Thatcham Connections February/March 2020

Issue 74 February - March 2020

Gardening Matters Grow Your Own

love Matters

The Loves of your Lives

mind Matters Addiction

Money Matters

Stepping Stone Investing

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3

‘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 Tel: 0118 988 6070 ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk www.thatcamconnections.co.uk

Welcome!

Dear Readers, I do hope you are going to enjoy our newest issue -both the advertisements and editorial content.

I also hope you have had a great Christmas and New Year. On a personal note, if I may, we lost a very dear member of our family to cancer - just a week before Christmas. Perhaps you may think I am fickle, but for me this Christmas included sharing this sadness with the joy which Christmas always brings. We also celebrated the arrival of our latest family member, ‘Charlie,’ our springer spaniel puppy.

I am besotted! I am not so sure that Riley, our twelve year old springer felt the same, however, for about three months! Much to my relief, though, we are now beginning to see that Riley is more relaxed with his new brother. The spirit in the canine camp must be infectious!

You will have seen our robin on the front cover. As a family - and like many of you, I am sure - we welcome the presence of these dearly loved birds. This leads me to our Love Matters on page 38.

Following a week of several shocking events – including an Iranian plane crash and the extensive Australia bushfires - it makes one concentrate on the things that really matter and top of the list has to be love.

The weather, the weather... see page 44 to see that daylight saving is now within reach. Joy! Perfect joy!

We are urgently looking for someone to help us to deliver Thatcham Connections in Cold Ash. Please see page 53 if this might interest you - or indeed if you know someone who might enjoy doing this.

I will end here with what Flashman might say: ‘Courage to all - and don’t forget to keep shuffling the cards!”

Ursula Aitken

CONTENTS What is Reiki 9 The Geek shall inherit the Earth 15 Funeral Costs 17 Childrens’ Challenge 32 Neighbourhood Watch 36 Church Matters 37 Love Matters The Loves of your Lives 38 Beauty Booster 40 Beware of the Ides of March 42 Money Matters Stepping Stone Investing 46 Gardening Matters Grow your own 48 Church times 36/37 Book Review - Reading 54 Geological Society 55 Prepare your Home For Winter 56 Cosy up your Home 58 Mind Matters - Addiction 60 Puzzle pages 62/63 Where Can we Go? 64/65 Valentine’s Day 66 Handy Numbers 68 Clubs & Organisations 69 Index 70

Love and best wishes

January 2020

4

NEXT ISSUE - COVERING April and May 2020 Copy deadline: Friday 20 mention MarchThatcham 2020.Connections Please book space in advance.

Please when responding to advertisements

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Making Child Arrangements Following Separation Are you having difficulties making arrangements for your children following separation?

It can be challenging to reach agreement following relationship breakdown and sometimes disputes can arise about where your child will live and how much time they will spend with the other parent.

This can cause a great deal of stress and uncertainty for both parents and their children.

One option is to try reach an agreement informally with the other parent if you feel confident in doing so. The following points can be helpful to begin an initial conversation: • What are your thoughts on shared care? Would this be appropriate for the children? Some parents have found alternating weeks works well whilst other parents prefer to divide the week to avoid long periods of time without seeing their children.

• Alternatively, would it be more appropriate for the children to live with one parent and spend time with the other, for example, at the weekend, after school or during school holidays?

• How do you envisage holiday arrangements will work? You will need to give thought to half

terms, Easter, summer holidays and Christmas holidays. Does childcare need to be arranged over school holidays?

• Who will be responsible for handover? Will this alternate between the parents?

• Where will handover take place? Some parents prefer a neutral location whilst other parents are content for handover to take place at home.

• How old are the children and have they voiced their wishes and feelings?

• It can be difficult to reach a practical and workable arrangement and therefore some parents have found attending mediation or agreeing arrangements through solicitors has helped finalise matters.

you may consider that you need further advice on what options are available from the court. A Child Arrangements Order is a binding legal document which specifies who the children will live with and who they will spend time with, including holidays.

