst carrying all of the man’s heavy bags. Sam checked his watch. He had been helping the man for almost five minutes 36 | JANUARY 2020

and they were barely quarter of the way across the road!

Sam sighed as he thought of the football match he had intended to watch when he got home from school. It would be starting any minute!

“Did you have a good day at school?” the man asked in a suspiciously high voice. ”I guess,” murmured Sam. Eventually, they got to the end of the road. “Bye,” Sam said and began to climb onto his bike. “Bye,” the old man called after him.

When he got home, Sam slumped onto the sofa and switched on the television. He groaned as he looked at the time. He had missed a whole half an hour of the game. “Mum” he called ”can I have a drink?” ”Sure” she answered.

The next day at school started normally. Sam met his friends outside the gates and cast a cheeky grin at Ffion, his girlfriend who was d

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Sixth Form Open Mornings: 16 th January & 2 nd March To book a place on one of our Open Mornings and for further information, email sixthform@thedownsschool.org • 29% A*-A and 56% A*-B grades in 2019, the best state school results in West Berkshire • 75% of 2019 students now studying at Russell Group universities and record number of Oxbridge places secured • Vibrant engaging Sixth Form with a strong sense of community • Dedicated UCAS Manager to support careers and university applications • Exceptional teaching, high expectations and inspired highly motivated students

The Downs School, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6AD. For further information please contact us on (01635) 270000 or visit

www.thedownsschool.org R&A | 37

EDUC ATION

standing outside the assembly hall when he got in.

Everybody was sat down when the head teacher entered. ”So,” she said, “we have a special guest today and I’ll let them introduce themselves.”

She walked off the stage and an elderly man walked on. Sam instantly realised that the man was the same man that he had helped yesterday and smiled at him. “Hello,” the man said, peeling off a mask, “I am Harry Kane.”

Sam stared at Harry and gasped. He recognised him! “You will be pleased to know that I have chosen Sam Jeffers to be my mascot at our next game because of his kindness to elderlies.

I disguised myself as an elderly man yesterday, waiting for someone to help me. Many people ignored me but Sam helped me even though he didn’t seem to particularly want to.”

Beeep! Sam’s alarm clock was beeping. ”Are you awake?” his mum called from downstairs. “Yes” Sam shouted back.

He quickly got changed in the uniform that Harry had told him to wear and jumped in the car. They got to the stadium early so that Harry could go over things with him.

Sam gasped “It’s amazing!” “I know” whispered Harry “Good luck!”

Turning over a new leaf by Elijah Mayers

E

lijah’s use of description, painting pictures through words made it easy to visualise the story he was telling and again showed the value of being kind and thinking of others Sam was cycling down the hill when all of a sudden, his mother appeared by the roadside with her hands firmly placed on her hips. He knew straight away that something was very wrong. Sam got off the bike and walked sheepishly with his head down towards his mum.

Sam’s mother Simone was a stout overweight woman who always wore clothes two sizes too small. Her face was as round and pale as the moon.

Her eyes were cold and blue like the sea. Her black hair was long and thin like liquorice running down to her waist. Simone in her high-pitched voice shrieked at Sam to “Get in the house!!!”.

Sam made his way into the house and went straight into the living-room. The house was a mess and Dad lay spread out on the sofa fast asleep. Sam’s dad was a skinny man with a potbelly who loved to wear string-vests. He had thick Ginger hair covering his entire body, making him look like an orangutan. As he slept, Sam’s dad snored. In fact, he snored so loudly that the glass of water on the table next to him shook and eventually fell on the floor.

Ever since Sam’s dad had been sacked for stealing a pair of pink pyjamas from the warehouse where he worked, all he did was lay around the house snoring like a tractor.

38 | JANUARY 2020

Simone soon followed Sam into the living-room and scream at him “What have you done!!!”.

Simone went on to explain that the Headmaster’s office had called her, and they wanted a meeting tomorrow.

“I can’t miss work and your dad is useless, so your grandad will have to go with you,” Simone yelled.

A wave of fear spread over Sam and that night, he had a horrible nightmare about being told off by the Headmaster.

The next day, the doorbell rang as Sam was getting dressed for school. It was his grandad Jonas wearing a bright green suit and a blue tie shimmering in the sun. Sam sighed and let him in.

Later at school, the Headmaster’s secretary told them to wait in the Headmaster’s office. Sam was so worried that he started to feel nauseous.

A moment later, a tall skinny man entered the room and introduced himself as Mr Pearce the Headmaster.

Mr Pearce explained that in the past, Sam had been in trouble a lot of times for bullying. Sam was known for Kicking, punching and pushing the smaller pupils in the school. Recently, Sam has changed his behaviour and now actually helps the other pupils when they hurt themselves. Mr Pearce went on to say how pleased he was that Sam had turned over a new leaf and made himself a better person. Sam nearly fell off his chair when Mr Pearce told him they had awarded him a commendation.

When Sam got home, he showed Simone the commendation and she was so pleased that she nearly fainted.

From that day on, Sam’s mum stopped shrieking at him and started praising him instead.

“A place with a palpable buzz and vibrancy that gets the balance between giving children the freedom to be themselves, whilst maintaining a focus on traditional values, excellent manners and respect, absolutely spot on.”

The Good Schools Guide Review 2019

OPEN MORNINGS 5 FEBRUARY • 6 FEBRUARY • 29 FEBRUARY 2020 Goring Heath, Reading • RG8 7QA • 0118 4511 • c.atkinson@oratoryprep.co.uk • oratoryprep.co.uk MP-584 Round and near About 147x91.5.qxp_Layout 1 984 03/12/2019 09:19 Page 1

An outstanding independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-11

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R&A | 39

EDUC ATION

It’s all about the question Former head Gerald Vinestock has useful advice before you head off to a school open day

I

t’s easy enough to mock open days, but parents can find them useful. It’s important first to realise the school is selling itself and parents are potential customers; parents should forget their own schooldays terror of visits to the Head and ask the questions that matter.

If your Ermintrude is a budding Mozart, don’t reveal that until you have the answer to the question, ‘How important is music in the school?’

You are much more likely to get the answer you need than if you start by revealing that Ermintrude passed Grade 6 clarinet at the age of three.

Keep questions neutral therefore, but make sure you do ask them.

You may be shown round by a pupil – that is a good sign of the school’s confidence in its children – and you will be able to gauge a lot about the relationship between pupils and staff as you go round. You will pick up, even on an open day, something of the atmosphere of the school. That matters even more than exam results, though you should ask about these and where pupils go after leaving.

