Thatcham Connections - Issue 78

Issue 78 2021

Gardening Matters

A Country-side Garden

I T Matters

Coding, Wi-Fi, Conspiracy Theories

Love Matters Hope

Mind Matters

Loneliness in Lockdown

Money Matters

Mortgage Lending into Retirement

Pet Matters

Our dogs and cats

FREE and hand delivered to 10,000 homes and businesses five times a year

Designs NEW: Guardian Warm Roof

ALSO: German ‘A’ rated Timberlook PVCu windows, doors & conservatories Bi-folding doors, made-to-measure wood windows 1 0Y INSURAN EAR CEPorches, carports, canopies, composite doors GUARA BACKED NTEE

Call: Roy Ward or Dermot O’Sullivan on 0118 982 0300 www.amberwooddesigns.co.uk office@amberwooddesigns.co.uk Visit us at: Office 1, Estate Offices, Youngs Industrial Estate Paices Hill, Aldermaston RG7 4PW 2

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

January Blues

By Jess Hodge

The ongoing pandemic is challenging the best of us when it comes to keeping our spirits up, but even without this the shorter daylight hours of winter can have a huge effect on how we feel. It’s not good for us or for those around us to feel perpetually negative, so it’s time to take action.

The Great Outdoors Spending some time outdoors each day is crucial to tackling winter blues. Exercise and laughter both stimulate and boost endorphins, those wonderful feel-good chemicals in our bodies that help to lift our mood. Furthermore, spending an hour or two away from the news will distract you from negative feelings through the rest of the day.

It’s Not All About You Our social lives have been considerably curtailed since March 2020 but contact with other people is so important.

When you are feeling down, you might feel you don’t want to bother your friends and family. But imagine if they asked to speak to you? You’d be unlikely to say no, so flip that on its head and remember that they are likely to be glad to hear from you too! Video calls are a real blessing for distanced interactions, but even just a phone call will cheer you.

Even better, instead of a phone call, a short walk around the block for an in-person catchup is likely to find conversation flowing more easily. If you are on your own, go somewhere

that other people are – a park, the seaside or one of the National Trust gardens.

Maybe It’s Really SAD Over two million people in the UK are affected

by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The low levels of light during the winter months can cause a range of symptoms, from slowing down and lacking energy right through to severe depression. Other symptoms include feeling gloomy, lethargic and experiencing feelings of being unable to carry out our normal routine.

Light therapy in the form of a lightbox has been shown to be helpful for many sufferers, but any exposure to light will help: a lunchtime walk or sitting near a window when indoors.

Read All About It…Or Not Reading about ‘the blues’ can help as it’ll reassure you that you aren’t on your own.

Seeing a post on a user forum from someone with a similar problem and reading the encouraging and sympathetic replies will be a comfort to you. “A problem shared is a problem halved” as the saying goes.

On the other hand, if the news depresses you and social media makes you feel like everyone else is living their best life, switch it off. When someone boasts about how amazing their life is right now, it’s really not going to cheer you up.

Summer’s Coming OK, admittedly that’s stretching it a bit in January.

But each day has been getting a few minutes longer since the 21st December so there is – literally – light at the end of the tunnel.

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

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‘Our aim is to try and connect local businesses to local people.’

Distribution Thatcham Connections is a local independent magazine. We aim to think Local, Buy Local and live Local. We print five times a year.

Tried and Tested over thirteen years.

It is delivered free to 10,000 homes and businesses in Ashmore Green, Cold Ash, Curridge, Hermitage, Midgham, Thatcham, Woolhampton, UpperBucklebury and Yattendon.

How We Work We understand that the needs of a small business are quite different from those of a big company, and our advertising service is very much targeted at independent and local businesses. From advert design to general advice we are here to help you grow.

Technical & Legal Matters Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this magazine is accurate, the Publisher cannot accept, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced, sorted in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, recording, photocopying, or otherwise - without prior permission of the Publisher.

All in-house artwork and editorial presented in this magazine remains the copyright of Ursula Aitken.

Contact Details Ursula Aitken Publisher and Editor Stable 5, Gravelly Bridge Farm House Grazeley, Reading, RG7 1LG

Dear Readers

Welcome! and a very Happy New Year!

I thought you might be interested to hear that, in November last, our younger Springer Spaniel, Charlie, had to be hospitalised for four days, following a mysterious internal illness. If you would like to know more details as to why Charlie is now the most valuable dog on the planet, do please email me. (Be warned, only anyone who is prepared for a mighty shock should apply!)

I will try not to be too selfopinionated... but I do feel the very main thing in life at the moment is for us all to try and understand each other better, with generosity.

You may be like me who is selfisolating and believe that sticking to the rules is absolutely essential.

Do have a good look at page 57. I think Maxine says it all.

We are growing - and I am so pleased to be introducing both ‘Pet Matters’ and ‘IT Matters’.

I hope we can particularly encourage more thoughts and advertisers from these sections.

You may be able to tell how much I enjoy running our magazine. As with so many other small businesses, in order to survive, we need you!

We very much value your support and we give you sincere thanks for your loyalty to us. Let’s go forward now in a positive way and be inspired to flourish. With luck we will meet again in early Spring!

Ursula Aitken

CONTENTS Crossword 9 Boiler Service 12 Neighbourhood Watch 16 Forever Friends 18 Book Reviews 24 Garden Birds 28 Church Matters 29 Money Matters 37 Mortgage Lending A Countryside Garden 41 Love Matters 46/47 Hope Pet Matters 49/51 Our dogs and cats Thatcham Clubs 52 and Organisations I T Matters 53/56 Recipe 59 Handy Numbers 60 Puzzles 61

Go Safely.

Tel: 0118 988 6070 active@thatchamconnections.co.uk www.thatcamconnections.co.uk January 2021

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Our Springer Spaniel, Charlie

Copy deadline: We have no copy date, as yet, but do keep in touch.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

I am local and I cover all aspects of Painting and Decorating I have years of experience and am City and Guilds qualified I have worked on a large variety of projects including working in all types of homes and businesses I work a lot with, but not limited to:

• Farrow and Ball • Dulux • Little Greene • Weathershield • Paint & Paper If you have a project you may be considering, I'd love to come and discuss it with you - I might be able to help you with some ideas and in your decisions. Please just get in touch to arrange for me to visit and give you a totally free and honest quote Among the services I provide are:

• Wallpapering • Interior work • Exterior work • Artex and coving • Feature walls • Wood repair • Special effects & varnishing

Tom Jupp Decorating

Before After

Tom Jupp Decorating

Recommended by customers

Also advertised in Bucklebury and Marlston Horticultural Society

tomjuppdecorating.co.uk Mobile: 07799 360061 Landline: 01189 713662

Email: info@tomjuppdecorating.co.uk Email: taj205@live.co.uk Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

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Can you find all the clothing items in our letter grid?

L D C S S K I R T S M

E G R O C D T L I H L

G L B E A A C J G I S

G O O T S T R V H R R

I V O A U S E F T T E

N E T F S S F J S C J

G S S S T Y U P M E L

S D I H O M A D A F K

Y J O O P N H N J Q T

C W Y E T T S A D X I

D I R S O C K S T N K

boots coat dress gloves hat jeans jumper leggings

pants scarf shirt shoes skirt socks tights vest

Match the item of clothing to the person. The first one has been done for you.

Habit

Surgeon

Crown

Queen

Tutu Gown

Fire Fighter G O O T S T R V H R R

I V O A U S E F T T E

N E T F S S F J S C J

G S S S T Y U P M E L

S D I H O M A D A F K

Y J O O P N H N J Q T

C W Y E T T S A D X I

D I R S O C K S T N K

Match the Items Answers Habit - nun Crown - queen Tutu - ballet dancer Gown - surgeon Helmet - firefighter

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G L B E A A C J G I S

Word Search Solution

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Nun

E G R O C D T L I H L

Lab coat

Ballet Dancer

Scientist L D C S S K I R T S M

Helmet

All types of domestic electrical work undertaken from a simple light fitting to a complete rewire.

Fully qualified and insured.

Please call to arrange a free no obligation quote.

Call: 01189 813442 07766 880504

homeelectrics@icloud.com www.homeelectrics.net

Your local window cleaner providing quality, reliable, honest and friendly window cleaning services. Offering window, conservatory, gutter and solar panel cleaning in Thatcham and the surrounding areas.

Window Cleaning (Interior & Exterior) • Frames, Sills and Doors Cleaned Every Time Gutter Clearouts • Gutter, Fascias, Soffits Wash • Conservatory Valets Full Exterior House Valets • Solar Panels End of Tenancy Specialist • Residential and Commercial

Please call or text for a no obligation quotation on 07876 028905 contact@andyjoneswindowcleaning.co.uk

w w w. a n d y j o n e s w i n d o w c l e a n i n g . c o . u k Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

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P.D.D Services Exterior Window Cleaning n Interior & Exterior Window Cleaning n Pure Water Pole System or Traditional Method n Commercial & Domestic n uPVC fascia, soffit & cladding cleaning n Conservatory roof cleaning n Gutter Clearing & Repairs n Fully insured

01635 871885 or 07885 105006 www.pddservices.co.uk REC HIGH OM LY ME NDE D Service

DRAIN & ABLE

Independent Drainage 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE GUARANTEED ARRIVAL ALL TELEPHONE CALLS ANSWERED PERSONALLY Call anytime on 0118 957 6244/ 07795 598207

www.drainandable.co.uk

C.D. Gutter Services cdgutterservices@hotmail.co.uk

All your gutter problems solved.

Specialising in clearing, repairs and complete replacement of guttering.

• Upvc & Cast iron guttering and downpipes • Water butts supplied and fitted • UPVC & timber fascias replaced • Wooden fascia boards painted/stained • Upvc fascias, soffits and cladding cleaning • Any type of conservatory roof cleaned • Fully Insured • Free Estimates

Telephone: Mobile:

01635 866232 07885 105006

www.cdgutterservices.co.uk 8

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Food Facts:

Onions

For all your soft furnishing and sewing needs Curtains, blinds, pelmets and alterations. Fabric choices and advice available

The heaviest onion ever grown was 8.5 kg and was weighed at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show in 2014.

It is estimated humans have been growing and eating onions for at least 7,000 years.

China produces over 25% of the world’s onion supply.

Eating fresh parsley will help take away the taste and smell of onion (and garlic) on your breath.

Onions are eaten and grown in more countries than any other vegetable, with at least 175 countries producing an onion crop.

And unlike wheat (the largest global crop by area harvested), the onion is a staple of every major cuisine.

The sulphuric acid in onions is what causes you to cry. However, several things reduce the release of the acid: if you cut the root end last; if the onion is cold; or you cut it while holding the onion under cold running water.

Wearing contact lenses also protects your eyes from the acid.

ROGER FIS FISHER HER Crossword Crossword Crossword Carpenter/Joiner 1

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9

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Tel: 01635 201047 mob: 07876 16 588721

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07747 634556 www.indigodesign.co.uk

P.C. DECORATING Paul Coulson Tel: 07771 610230 or 01635 201835 Local Painter and Decorator with Diana•Wortelhock (MCFHP MAFHP) 8 years Experience

• All types of decorating undertaken Home Visiting Practice including plastering & wallpapering (Newbury and Thatcham area)

• Calland now to arrange a FREE • Toenail cutting filing: Thickened toe nails No Obligation Quotation Corns/Callus/hard skin removal • Cracked heels • No• Fungal job Toonails Small • Verrucae • Diabetic feet

Mobile: 07901 825633

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Clues

4 Unknowable, 4 Unknowable, occultoccult (6) (7) (6) 9 Disapproves Disapproves 9 Disapproves 10 (7) Angry(7) (5) 10 Angry 10 Angry (5)11 (5) Land measure (4) 11 Land 11 Land measure (4) (4) (8) 12measure Perplexing 12 Perplexing 12 Perplexing (8) planet (5) 14(8)Dwarf 19 14 Dwarf planet planet (5) (5) poem (5) 19 14 Dwarf 16 Mournful 22 16 Mournful 16 Mournful poem poem (5) (8)(5) 20 Scorn 20 Scorn 20 Scorn (8)21 (8) Fencing sword (4) 21 Fencing 21 Fencing sword sword (4) (4) 24 Female relative (5) We relative have 24 Female 24 Female relative (5)(7)many (5) cats seeking loving homes 25 Pills especially older cats 25 Pills 25 (7) Pills26(7) Unmarried (6) fundraising volunteers always needed 26 Unmarried 26 Unmarried (6) For (6) further information contact

12 30 Years Experience 9

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Judy Connolly

Kitchen 54 5 6 Fitter/ 6 7 7 Clues Clues Across 8 Glaze Tiling Across Across 1 Ploy (6) 8 10 House Maintenance 1 Ploy 1 (6) Ploy 4(6)Unknowable, occult (6) 10 10 Painting/Decorating

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Contact:

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Newbury Cats Protection

01635 200111 Open daily, except for Tuesdays, 1811am-3pm Catches sight (5) 7 Appear, loom (6) by of appointment 18 Catches sight of (5) of (5) 18 Catches sight 7 Appear, loom (6) (6)(5) loom 1 Worldwide 1 Worldwide 19www.newbury.cats.org.uk Creatures (6) 8 Ordinary 2 (6) Type(6) of musical scale (5)7 Appear,

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19 Creatures (6) Fragment 19 Creatures (6) (5) Celestial 8 Ordinary (5) 2 Type musical scale (5) 8 Ordinary Type of musical scale (4) (5) 22 (5) 13 (8) 3of2.54cm.