You may find it helpful to explore this option with a solicitor should the above alternatives be unsuccessful.

For a limited period of time, our family team are offering free 30 minute initial consultations to discuss issues affecting your family including Child Arrangements.

Author’s Details: Stephanie Minte, Solicitor – Family T: 01635 508196 E: s.minte@gardner-leader.co.uk

In the event that one parent is not engaging with discussions or is not willing to compromise,

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What is Reiki?

By Louise Addison

Reiki is a form of complementary therapy commonly referred to as energy healing.

It has been around for thousands of years but it’s current form was first developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist called Mikao Usui. It is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to their patient.

Some controversy surrounds Reiki, because it is hard to prove its effectiveness through scientific means. But many people believe it works.

The word ‘Reiki’ means ‘mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.’ It comes from the Japanese words ‘rei’ (universal) and ‘ki’ (life energy).

The idea of Reiki is that is channels energy from the practitioner to target and work on the energy channels of the patient. According to practitioners, energy can stagnate in the body where there has been physical injury or emotional pain. If not released these these energy blocks can cause illness. By improving the flow of energy around the body, practitioners say they can enable relaxation, reduce pain, and speed healing.

Reiki is held in a peaceful setting. The patient will remain fully clothed, and sit in a comfortable chair, or lie on a table. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or over specific areas of the head, limbs, and torso using different hand shapes, for between 2 and 5 minutes. The hands can be placed over 20 different areas of the body. If there is an active injury, the hands may be held just above the wound.

The transfer of energy takes place while the hands are held over the patient. During this time, the practitioner’s hands may be warm

and tingling. Each hand position is held until the practitioner senses that the energy has stopped flowing. When the practitioner feels that the heat, or energy, in their hands has abated, they will remove their hands and place them over a different area of the body.

Sessions can last 15-90 minutes. The number of sessions will vary, depending on what a client wishes to accomplish.

According to practitioners, the healing effects are mediated by channelling the universal energy known as qi, pronounced ‘chi.’ It is the life force energy that some people believe surrounds all of us. Reiki experts say that while this energy is not measurable by modern scientific techniques, it can be felt by those who can tune in to it.

Reiki is said to induce deep relaxation, help people cope with difficulties, relieve emotional stress, and improve overall wellbeing. People who love Reiki describe it as ‘intensely relaxing.’

Reiki is used to help treat many conditions including: cancer, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

Patients report feeling better after a session.

Research from Cancer Research U.K. says that one reason could be that the therapist spends time with them and touches them. This is soothing for patients who may be overwhelmed by invasive therapy, fear, and stress.

Individuals report different experiences.

Some say that the practitioner’s hands become hot, others report cooling hands and some people feel pulsating waves. The most common reports are of a release.

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

9

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 10

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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

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11

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13

Leek, aubergine and tomato gratins Simpler to make than a vegetarian lasagne, but just as tasty. Serve with crusty bread and green salad for a family supper.

Ready in: 55 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients

1 large aubergine, trimmed and thinly sliced 3 tbsp olive oil

1 large leek, trimmed and halved widthways then cut into strips

1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed

600g bottle passata (sieved tomatoes) 2 tbsp tomato puree 2 tsp dried oregano Pinch of sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 200g ricotta cheese

TIP

150g mozzarella cheese, sliced

14

Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas mark 7. Brush the aubergine slices with 2 tbsp of the oil. Heat a large cast-iron griddle pan and cook the slices (in batches) for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly charred and just tender. Set aside.

Blanch the leeks in a large pan of lightly salted water for 1 minute then refresh under cold water. Drain well and pat dry with kitchen paper.

Heat the rest of the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and fry for 5 minutes then add the garlic and fry for a further 1-2 minutes. Add the passata, tomato puree, oregano and sugar and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until reduced and thickened, stirring frequently. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Spread some of the sauce in the base of four shallow individual gratin dishes. Cover with half the aubergine and leek then spread more tomato sauce on top. Crumble over the ricotta cheese. Cover with the rest of the aubergine and remaining sauce. Top with the mozzarella and the remaining leeks. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Top with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan (or vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese) mixed with brown breadcrumbs before baking to give a lovely golden crispy crust to the finished dishes.

