Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Thatcham Connections The Connections

Our Favourite Local Magazine

Business Directory

Community Pages

Easter

Empty Nesters

Gardening

Delivered free to 6500 Homes and Businesses

April May 2010 Issue 25

RG7 5NX

Tel: 0118 9713368

e: info@thesixbells.co.uk

Four Star Inn AA rating CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2nd consecutive year

www.thesixbells.co.uk

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

Easter Weekend April 2nd - 5th 2010 Lunch & Dinner available throughout The Bank Holiday weekend.

LOBSTER WEEK 5th - 11th July Proprietors: Glynis & Chris

Back by popular demand A real treat !

You can expect an extensive choice of lobster dishes.

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2

Dr Jeeves finds solutions to all dental problems at the Newbury Marketplace Dental Lounge Dr Jeevana Subasinghe (Dr Jeeves) is an established dentist in Newbury.

He has 20 years of experience and holds full professional registrations to practice Dental Surgery in both Finland and in the U.K. He brings to Newbury extremely valuable knowledge from working relationships which he has with prominent clinicians and clinics in Finland and Switzerland – where the very latest and state of the art technology is used.

Under one roof all disciplines of Dentistry are performed and all solutions and options offered - ‘All treatments, one responsibility’.

Apart from routine dental care and hygiene, the following are also i ncl ud ed: c o sm et i c de nt i st ry, im pl ant ol ogy, ort hodont ics, prosthodontics (dentures), root canal therapy, oral surgery, treatment of advanced gum infections, guided tissue regeneration, bone grafting,

teeth whitening and non surgical wrinkle softening wi th B ot ul i num toxin -A. As you would expect, Newbury Marketplace Dental Lounge is one of the most modern surgeries in the country - impeccably clean, functional and of course equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic tools. It is BUPA accredited and all work is guaranteed.

Dr Jeeves firmly believes in allocating his patients very generous time intervals. He knows the importance of getting to know his patients and how vital it is to gain their confidence - then together they can achieve outstanding results. He has much experience in treating nervous children and adults alike, also patients with special care needs.

He runs a very flexible approach to the timing of appointments - evening and weekend appointments can easily be arranged.

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

3

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk Dear Readers

Editor: Ursula Aitken e: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk Stable 5, Gravelly Bridge Farmhouse Grazeley, Reading. RG71LG Telephone 0118 9886070

Printer: Newman Thomson 01444 480700 The front cover photograph has kindly been supplied by Julie Newman a member of the Thatcham Photographic Club

bu tch er/delicates s en shop arrive at No 16 WELCOME to a very full High Street, Thatcham. issue this time and I Christian Martin and hope you will enjoy it!

Peter Congerton have You will see on page 41 joined forces to create that a new columnist ‘Cook & Butcher’. I their energy has joined us - Mark believe Russell, who is going to and inspiration will be write regularly on a a huge asset for all of very important part of us. Do please go and many of our lives - check them out! (See mortgages. I feel it was page 7). serendipity playing a part as he rang to offer his support to the magazine just as Simon Claxton - our financial advisor for the last eight issues - had told me that owing to a change of organisation - he would be unable to continue.

Our best wishes and thanks to Simon - whose columns have always been excellent - and a warm welcome to Mark.

Please also check out the card shop, E motion s , in th e Kingsland Centre. The first 40 readers who come in with the Emotions ad in April (page 49) will be given a FREE Easter egg!

A very, very happy Easter to everyone.

All best wishes

www.julienewmanphotography.com www.thatchamphotoclub.com

Disclaimer Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it’s editorial contributors can accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other case.

Thatcham Connections Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

It is very encouraging to find a new and lively

Contents

Page

Spring Clean

8/9

Spiral Crosswords

12

Behind the Lens

30

Empty Nesters

34

Gardening Feature

38

Fabergé eggs

51

Sudokus

62

Please note for issue 26 (covering June, July and August) space should be booked by Monday May 3 and the completed final copy deadline is Mid-day Friday May 7.

With our straight forward casting process we can save precious moments in your life to touch and hold forever.

We can cast anything from a baby’s tiny finger to an adult torso or a dog’s paw.

We can present your memory in a wide range of finishes including our popular choices of Bronze resin, Aluminium Resin and Marble plaster. We also cast in solid metal or simple plaster to suit your requirements.

To find out more on how to keep a unique record of baby’s hands and feet or preserve the tender touch of a loved one forever, please contact us for a free consultation in your home or at our studio.

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

5

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6

Feature

Spring Cleaning

SPRING CLEAN ! - FRESHEN UP THE HOUSE

Spring Cleaning is a phrase that is now being applied at all times of year and referring to a variety of sorts of subjects.