22 Fragment (5) Woodwind 22 Fragment (5) (8) Beacon 13 Celestial (8) (7) 3 2.54cm.

(4) 2.54cm.

(4)5 Precipitation 23 instrument (4) 15 (8) 13 Celestial instrument (4) (4) 23 Woodwind instrument 15 Beacon (7) 15when Beacon (7) toofadvertisements.

Precipitation (8) Thatcham 5Please Precipitation (8) (7) Connections mention responding 17 Parts a play (6)23 Woodwind 6 Fantastic 17 Parts a play 17 of Parts of a(6) play (6) Fantastic (7) (7) 6 Fantastic See page 61 for Answers

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

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Tracy Fearon

TMH Hairdressing Ltd

Your local friendly electrician Offering a reliable service

You can depend on.

Short & long term local mobile hairdresser secure storage for friendly, flexibile and professional 9 All types of electrical work 9 Lighting & Power with 30 years experience home or business 9 Approved domestic installer 9 Fully Insured

9 Part registered Open 7 days a Pweek 8am – 8pm 9 New installations, Extensions Easy access, all on one level 9 Kitchens, Bathrooms Security9alarms, CCTV Fuse boards cameras and 24 hr surveillance

include: 9 No job ServiceS too Large or Small Ladies Cuts, Colouring, Perms, Straightening, 9 Audio and visual installations Hair treatment and Wedding hair.

9 FaultAlso finding Children and Gents 9 Rewires “My goal is to meet and exceed the expectations of every customer."

Although based in Upper Woolhampton I am happy to visit any home within a reasonable distance.

t: 0118PAUL 982 0788 CALL ON 07833248438 OR 01635 770256 e: tadley@barn-store.co.uk www.electricanthatcham.co.uk currentconnection@googlemail.com www.barn-store.co.uk Silverthorne, robertsfeild,

Please ring me to discuss

07932 936868

WOODGRAIN JOINERY & CARPENTRY SERVICES Steve Cole stevendcole.123@gmail.com

Tel: 07565 594356

Steve has over 25 years experience as a qualified Bench Joiner and Carpenter

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

He's based in Thatcham and covers Thatcham and all the surrounding areas.

He hangs doors, lays wood flooring, makes and fits wooden windows and bespoke radiator covers.

INFACT MOST THINGS! His particular niche is bespoke fitted wardrobes/cupboards/understair storage.

As most of his work is word of mouth and recommendations from satisfied clients, so references, if requested, can easily be supplied.

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Dignity Funerals Ltd. A company registered in England

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

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✮ Free Measuring ✮ Free Fitting ✮

The best pricing and service within the local area for 20 years Visit our friendly showroom in Thatcham High Street

• Shutters • Venetian blinds • Motorised blinds • Vertical blinds

• Roman blinds • Roller blinds • Perfect fit blinds • Conservatory blinds • Awnings

We have a wide range of products and fabrics, both modern and traditional to meet all budgets.

We are a small family run team and our approach is personal. For 20 years we have offered the best levels of service, experience and pricing within the area.

For a no obligation home appointment, pop into our local showroom for a chat and some inspiration! Or simply give us a call or drop over an email!

Smart Home compatibility with Alexa/Google Home operation

Please call to speak to one of our family run team today: 01635 866600 Email: info@smartblinds.org 26 High Street, Thatcham RG19 3JD Pleasew referw to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk prices w . s m a r t b lforiadvert nd sand. more. org

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TWK Electrical Local & Reliable Father & Son Service 18th Edition Part P QualiÞed Over 30 Years Experience No Job Too Small & No Call Out Fee Call Tony & Jed For A Fast Response 01635 826314 078 66 33 99 11 twkelectrical.com facebook.com/TWKElectrical

S Norman Roofing - All aspects of Roofing • General Roofing • Flat and Pitched Roofs • Repairs and Renewals • Repointing • Leadwork • Velux windows fitted • Chimney Repairs & Removal • Sofit and Fascia boards • Guttering - repaired, cleared or replaced

Member of

www.trustatrader.com

07960 545227 01183 759611

steven@normanroofing.co.uk

Save with a Service

By Tom Hancock

Why an annual boiler service is important.

Sometimes we might wonder if it’s worth arranging a boiler service, especially if everything seems to be working fine. It’s one expense we can do without when Christmas is looming. Here are five reasons to book your service now.

IT SAVES LIVES - A faulty boiler is dangerous.

According to government statistics, each year in the UK, 50 adults and children die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; 200 are hospitalised and around 4,000 people end up in A&E with symptoms due to leaking boilers. A Gas Safe qualified boiler engineer will check for and fix any leaks or weak points during a service.

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IT SAVES MONEY ON FUEL BILLS - A qualified boiler engineer will check that your boiler is running as efficiently as possible and isn’t wasting energy.

IT SAVES THE ENVIRONMENT - If your boiler isn’t wasting energy your carbon footprint is reduced.

IT SAVES ON REPAIR BILLS - That annual service to make sure your boiler is working correctly will save money on future repairs by letting the boiler engineer fix minor issues which might have caused significant problems later.

IT SAVES ON INSURANCE HASSLES

- Most boiler warranties and some home and business insurance policies require that you ensure your boiler is safe to use. An annual boiler service meets most insurance policy requirements.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Brooks Farm Bath Road Beenham Reading RG7 5JB Email: info@thebarnpartnership.co.uk Tel: 0118 930 6633 w w w . t h e b a r n p a rt n e r s h i p . co . u k

ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

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Email info@caplock.uk We b s i t e w w w. c a p l o c k . u k

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

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PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

Specialising in:

Building and Garden Services I am reliable and honest Reasonable costs References available Fully insured I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

 Fencing  Patios  Deckwork  Brickwork and Repointing  Garden Maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts  Decorating  Tiling  Carpentry - general building and maintenance Please visit my website to see more:

www.berkshirehandymanservices.co.uk All major credit cards accepted

72 Loundes Close, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 3EB

t: 01635 872285 m: 07849 078204

admin@berkshirehandymanservices.co.uk 14 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Advantiv Electrical Services are NICEIC & Safe Contractor Approved We provide a wide range of electrical services to the following sectors:

Domestic • Commercial • Industrial Our services include:

• Full or part rewires • Upgrade or installation of new fuse boards • Garden electrics and exterior lighting • Underfloor heating • Fixed wire & PAT testing • Advice and installation of energy saving lighting systems • Energy monitoring • Energy reduction

Tel: 01635 246188 E-mail: sales@advantiv.co.uk w w w . a d v a n t i v e l e c t r i c a l s e r v i c e s . c o . u k

Food Facts:

Chocolate

The Guinness World Record for the largest chocolate bar was set by Thorntons in September 2011. The bar weighed nearly 5,800kg.

It takes about a year for a cacao tree to produce enough pods to make about ten small-sized chocolate bars.

Cacao trees bear pods that contain up to fifty beans. The trees and pods are delicate so always have to be harvested by hand.

P.D.D Services w w w. p d d s e r v i c e s . c o . u k

Professional Chimney Sweep • Brush and Vacuum • Chimney Stacks Repaired • Pots, Cowls, Caps & Birdguards Fitted • Brick Fireplaces • Fully Insured

The word chocolate can be traced back to the Aztec word xocoatl, the name for a bitter drink made from cacao beans.

In 1847, Fry’s – based in Bristol – created the first mass produced chocolate bar. Milk chocolate was invented soon after with the help of Henri Nestlé.

More than one billion KIT KAT® products are eaten in the UK every year – the equivalent of 564 fingers every second.

Pete Dollin

01635 871885 / 07885 105006 pdd-services@hotmail.co.uk

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Angela Money BEM - NEWBURY Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator writes: • There are a number of scams at the moment and some have been doing the rounds for a number of years and also some new ones.

The Amazon Prime scam involves victims receiving an automated call informing them that they have been charged for an Amazon Prime subscription and to press 1 to cancel the transaction. Do not press 1 or any other number mentioned on any of the automated scams.

• Fake emails and texts pretending to be from TV Licensing or DVLA. HMRC automated phone call scam which will tell you that they are filing a lawsuit against you, and to press 1 to speak to a caseworker to make a payment. If you receive such a call, please put the phone down immediately. The callers use a variety of numbers and HMRC would like you to report full details of the scam by email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk including date of the call, phone number and content of the call.

Halifax, TSB, Lloyds and other banking scams are being sent by text, automated phone call or email, so do not respond and always go to the genuine websites or phone your bank if you wish confirmation that this is a scam.

By sharing, tagging, and commenting, you’ll be spamming on behalf of the scammers and exposing your friends and family to the scam as well. This time of year there are Supermarket voucher scams and other competitions on Facebook, so please do not fall for them.

• The Courier Delivery Scam. You receive a phone call, either before, or just after the delivery of a parcel, usually containing new mobile phones, laptops etc., which you did not order. The person on the phone explains that there has been a terrible mistake and the parcel has been delivered to you in error. He/she will send someone to collect it immediately and ask you to leave it outside your front door, so that they do not have to disturb you. A person arrives, collects the parcel and drives off. The fraudster has created an account in your name using your card details and ordered the product(s), they can track their delivery online and be outside your house for when they arrive. In one case, the victim took down the car registration number of the man who collected the parcel.

The Police checked the vehicle details and the owner’s address but the householder was completely innocent. There was no way to track or trace the offenders and the poor victim got the bill.

A local resident recently had a delivery of a laptop and shortly afterwards had a knock on the door to say it had been delivered to them in error and they had not received a phone call. It appears that this had been ordered from Amazon using their address and their credit card but the fraudster had given his mobile number so that they would know when it was going to be delivered.

Fortunately, the resident acted quickly and stopped the card transaction being made.

Angela Money BEM Newbury Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator

BT scam via email advising “our payment processor has detected incorrect or out of date billing information which needs updating immediately. Please log into your MyBt account by clicking the buttton below, and update your billing information to prevent suspension or termination of your service(s)”.

Cadbury’s competition on Facebook asking you to like or share this post to other people.

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Find us at 17 High Street, Thatcham, RG19 3JG Phone 01635 872714 www.pictureitframing.co.uk email: info@pictureitframing.co.uk

Picture it Bespoke framers for all types of art, needlework and memorabilia; we offer a friendly and professional framing service – you name it, we’ll frame it Additionally we are an outlet for Paul Karslake Fine Art originals and limited editions.

We also have original, limited and open edition prints by a number of local artists too, including Andrew Cowdell, Amanda Wall, Martin Newman and Danielle Fisher.

We are also proud to offer an unusual and original range of glass, home and giftware.

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

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

BIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT

ONLY

£149

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

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS... RECOVERY SERVICE

HALFWAY GARAGE

Unit 7 Pipers Court, Berkshire Drive, Thatcham

Mr

H

Plastering

• Re-skimming Specialist • Outside Rendering • Floor Screeding • Coving • General Plastering CRB Checked - for your peace of mind Over 25 years experience

Call Brian on 0792 989 8069 0118 375 0755

briherbert@hotmail.co.uk

See page 70 for Answers

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

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Forever Friends

By Tracey Anderson

Making friends as an adult The world is going through uncertain times and friends have never been more important. They provide stability, comfort, and connection.

The defining feature of friendship is that it’s voluntary. We retain friendships because we want to, not because we have to.

The downside is that friendships often fall by the wayside. Our adult lives are incredibly busy with obligations to work, spouses, children and older parents, and friendships can suffer as a result. We can lose friendships so rapidly that some of us live our lives as adults essentially friendless and this has ramifications for our mental health. Studies suggest that, without friends, we’re at higher risk of depression and anxiety, and that the key difference between the happiest and unhappiest people is how socially connected they are.

Making friends as an adult takes deliberate effort, and this can be an issue if you lack confidence socially. Shy people often avoid events where they might have to interact socially. One way to get over this is to assume that people will like you.

Studies show that this mindset is actually a selffulfilling prophecy. People who assume they will be liked share more about themselves, disagree less, and have a more positive attitude, which of course makes positive social interaction more likely.

As a child friendships seem to happen organically.

As an adult we need to let go of this idea and take responsibility rather than waiting passively.