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The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth!

By Robert Grant

Get started in coding for a brighter future.

Technology runs the world. Almost everything we touch these days has a computer inside.

From the obvious things like our laptops and smartphones all the way down to our televisions, cars, fridges, and even toasters.

Many of these are now also connected to the Internet and large software systems collect and analyse our information 24 hours a day.

As our demand for technology increases every year society is in desperate need of more people who can build and program these devices and software. Our school system has finally caught on to this idea and started to bring computer science into the classroom but there is a nationwide shortage of specialist teachers.

But outside of schools there is a fantastic ecosystem of passionate companies and individuals who want to develop the next generation of software and electronics developers. You just need to know where to look and where to start.

The biggest hurdle in exciting your child about technology is to capture their imagination.

Almost every kid plays computer games, so these are one of the best places to start.

Learning how to code computer programs can be tedious, especially using the traditional textbook teaching methods. But put the coding exercises into a gaming environment and suddenly the subject comes to life.

Programming your own spaceship to move around the screen and fire bullets opens up a whole world of gaming possibilities.

But where do you start?

Technology again comes to our rescue, this time in the form of YouTube, probably the best home learning tool there is. You’ll find a whole range of tutorials and exercises all based around learning to code by writing your own games programs. But the sheer amount and variety of these videos can be overwhelming. Which one will work for your child? Is the tutorial at the right level?

What happens if your child gets stuck?

To cut through the confusion I’ve been developing games programming courses for 10’s and over to take them from absolutely zero experience through to A-level programming standards and beyond. I’ve been through the process with my own 10-year-old. I’ve seen his frustration when things are hard to set up, don’t work first time or simply left him stranded with no idea what to do. My course uses software that installs in under a minute and lets you get your first game up and running in less than half an hour, all using “proper typed in code” as my son calls it. From there they can take one of the full programming courses and learn all the software techniques needed to write your own programs. Everything, including all the software is absolutely free.

So why not have a look at bytesnbits. co.uk and get your child on the road to becoming the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

15

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payments generally take about a month to arrive after a death, but they can take longer if the death needs investigation.

Funeral costs: does it pay to plan ahead?

According to the Money Advice Service (moneyadviceservice. org.uk) the average price of a funeral, even without optional items such as flowers and catering, is around £4,300.

That’s not exactly small change for most people, and if you don’t make some kind of financial provision for your funeral, your children or close relatives may have to foot the bill. If you don’t believe there will be enough money in your estate to pay for a funeral when you die, and your relatives can’t afford to chip in, there are several options open to you.

Sign up to a prepaid funeral plan With a prepaid plan, you will choose the type of funeral you want (so long as it’s in the UK) then pay the funeral director or plan provider either in a lump sum, or in weekly instalments.

The costs will be frozen at today’s prices from the moment the plan takes effect, which means the costs won’t be

subject to inflation, but you should be aware that your plan may not provide everything you want.

Over 50s plans Although this is a form of insurance, there’s no requirement for medical underwriting. That means if you are in poor health at the time of drawing up the plan it won’t affect the pay-out, provided you survive beyond the first two years of the plan’s start date. On the down side, once you’ve paid the money in, you won’t get it back and you risk losing the whole investment if you don’t keep up to date with payments.

Life Insurance According to the consumer association Which?, life insurance could potentially pay out 40% more than an Over 50s plan. However the lump sum provided by life insurance can take several weeks to come through. The Association of British Insurers says that

Government-funded funeral payments If the person responsible for arranging your funeral is receiving certain benefits, they can apply to the government for a Funeral Expenses Payment. The money offered will cover things such as cremation fees or the cost of a particular burial plot, death certificates and other documents, but it is unlikely to cover the full cost of a funeral.