We are encouraged to ‘spring clean our PCs’, ‘spring clean our finances’ and even ‘spring clean our lives’. Compared to these, giving your house a meticulous clean seems relatively simple.

There’s no denying the feeling of satisfaction when you have successfully completed a thorough cleaning and decluttering attack on even just one room, never mind the whole house.

In Victorian times, spring cleaning was a serious and exhausting business. Open fires, candles and oil lamps filled homes with soot and ash while factory chimneys brought additional dirt. With houses shut up against the cold of winter, the first signs of spring were a signal to throw open the doors and windows, move furniture and rugs outside to air and to thoroughly scrub the interior.

Spring cleaning is a lot easier nowadays with labour-saving devices such as vacuum cleaners and a cleaning fluid for every surface. Prepare for your blitz by

packing a box with all the cleaning tools you need so you carry them from room to room. Start at the top of the house and work down, not forgetting to wipe all surfaces as you go, including skirting boards and window sills.

However, there is little point in cleaning if your house is also full of clutter. So take the opportunity to have a clear-out before you start the spring clean. Less clutter not only makes future cleaning easier, it also helps to give us a freer, more relaxed frame of mind. Feng shui, the art of uncluttered living, has long been practiced

by Chinese people. It’s believed that if the universe's energy, or chi, can easily flow through a room, our lives will be more harmonious and joyful. Decorators worldwide are now embracing the simple beauty of barer rooms for easier living.

Start by clearing out your storage areas so you have somewhere to store items you need to keep. Then systematically work through your house de-cluttering and cleaning as you go. Work through the four types of clutter: rubbish, keep in storage, keep handy and sell or give

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8

away. Get rid of everything you don't use and be ruthless! Place the obvious rubbish straight into bin bags and dispose of immediately. Decide what you want to do with the „sell or give away‟ pile and set yourself a deadline to get rid of it – otherwise it will still be around this time next year. Anything to be stored can be neatly packed and labeled for easy access later.

There is always a fifth pile – “decide later”! Put these items in a box and leave it somewhere obvious, such as the sitting room, until they are gone.

Perhaps you are happy to de-clutter but the prospect of cleaning is too daunting with your work, family and other commitments, so why not call in the experts?

There are oven-cleaners, window cleaners, carpet and upholstery cleaners, and house cleaning companies who would just love to make your home sparkle for you.

light in and get busy. Why not also make some diary dates to have friends in for a coffee or a meal and share the uplift!

Having recently become empty-nesters as both our children have moved out - if only temporarily - I feel as if our home is returning to just my husband and me again!

You need look no further than in this directory for excellent people to help you get to grips with cleaning and sprucing up the house - and dare I say „liberating‟ your life! We have two companies who will help you clean your oven and a window cleaner who is very local (and whose work I have personally seen and recommend - see below). Also, our established home cleaners, „My Home‟ also very local and very well regarded.

If an area of your home could do with either a thorough transformation, or just a lick of paint, we have both painters and decorators who can do just that.

Is it not time to redress the balance of this long and dreary winter and spring into Summer? Ed

With the arrival of warmer air and longer days, throw open those windows let the

01635 860463 07834 920827 simons-w.c.s@hotmail.co.uk www.simons-windows.co.uk

By the UK’s largest oven cleaning company

“CLEANING WINDOWS

THE TRADITIONAL WAY SINCE 1993 1993”” Exterior and interior windows cleaned

Non-caustic.

Ovens, hobs, extractors and microwaves cleaned.

Conservatory roofs cleaned exterior and interior UPVC framework wash down on windows/conservatories/guttering/ facias/soffits and bargeboards Gutter clearing and minor repair

: 01635 818080

Wasp and Hornet nest treatment Analogue aerial removed

www.ovenclean.com

T HATCHAM BASED

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

F ULLY INSURED

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

9

No time for housework?

We’ll clean your home to the highest standard!

9 Friendly, fully trained team

9 Flexible cleaning services (weekly, fortnightly, monthly)

9 Spring cleans, one-off blitz 9 All cleaning products & equipment provided 9 Your clean is fully insured & guaranteed Call Phil Ryder on

01635 873911 for a FREE estimate

Newbury.clean@myhome.com

THATCHAM & NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICES

plumbing / heating electrical / carpentry Specialists in plumbing and heating. We are registered to install and service all systems.

We offer many other maintenance services, including:

x Electrical x Small Building x Carpentry x Installing bathrooms and kitchens We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs.

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

THE POT KILN, FRILSHAM 1 AA rosette

A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under ÂŁ10 Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland Great walks from the pub

www.plumbersberkshire.co.uk

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended www.potkiln.org | 01635 201366

email: williams.ronald@binternetcom

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior building work.