We need to show up at event and say ‘hello’ when we get there. We need to introduce ourselves to other people, and ask for their phone numbers, then follow up and arrange to meet, and we need to go through this initiation process repeatedly. It can be scary but the pay-off is worth it. In studies, people with good initiation skills tend to have more and better friendships.

Initiation doesn’t turn a person into a friend.

Some people are good at connecting but struggle to sustain relationships. Sociologists have long recognised that friendships thrive on continuous interaction. This means choosing activities carefully. It’s a good idea to sign up for activities that provide multiple opportunities to connect, such as a language class, a writing course, or a book club a book club. Repeated interactions capitalise on the ‘exposure effect’, our tendency to like things more, the more familiar they are.

So, if we want to make friends, we should commit to showing up somewhere for a few months.

At the moment this is even more difficult than usual because of pandemic restrictions, but in fact people are starting to connect more in online groups. Some studies have shown that shy people actually find online interaction easier and that people tend to open up more because they have time to think before posting. These online relationships have the capacity to become lasting friendships in the real world. If your aim is to find local friends to hang out with after the pandemic then its best to find local based groups, even if they are online for now. A quick search of my local area on Facebook threw up groups for crochet, eco-living, gardening, cooking, and a book club.

We all need friends so take a deep breath and say hello first.

18

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BeRkshIRe FRamInG company Bespoke pIcTURe FRames made To oRdeR If you need inspiration, ideas, or advice on how to protect and present your artwork, photography or memorabilia then we’re here to help.

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General Knowledge See page 62 for Answers

Across 1. Tube which conveys air in and out of the lungs (7) 5. Mike ___, former heavyweight champion boxer (5) 8. Person skilled in telling anecdotes (9) 9. Public transport vehicle (3) 10. Residence of a clergyman (5) 12. Prehistoric metalworking period (4,3) 13. Penetrating examination of one’s own beliefs and motives (4-9) 15. Struck with fear or apprehension (7) 17. Representative who buys or sells for another person (5) 19. Type of Russian fighter aircraft (3) 20. Financial officer (9) 22. Welsh town to the east of Swansea (5) 23. Small or minor detail (7) Down 1. Make a rhythmic sound with the fingers (5) 2. Continuous portion of a circle (3) 3. People engaged in the pursuit of wild animals or game (7) 4. Ideal of a democratic and prosperous society, regarded as the aim of US citizens (8,5) 5. Main part of the human body (5) 6. Underwater warship (9) 7. Fund of money put by as a reserve (4,3) 11. Acute spasmodic nerve pain (9) 13. Itinerant Australian labourer (7) 14. Make less subtle or refined (7) 16. Chemically-tipped strip of wood used to light a fire (5) 18. ___ firma, solid ground (5) 21. Common type of rodent (3)

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19

Lasting Powers of Attorney What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a document in which you authorise one or more people to make decisions and sign documents on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself.

What is special about a ‘Lasting’ Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (usually referred to as a ‘LPA’) will last right up until your death. There are two types. Firstly there is a property and financial affairs LPA. This allows the named attorneys to pay your bills, look after your savings and investments and deal with your house. Secondly there is a health and welfare LPA. This authorises the named attorneys to make decisions regarding your medical treatment and where you should live.

Can I just set up one Lasting Power of Attorney?

If you want your attorneys to deal with both financial and health/welfare matters then you will need two separate LPAs. This is because the two types of LPA operate differently. The health and welfare LPA can only be used if you are unable to make a particular decision yourself.

This might be because you are unconscious or perhaps suffering from dementia. The property and finance LPA is not restricted in this way. For example you might need your attorneys to sign financial documents on your behalf if you have injured your hand and cannot sign personally.

Who should I appoint as my attorneys?

You should name individuals who understand your circumstances and who you trust to make decisions on your behalf. You can appoint family members or friends. You can also appoint a professional adviser such as your solicitor (although this would only usually be appropriate for the property and finance LPA). It is a good idea to appoint at least two attorneys.

Most people name between two and four.

Do my attorneys all have to act together?

person nominated as substitute. Each type of appointment has benefits and disadvantages.

When can my attorneys start using the Lasting Power of Attorney?

Once you and your attorneys have signed the LPA it has to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. The registration process normally takes about 12 weeks.

Should I use a solicitor to draw up my Lasting Powers of Attorney?

A solicitor will be able to discuss your particular circumstances and help you decide whether you need one or both types of LPA. The solicitor can help you select the right attorneys and discuss how they should be appointed. The solicitor will guide you on the wording of specific preferences and instructions that are relevant to your needs.

One of the requirements of setting up a LPA is that an individual has to certify that you fully understand the purpose and effect of the LPA and are not being pressurized by a third party to complete it. Your solicitor can complete this certificate and then apply to register the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Author’s Details: Richard Mead, Partner – Inheritance Protection Team T: 01635 293637 E: r.mead@gardner-leader.co.uk

You can choose whether your attorneys should act ‘jointly’ (all must make decisions together) or ‘jointly and severally’ (each attorney can act individually). It is also possible to appoint one person as first named attorney with another

20

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Welcome to Core Therapies Ltd A friendly home salon which offers treatments in both Thatcham and Basingstoke. Clients of all ages can enjoy one to one appointments. Hairdressing, skin & beauty treatments are available to all, with extra care and experience available for young children and clients who may require extra assistance. All products and training are obtained from approved and trusted providers and updated regularly. Our aim is to enhance and maintain health to their natural hair/skin/body type and accommodate any special requirements. Family groups are welcome at all times, and wherever possible we will offer appointment times which are most suited to the clients routine.

Extended appointment booking times available where necessary to accommodate special needs.

Fully Insured, CRB Enhanced Disclosure, Professional Products, Regularly Updated Training, 34 years Experience.

Jo Smith: 07748 980419 jo@coretherapiesltd.co.uk www.coretherapiesltd.co.uk 35 Blackthorn Drive, Thatcham, Berkshire, England, RG18 4BP

Core Therapies 1:1 Diet Clinic Ltd The 1:1 Diet is a great way to lose weight and to keep it off. Do you want to lose weight and make a difference to your health and lifestyle? You’ll have my help and support to get you to your goal and help you stay there. We offer you an individual nutritious meal replacement plan. You decide if you replace all or some of your regular foods.

Give me a call or email me to see if it’s right for you. There is no obligation or charge for the consultation:

07748 980419 one2onediet@coretherapiesltd.co.uk www.one2onediet.com/jos

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21

THE MATURE HANDYMAN FOR ALL THE JOBS YOU CANT DO YOURSELF! Martin Newman is a mature 50 plus tradesman with many years experience in the building and flooring trades.

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

CARPENTRY

Curtain rails, shelving, door hanging, flat pack furniture assembly.

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

He covers Thatcham, Newbury and surrounding areas.

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.

PAINTING

All types of internal and external painting and decorating

PLUMBING

From a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite

For more details or to book a home visit please call Martin on

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www.thematurehandyman.com 22

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Estate Agents, Lawyers & Letting Agents Est 1990

Contact us for a FREE No obligation market appraisal of your property We are able to help with: • • • • • • • • • • •

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We provide a full and comprehensive property sales and management service looking after our clients’ property investments. We operate on a full 24 hour 7 day a week basis for single properties or mixed portfolios to suit your needs. We comply with the codes of conduct laid down by ARLA and NAEA C.I.L.Ex to ensure a professional service.

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contact: For advice on all employment related matters including Redundancy, Furlough, Unfair dismissal, Settlement Agreements, discrimination, Furlough, Unfair dismissal, Settlement Agreements, discrimination, Furlough, Unfair dismissal,related Settlement Agreements, discrimination, For For advice advice onon all all employment employment related matters matters including including Redundancy, Redundancy, Furlough, Unfair dismissal, discrimination, contact: M: +44 (0)7904 391756 Settlement E: Agreements, andrew@andreweganassociates.co.uk contact: contact: Furlough, Furlough, Unfair Unfair dismissal, dismissal, Settlement Settlement Agreements, Agreements, discrimination, discrimination, contact:E: T: +44 (0)1635 890560 contact: W: www.andreweganassociates.co.uk M: +44 (0)7904 391756 andrew@andreweganassociates.co.uk M: +44 (0)7904 391756 E: andrew@andreweganassociates.co.uk contact: M: +44 (0)7904 391756 E: andrew@andreweganassociates.co.uk M: T: +44+44 (0)7904 391756 E: W: andrew@andreweganassociates.co.uk (0)1635 890560Centre, 72-73 www.andreweganassociates.co.uk T: +44 (0)1635 890560 www.andreweganassociates.co.uk The Netqubate Business Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5DU M:M: +44 +44 (0)7904 (0)7904 391756 391756 E: Bartholomew E:W: andrew@andreweganassociates.co.uk andrew@andreweganassociates.co.uk T: +44 (0)1635 890560 W: www.andreweganassociates.co.uk T: +44 (0)1635 890560 W: www.andreweganassociates.co.uk +44 (0)1635 890560 W:www.andreweganassociates.co.uk www.andreweganassociates.co.uk T: T:+44 (0)1635 890560 W: The Netqubate Business Centre, 72-73 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 The Netqubate Business Centre, 72-73 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5DU5DU The Netqubate Business Centre, 72-73 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5DU The Netqubate Business Centre, 72-73 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5DU TheThe Netqubate Netqubate Business Business Centre, Centre, 72-73 72-73 Bartholomew Bartholomew Street, Street, Newbury, Newbury, Berkshire Berkshire RG14 RG14 5DU 5DU

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23

By Kate Duggan

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to reading. We tend to choose genres that we know we’ll enjoy. But it can be good to try something new once in a while…

Quite – Claudia Winkleman Can’t stand books by celebrity authors? Try Quite. Reading it is a bit like putting the world to rights with your best mate over a glass of wine (or three). You’ll find out about everything from Claudia’s views on relationships and parenting to her thoughts on naps (essential) and brightly coloured clothes (to be avoided at all costs).

A Single Thread – Tracy Chevalier As a genre, historical fiction is incredibly varied, covering as it does every period in the last few thousand years. A Single Thread focuses on the period between the two world wars. At thirty-eight, unmarried Violet is a ‘surplus woman’, with no real place in society. However, she also has what many married women at the time did not – freedom. When she starts embroidering kneelers for Winchester Cathedral, Violet finds a way to both connect with the world and make her mark on it.

The Night Bus Hero – Onjali Q. Raúf Ever read a book with an unlikable protagonist? Ten-year-old Hector is a bully. He can generally be found causing trouble or picking on someone smaller. But when he mistakenly accuses an innocent man of a crime, Hector has to decide whether to continue on his path or become the hero for once. Strictly speaking, this is another children’s book, but it’s likely to be enjoyed by anyone aged ten up.

Reality and Other Stories – John Lanchester If you haven’t read any ghost stories since your teenage years, Reality and Other Stories is a good place to start. From traditional ghost stories to Black Mirror-esque tales, each story is deliciously creepy and focuses on an aspect of modern life, from a twisted reality show to a possessed selfie stick. As you’d expect, some stories are stronger than others, but overall, it’s a decent collection to keep you occupied through these long winter nights.

Humans – Brandon Stanton Never bought a ‘coffee table book’ before? Humans won’t disappoint. It’s a difficult book to describe in a way that does it justice. Let’s just say that it’ll give you a glimpse of people’s lives across the globe. You’ll hear from people with differing viewpoints, discussing everything from the worst and best moments of their lives to everyday concerns. You’ll be uplifted, saddened and inspired and end up feeling just a little bit more connected to the rest of humanity.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon – Kelly Barnhill Still turning your nose up at reading children’s fiction as an adult? You’re seriously missing out. Start with The Girl Who Drank the Moon. A baby is left in the woods as a sacrifice to a witch. But rather than kill her, the witch raises the child as her own.

Meanwhile, the mother is left to go mad in the tower, where the real threat lies.

Storytelling at its best.

24

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DENE

Local Glazier & Handyman

Window & Home Maintenance

New to April 2019

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Wine Wisdom

By Tom Hancock

Which wine should you choose?

I was always a bit hazy about which wine to serve with which food. They didn’t teach that sort of thing at our local comprehensive. Then one day a chef friend explained that far from being an elitist concept it was simply about marrying flavours that blend well or complement each other, much like cooking. I managed to get her to distil her wisdom into this handy guide.

Fish – A delicate fish dish calls for a delicate

wine, such as Pinot Grigio. If the fish is more robust and served with a rich sauce, it will require a more full-bodied flavoursome white like Chardonnay. Salty seafood marries surprisingly well with champagne.

Chicken or Turkey - Choose a full-

flavoured white, like a white Côtes du Rhône, or a delicate red, such as a Frappato.

Juicy red meat – For beef or steak a rich red, such as a Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon will work well or even a Rioja.

Spicy dishes – These require a spicy wine.