Classrooms are revealing and you should look at what’s on the walls, but remember that a rather untidy piece of writing pinned up prominently 40 | JANUARY 2020

may reveal that here is a teacher who really cares: that particular piece of writing may mark a huge step forward for the pupil, whose confidence has now been boosted by public display of this work.

A visit on an open day can be helpful, but if you are close to choosing a school, a second visit on a normal school day will be even more helpful to enable you to gauge the atmosphere. Not all schools can cope with such individual visits, but it is worth asking, it will be easier to assess what the school is really like on a normal day and to ascertain whether this will be the right place for Ermintrude or Wilfred. Much more important than what gossip may say is whether you feel the school is right for your child. If you have met caring staff and happy children that matters more than local tittle-tattle when you come to make a very important decision.

The most important thing to remember is that however impressive and daunting the Head may be, ask the questions that are important for you and keep them neutral!

Gerald Vinestock was Northern Regional Director for the Independent Schools Information Service (Now ISC). He has recently had published Crib and the Labours of Hercules a children’s book available locally at Blackwell’s. Read more from Gerald Vinestock at www.geraldvinestock.co.uk

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R&A | 41

10:54

RAMBLIN G S

á ...Continued from page 28.

Visitors are most welcome; admission is just £3. For further information email gardenswallingford@gmail.com or visit www.wallingford-gardening-club.com The Watercress Beds and Local Nature Reserve is as busy as ever with guided walks talking place on the first Sunday of each month – 5th January, 2nd February, 1st March and 5th April. Take a guided walk alongside the watercress beds and through the nature reserve in the lovely village of Ewelme. Please meet at the Watercress Centre for a 10.30am start. The centre is halfway along the street between the pub and the village hall. A DVD of the old watercress industry will be shown. Refreshments available. The once thriving watercress beds were constructed in the 1880s but became derelict after ceasing operation in 1989. The 2.5ha (6.5 acre) site now belongs to the Chiltern Society. The watercress beds have been restored and the site is managed by volunteers for its heritage, wildlife, and landscape value. No dogs allowed, except assist dogs and sensible footwear is advisable. Park away from the centre as the street gets busy. There is a free car park at the east end of village beyond the school and church.

Didcot and District Archaeological and Historical Society’s first talk of 2020 is on Thursday, 9th January.

Chairman David Taylor will give a talk entitled a Virtual

Tour around the City of Oxford at the Northbourne Centre, Church Street, Didcot from 7.30pm. All welcome, visitors £4. Call the chairman David Taylor on 01235 816376.

Calling all singers – ever wanted to get under the skin of Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony? Benson Choral Society have a workshop on Saturday, 25th January, 10am4.30pm at the Oratory School in Woodcote. It’s part of tpreparations for the concert in March, but guests will get a warm welcome. Soloists from the Royal Welsh College of Music will be there along with accompanist Anita D’Attellis, and musical director Chris Walker who led an acclaimed performance in 2010 is in charge. £20 will get you in, including a loan score, tea and coffee, and another £6 will get you a hot lunch. Book at www.bensonchoralsociety. org.uk or call Stephanie on 01865 407395.

Wallingford Winter Recitals enter their third season led by Anita D’Attellis. The first is on Saturday, 18th January at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church Wallingford. Anita is joined by violinist Peter Davis and cellist Bryony Moody. It’s called The Four Seasons not by Vivaldi but Astor Piazzolla recalling his native Argentina. Other works by Mendelssohn and Frank Bridge complete the bill. Visit www.anitapiano. com/wrw2020, tickets online or at the Wallingford Town Information Centre. £12 or £14 on the door so book now!

d...Continued on page 46.

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42 | JANUARY 2020

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F I TNESS

2020 trends The ways of getting in shape are constantly changing – as this year’s trends suggest

I

t’s the new year which means it’s time for that annual search for the “new you”. However, the hot trends for 2020 mean it’s not just all about sweating it out at a gym. The emphasis is as much on mental wellbeing as it is on physical activity.

Here are a few things to tempt you this year…

Wellbeing workouts More workouts are putting mindfulness and mental health at the fore with spiritual wellbeing and nurturing the soul becoming more important. The focus will be on strengthening your mind as much as your body. Push yourself out of your comfort zone with bootcamp-style exercises, build mental resilience, as well as improve fitness levels.

Mindful running This can be a great way to put your worries and stresses to the back of your mind, disconnect from what is overwhelming you and allow you some “me time”. Mindful running encourages you to focus on your training and yourself.

Group workouts Group sweat classes could replace happy hour and team lunches swapped for team outings to a spin or trampoline class. Working out increases team bonding, productivity and improves culture. It can be a great way to develop friendships too and reduce some of the self-consciousness and anxiety of exercising in a room full of strangers.

44 | JANUARY 2020

Hybrid yoga Combine types of exercise. Yoga HIIT (high intensity interval training) balances stretches with sharp bursts of intensity, ensuring you use all your muscles and are buzzing with endorphins.

Snooze time More technical equipment can help fight lack of sleep and more fitness studios offer sleep space for an after-workout rest with sleep pods popping up for a rest on your lunch break.

Shorter workouts It seems HIIT is not intense enough, say hello to micro HIIT. The recommended amount of HIIT is 20 minutes, three times a day but get set for an even more intense version with two or three minutes’ worth throughout the day! Feel exhausted yet?

At-home workouts The popularity of Peloton, the home-spinning bike sensation shows no signs of abating in 2020.

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R&A | 45

RAMBLIN G S

á ...Continued from page 42.

Sustainable Wallingford’s annual community meal, Neighbourhood Nosh, will take place on Saturday, 25th January. Yes, that’s Burns night: what better time for an event that pulls the community together? In this annual shared meal together we create a tasty and sustaining meal out of food that would otherwise have gone to waste.

Join the preparations at Centre 70, Kinecroft, Wallingford, from 2.30pm onwards, and bring yourself, family, neighbours, or friends old or new, to eat together from 5pm. We welcome people of all ages and — in response to feedback from families — have planned a start at 5pm so the little ones can eat with us at a time that suits their family schedules. Please contact Amy at suswalcomm@ gmail.com or 01491 833206 if you'd like to help out: offers from peelers, choppers, cleaners, greeters, communicators and musicians all gratefully received.