Extension Specialist Conversions

Kitchens Bathrooms

Orangeries Hard landscaping

Conservatories Brick, Stone & Flint work

Drainage

Telephone 01635 201087

Mobile 07909 902435

Email: athompsonbuilders@hotmail.co.uk Oakwood, Slanting Hill, Hermitage, Newbury, Berks RG18 9QG www.athompsonbuilder.co.uk ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

11

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS SUPPLIED & FITTED

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay, grippers and door bars To see a range of samples and get a free quotation!

Please contact us: Law235@btinternet.com T: 01491 684020 M: 07834 723943 Domestic/Commercial/Adaption No job too small or big A friendly reliable service that comes to you

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST Laws Floors is a small family firm committed to going that extra mile!

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll Meetings at Home/Business Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS In both puzzles, starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral. The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next. The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a British Island. See page 55 for the answers.

Puzzle 1

1 2 3 4

European sea (13) Country, capital Oslo (6) Colour of the rainbow (6) Political scandal that led to the impeachment of the USA’s President Nixon in1974 (9)

Puzzle 2

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12) 6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

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1 Country, capital Vilnius (9) 2 Sign of the zodiac, the water bearer (8) 3 Steven ___, producer of the Jurassic Park films (9) 4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King Arthur’s legendary sword (9) 6 32nd US president (9) 7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country, capital Rome (5)

12

NEED AN MOT? Cars, Mini Buses, Light Commercial Classes 4, 5L and 7

01635 876777 WE CAN HELP Free Collection/Delivery窶認ree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs. Subject to availability

BIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT

Price includes service parts, labour & VAT. Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

ONLY

ﾂ｣119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS....RECOVERY SERVICE

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court, Berkshire Drive, Thatcham

CARPENTER / JOINER kitchen fitting fully trained with 20 years Experience in both newly built and old

Flooring sash windows windows doors

References available Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOV Hermitage based 0777 5875159

sid_ivanov@msn.com ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

staircases built in furniture garden rooms sheds decking extensions roofs www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

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Est. over 20 years

www.jmsofteners.co.uk Service & Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation Professional advice given Visit our showroom: Unit 1, The Old Mill, Reading Road, Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 7HY

F ALKLAND FALKLAND BUILDERS

GJH Plumbing

Over 30 years Experience A l l t yp es o f Bui lding work undertaken

Friendly and Reliable Local Plumber Fully Insured Graham Hayes Tel: 01635 862836 Mobile: 07704 145859

Extensions - Alterations - Renovations etc

01635 201125 & 07831 470693

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

e: falklandbuilders@hotmail.com

14

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital, a new independent mortgage brokerage.

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life.

Having 15 years of experience within the profession, I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to local people.

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio, re-mortgaging to stay competitive, moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time, Corinthia Capital can help.

I would be delighted to hear from you, whatever your mortgage requirements.

For the latest information including best buys, market comment and much more visit my web-site; www.corinthiacapital.com Independent p mortgage g g advice with Corinthia Capital. p Y O UR

H O M E

M A Y

B E

R E

P O S S E S S ED

I F

Y O U

D O

N O T

K E E P

U P

It’s in y your interest.

R E P A Y M E NT S

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount.

Limited , Suite 45, Liberty House, The Enterprise Centre, New Greenham Park, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 6HW.

O N

Y O U R

M O R T G A G E .

Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital

Copyright 2Š 009 Corinthia Capital, all rights reserved.

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

15

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16

THERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

TREATMENTS x

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

x

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

x

FITNESS & HEALTH CONSULTATION

x

ONE ON ONE

x Theresa has her own exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured of total privacy

FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME T M E W

0118 9710255 0777 5708431 theresa@theresamwright.com www.theresamwright.com

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

17

Do you want to get in shape for summer?

Do you want to feel and look good, inside and out? can do this for you

Wednesday 7pm - 8pm - Sunday 4pm - 5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions.)

Suitable for all abilities - all levels Run by professional fitness instructors.

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkout.. http://www.re http://www.re--shapeme.co.uk Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

18

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

20 20

Feature Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing 4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court shares two special recipes with Thatcham Connections’ readers for special use over the Easter period.

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot 500g Plain Chocolate (60% or higher) 600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup 1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water. In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum, when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool.

While you wait for this, scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod, add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks.

When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined. Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours.

Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread!

for the crust 6 slices of white bread 2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed) 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper pinch of salt for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped) 2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt 10 leaves of basil, a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides, seasoning with salt and pepper. When brown place in a heat proof dish. Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing.

For the crust, place all ingredients, apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds. Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg, brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture. Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins.