Look for a Malbec, Syrah or Shiraz will all hold their own. If the spicy food is vegetarian, then a dry Riesling will pair well.

Vegetarian food - There is a misconception that vegetarian food should only be served with white wine. But medium reds, like Merlot work well with lots of vegetarian dishes, particularly tomato-based recipes.

Cheese board - Some cheeses go better with red, some with white. Sauternes and Stilton are a perfect match, while Chardonnay works well with brie. A dry Rosé is a good all-rounder.

Remember, the main rule is to pair the characteristics of the dish with the characteristics of the wine. So, a buttery sauce will work well with white a wine also described as ‘buttery’.

Experiment and enjoy!

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25

The ongoing pandemic is challenging the best of us when it comes to keeping our spirits up, but even without this, the darker days and nights caused by the shorter daylight hours of winter can have a huge effect on how we feel. It’s time to take action.

Do Get Out of the House A break from your usual environment, even if it’s just a walk to the postbox, will lift your spirits for several hours afterwards.

Do Speak Up Speaking to other people is so important. Ask the supermarket cashier about their day or smile at a stranger to remind yourself you aren’t alone.

Do Look to the Light Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real disorder. A lightbox or even sitting by a window could help with this.

Do Read All About It Search on the internet for user forums where others talk about their feelings. “A problem shared is a problem halved” as the saying goes.

Do Eat Well Junk food will make you feel sluggish and guilty so make just a bit more of an effort to shop, cook and eat healthily.

Don’t Read All About It Social media sometimes makes you feel like everyone else is living their best life and there can be a lot of negativity too. Switch it off!

Don’t Drift Particularly if you aren’t working, the days might seem like one long blur so start each week with a plan.

Even if it’s as mundane as sorting a cupboard it’ll be an achievement to mark the day.

Don’t Skimp on your Sleep However negative, bored or anxious you feel when you go to bed, it won’t seem as bad the next morning provided you’ve had a full night’s rest.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up If you have a day where you really haven’t managed to do anything to cheer yourself, just remind yourself that you are human, and sometimes it’s OK not to be OK.

Don’t Ignore It If none of the ideas above work for you and you are feeling really down, don’t assume it’ll just disappear.

Reach out to your doctor or a mental health charity.

Mobile hairdresser offers expert Hair Care MY AIM IS TO: • Offer expert advice and hair care to the young and the not so young equally alike!

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WORKOUT WITH LORRAINE DON’T WISH FOR IT WORK FOR IT! DO YOU LACK MOTIVATION? DON’T LIKE THE GYM? NOT ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS? THEN YOU NEED ME…….

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27

A very Happy New Year to you all, and may 2021 be better than 2020! At this time of year many of us are regretting the excesses of the last few weeks, especially overindulging in food and drink. However, spare a thought for the garden birds: they won’t be overindulging and, if temperatures are low, they’ll need lots of energy to keep warm and stay alive. They are often in need of food and clean, fresh water.

Most food scraps are suitable, but avoid anything which is spicy or salted and ensure it will not encourage vermin. Bread, cake or plain biscuits all make welcome treats, as do apples, which are a great source of fresh food and moisture for many birds, such as blackbirds, thrushes, sparrows and the various tits.

Peanuts are very popular and the peanut feeders I have are constantly covered with nuthatches, blue tits, great tits, coal tits and even the occasional long-tailed tit or very agile sparrow. A good quality bird feeder is essential unless your garden happens to be a squirrelfree zone. I also have a small Perspex feeder for seed or peanuts that attaches to the dining room window with a sucker, which is a wonderful way to watch the birds from inside the house.

General bird seed mixes are perfect for those birds preferring seeds or finding aerial acrobatics from a peanut feeder impossible.

Sprinkle the mix on a bird table, the top of a

wall or perhaps a garage or shed roof and you should see it being consumed by a selection of smaller wild birds. A seed feeder with a special thistle seed mixture is said to be a favourite amongst many of the finches.

Fat balls and fat blocks, either plain or containing additional seed, peanuts, fruit etc. also provide an easily accessible form of muchneeded calories, and can either be placed on your bird table or in special holders.

Nowadays the thinking is that birds should be fed throughout the year (but if you do, it is essential to keep on doing it). Consider using some meatier live bird foods in the form of grubs and larvae, such as mealworms especially bred to be high-protein snacks for birds.

Research reveals that both E.coli and salmonella can be found on bird tables and bird feeders if they are not cleaned regularly, and it is possible that birds could be threatened by these and other pathogens. So remember to scrub down and rinse out any bird feeding areas from time to time. Any bird foods you buy must be of good quality, preferably from a wellrespected supplier or bearing the logo of the RSPB, BTO or similar respected authority.

At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system. Or book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club.

28

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Church Matters to see. The church was also one of the sites for one of the star installations organised by the Town Council. Four giant stars were placed in key locations around Thatcham.

Families were encouraged to make their own stars to add to the giant ones. The schools were involved and children also coloured in stars and placed them in their windows.

Video of Hope Ten people from three local churches got together and produced a video explaining what Christmas means to them. The video was shared on facebook with the hope of going viral! If you’d like to see it please contact me on 07922 170503 and I’ll send you a copy.

Online Carol Services

Christmas looked very different this year! Here in Thatcham it gave rise to a great burst of creativity as we replaced our usual programme of services and events with activities appropriate to life in a pandemic. Here’s just some of the things we got up to.

Thank you to all who took part!

At the Baptist Church we were able to stream a pre-recorded carol service on facebook and a lively Christmas morning celebration on Zoom.

So although this was a Christmas unlike any we have experienced before, we are grateful for all the opportunities we have had to celebrate the coming of Jesus. The verse from the Bible so often used in carol services seems to have been more appropriate than ever; “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Whatever happens in 2021, the churches in Thatcham wish you a very Happy New Year.

Let There Be Light!

As the Broadway event could not go ahead, some of us in the churches decided to hold our own lights-turning-on events with our neighbours. This was a great way to wish one another a Happy Christmas over a socially-distanced glass of mulled wine.

Carol Singing Our usual carol services were cancelled, so we took to the streets instead. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, groups of up to six from various different churches donned woolly hats and scarves, cleared their throats, and went out into local roads to sing some of the best-loved carols. They even took requests, as some residents asked for their favourites.

We Are All Stars St. Mary’s Church displayed scenes from the Christmas story in their churchyard for all

Rev. David Taylor, Thatcham Baptist Church

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29

considered approved and ready for print unless we hear from you wit

Tracey

Mobile Hairdresser 07770 823283

PEOPLE & PETS

pencil portraits hand-drawn from your photographs.

A perfect gift!

I offer quality, personal, affordable hairdressing in the comfort of your own home.

I have been established for over 21 years and have 29 years hairdressing experience.

I can travel to you in Thatcham and the surrounding villages.

I look forward to the opportunity to arrange an appointment for you.

Tel: 07770 823283 Discounts available for double and group adult bookings.

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The Allenova School of Dancing

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TERM & HOLIDAY LESSONS Covid-19 Vigilant / Track & Trace Crash Course – Feb ½ Term!

BOOKING NOW for classes in Compton, Thatcham & Pangbourne Non swimmers, improvers & advanced levels from 3 ½ yrs Friendly instructors - qualified, insured & DBS checked 3 lovely locations - car parking & changing facilities Independent family run swim school - not a franchise

Every child is different, every child is equal jo@swimlessons.co.uk | www.swimlessons.co.uk

Mandy's Childcare (Medway Close, Thatcham) Wrap-around care currently provided Dedicated for Cold-Ash playroom pre-school children

Full or part-time spaces available Monday-Thursday References available

I became a registered childminder in Sept 2018 after 16 years as Head of Music in secondary schools. I have two children, a girl aged 9 and son aged 6.

The children in my care spend a lot of time outdoors, visiting the local parks and woodlands, as well as trips to farm centres and museums.

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31

Therapy Room & Studio at

Orchard Life SwediSh / bOdy maSSage aROmaTheRaPy Christine Poile

Pre-blended oils, hot and cold stones therapy - and Indian head massage can be provided.

Christine tailors treatments to suit her clients' unique needs. She offers treatments that are relaxing, uplifting, stimulating, balancing - or that give a sense of well-being. She also provides detoxifying massage and anti-cellulite treatment, along with local muscle decongestion and relief from muscle tension. poile@btinternet.com

POdiaTRy /ChiROPOdy Emma Barrow

Podiatry/chiropody treatments offer relief for a range of foot complaints such as corns, hard skin, cracked heels, diabetic feet, foot posture, thickened and ingrown nails. Get a tailor-made treatment from a professional, experienced local Podiatrist to give you healthier and more comfortable feet. Emma has been practicing as a Podiatrist for 20 years, treating a wide variety of foot problems and is registered with the HCPC and has a BSc(hons) in Podiatry.

Please visit www.treatyourfeet.org for more information or email treatyourfeet100@gmail.com Phone 0776 5996772/01635 299149.

yOga & mediTaTiOn Laura Routh-Parsons

Saturday morning Yoga & Meditation, combining gentle yoga flow, restorative pauses and guided breath work & relaxation. Friday Sound Meditation and Reiki evenings, held once a month. Beginners and beyond welcome to all. Find out more at www.thewellbeingfeeling. co.uk. Contact details - 07821 450168, laura@thewellbeingfeeling.co.uk.

ReFLeXOLOgiST Nicky Broomfield

A member of the Association of Reflexologists, Nicky’s aim is to ensure her clients enjoy a relaxing treatment.

Reflexology is suitable for everyone and uses pressure-point massage on the feet to promote evergy flow throughout the body, easing congestion and restoring natural balance. 07770 695679, nickybroomfield@outlook.com

yOga & mediTaTiOn Jessica Raphael

Jessica’s yoga is friendly and fun and is focused on all round well-being in body and mind in this frantic world. The classes are based on hatha yoga and Jessica also incorporates her experience of meditation and mindfulness. The classes are suitable for all abilities. jessicayoga@me.com

Orchard Life, Bath Road, Midgham, RG7 5UU 32

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abOUT US

At Orchard Life, our practitioners have come together to offer our clients a range of therapies to suit their individual needs.

Our aim is to empower every one of our clients to make treatment choices and to guide and support them in their unique plan. Practitioners and teachers working together to advise, within our range of expertise, on health advice.

We take time to listen to you.

The Studio At Orchard Life - Offering a range of classes

Iyengar Yoga - Maria Bird: mariayogalife@gmail.com Pilates - Mel Rickerby: mel.pilates@btinternet.com Yoga & Meditation - Jessica Raphael: jessicayoga@me.com

iyengaR yOga TeaCheR Maria Bird

The owner and creator of Orchard Life, has been practicing and teaching Iyenger yoga for the past 30 years – with a wealth of information and the ability to teach with empathy and a light heartedness Maria has established herself as a well respected teacher in the local area.

OSTeOPaTh - Danielle Gadd

PiLaTeS - Mel Rickerby

**£10 OFF YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT** To book, please call 01635 597290 or *Book Online* at www.nolanosteopathy.co.uk and quote “Thatcham Connections”. Expert advice and treatment for Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Headaches, Sciatica, Pregnancy Related Pain, Sports Injuriesb and much more. You can see the full list of conditions I treat at www.nolanosteopathy.co.uk. enquiries@nollanosteopathy.co.uk

deeP TiSSUe, SPORTS & RemediaL maSSage Amy Starr

Amy treats a wide range of clients including sportspeople, office workers suffering from stress and women experiencing pre and post-natal postural discomfort. Amy’s services cater for injuries, aches and pains or simply relaxation and ‘me time’. Amy holds a 5 star rating and tailors each treatment to your needs.

‘Renew me’ giftvouchers now available; find out more at www. starrsportsmassage.co.uk, www.facebook.com/starrsportsmassage Registered member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists. Need a bit more 'me' time?! Talk to Amy about booking in a regular appointment to make that much needed 'me' time happen. Appointments available at the Newbury or Midgham clinics. starrsportsmassage@gmail.com

Pilates complements all aspects of life whether you’re a beginner or a top athlete, improving your fitness and well-being by developing your alignment, breathing and core strength. Mel is a highly skilled Pilates teacher, teaches to small groups and individually from the Orchard Life Studio. 07776 482360. mel.pilates@btinternet.com

ReiKi maSTeR - Shelley Gore

Shelley provides Reiki, an holistic, complementary therapy that can enhance and accelerate conventional healing on a physical and emotional level. Reiki helps with symptoms such as: stress, anxiety, tension, unexplained pain, headaches, low immunity. experiencereiki@btinternet.com

aCUPUnCTURe - Chris Swiatek

Chris gained a BSc. in Acupuncture from the renowned College of Integrated Chinese Medicine. She provides friendly expert treatment for a range of conditions, to bring balance and harmony back into the system to provide optimum health. 07887 762298. chris_swiatek57@yahoo.co.uk

07989 403 167 or : mariayogalife@gmail.com

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

33

Money MattERs

By John Lister, johnlisterwriting.com

Lovely as it would be for estate agent sites to have an Amazon-style ‘Buy It Now’ button by the listed price, working out how much you’ll actually pay for a house can be a confusing process. Let’s break down some of the unfamiliar abbreviations and explore what actually determines the price.