Save up with a bank account You can always set up a separate bank account to pay for your funeral, paying in gradually to build up the amount you need, although there’s a risk that you might die before you accumulate your target sum. At your death, the money you’ve saved will be considered part of your estate, which means it won’t be released immediately to pay for your funeral costs.

If you’ve been concerned about how you will pay for your funeral, the five options listed above should provide some comfort. Fortunately there’s lots more advice available from organisations such as the Money Advice Service and Citizens Advice.

Finally, it always helps to discuss your plans with your family or close friends, as any arrangements made now could save them a lot of worry in future.

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

By Kate McLelland

17

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

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7

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 To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

19

Bring out your inner artist Beginners to Intermediates

new Art Class STARTS SOON!

Beginners to Intermediates

• Absolute Beginners to Improvers - Just Like You • 14 week course • Three hours once a week, mornings or afternoons • Step-by-step guidance • Suitable for beginners , refresher and advanced • Meet New Friends, Learn New Skills • Develop your skills and create your own original art to enjoy forever

tzIeLS tRe DPEläTA z n e O r F g , e W zCeA– LLBNO hurch Hall r ü K n • i n S arys C – BegSiPnACE

h•daLsI!MITED c i s e i S N önnenS SOO

3 3 9 0 1 8 6 5 012 G START

20

St M ry Newbu

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Painting & Decorating Martin Newman INTERIOR

EXTERIOR

• Surface preparation • Plaster and wood repairs • Design and colour advice • Garden fence, furniture and shed treatments ALL WORK GUARANTEED

For a free quotation ring: 07970 897317 Email:Tomartinnewman1956@btinternet.com advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 21

Mr

H

Plastering

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

PEGASUS

MOTOR CARE

SERVICE@PEGASUSMOTORCARE.COM

SERVICING / REPAIRS We offer a collect and deliver service

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

T. 0118 9713573

Call Brian on 0792 989 8069 0118 375 0755

More than 35 years combined main dealer experience Based in Beenham

briherbert@hotmail.co.uk

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.

22

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

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

07970 897317

e:martinnewman1956@btinternet.com

www.thematurehandyman.com To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

23

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

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

ONLY

£129

INCLUDING FREE MOT

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS....RECOVERY SERVICE

HALFWAY GARAGE

Unit 7 Pipers Court, Berkshire Drive, Thatcham

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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

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

27

Take Control of your Life today!

Bjorn specialises in empowering clients to improve their performance, using structured conversations and techniques that deliver positive change in many spheres of life, business, sports, and personal challenges, by understanding and dealing with procrastination, working towards fewer failures and mitigating the negative consequences of a busy lifestyle.

“Effective coaching is the science of understanding motivation and the magic of compressing time, when asked what impact coaching has had, our clients replies were:” “… my awareness was raised …I found inspiration …I was greatly motivated …I was given clear direction and confidence to act”

We operate in strict confidentiality, located inconspicuously in Thatcham, assuring client privacy. For an informal and friendly discussion - as to how best we can help you.

Please email: bjornh@levelheadcoaching.com or phone: 01635 861085 – and request a call back.

24-7

Bjorn Holmer

Concrete Pumping Services Ltd

We are a Thatcham based concrete pump HIRE company offering boom pumps, experienced operators - no job too big or too small.

• Our pump will pour concrete to the exact location. We can negotiate corners, gaps, hedges, walls, even steps or stairs!

• We come highly recommended • We are here to help you and will happily advise you as to where you can buy the concrete.

• Five hour hire • Fully insured £2,000,000 Public Liability

24-7 concrete pump

t: 07515 154722 e: concretepumping247@gmail.com To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

25

Chen Style

TAIJI (TAI CHI) FOR HEALTH AND RELAXATION

GETTING YOU OUT OF PAIN AND BACK TO DOING THINGS YOU LOVE Back and Neck Pain Minor Sports Injuries Headaches arising from the neck Back pain during pregnancy Arthritic hip and knee pain Custom made orthotic insoles

NOT SURE IF WE CAN HELP YOU? Book a 20 minute no obligation

FREE CHIRO CHAT

Newbury School of Chen Tai Chi Suitable for everyone Taiji (Tai Chi), strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated and encourages the mind.