Meanwhile, using the same pan used for the lamb, add the onions, garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes; add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low, stirring every couple of minutes.

Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish, rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice.

“Happy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishes”

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

21

Feature

Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes. If you have time, grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those. You could also slice up a courgette and add that too – they are really tasty raw -. For dinner add broccoli, spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes. – even spaghetti Bolognese !

Choose water instead of fruit juices. Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk, or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day. (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type!).

How are those New Year’s Resolutions?

As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed), how many of you are slip ping from your Ne w Ye ar’s Resolutions? Did you manage to lose those Christmas pounds/kilos? Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life? How are your eating habits?

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal. For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, bananas, freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt. Add some fresh f ruit, slice d app le d uste d with cinnamon, sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal.

For lunch try a vegetable soup – if you don’t have time to make some yourself, choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket. Toast a slice of wholemeal bread, cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast,

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance.

This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan, as you know what’s coming up over the next day or so. Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal.

Rather than chocolates for Easter, perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book. Try cooking some vegetarian meals, especially if you have never done so in the past. Try and eat fish at least twice a week.

There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking, look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired.

Try and take some sort of exercise every day. Park the car a little further away from your destination; get off one stop earlier from the bus or train; walk the kids to school; walk up the stairs at work; make it a rule never to use a lift.

Even if you can’t manage all these ideas, incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel. All ready to spring into Summer!

Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail: theresa@theresamwright.com www.theresamwright.com

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see page 17 22

FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS 15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire RG14 6DB Tel: 01635 41615 Fax: 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd. A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONE New Memorials Supplied and Installed.

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned.

Headstones Tablets Vases Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries: 0118 9815591 07917 818508 ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

23

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things!

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council.

Now that Spring is in the air, it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed!

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more.

INDOOR WORK: flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly shelving - decorating and much much more !

OUTDOOR WORK: fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts.

“I am reliable and honest�.

Reasonable costs References available Fully insured 12 Lamb Close Thatcham Berkshire

RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204 www.berkshirehandymanservices.co.uk All major credit cards accepted

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24

*M

*F FR IT EE TI NG *

F EA RE SU E RI NG *

CAP SECURITY LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

SMART BLINDS & SHUTTERS

Professional Family Run Business

SHOWROOM HIGH ST, THATCHAM

x x x x x x x

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

All makes of Locks Opened/Fitted/Replaced/Repaired

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages UPVc Door and Window Maintenance Specialists

Keenest Prices - Best Service

We are a local family business

Free Security Advice & Estimates

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600 www.smart_blinds.net

01635 868 318 101A Park Lane, Thatcham Berkshire

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

ELECTRICIAN WHEELERS GREEN WAY, THATCHAM

07875 386490 mpelectrics@ymail.com

·NAPIT registered ·Free no obligation quote ·Fully insured ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

25

MARTIN NEWMAN THE MATURE HANDYMAN Martin is a mature 50 plus tradesman with many years of experience in the building and flooring trades.

H e c o v e r s T h a t c h a m , Newbury and surrounding areas.

He aims to provide a reliable and professional property maintenance service for people of all ages.

He offers a ‘pay as you go’ service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration.

For all the jobs you can’t do yourself!

PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite.

CARPENTRY curtain rails, hanging doors, flat pack furniture assembly.

FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house, we have a large selection of carpets, vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly.

PAINTING Internal and external painting and decorating.

For more details or to book a home visit please call Martin on 01635 860207 or 07970 897317 e:martinnewman1956@btinternet.com www.thematurehandyman.com

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

26

Lady Painter & Decorator Jackie Cleaver

Supply and fit hardwood flooring Restore and repair original floors Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service Competitive prices Fully Insured Tel: Mob:

01488 684078 07931330310

www.oaktree-floors.co.uk

Hungerford

07771 636990

SPECIALIST

IN

:

OIL FIRED HEATING AND PLUMBING OFTEC Registered company All work guaranteed Evening appointments available

C8170

e: boilersupport@rpsllp.co.uk T: 01189 810 310 M: 07795 063 067

www.rpsllp.co.uk ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

27

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

Wyatts BUTCHERS The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone: 01635 299399 mobile: 07949 751099

Delivery Aberdeen Beef

Service

Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

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28

Home Computer Troubleshooter Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers.

Digital Photography Email and Internet browsing Virus Removal Want advice on updating?

Any Hardware or Software problems Has your computer got a mind of its own I’m here to help

Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429 ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

29

Feature

Behind the lens…. The Slippery Slope

Hello again, I’m TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job.

This time I’m going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls. We’ve been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled “Bear Meets…” . This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew. The location was northern Sweden; our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C. At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret, even from the crew. Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way. Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardou s an d ph ysically demandin g experience? The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors.