‘Offers in the region of’ (or ‘OIRO’) is usually an indication there’s a bit more flexibility than with a listing which just has a price.

The seller would like to get the listed amount (or ideally more) but might well be open to a lower offer, so don’t be afraid to try.

‘Guide price’ is sometimes used in the same way as ‘OIRO’, though you’ll need to check the listing as this could also mean the property is being sold at auction.

‘Offers in excess of’ (or ‘OIEO’) can work in a couple of ways. Sometimes it really is the lowest amount the seller is willing to accept.

That said, if you aren’t taking the mickey and you’re in a strong buying position, it won’t do any harm to offer less and see what happens.

Sometimes, though, ‘OIEO’ is estate agent code for “The seller thinks this house is worth more than I do.” In that case, if you’re happy to risk somebody else beating you to it, you may want to keep an eye on the listing.

‘Price on application’ or ‘POA’ usually sparks the old joke about “If you have to ask how much, you can’t afford it.” With houses, though,

34

it’s usually a sign that the seller is concerned about time-wasters just interested in nosing round the house. Don’t be surprised if you are ‘vetted’ before you can arrange a viewing.

In all cases, the key is to remember that the listed price just tells you about the seller’s perspective and it takes two sides to make a deal. Before making an offer, you should look at listings for similar properties in the area (and recent prices for sold properties) along with your own finances and mortgage options.

You’ll come across all manner of theories about how much to offer and how to deal with counter-offers. Perhaps the best guideline is that when you make your initial offer, you should be uncertain about whether it will be accepted.

If you ‘know’ it’s definitely going to be rejected, you could risk being seen as a time-waster and lose out to a more realistic buyer. If you ‘know’ it’s going to be accepted, you risk being left with a niggling feeling you’ve overpaid.

Once you’ve agreed a price, the seller will need to fill in a Property Information Form that details exactly what fixtures and fittings are included in the sale price and which they are offering to sell for an additional fee. Avoid any suggestion of paying a clearly inflated price return for keeping the house sale price under the stamp duty threshold. This is an outdated ‘dodge’ that will now attract the unwelcome attention of HMRC.

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SALE

REBECCA KINGWELL F I N A N C I A L P LA N N E R

Comprehensive, bespoke, financial advice & planning

Do you need help understanding your existing pension arrangements?

Would you like to start making better provision for your future and retirement?

Rebecca Kingwell BSc (Hons), DipFA

I offer specialist advice on pensions, investments, savings, tax efficiency and life/critical illness cover. My service can be provided via FaceTime/Skype.

For further details please contact: T: 01635 869 265 M: 07919 543 684 rebecca.kingwell@sjpp.co.uk www.rebeccakingwell.co.uk Montague Court, 21–25 London Road Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1JL

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Chartered aCCountants and registered auditors Based in Thatcham High Street, we are committed to giving professional and experienced support - and a very personal service to the self-employed, small and medium businesses, in all aspects of their accounting and taxation affairs including: • • • • • • •

Self Assessment, Tax Planning and Returns Corporation Tax VAT Payroll, Auto Enrolment and CIS Inheritance and Capital Gains Taxes Preparation of Year End Accounts Audit of Larger Company Accounts

1 High Street Thatcham RG19 3JG Tel: 01635 868202

www.heslops-thatcham.co.uk

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Compliance with all the laws and regulations that affect small businesses and taxpayers

Heslops Chartered Accountants

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At a glance: mortgage lending into retirement We are living longer, healthier lives causing the UK population to change: people are getting married later, delaying buying their first home and choosing to wait longer before starting a family.

Once you’re heading in the direction of a well-earned retirement you may start to review your finances. You may decide to take out a mortgage on your property or apply for additional lending on the mortgage you already have.

And that’s where we can help.

Reasons why you might want a mortgage in later life The need to borrow in later life can be the result of various needs and requirements. These may include, but not be limited to: • • • •

Purchasing your ideal retirement home Funding home improvements Gifting equity from your home to a loved one looking to step onto the property ladder Switching to a new lender and/or mortgage product and the end of a current mortgage’s term.

How we can help?

At Newbury Building Society, we can help you with the following: •

A maximum age at end of mortgage term of 90 years: we lend up to the age of 90 across our entire mortgage range. This means the term of your mortgage may run until your 90th birthday. This essentially means you have our entire mortgage range at your fingertips.

• Retirement Interest-Only (RIO) mortgage: our Retirement Interest-Only (RIO) mortgage supports borrowers 60 years and above who are retired and do not necessarily want to downsize their current property and wish to remain in their home.

Borrowing in retirement needn’t be difficult. Our friendly qualified mortgage advisers are on hand to make sure your mortgage is suitable for you and your circumstances, giving you peace of mind.

Remember: no matter your reason for seeking finance, it’s always a good idea to obtain impartial advice from an independent financial adviser.

Due to ongoing Covid-19 safeguarding precautions, mortgage appointments can only be undertaken by telephone.

Thatcham branch; 4 High Street, Thatcham, RG19 3JD Call: 01635 864996 email: Thatcham@newbury.co.uk

Jane Bosher, Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford Branch Manager.

YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies and we will communicate with you in English.

We are participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints procedure which we will provide on request. Most complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 8076

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

Newbury

37

Building Society

A Thatcham based Maths Tutor offers GCSE Maths Revision Courses Easter 2021

• Experienced maths teacher with 25+ years’ experience in top performing schools in London, Hove & Newbury.

• I take everyone at their own level and I like to make learning enjoyable and fun.

• Together we will build your confidence and selfbelief - in a reassuring and relaxed environment.

• Private 1 to 1 tuition is available for either A level or GCSE Maths from May 2021. Strongly advise to reserve places.

• Running revision sessions for small groups of 4-6 students in either Higher GCSE or Foundation GCSE • 6 Please ask for Easter holiday dates - which will take place online or at a venue in Newbury/Thatcham.

Jane Goldie, Maths Tutor E: janegoldie@me.com T: 07545 089982

A4 SERVICES • Window cleaning: Pure water telescopic pole wash system • Lawn cutting & Strimming • Hedge cutting • Garden/Garage clearance • Fence & fence post repairs & replacements • Patio & driveways jet washed • Ground maintenance • Private & Business grounds gritted when required • Regular visits or one off jobs

NO JOB TOO SMALL! A FRIENDLY RELIABLE SERVICE CALL NOW TO ARRANGE A FREE QUOTATION

Telephone Paul on 07748 335954 (locally based in Thatcham)

email: a4services@live.co.uk

PEGASUS

MOTOR CARE

SERVICE@PEGASUSMOTORCARE.COM

A local charity for local people providing support and information For more details please

contact: 01635 31542 or email:

office@newburycancercare.org.uk www.newburycancercare.org.uk 38

SERVICING / REPAIRS We offer a collect and deliver service

• DIAGNOSTICS • AIR CONDITIONING • ALL MAKES & MODELS • VW/AUDI SPECIALISTS PROFESSIONAL, AFFORDABLE & RELIABLE

T. 0118 9713573 More than 35 years combined main dealer experience Based in Beenham

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MAIN AGENTS FOR MOST LEADING MAKES Sales, Service, Parts, Repairs Berkshire’s largest garden machinery showroom, with over 200 machines on display, including:

Mowers, Ride Ons, Tractors, Chain Saws, Strimmers, Arborist Supplies, Clothing & accessories, Hedge Trimmers & Much More KALEHURST GARDEN MACHINERY LTD Hillier Garden Centre Hermitage Nr Newbury Berkshire RG18 9TG T: 01635 201623 F: 01635 203436 E: Kalehurstsales@aol.co.uk www.kalehurst.co.uk

FREE

7 YEAR

Roller Garage Doors Centre

Fitting Garage Doors since 1995

COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY

✓✓ Visit our showroom or request a home visit T. 0118 981 7300 ✓✓ We provide our own professional engineers info@rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk ✓✓ Fully insulated Roller Garage Doors Centre ✓✓ Custom made & British built (Part of Access and Security Systems Ltd) ✓✓ Free no obligation quotations ✓✓ Best Price Guarantee ✓✓ Free 7 year warranty ✓✓ A huge range of styles and colours ✓✓ Police secured by design and insurance approved option available Manufactured by SWS UK

www.rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk Showroom: Unit 7 Bacchus House, Calleva Park, Aldermaston, RG7 8EN

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

39

Thatcham Clubs and Organisations Age UK (Thatcham Branch)

Community Spirit Thatcham

Thatcham Rock Choir

ageuk.org.uk

34 High Street, quality clothes, toys and more.

Find on Facebook.

rockchoir.com

Driving tuition

E mail: secretary@ rotarythatcham.org.uk

01635 869395 Thatcham Allotment Gardening Club 01635 865230

RoADAR TVG

thatchamallotments.btck.co.uk

www.roadartvg.org.uk

Alzheimers.co.uk alzheimers.org.uk

Gingerbread (for lone parent families)

01189 596482

01635861813

Thatcham Angling Association

gingerbread.org.uk

thatchamanglingassociation.co.uk Thatcham Art Experience 07914 321681 Angela Bates

Thatcham Historical Society thatcham historical society.org.uk

Blind Club Theale & Thatcham

Hand Bell Ringers based at St Mary’s Church

David Brazier

01635 867421

01635 253994

barfield.org.uk

Buttercups Baby & Toddler Group Thatcham Parish Hall Monday 9.30-11am Term time only

Home Start facebook.com/newburyberks/ posts/1004543709573999

Rotary Club of Thatcham & District

Tel :01635 868727 Royal British Legion (Thatcham Branch) 01635 867621 Thatcham Rugby Club 07974771701 thatchamrfc.co.uk Survivors of Bereavement

by Suicide 07763644315 Thatcham Tennis Club 01635 861069/07917 710927 Thatcham Town Cricket Club 07932 692103 thatchamtowncc.co.uk

Thatcham Karate

Frank Hutchings 01635 864113

Thatcham Town Ladies and Girls Football Club

thatchamkarate.org

Thatcham Bowling Club

01635 873596/07917 137022

01635 867044/07979922233

Ladies Fellowship - Meet at Thatcham Free Church

pitchero.com/clubs/ thatchamtownladiesgirlsfc

www.thatchambowlingclub.co.uk

01635 40358

Thatcham U3A

Cancer Care Trust Newbury & District

Lady Frances Winchcombe’s Thatcham Foundation

01635 867037

Newburycancercare.org.uk

01635 865339

villageagentswb.org.uk

Let’s Sing

01635 581001

Mon eve, Kennet Sch 01635 813355

Vision Youth Club

01635 31542 Thatcham Classic Car thatchamclasic.co.uk Cold Ash Brass

Philatelic Society

01635 869906 Coldashbrass.org.uk Thatcham Community Market

01635 866942 tdps.org.uk

Village Agent

thatchamyouth.org.uk WI 01635 862553 hewi.org.uk/thatcham

Thatcham Photographic Club

Thatcham Writers

01635 860634

thatchamphotoclub.com

thatchamwriters.co.uk

Thatcham Folk Dance Club

Thatcham Pre-School

Thatcham Youth

Mary Davidson

07831 611145

07340 131337

983 2605

thatchampreschool.co.uk

thatchamyouth.org.uk

01635 866653

Disclaimer: whilst every effort has been taken in the preparation of these listings, Thatcham Connections accepts no liability for any inaccuracies, misprints or omissions.

40

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GardeninG MattERs

The quintessentially English country garden has classic, timeless appeal, and although easier to achieve in the countryside can still be recreated at least in part in town.

Shrubs make a great backdrop so choose a range of different shapes, textures and shades of leaf colour for that cottage garden feel. For best effect choose mainly or all deciduous shrubs with just a few evergreens.

A wooden or metal gate painted white gives the right feel, and when smart, traditional-look fixings and fixtures are painted contrasting black, the look is complete.

In a country-style garden the combination of a wide range of types of flower in an even wider range of colours is perfect. Contrasting colours look great as long as there is plenty of greenery in-between.

Plant loosely and almost randomly in drifts, with no straight lines anywhere, to give beds and borders a country style, whatever their size.

Allow plants to grow closer together so there is no bare earth, and when planting a bed from scratch use hardy annuals to fill in any gaps while the main plants grow, to create a wall-towall carpet of colour.

Plants in pots add seasonal splashes of colour, so include temporary plants such as brightly coloured pelargoniums and geraniums or longerterm plants such as bulbs and small shrubs.

Choose a pot with an informal, rounded shape, rather than anything too geometric or modern; a terracotta pot works a treat.