It improves strength, balance, suppleness, wellbeing.

Low impact, enjoyable, exercises.

Classes in Newbury, Thatcham (new) and Hungerford

01635 299672

taijiforhealthwestberks@gmail.com

01635 791 301 / rosie@totalchiro.co.uk www.totalchiro.co.uk

Hey, desk workers!

Have you got pain that just won't go away?

Are back pain, hurting neck & shoulders, headaches and bad posture driving you 'nuts' at work?

Are you feeling like a failure of not achieving anything, fearing that your boss won't put you forward for the promotion you want?

Are you looking for fast, effective & gentle relief from muscle pain and discomfort?

Within few days you could be pain-free...

Don't waste time!

Find out more about how to get rid of your pain by texting 'RELIEF' with your name to:

07731 503 903

monika@mbholistic.co.uk www.mbholistic.co.uk

FR

ini EE ca tial ll

www.taichinewbury.co.uk

How Can a women’s HealtH PHysiotHeraPist HelP you?

Helping women with: 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Urinary incontinence Bladder urgency/overactive bladder Vaginal prolapse Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (including SPD) Antenatal and postnatal musculoskeletal pain Diastasis recti (separation of the tummy muscles) Post-mastectomy (shoulder and scar tissue rehabilitation) C-section scar tissue recovery Pelvic pain Coccyx pain Sacro-iliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction Painful intercourse New clinic based at: Total Health West Berkshire Boutique Health Clinic, Lower Barn, Lower Henwick Farm, Turnpike Rd, Thatcham, RG18 3AP For appointments call: 01635 791301

contact@totalwomenshealthphysiotherapy.co.uk www.totalwomenshealthphysiotherapy.co.uk

26

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

27

HARMONY C O U N S E L L O R David is a trained and qualified counsellor who assists clients in managing the emotional consequences of life events and the difficulties that arise from them. David has extensive experience in counselling victims of abuse and brings the deep understanding and empathy required in these situations to his counselling work in general.

He operates in strict confidentiality and is located inconspicuously in Thatcham assuring clients privacy and anonymity.

Please email david@david-barragan.com for an assessment of your needs.

Or phone 07413 216565

w w w. d a v i d - b a r r a g a n . c o m

Are you feeling unwell, below par, under the weather?

Come along for a treatment to pick yourself up. Choose from the following or phone for advice:

• KINESIOLOGY • REFLEXOLOGY • REIKI • EAR CANDLING

Helen Peedell MAR Complementary Therapist

Mobile: 07833 182353 Email: helenjpeedell@btinternet.com

Pandora’s Box

E M P O R I U M Retro, Antique,Vintage, Unique Delights and Marketplace

• Loads of traders all under one roof • Great selection of items Call us on: 01635 226430 or 07585 916553 or email: PandorasBoxEmporium@outlook.com

Unit 2, Plot Q, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 2AD Open 7 days a week

w w w. P a n d o r a s B o x E m p o r i u m . c o . u k 28

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

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…….

GROUP SESSIONS....

PILATES, ZUMBA, HIIT

NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE

ONE TO ONE PERSONAL TRAINING IN PRIVATELY OWNED GYM

For more information on pricing and classes contact Lorraine on 07711 182137 or email lorrainevickers@hotmail.co.uk www.lorrainesfitness.co.uk Based in Woolhampton To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

29

Diana Wortelhock (MCFHP MAFHP)

Home Visiting Practice (Newbury and Thatcham area)

• Toenail cutting and filing: Thickened toe nails Corns/Callus/hard skin removal • Cracked heels • Verrucae • Fungal nails • Diabetic feet

Tai chi and Qigong classes

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

Mobile: 07901 825633

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

Co-ordination Concentration

Balance Vitality

For all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

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.