As you probably know, Pétanque is the French version of bowls, sometimes called Boules. But did you know you can now play this game in Wallingford! The game is quickly learnt and is easy to play; throwing the boule from a circle to as close as you can to a cochonet (or jack) placed six to 10 metres away. It takes a while, however, to learn the rules and tactics but there’s training on hand. They play socially and competitively, have many club competitions and also play against other clubs in the

Thames Valley. And once a year they play a national game in the South of England. Playing all year round, weatherpermitting and five times a week, the normal membership intake is in the spring (April), but you're welcome any time.

Tuesday at 10am is best for you to have a free ’taster’. Visit www.petwal.co.uk. A lot has appeared in the media about loneliness, so make a resolution to get out and about more – you can be sure of a warm welcome at the friendly club.

You don’t need to be super fit and all ages are welcome.

They look forward to seeing you at the Boulodrome at Wallingford Sports Park, in Hithercroft Road.

Come and sing in Wallingford on Saturday, 29th February with Come and Sing Tippett Five Spirituals. The Five Spirituals are part of Tippett’s A Child of Our Time which was written to reflect the turmoil of the time, 19391941, and to further reflect Tippett’s own inner battles, he was undergoing psychotherapy to come to terms with his own sexuality and was imprisoned for two months for being a conscientious objector. The day at the Church of St-Mary-le-More, Wallingford, is suitable for singers of all ages and you should bring a packed lunch. The day starts at 11.30am and culminates in the performance at 5pm.

From January to March, Didcot Writers welcome back Deborah Bosley, to teach a course called Sharpen

d...Continued on page 50.

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Abi Barclay-Watt explores the merits & pitfalls of adopting a more plant-based diet

W

hether it’s for environmental, ethical, or nutritional reasons, veganism is growing exponentially. Many professional athletes, from Lewis Hamilton to Venus Williams, are following this lifestyle. It’s a vast and emotive subject, but here is my summary of the evidence on the diet’s nutritional impact.

Let’s start with protein. Animal protein is in no way essential to the body. The issue with an all-plant-based diet is protein quality. Animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids the body needs for physical structure and repair (some amino acids also help to boost mood, so they’re pretty vital). To get these from plants we have to consume a range of plant proteins; beans, rice and nuts at the same meal. Animal protein is much more bioavailable to our body, so we need to consume more plant protein to get the equivalent. It’s possible, and there are benefits, such as to our gut health, but the portions have to be considerably larger and varied.

Vegans need to plan carefully. Studies show higher risk of deficiencies for vegans in vitamins B12 and D, omega 3 oils, iodine, iron, calcium and zinc. These pose a particular risk to children, teenagers and women of child-bearing age. There are lots of processed vegan foods – doughnuts, crisps, palm oil etc. - that give little nutritional benefit. The aforementioned sports stars have chefs on hand! For the rest of us going vegan and staying healthy means educating ourselves and using evidence-based websites such as www.vegansociety.com.

Veganism is a huge, complex topic, but there are proven gains just eating more plant-based meals; being ‘flexitarian’.

You don’t need to be vegan to consume more fibre, fruits and vegetables, and less saturated fats, so if perhaps this Veganuary you boost your wellbeing and that of the planet.

Abi xxx

● Abi Barclay-Watt is a registered associate nutritionist in Blewbury and is part-time lecturer at Oxford Brookes University. Visit www.balancednutritionconsultancy.com 48 | JANUARY 2020

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up your Writing. Whether you need to flesh out your characters, beef up your plot, or master effective dialogue, this boot camp for books will take your writing wherever you want it to go. The sessions will be informal, collaborative and fun, and suitable for beginners as well as those with a work in progress. The dates are fortnightly Thursdays, 7-9pm, 30th January, 13th and 27th February, 12th and 26th March. Find out more at bit.ly/ didcotwriters-workshops. If you know anyone who is interested in writing or planning a writing-related New Year’s resolution, invite them along; there are posters you can share on their pages on Facebook and Twitter.

Didcot Writers group is launching a new critique group. This is like the feedback nights, but will be more in-depth. Each meeting they’ll read four to five longer pieces of work in advance, and offer supportive feedback to the author. You can attend to join the discussion even if you’re not having your own work read that time; the first meeting date will be worked out once we have our first set of people, to suit those whose work is being discussed. If you’d be interested in being part of this group, please fill in their two-minute survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ KX72FPR

John Masefield House (near Berinsfield,) is having an open day on Saturday, 11th January. The home supports 22 residents with physical and learning disabilities. If you or anyone you know is curious about working within social care or volunteering, the friendly team can advise you.

Contact them at 01865 5340324.

Didcot’s Cornerstone has the usual varied programme of entertainment for audiences to enjoy and the production on Thursday, 16th January is a great example of this. Dry tells of James and Ellen who enjoy relaxing with a drink or three and entertain friends similarly but where does it stop and how does their teenage daughter Chloe cope? This one-hour play with music is a hard-hitting look at drinking habits, mixing partying and humour alongside hard-hitting facts. There will be a Q&A after the performance with speakers form health and social care service Turning Point. Tickets £12.50, suitable for 14+.

There’s children’s entertainment on 24th and 25th with Igloo. Winter is almost over and it still hasn’t snowed. Ira and Sadie are waiting and waiting and sometimes the wait can be all the more worthwhile. Tickets £9, concs £7. Music ends the month in the form of An Evening with Jo Harman and her soul/blues fuelled voice. Rag ‘N’ Bone man called her ‘one of this country’s finest talents’. Tickets £12, concs £10. Visit www.cornerstone-arts.org

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R&A | 51

COMEDY

Everyman Stephen K Amos, who turns 52 this month, brings his new show – Everyman – to Didcot’s Cornerstone on 5th & 6th February

for

himself

‘Y

ou can take it in a variety of ways,’’ says Stephen of his new show’s title. ‘’Is it every man for himself, as it appears to be around the world at the moment? Or is it that we should reconsider the fact that humanity will only survive and progress if every man pulls together? It really does depend on your point of view. I’m not a preachy sort of comic; I prefer to leave things up in the air and for the audience to make their own decisions.”

“

On an annual basis, Stephen takes a sparkling new show out to the nation, and each time fresh social and political challenges are there to be faced...

“What I’m trying to be more prepared for is how the audience will react. I did a show on the night of the Brexit vote, and that was I’m not a the weirdest crowd I’d had for years,” he recalls. “There was a huge division in the preachy sort room and people were in shock. The only of comic other gig I could equate that to was one in East Anglia. There was a funny mood in the audience. After about seven minutes I said ‘hey guys, there’s about 800 of us in here: what’s happened?’ Someone shouted out ‘they’ve closed the car park and we had to walk for 10 minutes!’