Have a range of heights in the flower borders, basically with smaller plants in front and the largest at the back, but add in tall, slim plants throughout

to add colour, interest and height variation without blocking your view of their smaller neighbours. The classic choice for this is the purple-flowered Verbena bonariensis.

A wall made from brick or stone make a perfect boundary. A drystone wall with variations in the grey and brownish colours of the stone looks great in all weathers, and you can grow plants such as house leeks in some of the crevices.

If your garden needs steps, choose stone. It is long-lasting, withstands hard frosts and needs no preservative treatments. Combined with a wall of the same material, steps like this almost look natural, particularly when laid slightly unevenly.

Ivy is perfect for covering up unattractive features such as an ugly wall. It grows rapidly and is a useful wildlife habitat, but don’t allow it to grow out of control.

Maximise planting opportunities with containers made from natural materials such as terracotta.

Positioned on top of a wall they’ll mark the boundary well and bring seasonal colour. Swap the plants around at summer’s end and use winterflowering pansies for colour throughout the year.

Plant small, compact plants along the edges of paths and steps to add colour and interest.

Small saxifrages look great but won’t swamp the steps either!

Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

41

AJC SERVICES

LANDSCAPE GARDNER – TONY COOMBS Add value to your home whilst also enjoying the improvement

Before

After

Before

After

Services offered by AJC include: • Groundwork • Drainage • Hedge trimming • Construction • Clearing • Drives • Patios • Fencing and Decking • Brickwork

Please call Tony now to arrange a free consultation and quote

T: 01635 860159 M: 07785 525752 E: ajcservices@hotmail.co.uk www.ajclandscaping.co.uk 42

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From this to…

…Perfect!

All Year Round

Superior quality comes as standard With an easigrassTM artificial lawn

Whether you are looking to freshen up a lawn or create a whole new garden, investing In easigrass TM is a great way to transform outdoor space. easigrassTM is becoming ever popular due to its low maintenance, ultra- realistic look and dream garden appeal. There’s no mud or mess, no cutting or weeding, easigrassTM creates beautiful outdoor spaces for family and friends to enjoy.

Call now:

West Berkshire

NO mowing NO mess NO mud

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07785 525752 / westberkshire@easigrass.com easigrassWestBerkshire

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31 Quarrington Close,Thatcham Berkshire RG9 4YE Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

surv ey 43

Garden MaIntenance With over 25 years’ experience, I can help you get the garden you’ve always wanted Do you need expert advice with your garden?

Have you just moved house and need help to plan it the way you want it?

Based in Thatcham, I offer a reliable, professional and fully insured service.

References are available on request A concessionary OAP rate is also available

Mark Lissenden

Perhaps you just need a one-off job?

Whatever your requirements give me a call to discuss it. Quotations are totally free with no obligation.

01635 867568 / 07742 078026

mark.lissenden@backtothefuchsia.com

Sends

Season’s Greetings and thanks to all our wonderful volunteer drivers, supporters & friends who have helped us through this difficult year.

Because of you we have maintained our transport services and continue to support the Rosemary Centre and the Rainbow Rooms.

In particular, thanks to you, the Cuddle Beds were financed and are now in use.

Our Best wishes to all for 2021 If you still haven’t got your calendar or copy of our photo book: “A Man for All Seasons” please give us a call.

Anyone interested in becoming a friend of NCC, please contact Helen on 01635 31542, or Newbury Cancer Care, The Rosemary Centre, West Berks Community.

Hospital, Benham Hill, Thatcham, RG18 3AS office@newburycancercare.org.uk 44

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The Science of Snowakes

By Louise Addison

Have you ever given any thought to the science behind the snow?

The ice crystals that make up snowflakes are patterned symmetrically because frozen water molecules arrange themselves in predetermined spaces known as crystallization, to form a six-sided snowflake.

The basic shape of the ice crystal is partly due the temperature at which it forms, and to a lesser extent, partly due to the humidity of the air. Thus, we see long needle-like crystals at -5C and flat plate-like crystals at -15C.

Tai chi and Qigong classes

The intricate shape of a single arm of the snowflake is determined by the atmospheric conditions experienced by entire ice crystal as it falls. A crystal might begin to grow arms in one manner, and then seconds later, a slight change in the surrounding temperature or humidity causes the crystal to grow in a different way.

Although a snowflake is always six-sided and the arms may branch off in new directions, because each arm experiences the same atmospheric conditions, the arms look identical.

Individual snowakes are all unique because they all follow slightly different paths from the sky to the ground and thus encounter slightly different atmospheric conditions along the way.

So, they all tend to look different, resembling everything from prisms and needles to tiny lace doilies.

Flowers for all Occasions

in Chieveley Village Hall on Wednesdays 11:30 to 12:30 from January 2020!

Gentle exercise that can have many benefits to health and wellbeing, including improvements in: Posture Strength

Co-ordination Concentration

Balance Vitality

If you find other forms of exercise too strenuous or if you have difficulty with floor-based classes such as pilates or yoga, this could be a good alternative for you.

Lower Way Farm, Thatcham RG19 3TL Voted Best Florist in Berkshire by

For more information or to book please go to

www.rookeholistic.co.uk/tai-chi-qigong Or call Wendy on 07528 708650 Email wendy@rookeholistic.co.uk

For all your private or corporate functions, large or small.

Please ring 01635 869689 or visit our website:

www.buttercups-and-daisies.co.uk

Please refer to www.thatchamconnections.co.uk for advert prices and more.

45

Hope As I write we are in the second (November 2020) lockdown without any clear indication what will happen afterwards, how we will celebrate Christmas or what will happen in the New Year.

When you read this, who knows, things may have changed or become more certain. But for me, now, I am living with uncertainty and finding it hard.

Over the Summer things were going pretty well with COVID-19 infections under control, but as we know that didn’t last. As we went into lockdown I was wondering what I could hope for – indeed whether I even dared hope for anything. Just before lockdown day I found myself walking on The Ridgeway near Swindon in dodgy 46

weather, wondering what would happen to my walking in lockdown with the days shortening, temperatures falling and the weather forecast less stable. Let alone what the rules for getting out would allow.

And then the rainbow happened – completely unexpectedly. I was so entranced I almost forgot to take a photograph, but I did. When I showed it to my daughter she said that it almost looked like a portal to another world. Somehow the path going through the rainbow’s arch gave me hope that the future might be different – that there might be something good in it. And it seemed like it was an image and a vision to share.

When I took the photograph (right), I still had cold rain at my back – almost freezing, with the wind driving it home.

Somehow, hope can take root best when the tough times are still with us.

Pleasemention mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements Please Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

LOVE MATTERS

When you read this, who knows, things may have changed or become more certain.

An ancient story tells of Pandora and her box (or perhaps a sealed jar) containing all the misfortunes of the world safely locked away. And when she opens the box misfortune comes rushing out.

Left behind, almost unnoticed is the apparently weak and feeble Hope. And the point of the story is, of course, that Hope, for all the apparent weakness, in the end is strong enough to conquer all misfortune. In the Christian faith, St Paul identifies hope, together with faith and love, as one of the great theological virtues. In my ministry it is probably the one of the three which I speak least about, but boy do we need it now.

What I mean by hope is not the desperate chasing after every vaccine going, and not quite, either, resting our future on the efforts of scientists in defeating the virus – though science is important. Technical “solutions” may disappoint, and will only ever get us

part of the way – people I know have mainly been missing other people: it is our human capacity to make a good society – better even than before – which gives me hope. We have seen how so many people have stepped up to help with food and practicalities in tough times. How so many have expressed and shown concern for neighbours. How key workers have worked through exhaustion for the sake of a better world.

My hope is not invested in taking that journey through the rainbow’s arch alone – no, our hope is that we follow the path together because we have learned how much we need each other.

Then we can give 2021 a chance!

Revd Mark Bennet, St Mary’s, Thatcham

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47

Life in Lockdown

PET matters

By Karen Hart

How man’s best friend has become our lifeline during the pandemic.

According to research by The Kennel Club, three out of five dog owners described their dog as a “lifeline in lockdown”. As a Canine Behaviour Consultant, I have long been a champion of spending time with our tail-wagging tykes, it is therapeutic; relieves stress, and helps us to become healthier and ultimately happier in our lives. A quick check on my children’s online browsing history reveals the same, a stream of dogs’ doing absurd things. Why do they watch them? My suspicion is that the giggles and snorting (from the children not the dogs) is a soothing and gentle way to cheer themselves up.

While I am writing this, the bad news about the coronavirus continues. Cases are rising, the whole of England is back into full lockdown and whilst there may be a miracle vaccine about to be released, I can guarantee that our pets have been keeping us active, committed to a routine as well as giving us unconditional love when curled up tight against us throughout the many changes and challenges that this pandemic has provided.

Clara Petto, 47, recognises that her dog Pablo is helping her through lockdown.

Her recent diagnosis of Generalised Anxiety Disorder has meant lockdown has been particularly challenging.

“I was in such a dark, lonely place, but each day Pablo noses and pulls at my sleeve, and I know I have to take him out for a walk” she says. “There is a purpose to each morning, I have to help Pablo and get out in the fresh air.

The affect on me is amazing, I always come back more positive and ready to face the day, despite being furloughed from work” This is echoed in the survey by the Kennel Club with over 90 per cent saying that their dog had a positive impact on their mental health and well-being.

Of the 2,622 dog owners polled, 61 per cent said they found more comfort in their dog than in their human companions. Our dogs are our impartial, loyal companions. The ultimate purveyors of equal opportunities; they love us simply and unconditionally, providing us with endless daily walks as well as the social delights of (socially distanced) chats with other dog walkers. It has been said that the bond between human and hound is similar to the bond that binds a mother to her new-born baby. The production of oxytocin when we socially interact with our dogs’ help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Our dogs can also be a lifeline for socially isolated people. A quick visit to my widowed mother-in-law in Basingstoke with my two dogs confirms this as she potters around the kitchen making a cup of tea and chatting to

48

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the dogs as she reaches for the biscuit tin for them. I smile in the knowledge that tonight she will chatting to her friends on the phone, saying how she had a visit from the Terrierist (Skip, my reactive Jack Russell cross) and Boundy Houndy (Roxy, my Greek rescue who loves to run, run and run) and shared a cup of tea with them. I doubt I will be mentioned at all.

Couple all this with the undeniable health benefits of regular physical exercise (yes all that poo-picking does count!) and the defining image of these uncertain times is not the many, confusing ups and downs of Mr Whitty’s slides, but the joy of watching owners smile as their dog runs free for their latest sniffari on the Common!

www.facebook.com/hartsprohounds

HARTS PRO HOUNDS Where the best comes together for your dog!

PUPPY TRAINING - ADOLESCENTS - GUNDOG - TRAINING PACKAGES EMAIL: INFO@HARTSPROHOUNDS.CO.UK CALL: 07495 804499

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49

COSY COTTAGE CATTERY Small Country Cattery offering holiday accommodation for CATS ONLY Spacious heated cottages with covered outside patios.

Inspection invited at Woolhampton by appointment

INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION OF OWNERS

Keith and Lesley 0118 971 2293

Allison's, Dog Grooming Professional Dog Groomer (With over 25 years experience)

• COVID-19 secure environment • COVID-19 professional training • Ears, Nails and Anal glands included with each groom (if needed) • Aloe vera products can be used for sensitive skin types • Reiki practitioner Dog beds, treats, and toys available at no extra cost No dog in my care is caged or restrained to a table

Home: 01635 872073 Mobile: 07832 222356 Based in Glaisdale, Thacham

Pest Control Control Services Limited We are a local family company of 20 years specialising in the discreet removal of:

Wasps, Hornets, *Bees, Rats, Mice, Moles, Woodworm, Ants, Fleas, Flies, Moths, Bed Bugs, Beetles, Cockroaches, Rabbits and more SAME DAY ATTENDANCE

FullY INSurED

Timber Treatment Certified - BPCA Members - rSPH Certified

01635 250 852

www.control-services.co.uk * Please be aware Bees should only be treated if really necessary.

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Amy’s

- Gentle Dog Training • Obedience classes • One to one • Puppy Socialising Contact Amy Laker:

07928 331468 amys.gdt@hotmail.com w w w. a my s g e n t l e d o g t r a i n i n g. c o. u k

Newbury Cats Protection We have many cats seeking loving homes especially older cats Fundraising volunteers always needed For further information contact 01635 200111 Open: Thursday-Monday 11.00am-3.00pm, Tuesday closed

Fundraising events throughout the year, see website for details: www.cats.org.uk/newbury

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We are all accustomed to the idea of police tracker dogs searching for hidden drugs or explosives, sniffing out evidence at a murder scene or following the trail of a missing person.

But what if a dog could use its remarkable sense of smell for another purpose, such as detecting disease within the human body? The idea sounds like something out of a science-fiction novel, but for some time dogs have been used to detect and warn against all kinds of medical conditions.