Curtains, blinds, pelmets and alterations. Fabric choices and advice available

Contact:

Judy Connolly

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

07747 634556 www.indigodesign.co.uk

P.C. DECORATING Paul Coulson

Mobile hairdresser offers expert Hair Care •

Tel: 07771 610230 or 01635 201835 Local Painter and Decorator with 8 years Experience

• •

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

All types of decorating undertaken including plastering & wallpapering Call now to arrange a FREE

No Obligation Quotation Ladies and Gents Hairdressing • No job Too Small

(for all ages)

• Help you manage your hair better!

Family discounts

• Make beautiful hair more beautiful!

ROGER FIS FISHER HER

• Make difficult hair less difficult!

Carpenter/Joiner • Work with you in understanding your hair and styling requirements.

Kitchen Fitter/

Tiling • Be friendly, respectful ofGlaze your home, flexible, discreet and reliable.

House Maintenance

Painting/Decorating

I work with children also - I am the mother of a young child

30 Years Experience Tel: 01635 201047 Mobile 0790 8930682

Colour Cutting & Permin & Styli g ng Specialis E x p ert t

Koo’s Hair Designs

mob: 07876 588721

Based Dunston Park Thatcham 30

I have 20 years experience I was trained in London - with Tigi and Toni and Guy

Newbury Cats Protection

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

We have many cats seeking loving homes especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

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 To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

31

32

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

See page 70 for Answers

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

Tracey

Mobile Hairdresser 07770 823283

NEWBURY, HUNGERFORD & HENLEY

T: 01635 860959

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

E: newbury.henley@monkeymusic.co.uk

Discounts available for double and group adult bookings.

traceyblick@outlook.com

The Allenova School of Dancing

Ballet Jazz Modern Drama Tap Baby Ballet Street Dance Bulgarian International Dance (Polish, Russian, Romaniann etc) Classes from age 2

NEW CLASSES INCLUDE: Mum & Toddler Little Cygnet Music and Dance Adult Hip Hop Beginner Ballet Pilates and more‌

t!

Free trial lesson with this adver

Elite dancewear shop on site!

Principal – Miss Tanya Allen LRAD, ARAD, FISTD, PGCA

Examiner of The Royal Academy of Dance & Adjudicator for The British Federation & All England Dance

www.allenova.co.uk 01635 201701 allenovadance@aol.com To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

33

Thatcham's very own Theatre School!

DANCE - SINGING - DRAMA

Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday!

Moorside Centre, Thatcham Creative Performance Training in dance, drama and singing for children of all ages. Learn to dance, sing and act in energetic classes designed to deliver a comprehensive training from tots to teens with lots of exciting performance opportunities too!

W

NE

W

NE

Tues & Thurs: Ballet, Tap, Jazz & Commercial Classes After School Dance classes for 3-18 yr olds, exploring and developing technique in specific dance genres. *Multiple Class & Sibling Discounts available

MINI THEATRE SCHOOL (3-5 yrs - Sat: 9:30-10:30am) SATURDAY THEATRE SCHOOL (6-16+ Sat 10:30-1:30pm) RTS pupils perform annually at Arlington Arts and in the West End at Her Majesty's Theatre - with optional professional agency representation!

Book a FREE trial online for our new after school dance classes, Saturday Theatre School and Holiday Courses

www.readtheatreschool.co.uk

34

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

TERM & HOLIDAY COURSES

Coming soon baby & toddler classes Rookie Lifeguard Course - Mondays 7.30pm BOOKING NOW for classes in Compton, Thatcham & Pangbourne Max of 6 children per class 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

Are you looking for a GCSE/A Level Maths Tutor? ✔ 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. ✔ I primarily tutor from home, though I am able to travel to you in some instances.

Easter GCSE Maths Revision courses available

✔ Reserve a place now, to commence June or September 2020. ✔ I am Thatcham based.

Jane Goldie E: janegoldie@me.com T: 07545 089982 To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

35

Neighbourhood Watch

Thames Valley Police no longer accept bikes that have been found by a member of the public or take reports of lost bikes.

A lost bike needs to be reported with all details and serial numbers online to www. bikeregister.com. It is important for all bike owners to register theirs on this website.