They just sat there grumpy... And that was the exact same thing on the night of Brexit.”

Stephen has some broad areas ready to confront in Everyman. “I’m tackling things as simple as how 52 | JANUARY 2020

we face our own mortality as we get older, and looking at things you can do to improve yourself when you’re trying to find answers to questions.”

This desire for answers has been partly sparked by a TV show he appeared on earlier this year.

BBC’s Pilgrimage featured a number of celebrities – including Dana, Lesley Joseph and Les Dennis – who embarked on a journey to Rome. As an atheist and gay man, Stephen was initially taken aback when the group was offered a private audience with the Pope as part of their adventure.

“Never in my wildest dreams, at the dizziest heights of stand-up when you’re meeting very famous people and on bills with Rihanna or Madonna... NEVER did I think I’d be sitting down for a half-hour private audience with The Pope.

Particularly as a man with no religious leanings; it was so surreal. I was very apprehensive because I said I’d only be part of it if I could ask questions; I didn’t want to be sitting there being talked at and not have the opportunity to address issues.”

The pontiff’s response to Stephen’s question about not feeling accepted as a gay man by religion and religious groups surprised him by being so open and generous. “He wasn’t that explicit in what he said but it was enough to make me realise that, you know what, you’re one of the good ‘uns.’’

Tickets and details at www.stephenkamos.com

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RAMBLIN G S

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Christmas may be over but there are still gifts to be bought, perhaps someone you know has a January birthday? Wallingford & District Art Club are holding an affordable art fair on Sunday, 5th January, 7-10pm at 21 St Martin’s Street, Wallingford, where there’ll be more than 100 paintings in all mediums by 16 artists and silk craft scarves and jewellery for sale at affordable prices. Free, please register your interest at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ affordable-art-fair-tickets-83873234101

There are loads of ways to spend your time this year learning something new or perhaps expanding your knowledge with a plethora of classes at the Cornerstone for children, teenagers and adults alike. Choose from theatre or dance classes, photography or chair yoga, painting or life drawing and many more. Check them all out at www.cornerstone-arts.org

If your child has been inspired by our story competition then here’s another chance to showcase their writing skills. Space Store in Didcot is launching a Children’s Writing Competition for kids aged between seven and 11 years old. Enter to win a prize for your school!

The Number 240… If someone is asked to name a job to do with space, most would think of an astronaut. Many of us followed Tim Peake on his 240-mile journey to the International Space Station, but who else was involved in getting him there? To celebrate all things space, Space Store, Didcot, is running a writing competition with great prizes, such as a two-hour space experience for your entire class! Imagine you’re doing one of the jobs involved in space travel and, in up to 240 words, tell them all about it.

Closing date 9th February. Visit Space Store’s website at www.spacestore.co/childrens-writing-competition/ or call Melissa on 01235 812400.

The chances are you’re beginning to think about taking down the decs for another year and getting rid of the Christmas tree. Help is at hand from South Oxfordshire District Council. If you’re a garden waste customer put it out next to your brown bin on your collection day week from 13th January. If not drop it off at one of the following collection points by Saturday 11th: Brightwell, Root One; Nuneham Courtenay – Notcutts Garden Centre; by Sunday 12th - Nuneham Courtenay, village hall car park; by Monday 13th - Ewelme car park next to the recreation area on Common Road and by Wednesday 15th - Aston Tirrold and Aston Upthorpe, rec car park, Chalk Hill; Goring, Gardiner Recreation Ground, Rectory Garden; South Stoke, near recreation ground. Visit www.southoxon.gov.uk/ services-and-advice/recycling-rubbish-and-waste/ christmas-waste/what-do-your-christmas-tree

d...Continued on page 59.

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Wishing you a healthy New Year

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s a new year dawns, I thought that it would be appropriate to write a few words about ‘health’.

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As a species we are currently sinking under a tidal wave of chronic disease - these are long-term health conditions that require on-going management and their prevalence is growing.

These include cancer, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, asthma and depression. Our NHS is literally being overwhelmed by complex chronic conditions. NHS statistics reveal approximately 45% of the English population have at least one chronic condition, 16% have one or more - 15% of young adults (11-15) in England now have a chronic condition and 70% of the health care budget is being spent on chronic disease management.

We cannot afford to just keep pumping extra billions of pounds into a system that with all the best will in the world is simply ‘managing disease’ using a ‘top down’ approach to treat symptoms with prescribed medications. We need instead to focus on the creation and promotion of ‘health’, so the body is effectively unable to harbour disease.

We are over medicalised and need to practice a number of simple yet powerful choices of consuming more nutrient dense foods, reducing toxin exposure, practicing mindfulness, less reliance on social/digital media with more real world interactions and getting out in nature and moving. There are times when it is appropriate to use medications to help manage acute and complex chronic conditions. The objective however should always be wherever possible to minimise medication load and duration. Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2020.

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For the full article see the blog at www.entirewellbeing.com. Call Mark BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) mBANT CNHC on 0118 321 9533.

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RAMBLINGS

á ...Continued from page 54.

Now here’s something different – if you’re looking for a club to join this new year how about trying out Naked Oxford. Dine Naked Oxford was set up to promote body confidence, giving people the opportunity to be more positive about their body image. They have a variety of events for people to get involved in starting with a murder mystery evening, 18th January, performed by the Oxford Imps at Annie’s at the boathouse in Abingdon complete with a Moroccan three-course dinner. If gin’s your thing how about going nude gin tasting at TOAD in Oxford on 15th February while on 7th March, there’s a pub quiz with a twist at the King’s Head and Bell, Abingdon. To find out more visit www.nakedoxford.wixsite.com/website

On Monday 20th January the RSPB Vale of White Horse Local Group will meet in Didcot Civic Hall at 7.45 pm for a talk entitled Birds & Wildlife of Namibia by Dr Graham Lenton. The talk will focus on the game and birds of the area. On Sunday, 19th January there will be a coach outing to WWT Slimbridge. Details regarding the coach outing at the December indoor meeting or call 01235 771716. Visit the website at www.rspb-vwh.org.uk