So finely tuned are these dogs’ ultra-sensitive noses that they are capable of picking up trace odours that are the equivalent of dropping a teaspoon of sugar into two Olympic-sized swimming pools. The charity Medical Detection Dogs (MDD), based in Milton Keynes, is at the forefront of research into medical sniffer dogs, and MDD’s researchers already have animals capable of spotting the scent of malaria, cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, however, attention has turned to whether the dogs would be able to detect traces of coronavirus on skin and clothing.

Covid detectives “When we have a particular disease or condition our odour changes, and a dog is able to detect this odour and, when trained, to tell us about it,” explained the charity’s Chief Executive Dr Claire Guest, speaking recently to ITV News.

It turns out that the coronavirus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic has its own distinctive chemical signature that can be detected by carefully trained sniffer dogs.

MDD currently has several dogs in Covid training and Dr Guest comments that

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“The study is moving forwards very well and the signs are all really positive.” One dog in particular has shown a remarkable ability to detect the coronavirus odour, unfailingly pointing it out on each test. After eight weeks in the laboratory during the first phase of training, the dogs will move on to use their newly learned skill in real-life situations.

The charity, which has been working with the London School of Tropical Medicine and Durham University, ultimately hopes that the scheme can be expanded. The plan is to station dogs in places such as testing centres and airports, where they will be able to screen up to 250 people per hour.

The secrets of the canine nose Dogs owe their extraordinary sense of smell to the complex structure inside their noses. Whereas a human has around five million scent receptors, dogs have over 300 million. Specialised bones in the dog’s nasal cavity create more space for these scent receptor cells, and the part of the brain that processes scents is particularly large in a dog. This gives them an incredible ability not just to pick out single odours, but to detect subtle differences within a complex group of scents.

This ability, when combined with dogs’ intelligence and willingness to learn, makes them the best biosensors known to man. Clearly there is huge potential to develop this area of medicine and the results speak for themselves: dogs are able to pick out blood samples from people

with cancer with almost 97 percent accuracy. Let’s hope that this fascinating field of research continues to receive the funding and support it so richly deserves.

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Take Control of Your Electronic Inbox!

By Lisa Calder

‘Why do you have 9632 emails in your inbox?’

I looked at my husband, ‘Um...is that a lot? How many are in your inbox?’

‘About twenty,’ he replied.

I looked at my inbox. There were emails I had meant to deal with; emails from clients and the kids’ schools with information I needed; there were time-sensitive offers I’d never got around to investigating; endless updates from the social media platforms I subscribed to, and the rest I’d kept just in case, of what I’m not entirely sure.

I wondered idly if there was such a thing as being an email hoarder. I clearly had a problem and I needed to act. I paused my work and began to sift through the backlog.

An hour later I’d made little progress.

‘Just delete the lot,’ said my husband.

‘It’ll be like ripping off a plaster. The anticipation is the worst bit.’

Could I do that? It was tempting. But I paused. I couldn’t. I did have a problem!

I decided to compromise. I kept the last month’s emails and deleted everything else. EVERYTHING. WOW it felt liberating. I looked at my almostempty inbox. It felt so good I quickly went through the month’s worth of emails I’d kept,

IT matters

and deleted anything I knew I’d never get around to answering. I replied to and actioned emails which required a response, then deleted them too. But while I was working five new emails arrived and in the back of my mind I knew how easily those five would become fifty… and then five thousand. I needed to futureproof my inbox!

I decided I’d set aside fifteen minutes once or possibly twice a day to deal with email. If I needed to save information I would file it in a folder on my laptop. Then once a month I would quickly go through the inbox and delete anything else that I knew would never be actioned.

To be honest that’s been the hardest part. I feel genuine anxiety about deleting emails.

FOMO (fear of missing out) is a real problem for many people with email issues. So many emails are ‘offers’. What if that amazing offer never comes up again? Believe me, a quick trawl through my pre-deletion inbox, indicates they do… frequently. What’s more, these ‘offers’ are often time-sensitive and so we hang on to them ‘just in case’, then miss the deadline anyway and still don’t delete them.

I found it useful to cap my emails at 50 and I use an email system to filter school emails into a separate inbox, so I can see at a glance when ‘Dress like a Roman’ day or ‘Bring an onion to school’ day (yes really) is coming up! Your system might have to be different. The trick is to invent one to suit your own personality and routine.

I feel more in control and organised now I’m on top of my inbox. Now to tackle the cupboard under the stairs!

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The Coding Conundrum

By Kevin Shen https://www.udemy.com/course/ learn-python-by-coding-games

How to get kids learning to code When my son Lee started secondary school this year, the subject he was most looking forward to studying was computer science.

He wants to learn to code and create his own programs. But a few weeks in and he was starting to lose enthusiasm.

The problem is that he hasn’t yet touched a computer, only partly because of COVID safety procedures. They learn about programming and how computers work, but it’s all on paper without a single line of code. I looked at his syllabus and frankly it’s not going to get much better for several months!

Computer science courses at school talk about computers much more than they talk about programming. Kids desperate to code become frustrated and switch off from the subject. Fewer children in the UK are now progressing to become computer programmers.

That’s unfortunate when it’s one of the most sought after skills in today’s workforce.

There is a shortage of specialist computer science teachers. Most computer programmers work in industry, where salaries are higher. So children are taught by non-specialists who mostly do not have a software engineering background.

Hence the syllabus becomes weighted to teaching general computing rather than coding.

How do we turn kids on to coding?

Most want to create the next top selling computer games, or a killer app for their phone. How do we harness that and create the next generation of coders?

Learning is currently going through big changes thanks to the pandemic. We can’t rely on having kids in a classroom with their teacher for the whole of a term at the moment because of various year groups or members of a bubble needing to self-isolate. But online learning opens up an almost infinite number of options for students. Web sites like Udemy or Coursera offer high-quality, welltaught courses in a vast range of topics.

For Lee I found a Udemy course, tailored to his age range that taught coding through designing and building games (I’ve included the web address below). It teaches Python, the same programming language that he’ll use at school, and indeed the one most schools use. All the lessons are video, so there’s no reading long documents. Coding starts as soon as the programming software (which is free!) is installed. He can go at his own pace, take lessons whenever he wants, and replay explanations as many times as he wants until he fully understands. Personal help is just a few clicks away. Send a message and an answer comes back in about a day or so from the actual tutor. It’s just like having a private computer science teacher at a fraction of the cost - less than the cost of a single tutor session in fact!

So how’s he doing?

The enthusiasm is back. He’s blasting through the lessons and loving it. At this rate he’ll finish the course this zterm which will take him to GCSE coding standard in just a few months.

After that the sky’s the limit.

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Wi-Fi Woes

By Mark O’Keefe

How to boost the wi-fi signal in your home’s weak spots Recently a friend of mine decided to convert his garage to a games room. The big screen TV was to be the main feature. We all gathered for the big turn on to experience Netflix in full ultra HD. But all we got was a blocky, stuttering, unwatchable excuse for entertainment.

It turned out that his wireless router (the bit that connects to his broadband) was plugged in at the opposite end of the house. The reception at this end of the house had always been poor, but the extra wall of the garage was just too much for the signal to push through. Result? No internet!

What to do? The router had to stay by the phone socket so moving that to the centre of the house wasn’t an option. Running a network cable (a permanent wire) from the router to the TV was a non-starter because it would involve a lot of work. This meant he had to work out a different way to boost the Wi-Fi signal in the garage.

of setting up to get this working as you have to log on to the repeater with a computer, but it’s not hard if you know what you’re doing.

There are YouTube tutorials which can help.

The second option is the simplest, and ultimately the one he settled on – a powerline adaptor.

This is a box that plugs into your router and then into a mains socket. It actually uses your house wiring to send your broadband signal around the house. All you need to do is buy a powerline Wi-Fi extender and plug it into the wall in the room where you need it most. It’s like you’re sitting right beside your Wi-Fi point.

After a quick visit to the shops, he plugged in both devices. The set-up was quick and easy (literally pressing two buttons) and he was up and running with full broadband speed. His teens could now get Youtube in the garden as an extra bonus because he put an extra extender in a socket on the wall next to the patio.

I’d had a similar problem in my home and had discovered Wi-Fi extenders and repeaters (different companies call them by different names, but they all do the same thing).

There were two options: A Wi-Fi repeater is basically a second router. You put it where you receive a good signal and it then creates a new Wi-Fi area that connects to your broadband. He could have sited that in the centre of the house and thus improved the signal in the garage. There would be a bit

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Conspiracy Theories

By Tom Hancock

Three of the best from 2020 Conspiracy theories have abounded since people sat around a campfire talking about where the sun went every night. 2020 has been a particularly fine year for conspiracy theories and if you’re looking for something to talk about over the New Year look no further than the craziest conspiracy theories of 2020.

The 5G theory It’s biologically impossible for viruses to spread using the electromagnetic spectrum. But that isn’t really the point — conspiracy theorists love to link two things which at a cursory glance may appear be correlated. However, correlation is not causation. The rapid rollout of 5G networks was taking place at the same time as the pandemic hit. Cue conspiracists, mainly anti-vaccine activists spreading fears about electromagnetic radiation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that viruses cannot travel on mobile networks, and that COVID-19 spread rapidly in many countries that do not have 5G networks.

This didn’t stop certain celebrities from spreading misinformation among their followers, culminating in mobile phone towers being vandalised.

The Bill Gates theory Mr. Gates, who became a target of disinformation after he criticized the

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defunding of the World Health Organization.

Conspiracy theorists dragged out a 2015 Ted talk given by Gates, where he discussed the Ebola outbreak and warned of the probability of a future pandemic, and claimed he must have had advance knowledge of the COVID pandemic or even that he caused it. one variation of this theory, particularly beloved by anti-vaccination activists, is that Gates is plotting to initiate a programme to vaccinate the world’s population and use this to implant digital microchips that will somehow track and control people. As vaccinating much of the world’s population may well be the only way to end this pandemic there is clearly a kernel of truth, but once again correlation is not causation.

The Chinese laboratory theory This one at least has the benefit of being plausible. The original epicentre of the epidemic, the Chinese city of Wuhan, also hosts a virology institute where researchers have been studying bat coronaviruses for a long time. One of the researchers, Shi Zhengli, a prominent virologist, was sufficiently concerned about the prospect that she spent days combing through lab records to see if anything had gone wrong. She was relieved when genetic sequencing showed that the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus did not match any of the viruses sampled and studied in the Wuhan Institute of Virology by her team.

But the coincidence of China’s lead institute studying bat coronaviruses being in the same city as the origin of the COVID outbreak proved irresistible to conspiracists and the theory has tipped into the mainstream, being reported in the Times. and many other outlets.

Conspiracy theories can take hold quickly. It’s important that we don’t just pass them on unthinkingly but investigate the facts for ourselves and speak out to combat misinformation, and not just about COVID.

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mind Matters

Loneliness in Lockdown

Starting at the beginning of 2019 I wrote about loneliness, how we can feel alone in a crowded room; a gnawing, nagging, dragging feeling that nobody notices you or cares – this was back in a time when I couldn’t have imagined a different type of loneliness and I must confess I am not really sure how to write this knowing you will be reading this in a couple of months – it might all be over (is that wishful thinking?) We might still be in lockdown, somewhere in between or even vaccinated – as I write this there is great news about a potential vaccine…

However, writing this in November 2020, during the second lockdown, I am considering a different kind of loneliness. A loneliness that has been inflicted upon us due to COVID restrictions. As I said in 2019, there is no doubt that loneliness and mental health are linked and the more we are restricted during these times the more we might feel desperate and withdrawn. Then add to this the anxieties and fears we might feel if/when we do venture out. Perhaps the “hands, face, space” motto somehow doesn’t feel enough to protect you.

Loneliness in Lockdown is impacting our physical health as well, with less access to gyms, play grounds, sports centres and the like.

We are again restricted with what we can do physically, we are limited to whatever exercises we can do at home, jogging or walking the dog, but even this is alone, with immediate family - or with one other person from outside our household and socially distanced of course!

if they (or we) are in a care home or hospital and the irony is that this is the time when we most need a hug, to be reassured and shown love.

I am sure you already know all this and perhaps you’re wondering where I am going with it. Well, maybe it is enough to know that although we are not all in the same boat, we are all weathering the same storm.

I remember a good few years ago I telephoned a friend (in the days before video calling), she told me she was watching a funny programme on TV, we both had coffees (or it might have been a glass of wine) so I switched the TV on and we watched the same programme while on the phone. We laughed together, commented on the programme together and generally chatted. I am reminded of this now as I think about how we can feel less alone.

I am not usually an advocate of technology, but I think it is coming into its own now. Reach out, use it, video call friends and family, put the screen up in the kitchen while you cook dinner, or have a remote coffee with a neighbour or friend and don’t forget your older friends and families who perhaps don’t have that technology – telephone them (you could even watch telly together!).