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme: helicopters, jumps, climbs, swims, making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide, but condensed into two days. It wasn’t going to be easy.

The crew always ‘recce’ in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be.

This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations. It also gives the support specialists, the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners.

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter. We’d found what looked from the air to be a great possibility, a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge. The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge, so the crew, director, cameraman, sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot.

amazing colours. Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set, but as with the nature of the Arctic, danger is always present. We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice.

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before we’d started the actual shoot.

Dangerously high drops, rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow.

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall. All was going well, then in an instant everything changed.

Another adventure to follow in issue 26.

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EMPTY NESTERS……OR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE?

Photographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home – when children leave for Uni, when they come back (!) or when they marry and move away.

And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize, to move away from family and friends, to retire early.

Yet there is that urge to do something different, to be creative, to take up a new hobby, to relax more.

Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter, give it a coat of paint, replace the worn carpet possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind.

So whether you want a place to play, a place to relax, a place to entertain or a new environment for meals, perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year.

It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect – to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfortable chair inside, in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days.

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It’s a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside, for extra interest through the winter – or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum, to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them.

But be assured, you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago, as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year.

Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago, when we became Empty Nesters! They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort. . Yes, we also have a life! Ed

34

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

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ARE YOU A HOME OR SMALL BUSINESS PC USER ?

DO YOU NEED HELP AND ADVICE WITH Buying a PC Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

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Feature

Gardening Page…. Borderlines, by Ursula Buchan

In the winter, I don’t n e gl e c t my ga r d en completely. Far from it. I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores, spread manure on the vegetable garden, prune the apples and pear trees, clean out the greenhouse and shed. But there is a dis tan c e, so m eho w , between the garden and me. It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more.

Reacquainting myself with the sights, the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year.

brings me, quite literally, to my knees. This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork, a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude. At this time of year, I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes, digging out the meadow grass clump by clump, as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots. On an ordinary day in late spring or summer, this task would soon pall but, on the first day of the spring offensive, it has all the benefit of novelty, as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more.

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which, at this moment, are, with one exc eption, quite a charming lot. Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous, so fragile, that they can be pulled away easily. This is the time for speedwell, for bitter cress, for trails of goosegrass, for fragrant deadnettle, to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture.

It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria, fungi and decaying vegetable matter, but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected, as it usually is, with the sound of a robin, high in the Bramley apple tree nearby, his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song.

I wro te ‘wi th on e exception’ for early spring often means a doughty battle with annual meadow grass, an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial.

Annual meadow grass

I always imagined that the old saying ‘a March dust is worth a king’s ransom’ referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March, suitable for sowing agricultural crops. But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

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clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits, and a soil that won’t be damaged by treading on it.

In my part of the world, which is Northamptonshire, and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy, March dusts don’t come along very often - except in the specially-made, free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch, and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (don’t ask!).

So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens.

Once a good stretch of weeding is completed, and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down, to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots, I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds. How pleasant it is, after the winter lay-off, to make a ‘drill’ and bury the seed of broad beans, carrots, parsnips or peas. If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions, it may be necessary to cover the rows wi th h o rti cul tu ral fl eece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind), but still I feel that the garden is on the move, and the earth is turning once more.

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener, who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines, notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator. Her fifteenth book, Back to the Garden, was published recently by Frances Lincoln. www.ursula-buchan.co.uk

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Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Garden Thyme is run by Ian Douglas and Mark Lissenden .

Ian and Mark have over 30 years of combined experience and knowledge in the gardening sector, maintaining and developing private and commercial gardens to a high standard. Our qualifications include NVQ Certificates in Amenity Horticulture and RHS General Certificates.

We offer a reliable and professional service, so that we can create, maintain and develop an enjoyable garden.

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Feature

Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Spring into action!

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way. Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests.

Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring.

The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009.

So, what does this mean for us?

Well, the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition; the number of 90% mortgages has doubled and lenders’ approvals continue to climb.

Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 0.50%. As a result of this, many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch.

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current ‘best buys’ and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive.

Then, safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances, you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine.

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital – It’s in your interest.

However, things are changing…

While the base rate does remain low, some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial “honeymoon period”, which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there.

With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future, this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives.

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

Mark Russell can be contacted on 01635 20 25 26

please see page 15

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Feature

Celebrating Easter with eggs ...

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on 4 April. In Europe and the Americas, even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday.

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead. And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter – within the egg is a new life hidden inside. Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind.

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries. In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest. Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs.

The household accounts of Edward 1, for the year 1290, recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts.