Goring Chamber Choir present A Wondrous Birth – Carols for an Orthodox Christmas on Saturday, 4th January, at 3pm at St Thomas’ Church in Goring. GCC presents Christmas music from an Orthodox perspective; in this calendar, Jesus is not born until 7th January. The concert includes carols in Russian and English and music by Sviridov and Izvekov. The music director is Frances Brewitt-Taylor and accompanist is Steve Bowey. Tickets £10 or £5 for FT students. Buy from Inspiration in Goring, a choir member, on the door or at www.goringchamberchoir.org.uk

Right, history fans: 2020 is the 850th anniversary of Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket’s death, which shocked England and its king. Goring dramatises this famous medieval murder this month. TS Eliot's celebrated play, Murder in the Cathedral, recounting the murder of the Archbishop in 1170, will be performed at St Thomas’s church on 30th, 31st January and 1st February. Becket returns from exile having been in conflict with the king, and has to decide to give way, become Chancellor again, side with the king’s enemies or oppose him. The play is about hard choices and facing the consequences – which makes our current political landscape seem tame by comparison, no? The knights who kill him had to make their own choices and at the play’s end ask the audience to exonerate them. Buy your tickets (£10) from Inspiration in Goring Arcade, or 01491 873341 or email nigelfountain@tiscali.co.uk

Enjoy the start to 2020 and we'll be back next month when spring is a step closer!

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Competitions

Closing date for competitions is 12pm on 31st January

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Win! A luxurious Sonoma Indulge spa day for two at Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa in Hampshire

Surrounded by stunning parkland, Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa is a privately owned hotel, spa and golf club. Awarded the prestigious ‘5 Bubbles’ by the Good Spa Guide, the hotel’s spa is a light, uplifting space with heavenly treatments and a menu designed to leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised. One lucky reader will win a luxury Spa Day for two worth £250.

The winner and guest will enjoy a welcome smoothie or hot drink, light breakfast, delicious Bento style lunch or classic afternoon tea, plus 55-minute treatment per person and full use of the spa facilities. Enter as above or, for more information or to book, visit www.donningtonvalley.co.uk

Win! Dinner, bed & breakfast for two at The French Horn in Sonning on the banks of The Thames

Alongside the bridge in the busy village of Sonning, The French Horn (originally a coaching inn) has been run by the Emmanuel family since 1972, with a focus on excellent food and service. It has a reputation as one of the area’s finest restaurants with comfortable rooms. Head chef Josiane Diaga and her team use the best seasonal produce to create delicious classical meals, allowing flavours to speak for themselves. There’s an extensive wine cellar to complement the fine food. Our winner can stay with a guest, enjoying dinner and breakfast (excl drinks, dates subject to availability).

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We install CCTV & garage door repairs.

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RELIABLE & FULLY INSURED

WATER SOFTENER OWNER? Call Softener Surgeons for sales, service and repair. Over 25 years industry experience.

Drinking water systems and salt also supplied. Tablet and Block salt available. Call 07939 204455

T:01235 376003 M:07510 888620 E: info@aldersecurity.co.uk

www.aldersecurity.co.uk

@aldersecurity

www.facebook.com/aldersecure

Intruder Alarms – Access Control – Fire Alarms – CCTV – Intercoms – Disabled Refuge Systems - Networks THE RUBBISH VAN The Simple, Quick, Low cost way to clear all your Bulky/Household/Garden Waste. Enquiries welcome 7 days a week. Phone Mark 01235 511846 or 07770 862413.

(Licensed Waste Carrier)

Every effort is made to ensure the information within these pages is correct, the text printed is as supplied by the advertiser. As such readers are advised to take appropriate professional advice before using any business or financial opportunity offered herein.

CLAS SIFIE D POLARIS WINDOW CLEANING Domestic and Commercial window cleaning. Windows professionally cleaned at affordable prices, solar panels cleaned. For a friendly and reliable service call Haydn on 07748 692013. References available on request.

M.J. Talbot

established 1990

All work undertaken will be of a high standard.

PatiosDeckingFacia BoardsSoffitsDecoratingFencing

www.whitehorseovencleaning.co.uk

GutteringInsurance workRoofingGardeningCarpentry ST

A MU SATISFACTIONNDE D BY AS RECOMME ZINE: AGA M H WHIC ANSHIP RKM WO FOR 5★ 5★ FOR PRICING.

01235 835 582 07831 550 433 www.mjtalbot.co.uk

Ring Michael on

or mobile

CARPET / UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Low moisture specialists. Competitive rates. Trading Standards approved.

GRIMEBUSTERS (01491) 670013 / (01235) 555533.

ABODE CARPETS LTD Carpet fi tting and supplies, friendly, helpful conscientious service. Repairs and readaptions. No job too small. Supply service available. www.abodecarpets.co.uk or Call 07961 836571 / 01235 521096

L N E H

EY REF

URB

OXFORDSHIRE ROOFING SERVICES

• Carpentry • Gutter Cleaning • Bathroom installation • All damp proof solutions • Full liability cover (1 million) • Kitchen refurbishment • Painting • Plastering • Rendering

S

• Chimneys • Insulation • Roof repairs • Fascias, soffits & guttering • Repointing • OAP 10% discount • 30 year guarantee • All jobs welcome

Quality workmanship

T: 08004 880516 - 24/hr emergency T: 07788 847 151 E: info@henleyrefurbs.co.uk W: www.henleyrefurbs.co.uk LOCKSMITH & CARPENTER Locks fi tted opened & repaired.

Kitchens, doors, windows fi tted. 01491 680011 / 07768 653790 or visit www.timberlock.co.uk 64 | JANUARY 2020

Planning & Building Regulations drawings for home extensions etc.

Garden & landscape design peterdmartin.perspekt@gmail.com 07905 697279 www.perspekt.co.uk

Domestic Appliance Services Repairs and Servicing to all Major Brands of Domestic Appliances Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Dishwashers, Cookers, Ovens, Hobs, Cooker Hoods, NOT Refrigeration Fast and friendly service

Phone: 01235 426234 Mobile: 07555 124355

Email: domesticapplianceservices@hotmail.com LOCKSMITH SERVICE Door & window locks fi tted. Locks repaired. Locks opened. Checkatrade member. Call Richard Homden 01635 246109 / 07710 409216 www.acgservices. co.uk.

C L A SSI F I E D BUILDING PLANS for extensions, alterations, conversions and new build. Planning and Building Control Approvals. CIAT Registered Practice. 07776006930 www.cfbbuildingdesign. co.uk

M.J. Talbot

established 1990

Complete fencing and landscaping services.