And please remember that others are feeling like you are, trapped, scared, anxious about the future and generally pretty hopeless and lonely – but, if we all pull together, we can, and will, get through this, perhaps stronger and even more prepared than ever before.

So, I wish you all a Happy New Year – Here’s hoping 2021 brings something more positive and some good news for all of us and especially for you. There is no doubt we deserve it.

Maxine Hoskins MA, MBACP (Accred.)

Psychodynamic Counsellor. Tel: 07826 325835

(Hands up all of you who have gained a few pounds from all those cakes you’ve baked and runs you haven’t been on!)

We have been limited and, in some cases, stopped in our tracks and as winter sets in and with the darker evenings, it is difficult to remember a time when we could meet up with others and relax.

We are lacking an intimacy with friends and extended family; we cannot hug or kiss them and in some cases we cannot even meet them

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Discovering Bath If you’re still not sold on travelling abroad this winter, choose to holiday closer to home with a city break in Bath, one of the UK’s national treasures.

After the year we’ve had, understandably many of us aren’t keen on travelling outside of the UK this winter – but that doesn’t mean you can’t book a holiday closer to home. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath is a great option for a UK-based city break, where luxurious spas, historical tales and awe-inspiring architecture are all part of the experience. Here’s what not to miss while you’re there.

The largest city in Somerset, Bath is easily accessible by rail or road for anyone living in England and Wales. But, if you did want to fly, Bristol Airport is only 20 miles away.

Tempted? Here’s what not to miss while you’re there:

Warm up in a thermal spa Bath is best known for housing one of the world’s bestpreserved Roman bathhouses, a piece of history so important

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that it gave the city its name.

Naturally heated to around 46°C, the water comes from the city’s hot springs which are packed with over forty different healing minerals.

After being discovered by Prince Bladud around 863 BC, these natural spring waters became a constant theme throughout the city’s history.

You can learn more about her time in Bath at the Jane Austen Centre, where guides in period costumes and a Regency tearoom really help bring her stories to life.

The original Roman baths are no longer safe for swimming, but you can still book a tour around the temple and bathing complex. If you do fancy a dip, the Thermae Bath Spa is right next door and uses the same mineral-rich water, treated to make it safe for public use. There’s no better place to warm up this winter; indulge in a treatment or two before bathing in the rooftop pool, drinking in the views of the surrounding cityscape.

After taking a liking to Bath during the eighteenth century, the Georgians built much of the city you’ll see today. They used the famous Bath limestone to construct elaborate buildings, including Circus, the Assembly Rooms and the Pump Rooms.

The Royal Crescent is an absolute must-see: this beautiful, curved row of thirty Georgian terraces is probably Bath’s most impressive piece of architecture.

Walk in Jane Austen’s shoes For any Jane Austen fan, Bath will conjure up images of the style and sophistication of the 1800s. Not only did the author live here for five years, but she also used the city as a setting for two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

Take an architectural tour Walking through Bath will take you on a journey through centuries of architectural art.

Visit some museums Bath is a treasure chest of museums and galleries; you’d need a week to visit them all!

Two of the most famous are The Fashion Museum, home to over 100,000 items of clothing and footwear, and The Museum of Bath Architecture, the best place to learn about the city’s distinctive Georgian structures.

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BRILLIANT FOR LOCKDOWN!

Makes 4 Ready in 20 mins INGREDIENTS • 500ml non-dairy milk (see Tip) • 2 tbsp cornflour • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 2-3 tbsp maple or agave syrup • Few drops vegan yellow food colouring • 100g vegan granola • 1 large banana, peeled and sliced • Mint sprigs, to decorate TIP Almond, oat, coconut or soy milk will all work well in this recipe.

These delicious dairy-free sweet pots are perfect for an energy-boosting breakfast or a simple dessert.

1. Mix 6 tbsp of the non-dairy milk with the cornflour and vanilla extract in a jug to make a smooth paste.

Gradually stir in the rest of the milk.

2. Pour the milk mixture into a medium saucepan and slowly bring to the boil over a medium heat, stirring all the time. The mixture will gradually thicken but keep stirring to prevent any lumps forming. Continue cooking over a low heat for 2-3 minutes until you have a smooth thick sauce. Stir in the maple or agave syrup and a few drops of food colouring to give a custard-yellow colour.

3. Divide half the granola and nearly all the banana slices between four small heatproof serving dishes. Spoon over the custard and top with the rest of the granola and banana. Decorate each pot with a sprig of mint and serve warm or cold.

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Handy Numbers Emergency Community Responders 0800 587 0207 Police/Emergency Dial 999 101 Thames Valley Police (non urgent) British Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Thames Water Emergency 0845 9200 888 Southern Electric Emergency 0845 770 8090 Royal Berks Ambulance NHS 0118 9365500 Royal Berks Fire & Rescue 0118 945 2888 Post Offices Cold Ash (last posting 4.20pm) Hermitage (last posting 4.30pm) Tesco, Northfield Road The Co-op, 54 The Broadway Yattendon (last posting 4.00pm)

01635 862440 01637 200276 01635 873251 01635 863223 01635 201236

Schools Brockhurst & Marlston 01635 200293 Downe House School 01635 200286 Elstree School 0118 971 3302 Francis Baily 01635 862188 Kennet 01635 862121 Parsons Down Infant & Nursery 01635 862475 Parsons Down Junior 01635 866700 Spurcroft Primary 01635 871541 St Finians Cold Ash 01635 865925 St Marks Cold Ash 01635 862600 Thatcham Park C of E 01635 870950 Trinity 01635 41373 Whitelands Park Primary 01635 862517 Yattendon Primary School 01635 201397 Chemists Boots, Thatcham Medical Practice Lloyds Pharmacy, Burdwood Ctre Lloyds Pharmacy, Crown Mead Lloyds Pharmacy, Kingsland Ctre

01635 864423 01635 868538 01635 863334 01635 869244

Supermarkets Tesco, Northfield Rd The Co-op (24 hrs) at Texaco The Co-op Broadway The Co-op Burdwood Centre The Co-op Dunston Park Waitrose, The Broadway Yattendon Stores

0845 0269402 01635 588300 01635 865052 01635 869701 01635 865011 01635 868113 01635 201236

Hospitals West Berkshire Community Hospital (Minor Injuries Only) Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading

Library Mon: 9.30-5.00 Tues: 9.30-7.00 Wed: NOT OPEN 0118 3225111 Thurs: 9.30-5.00 Fri: 9.30-7.00 Sat: 9.30-12.30

Medical Practitioners Thatcham Medical Practice, Bath Rd Burdwood Surgery Emergency Only Out of Hours Doctor Carers Advice Service

Citizens Advice Bureau 01635 867171 West Berks CAB, at Thatcham Health Centre Helpline for Carers 01635 868006 Client Advice Line 01635 866169 111 Travel 01635 516609 Rail Enquiries Newbury Buses

01635 866049

01635 273300

Helping Services A.A. 0845 7697555 Cruse Bereavement Care 01635 523573 Newbury & District Cancer 01635 31542 Care Trust Childline 0800 1111 PALS 0118 932 3799 Royal British Legion 01635 867621 RSPCA 08705 555999 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Citizens Advice 0300 222 5941 citizensadvicewestberkshire.org.uk

Other Important Numbers B.T. Fault Line Fly Tipping, to report KATS Thatcham Connections Thatcham Photographic Club Vet: O’Gormon Slater Main DVLA Swansea In event of Power Cut

01635 516605 01635 864245 0844 4779980 08457 484950 01635 567500 0800 800 151 01635 519080 01635 869893 0118 9886070 01635 865516 01635 868382 0300 7906801 105

Recycling West Berks Council 01635 519080 Newtown Rd, Greenham RG20 9AG Padworth RG7 4JF 01635 519080

Term Dates 2020 - 2021 • Term 1 – Wednesday 2nd September 2020 – Thursday 22nd October 2020 • Term 2 – Monday 2nd November 2020 – Friday 18th December 2020 • Term 3 – Tuesday 5th January 2021 – Friday 12th February 2021 • Term 4 – Monday 22nd February 2021 – Wednesday 31st March 2021 • Term 5 – Monday 19th April 2021 – Friday 28th May 2021 • Term 6 – Monday 7th June 2021 – Tuesday 20th July 2021 These term dates provide a guide. Sometimes a school may adjust the dates slightly due to specific circumstances, and we recommend that you check with the school if a specific date is key to your plans, e.g. before making a holiday booking.

Disclaimer: whilst every effort has been taken in the preparation of these listings, Thatcham Connections accepts no liability for any inaccuracies, misprints or omissions.

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Puzzle Page Puzzle Page

Wordwheel

See page 62 for Answers

TOFYSR You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6-letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 11 4 letters: 8 5 letters: 5 6 letters: 1

Sudoku Easy

Each word to be three letters or more (but no plurals), and all must contain the central letter. There’s at least one word which uses all of the letters.

Target: Excellent: 28 or more words Good: 22 words Fair: 17 words

B K

D A

T A

C

E

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word moving from top to bottom.

COAL

ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

Sudoku Hard

MINE

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Drains

Heslops

36

Aerials - TV

S.F. Digital

7

Art Classes

Creative Art Classes

63

Health

Drain & Able

8

Electrician

Advantiv Home Electrics TWK Electrical

15 7 12

Dan O’Brien Jacqueline Todd

30 31

Blinds

Smart Blinds

11

Building Society Newbury Building Society

37

Car Maintenance

Halfway Garage Pegasus

17 38

Cats

Cosy Cottage Cattery Newbury Cats Protection

50 51

Andrew Egan Associates

23

Equity Release

Hopwood Ash

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Fitness

Work out with Lorraine

27

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Footcare

Diana Wortlehock

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Funeral Directors

Turner Brothers

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Garage Doors

Charity

Newbury Cancer Care

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Garolla Roller Garage Doors

31 31

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Children - Including Babies

Childcare - Mandy GR Swimming School Chimney Sweep

PDD Services

14

Conservatories

Amberwood

2

Curtains & Soft Furnishings

Indigo Designs

9

Dancing

Allenova School of Dancing

30

8 39 38 42 44 43 39

Glazier

Homedene

25

Guttering

CD Guttering

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5

Dogs

Allison’s Dog Grooming Amy Laker Berkshire Dogs Trust Harts Pro Hounds

50 51 51 48/49

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Woodgrain Cap Security Jane Goldie

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Hopwood Ash

14 22

Control Services Limited

Koo’s Hair Designs Tracey Blick Tracy Fearon

26 30 10

Two-minute Trial:

Pictograms

Wordladder

Words: FOR FRO FRY OFT ORT ROT SOY STY TOR

1. Read Between The Lines 2. Have A Nice Day 3. No Laughing Matter

(other solutions may exist):

Word Wheel BACKDATE

62

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Picture Framer

Berkshire Framing Co Picture It

19 17

Plasterer

Mr H

17

Plumber

AJ Bosley Paul Worsley Henwick Properties

63 13 23

Roofer

S.Norman Roofing

12

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Gardner Leader

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The Barn Store

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COAL coat moat most mist mint MINE

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Wealth Management

Rebecca Kingwell

Hairdresser

General knowledge

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Vet

Peter Kirkham Martin Newman

Across: 1 Trachea, 5 Tyson, 8 Raconteur, 9 Bus, 10 Manse, 12 Iron Age, 13 Soul-searching, 15 Alarmed, 17 Agent, 19 MiG, 20 Treasurer, 22 Neath, 23 Minutia.

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Mortgage

35

Window Cleaner

Andy Jones P.D.D.

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Maths Teacher

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All Plumbing & Heating • Work Undertaken Boiler Installations • Heating System • Power Flushing Complete Bathroom • Installations 24 Hour Call Out • All Work is Guaranteed • Telephone:

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Learn to Draw & Paint 10 Week Art Courses We offer comprehensive, daytime, adult Art Courses in Newbury in a warm, friendly and nurturing environment. Many students come to learn but also to meet new people and have a bit of 'me' time.

We cater for total beginners teaching you the fundamentals and unlocking the secrets of art.

We also teach improvers looking to brush up on their skills and take their art to the next level.

Mediums taught include pencil, charcoal, acrylics, watercolours and many more. Our experienced tutor and class technician will look after your needs every lesson.

Workshops We also offer daytime workshops throughout the year. These include floral watercolours, charcoal, life drawing, oil painting, portraiture and many more.

Call or Email us for a chat to see what's coming up Call Carrie on 07780 714656 Or email studio@creativeartclasses.co.uk www.creativeartclasses.co.uk

Ursula Aitken, Stable 5, Gravelly Bridge Farmhouse, Grazeley, Reading RG7 1LG Tel: 0118 9886070 email: active@thatchamconnections.co.uk www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

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