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world. In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross. The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other person’s egg without breaking their own.

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs. In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called ‘hop-egg’. Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham! In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games. One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter.

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday.

More than one child replied ‘chocolate’!

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear. The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fry’s began production in Britain in 1873. Today it’s Cadbury’s that has the world’s best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadbury’s Creme Egg which was launched in 1971.

So eggs – humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs, are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent. At St Mary’s church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt. Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldn’t be complete without just a little bit of chocolate…

Revd Becky Thatcham.

Bevan,

curate

St

Mary’s

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Fabergé eggs What presents might you give at Easter?

A Fabergé egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergé from 1885 to 1917. The majority of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide. They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups.

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones decorated with combinations of enamel and gem stones. The term “Fabergé egg” has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as masterpieces of the jeweller's art. The Fabergé Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets

d’art.

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fedorovna an Easter Egg in 1885, possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal.

It is believed that the Czar’s inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empress’s aunt, Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark, which had captivated Maria’s imagination in her childhood. Known as the Hen Egg, it is crafted from gold. Its opaque white enamelled ‘shell’ opens to reveal its first surprise, a matte yellow gold yolk.

This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen, that also opens. It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended. Unfortunately, these last two surprises have been lost.

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander appointed Fabergé a ‘goldsmith by special appointment to the Imperial Crown’. He commissioned another egg the following year.

However, after that, Peter Carl Fabergé, who headed the House, was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs, as from this date their designs become more elaborate. According to the Fabergé family tradition, not even the Czar knew what form they would take: the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise. Following the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894, his son presented a Fabergé egg to both his wife, the Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, and to his mother, the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna.

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the RussoJapanese War. Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergé, the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen, among them Michael Perkhin, Henrik Wigström and Erik August Kollin.

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame, and Fabergé made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients, such as the Duchess of Marlborough, the Nobels, the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs. Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch.

Article taken from Wilkipedia ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

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51

Feature

Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal, March 2004).

Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks.

Migraine affects up to 15% of the UK population. Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision, nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days. Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, lack of food and/or sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications. Migraine is more than just a headache, it is the most common of neurological conditions, more common than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.

Despite its prevalence, migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected. Their jobs, relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition.

Worse still, for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full.

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2,500 years in China to restore, promote and maintain good health. When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history, building up a complete picture of your health. Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located, what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms. An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history.

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body. These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin. Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine.

Joanna Phillips BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), Lic.Ac., BAcC For more information or to book appointment please call Joanna on

an

07534 972664 or visit her website.

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment. British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year, as well as reducing the amount of Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

www.joannaphillipsacupuncture.co.uk

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Book a dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back, neck and shoulder massage free.

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Joanna Phillips Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing. Conditions treated include pain and injuries, infertility, menstrual and menopausal problems, insomnia, digestive disorders, ME, depression, tobacco and drug addiction, and much more. Please see opposite page.

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Gardner Leader Common misconceptions in Family Law If I receive legal aid – I won’t have to pay a penny!

Legal Aid – or public funding as it is now called – is not always free. If, as a result of receiving public funding, a client receives a lump sum, or keeps the family home, they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money), or at some time in the future.

On many occasions as well, clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level.

Do I have rights as the “Common Law” partner?

Common misconceptions in Family Law In this article, Jo Beasley, Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham, addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients.

I’d like a “quickie” divorce.

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months, they often question why footballers’ wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks! What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi, the first stage of the divorce, and the availability of the Decree Absolute, which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved. The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent. Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made, which is usually set for around four to five weeks later.

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months, they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each other’s assets.

This is another urban myth! Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions, or assets held in the sole name of one or the other. It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner, and purchase a house together, that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate. This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other, or the house is to be held in only one name.

What are my rights as a grandparent?

Under current law, grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren. It is a sad fact that often, during marriage or relationship breakdowns, grandparents lose out – particularly if the breakup is acrimonious.

However, they can apply for “leave” ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order.

Further details: Jo Beasley, Gardner Leader LLP Tel: 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail: j.beasley@gardner-leader.co.uk Web: www.gardner-leader.co.uk

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Tracey

Mobile Hairdressing 07770 823283 I offer quality, personal, affordable hairdressing in the comfort of your own home at a time to suit you.

Based on Dunstan Park, I can travel to you in Thatcham and the surrounding villages.

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Tel: 07770 823283 Email: Tracey.blick@tiscali.co.uk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings.

Answers to Page 12 1 Mediterranean, 2 Norway, 3 Yellow, 4 Watergate, 5 Ecclesiastes, 6 September, 7 Reykjavik, 8 Kampala.