PatiosGatesFencingPatios & PathsDrivewaysTurfing DeckingAll types of GardeningAll Materials Supplied

Quality pest control at reasonable rates by a BPCA registered company Quote R&A for 10% off 31 Willow Walk, Wantage, OX12 9EN

01235 239410 • www.pestuk.com BESPOKE IRONING SERVICE, 24hr turnaround, collection and return. Non smoking, pet free environment. Cantact Joy on 07714242305 ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS For extensions, home improvements, new builds, free initial site consultation, competitive rates. 01865 244178 www.otprojects.co.uk

The Window D ctor CARE & REPAIR FOR ALL YOUR UPVC & ALUMINIUM WINDOW & DOOR PROBLEMS • Replacement of broken down sealed units - misting up inside glass • Adjust front & back doors that do not shut • New handles, hinges and door locks • Replacement of patio door wheels • New security handles with keys • New door panels and cat fl aps • New Georgian style or leaded style sealed units • All insurance work • Burglary damage • Servicing PLUS INSTALLATIONS OF NEW UPVC WINDOWS & DOORS Call us for a FREE Survey and Quotation,

No call out charge Friendly Family Established Business

Cowling & Co.

Mob: 07860 435742 Tel: 01865 891776

email: cowlingandcothewindowdoctor@gmail.com

www.windowdoctor.co.uk

Call Michael for a free Estimate & friendly advice:

01235 835 582 07831 550 433 www.mjtalbot.co.uk

BLOCKED DRAINS? Sewers, sinks, toilets, baths unblocked.

Emergency plumbing. Call GB DRAINAGE 01235 818639 P.M WILLOUGHBY PROPERTY & GARDEN MAINTENANCE Small extensions, external and internal work all aspects of work undertaken. 01235 550204 and 07970723407.

REMOVAL & STORAGE

HANDY MAN AND VAN

£30

An Hour All Inclusive (No Hidden Fees) House & Flat Removals • Collections & Deliveries • Ebay & Shop Collections Call Nobby:

07519 147628 • 01491 902404 SELF STORAGE – DORCHESTER ON THAMES AND STEVENTON. Secure units for household, and small business, containerised units, DRIVE YOUR VECHILE DIRECT TO UNIT DOORS, 160sq ft/1280 cu ft, own key, 24/7 access with electronic entry and cctv. open storage for caravan/trailer parking. Small fenced areas suitable for small builders or larger item storage (Fenced open area + 20 Ft container) we also buy and sell and deliver shipping containers and cabins. www.qselfstore.co.uk Tel: 01235 847164 anytime.

ACCOUNTANCY, FINANCIAL & LEGAL SMART MONKEYS BOOKKEEPING SERVICES Sage, Quickbooks, Xero, Free Agent MTD, VAT returns, Sole trader tax returns, HMRC Compliance. Excel training & assistance offered. Contact Peter Bonthrone MAAT at peter@smartmonkeys.org.uk. Tel. 07780 596942 or www.smartmonkeys.org.uk VIV ROBERTS BOOKKEEPING Doing your own books? No longer want the hassle? Want your free time back? Let me take care of it for you. 07773 634 869 Viv.bookkeeping@gmail. com R&A | 65

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Need help with your tax return or company accounts?

For all your accountancy needs: Mel Grierson AAT & Lauren Davies FCA Partners 07525 486509 • 07775 521711 /JOI Accountancy mel&lauren@joiaccountancy.co.uk

PAINTER & DECORATOR Fully Qualifi ed, 30 years experience, interior/exterior, wall papering, free quotes/ advice. Please call Rob Fowler on 01189 242776 or mobile 0774 3610851

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PAINTING & DECORATING P T SMITH PAINTERS AND DECORATORS Bathroom and Wet room installations. Tilling, General plumbing, Property maintenance. Call Paul 01235 527185 / 07886 922533. www.painteranddecoratoroxford.com

Chris Dawson & Son Painting, Decorating and Plastering Property Maintenance

Professional service using quality materials Fully insured - endorsements available

For friendly advice and a FREE quote Phone 01235 817957 Mobile 0774 8601471 email: dawsondecor@yahoo.co.uk CHILDS CONTRACTS Painting & Decorating Interior/ Exterior - Domestic/Commercial Artexing/Coving – Insurance Quotations/Estimates. A friendly reliable service/References available Free quotations – Contact Glenn or Annette on 01235 527000 or 07821791186 email: childscontracts@ gmail.com

Cosy, welcoming and friendly home salon offering an extensive range of beauty treatments.

Abigail Araujo - Qualified since 1997 Plough House, 16A St John’s Road, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 9AD EXCLUSIVELY LADIES

07813 478902 - abis.beauty@yahoo.co.uk abigails-beauty.wix.com/abigails-beauty

WIGS AND HAIRPIECES Professional stylist supplying quality products, advice and specialist cutting service. Private consultations for Alopecia, Chemotherapy, Transgender and fashion transformations. Call 01235 815499. www.longforhair.co.uk

GENTLE YOGA Abingdon Mondays and Wednesdays www.lucytennyson.com tel: 07715207784

PETS CORNER DOG AND CAT GROOMING All dogs / cats presented to very high standard. H/strip, clipped, bathed nails. Collection Service 21 yrs experience. Call Gavin 01491 836103 , 07787526576

PUPPY & DOG TRAINING! 1 to 1 training in your own home

Sandra Emmons

Clever Dog Company Licensed Trainer

R.J.P PAINTING AND DECORATING Interior. FREE ESTIMATES. Call Richard 07812 392783 or 01235 210905.

www.happipup.co.uk email: sandra@happipup.co.uk 07973 272911

GARDENING SERVICES JEFF’S GARDEN SERVICES Professional Gardener 30 years experience, grass and hedge cutting, weeding, pruning, strimming, planting, fencing and gutter cleaning. Free estimates, Fully insured competitive rates. Call Jeff 07515 286557

66 | JANUARY 2020

C L A SSI F I E D

Tom Bosher Garden Services ∙ Garden Maintenance ∙ Lawn Care ∙ Grass and Hedge Cutting ∙ Pruning ∙ Planting and Garden Clearance

07899 912442 ∙ tomabosher@gmail.com

A

&

G

Landscapes

Landscaping and lawn care specialists Extensive lawn care program including scari�ication, aeration, feed and weed treatments and moss control  Fencing  Decking  Patios  Hedge Cutting  Re-Turf/Seed  Power Washing  Garden Clearance  Grass Cutting  Arti�icial Grass  Driveways Call for a free estimate

Andy 07811469576 Gary 07976936438 www.aglandscapes.co.uk �ind us on

FIND us on

TWITTER

d@randamag

Oxford Ground Designs We are a small, friendly, family run business

ALL TYPES OF TREE SERVICES & LANDSCAPING • Tree pruning & thinning • Hedge trimming • Turfing and new lawns • Garden clearance • Artificial grass • Patios laid & Cleaned

• Shrub shaping • Driveways • Decking • Fencing • Tree felling • Gravelling

Competitive rates, free estimates and advice 01865 986549 | 07551 840317 info@oxfordgrounddesigns.co.uk www.oxfordgrounddesigns.co.uk 14 day cooling off period applies

ABLE GARDEN SERVICES All Types of tree felling, shaping, pruning and spraying.Fruit tree pruning and stump grinding.