The answer is: MAJORCA 1 Lithuania, 2 Aquarius, 3 Spielberg, 4 Gloucestershire, 5 Excalibur, 6 Roosevelt, 7 Tripoli, 8 Italy.

The answer is: ANGLESEY

Answers to page 60 Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers: 1. Butterfly 2. Cross 3. Umbrella 4. Chocolate 5. Lamb

Answers to page 62

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55

Feature

Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber teeth...) are usually the things that we will never fully achieve and this causes stress, guilt, shame, anxiety and self criticism.

These in turn lead to disempowerment and disillusionment which can progress to a collapse of confidence and sense of self worth

and

lead

to depression

and

self

destructive ways of living.

It’s ironic that when people are not coping with all their imagined ‘oughts’, ‘shoulds’ and ‘musts’ they feel down.

And of course,

feeling down doesn’t feel normal.

Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out.

If you are lucky you will be able to see the unreasonable demands that are placed on Are you Normal?

people today for what they are (usually ways to make money for other people or to

People tell me that they want to be normal.

maintain somebody else in a position of power over us) and find the satisfaction and fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

Normal is a very harmless word.

By

rich diversity. If you can’t seem to kick the

definition it doesn’t grab attention or

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

sug g e st

any

ulte rior

However,

just

because

motiv e s. the

word

the world is normal perhaps you might consider giving me a call.

appears bland doesn’t mean it can’t be a big problem.

Web-site: www.newburycounsellor.co.uk If you are normal the implication is that you are doing all the things that you ought to be doing, you are all the things that you should be and you are achieving all the things that you must achieve.

Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that person, resisting that chocolate, going to the gym...), the things that you

Bruce Bamber can be contacted on 07769 783424

should be (thinner, more attractive, sexier, stronger, more successful...) and the things you must achieve

please see page 31

(your potential, a partner for life, a happy family, wealth, security, perfect Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

56

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57

It is widely acknowledged that children today do

not get outdoors often enough. With such structured and technology-driven lives, it is easy for young children to stay indoors, watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way.

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning experience.

With careful planning, and always accompanied by qualified trained staff, all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as ‘Rough Wood’.

Depending on the season, there is always an abundance of adventures for the children, from collecting natural objects to make pictures with, making hide-outs in the undergrowth, squelching in muddy puddles, splashing through the stream, clambering over fallen logs, climbing up & down trees, to picking fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows.

The children love being out in the fresh air, free to run, explore and discover the environment around them.

At Jubilee Day Nursery, we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable. With this in mind, Jubilee has designed and developed an outdoor environment to ensure all the principals of E.Y.F.S. are encompassed.

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment, whatever the weather, we use every opportunity to be outdoors.

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery, please do not hesitate to contact us on Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail info@jubileedaynurseryco.uk www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

58

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59

Feature

Thatcham Connections’ Challenge Page

Answers see page 55 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

60

MONKEY

LO O KS FO RWARD TO WEL CO M IN G YO U

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!

61

SUDOKUS EASY

HARD

Each 3x3 box, as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements.

62

Nightingale’s Swim School

Small, friendly classes for all ages & abilities.

Sunday morning lessons at Downe House School, Cold Ash, Thatcham

Spaces Available!

T elephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone info@nightingales info@nightingales--swim swim--school.co.uk www.nightingales www.nightingales--swim swim--school.co.uk

In despair ?

There is so much to do from biking in the woods, feeding lambs, cooking, circus workshops, henna tattoos, trampolining, games and races or just hanging out with friends.

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday from 8.00-18.00 for children aged 4 ½ to 11 years For further information please contact: Jubilee Day Nursery on :

QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED TUTOR P.h.D, M.A., T.E.F.L.

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome. ...call Emma

Speciality in many subjects: essay, coursework & exam technique; interview practice and public speaking; university entrance assistance for humanities subjects.

Set in fantastic countryside location

0118 9701 600

www.jubiledaynursery.co.uk Paddock View, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, Berkshire RG7 4JD

Many subjects taught e.g. English Lit.& Lang, History, Politics to university level. Sciences to GCSE; French/Latin to age 11.

Experience with a range of learning difficulties.

Current CRB certificate; refs. available.

Own car, will travel.

For more details: 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emma.newport@kcl.ac.uk

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63

Feature

Local Community Pages

Emergency

RSPCA

Thames Valley Police British Gas Emergency Thames Water Emergency Southern Electric Emergency

0845 8505 505 080 111 999 0845 9200 888 0845 770 8090

Travel Rail Enquiries Newbury Buses

08457 484950 01635 567500

Council West Berks District Council Thatcham Town Council

01635 42400 01635 863592

Police Station

0845 8505505 01635 519080

West Berks Street Care

Post Office Broadway, Thatcham Woolhampton

01635 8623223 0118 9713729

08705 555999 0172 782341 0845 30 30 900

DVLA Swansea Victim Support

Health Thatcham Medical Practice Doctors’ appointments Appointment cancellations All other appointments/calls Burdwood Surgery Newbury Hospital Out of hours Doctor

01635 867171 01635 871117 01635 295445 01635 295445 01635 868006 01635 273300 01189787811

Vet O’Gormon Slater & Main GKG Veterinary Surgeons

01635 868382 01635 868047

Library

01635 866049 Thurs 9.30 - 5.00 Fri 9.30 - 7.00 Sat 9.30 - 12.30

Mon: 9.30-5.00 Tues 9.30-7.00 Wed - not open

PLAY TENNIS TH R THIS IS SUMMER AT DOUAI, WOOLHAMPTON

6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days & coaching all standards - all ages!

www.douaitennis.org Are you a carer?

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r ers gives information and advice to anyone who, without payment, provides help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability. The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers, and can often organise respite care and transport. Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rainforest in Hampstead Norreys, a session of

Thatcham’s

COMMUNITY RESPONDERS Some of the Thatcham Team

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club, and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone. Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Carers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stockcross, where carers can try out up to three different therapies, have a wonderful buffet lunch, and also get a free golf lesson!

To take advantage of any of these activities all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for. Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email andre@prtcarers.plus.com or write to PRT Carers Service, Arcade House, The Arcade, Bartholomew Street, Newbury RG14 5AD

0800 587 0207

‘We are waiting to hear from you !” www.southerncentralambulance.co.uk

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65

Index Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips Aga/Rayburn Specialist TD Heating Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society Animal Feeds FC Cummins & Sons Balloon and Card Shop Emotions Blinds Shaftesburys Smart Blinds Boarding Kennels Foxhold Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property Services Builders Falkland Builders A. Thompson Building Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society Burial Ground Acorn Ridge Butcher Wyatt’s Butcher/Delicatessen Cook & Butcher Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage Car Maintenance Halfway Garage

52 14 6 43 49 13 25 46 27 14 11 23 49 28 7 45 13

Care Services Bupa 20/21 Carpenter/Joiner Ivan Ivanov 13 Roger Fisher 43 Capet supplier & fitter Laws Floors 12 Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47 Charity The Newbury & District Cancer Care Trust 49 Children - including Babies Children’s Challenge 60 GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 58/63 Monkey Music 61 Nightingale’s Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63 Cleaning My Home 10 Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning) Community Pages 64/65 Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham & Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

Counselling/Coach Bruce Bamber

31/56

Curtain & Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45 Dancing & Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43 Decorator Adam Slark 45 Lady Painter & Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57 Dentist Dr Jeeves 3 Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43 Dog Grooming Services Helen’s Hairy Hounds 47 Dogs Trust 47 Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43 Electrical & Property Thatcham & Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25 Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17 Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27 Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43 Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23 Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40 Gardening Feature 38 Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36 Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67 Graphics Dunston Grahics 62 Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45 Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26 Hair & Beauty Angie’s Nails & Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health & Fitness Club Bradfield College Health Therapist Theresa Wright Home Cinema Vivid Research Horses - livery Andrew Ward Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu Locksmith Cap Security Massage Treatments Memorials Memorials in Stone Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics Riverford Oven Cleaning Cookerburra Ovenclean Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge Picture Framer Inner Piece Plumber GJH Plumbing Thatcham & Newbury Maintenance Services Paul Worsley PC Decorating Removals One man and his Van Restaurants The Angel The Coach and Horses The Pot Kiln at Frilsham

Sand & Gravel Rivar Sculpture Casting a Memory Solicitor CLM Law Gardner Leader Spectacles Buy Specs Direct Tax Advice Tax Assist TWD Tutor Emma Newport Vet O’Gorman Slater Main Water Softener JM Softeners Website Dunston Graphics Window Cleaner

Simon’s Window Cleaning

Windows,Doors and Conservatories Reflections Woolf Conservation Trust

18 17/22 31 47 28 25 45 23 15/41 19 17 45 9 50 27 14 11 15 43 45 29 36 11 36 5 42 54 16 12 55 63 46 14 62 9 45 46

P L C

Mechanical Services ltd Heating & Plumbing

Your Local Gas Specialists ♦ LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) ♦ Mains Gas ♦ Commercial Properties We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly, caring and professional service LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement Planned Maintenance Controls

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call) LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb & London Irish RFC

email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

Gravelly Bridge Farmhouse

Reading www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

Grazeley

TThatcham hatcham Connections

Stable 5

Tel: 0118 9886070

Ursula Aitken

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