Hedge cutting, shrub pruning, Block Paving, tarmacing, all types of landscape work undertaken. Fencing, Gates, Decking, Turfi ng, Patios, Sheds, Jet Washing. All drive work. All Green and garden waste removed. General garden tidy-up’s and makeovers. Please call: 01865 475223 / 07391204145 QUOTE R&A FOR 10% OFF. RH GARDENS Specialising in private gardens, including border tidying, regeneration, planting advise and border planning. Also grass and hedge cutting, rose and shrub pruning, lawn and general garden care. I also undertake fruit tree pruning using traditional methods. Grave tending service also available. Call 07975 698913 or email rhgardens@ outlook.com

A R B O R I S T S All Aspects of Tree care Reductions / Thinning Tree Removal Specialists Hedge Trimming / Reductions Dangerous Work Undertaken Site Clearance All work Carried out to BS:3998 2010

Fully Qualified and Insured For a Free Quotation Call Today

07740 103483 01235 810808 Or Email baywestarborists@gmail.com

S.R.CLARK & SONS Tree Surgeon & Landscape Gardener , All kinds of work undertaken : Garden Clearance, Grass Cutting, Hedge Trimming , Pruning , Shaping , Fencing , Garden Walls & Patios , Turfi ng , Decking , Fruit Trees Treated , Stumps Removed , Shed Repairs , All drive work , Rubbish Cleared , Pressure Cleaning. Free Estimates Telephone 07810 892051

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01491 822758 INTERIOR DESIGN & UPHOLSTERY CURTAINS BY KAREN Made to measure Curtains/Roman blinds. You supply the fabric, I do the making! Free estimates and measuring. 01235 200832

d Al�рa�i� Dr�ma��ing �  Watlington I am available for: • Dressmaking alterations • Dressmaking & sewing projects • Soft Furnishing alterations • Curtains and blinds • Sewing lessons

Call Gillian Cottle on 01491 614663 / 07554427645 SHELLEY K Curtains,Blinds,Soft Furnishing. Made to measure, Free Estimates, Supply your own fabric: Call: 01235 535897 Mobile: 07772 169725 Email: shelleykearney@sky. com R&A | 67

CLAS SIFIE D

MOTORING

ANDREWS COMPUTING Making IT work

POVALL MECHANICS Mobile mechanic, collection and deliveries, MOTs, services. Week days, weekends and evenings. 07518911766 www.povallmechanics.com

IT & TELECOMS

Windows Debit/ Credit card 10 payments Upgrade accepted

IT Support for the home and small business user Slow PC or not even turning on? Problems with hardware/software, need help with Email, Internet/Wifi, Printer, Backup, Antivirus, any computer or peripheral based problems. Contact me:

Richard – 07515821585 | richard@andrewscomputing.co.uk www.andrewscomputing.co.uk

PC Repairs

PLUMBING, HEATING & ELECTRICAL

Computer Specialist Virus Removal Email problems Internet Recovery Wireless Set-up

No Fix! No Fee! Anything PC That's Me. Now Includes AppleMacs.

Call Mark 07985 149612 mark.randell7@gmail.com FORMALLY ADSTER SERVICES. We specialize in Business IT Support in the Didcot and Wallingford Area but now offer home computer repairs from our premises in Didcot. Bring your faulty computer to us for a typical 48-hour turnaround and a fi xed price of £55.00 incVAT (parts extra). We hold SC security clearance and are fully insured. No-fi x-no-fee. Call us on (01235)390037 or email info@ounsworth.com

PETER the HEATER LTD KEEPING OXFORDSHIRE WARM

Heating and plumbing installations and repairs | Boiler service and replacement | Fair pricing | Free estimates | Fast Friendly service

01235 527716/07525 449180 MIA PLUMBING & HEATING From central heating repairs to complete bathroom installations. LPG/Natural Gas and Oil. Fully Qualifi ed, insured and Gas Safe Registered. No call out fee. Cholsey based. Call Ben on 01491 200725 / 07775 556512.

• Business and Home user IT support • Laptops, computers and Server repair • Antivirus • Backup solutions

• Internet and New Equipment setup • In-House Training • Web Design • Phone and Tablet Repairs now available

 No Call out charge!  Local, Friendly and reliable Full-time service Call us on: 01491 712344 or Email on info@ask4support.co.uk Website: www.ask4support.co.uk

LOCAL EX BT / OPENREACH TELEPHONE & BROADBAND ENGINEER FROM £35. 25 Year’s Experience, phone line faults, extensions and sockets, successful wireless networking in all types of properties, broadband speed issues resolved, master telephone sockets, all materials are BT approved, half the cost of all leading service providers, 7 days a week, Rapid Service, Telephone 01189 845184/07787 934883 Pawebb2009@googlemail.com 68 | JANUARY 2020

ES FR TI EE M AT ES • Gas, Oil & LPG bailer servicing, repairs & replacements • Heating & hat water system design & installation • Unvenled hot water cylinder installation and repairs • Bathroom design & installation • All domestic plumbing & heating work undertaken • 24-hour emergency callout • No job too large, no job too small

01491 839675 I 07864 892643 info@eandwplumbingandheating.com

C L A SSI F I E D LB PLUMBING Toilets, taps, showers, immersions, leaks, all general repairs. Free estimates. Fully insured. No callout charge. Call Lee 01491 834484 / 07981642688

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy If you want to stop smoking, hypnotherapy can improve your chances of success

Jo Morton Cert Hyp CS, Registered Hypnotherapist in Wallingford t: 07775 943574|e: jo@sowellness.co.uk|www.sowellness.co.uk

South Oxfordshire Wellness Hypnotherapy thoughtfully personalised for you

• • • • •

Part P Approved Rewires Fuseboards Lighting / Sockets Inspection Testing & Fault Finding

CALL: 07866 573362

Email: info@safeswitchelec.co.uk • www.safeswitchelec.co.uk Family run business with over 30 years experience

A.A.D PLUMBING LTD All aspects of heating and Plumbing; Full Bathroom installations, boiler Installations, Wet Rooms, Tilings, Underfl oor Heating, FULLY INSURED all work gaurenteed for 5 years! we are installing over 50 Bathrooms per year for the last 12 Years. Call Adam 01235 812971 / 07763221257 www.aa-plumbingservices.co.uk or Email: adam@aa-plumbingservices.co.uk

Nick Buckel

Sugar Addiction|Work Stress Anxiety|Habits|Confidence|Goals

RESOLVED! HYPNOTHERAPY Offers warm, effective and professional solutions in Reading, Oxford, Wallingford, Call Paul on 07786123736 or please visit www.resolvedhypnotherapy.co.uk

WANTED

LEAD GUITARIST WANTED We are a local amateur rock & pop band looking for a new lead guitarist. We enjoy singing, playing and performimg songs from 50’s rock n’ roll through to today’s music.

Interested? contact Jes on

jri1000@aol.com

Plumber

All general plumbing repairs. Bathroom and domestic plumbing installations. No job too small.

Fully Insured.

M: 07766678776

T: 01235 819722

cash paid for quality hi-fi Call Steve or Sarah on 01420 472316 | 07890517695 hifihangar@googlemail.com

MA PLUMBING domestic plumbing and heating. Free quotations and no callout charge. 01491 651756

SELF DEVELOPMENT & COUNSELLING

Counselling Services Therapeutic counselling and psychotherapy Providing help with: • Bereavement • Relationship issues • Eating issues

• Life & career change • Depression • Anxiety

• Family problems • Couple counselling • Children & young people

Patricia Talmage MBACP Psychotherapist T: 01491 651262 M: 07747 733318 E: mptalmage@gmail.com www.patriciatalmage.co.uk

TUITION & TRAINING PROFESSIONAL PIANO TEACHER based in Cholsey.

Daytime slots available immediately. Piano tuning also offered. Please contact Robert on 07989519424.

MATHS TUITION Available with an experienced teacher. KS2 to KS4 (GCSE). Contact - 07969539235.

please mention us when

replying to adverts

R&A | 69

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HOME MAINTENANCE ABSOLUTE BUILDING SERVICES Improvements, Installations, Extensions, Repairs.

• General Building & Ground Work • Electrical Installations • Carpentry & Construction • Kitchen & bathroom design/installation • Property maintenance • Extensions and garages. • UPVC windows, doors & conservatories supplied and fitted.

Call or email now to arrange a free no obligaton consultaton.

(01235) 816227

07528 531969

absolutebuildingservices@hotmail.co.uk www.absoxon.co.uk WILL BROWN • Didcot, Oxfordshire • FMB Approved.

METAL GATES AND RAILINGS MADE TO MEASURE. Repairs and restoration to existing www.gbgatesrailings. co.uk M: 07770 761599 T: 01235 533655 MJE INSTALLATIONS, Plastering , Tiling , Garage conversions.

Kitchen and Bathroom Installations. General building services.

Painting & decorating. Gas Services & Landlord Certifi cates.

Established 20 years please call Mark 07808 062265 / 01235 848183

Cox's

Wisteria Joinery Bespoke joinery items: -Fitted wardrobes.

-Kitchens.

-Furniture.

-Windows/doors -Oak/timber frame buildings Contact: Workshop: 01865 859970 James: 07502432522 Nigel: 07710503339 Stuart: 07738241586 E-mail:

wisteria.joinery@hotmail.com Facebook-NC Roberts joiners/builders

Building Services

Brickwork, Extensions, Walls, Patio's, Fencing, Driveways, General Building, Landscaping,Garage Conversions, Digger Hire.

Free quotations

01865 326919 07787 515050 coxbrickwork@hotmail.co.uk LONGPINE ROOFING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Dean & sons >Sympathetic to grade listed and older properties >Roof, slate & tile repairs >Flat roofs>Chimney brick & stone pointing >Fascia; soffi tt and guttering >FOC written quotations 01491 652494 or quotes@longpine.co.uk SHARMAN ROOFING GRP fi breglass fl at-roofi ng specialist, tiling, slating, leadwork, guttering and fascias, new builds, re-roofs, extensions, maintenance & sheds, all work considered, call Mark on 07979 791075 or email Karen at msharmanroofing@gmail.com

CARPENTRY, REPAIRS AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE 30 Years in the trade jobs carried out in a tidy and efficient manner. £25 per hour references provided Brian Windsor 07749 197172 70 | JANUARY 2020

• plastering • Tiling • Lime specialist • Artex removal- reskiming ceilings & walls • 22 year experience • sensible rates

Clivej2009@hotmail.co.uk Office: 01235 832301 • Mobile : 07775751019

Local Builder Friendly & Reliable Brickwork, carpentry, patios, painting and decorating, etc

Telephone Trevor

07970 334115

O-P-M BUILDING SERVICES First Choice for home improvements Painting, Carpentry, Plumbing, Flooring, Tiling, Bathrooms, Kitchens. No Job too small, call today for a FREE estimate and advice 07821 976662 / 01491 836645 OR EMAIL: info@o-p-m.co.uk

KITCHEN & BATHROOM VISIONS Bathroom Suites, Bespoke Kitchens, Power Showers, Under Floor Heating, Wet Rooms, Domestic Electrics, Property Maintenance H: 01235 759041 M: 07912 855563 Email: KBvisions@aol.com www.kitchenandbathroomvisions.com

Pine & Oak

Furniture Ltd

SALE NOW ON

ive s s s Ma ction u Red

Unb eata Offe ble rs

www.pine-oak.co.uk

MIDGHAM Kennet Holme Farm Buildings Bath Road RG7 5UX Tel: 01189 712666

NEWBURY Pelican Lane Newbury RG14 1NX Tel: 01635 33000

WINCHESTER Unit 3, Easton Lane Winnall SO23 7RU Tel: 01962 865775

WINNERSH Winnersh Garden Centre Winnersh RG41 5HE Tel: 01189 797355