TVP have access to search this site so they can check if a stolen bike has been found providing the owner knows the serial number.

The finder of a bike can go to this website to check if the bike has been reported stolen and if it has it needs to be reported to the Police. If the found bike has not been recorded on bike register as lost or stolen, the finder needs to make reasonable attempts to locate the true owner via social media pages such as Lost and Found in our area.

Best practice for finders of bikes would be to hold on to them for a period of 4 weeks to give owner chance to come forward but after this period the finder can decide how to dispose of the bike and would suggest giving to the Community Furniture Project.

If there is no Neighbourhood Watch scheme currently in your road, please consider setting one up.

A scheme can be anything from 6 houses/ apartments upwards or a whole road and the Co-ordinator will receive free signs,

36

stickers, literature and details of discounts available to all members in the scheme. Once a Co-ordinator is registered on the Police/ Neighbourhood Watch database they will receive emails giving information on crimes, scams etc to pass on to their neighbours and with email it is so easy now to forward on as most people have email accounts these days.

Please contact Angela Money BEM at ajmy5m7@gmail.com and she will be able to send you forms to complete to become a Co-ordinator in your road or give you a call to answer any queries that you may have.

Trading Standards within the Public Protection Partnership (PPP) are looking to both refresh and energise the existing No Cold Calling Zones (NCCZ) and promote new Zones. A small number of existing Zones are also Neighbourhood Watch areas; the two have much in common as NCCZ will reduce the incidence of cold calling which in itself can lead to criminal activity. If you would like to find out how to set up a scheme, please contact Clive Robinson, Trading Standards on 01635 503484 or email him at Clive.Robinson1@westberks.gov.uk.

Trading Standards would be able to provide promotional material, door stickers, street signs, etc and advise how best to take this forward.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Church Matters Anyone is welcome to attend our church services.

St. Mary’s Church

All Churches offer special services for the birth of a baby, and funerals, and most Churches are licensed for weddings too.

01635 862277

Thatcham Baptist Church Wheelers Green Way RG19 4YF

Church Gate RG19 3PN office@stmarysthatcham.org.uk Team Rector: Rev. Mark Bennet 01635 867342 Curate: Rev. Dr. Leonard Onugha 07415 042442

admin@thatchambaptist.org.uk

Sunday Services: Communion 8am & 10am, Baptisms 12.00 and 3pm (2nd & 4th Sun). Evensong 6.30pm (1st Sun).

Pastor: Rev. David Taylor, 07922 170503

Special services for festivals.

Children’s & Schools Worker: Mrs. Penny Judge

Holy Communion: Wed 9.45am

01635 867054

Services: Sun. 10.30am & 6.30pm.

Small Groups: most weekdays Foodbank: Mon & Thurs, 1.30pm Coffee Morning: Tues 10am Men’s Games Afternoon: Tues 12 noon Wednesday Worship: Wed 2pm (first in month) Crew Club (primary age children): Wed 5.30pm The Zone (secondary age): Wed 7.30pm TBC Toddlers: Thu 10am Men’s Breakfast: Sat 8am (first in month)

Thatcham Methodist Church Chapel Street RG18 4QL Minister: Rev Peter Bennett 01635 40014

ABC (parents with babies/ children): Wed 10.30am Enquiries about baptisms and weddings welcome Look out for musical and community events in the church

St. Barnabas Church (Church of England) Thatcham Park School, Park Avenue RG18 4NP www.stbarnabasthatcham.weebly.com Rev. Nicola Hulks 01635 864916 Rev. Brenda Harland 01635 86564

Services: Sun. 10.30am

Sunday Services: 10am

The Well drop-in for children, parents & carers: Wed 9.30am

Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

Holy Communion: 4th Wed 12.30pm

Glendale Church, Thatcham Green Lane RG19 3RG enquiries@thatchamfreechurch.org.uk Contact: Elizabeth 0118 971 4887 Services: Sun. 10.45am, Thu. 7.30pm

Thatcham Evangelical Church

7 Bath Road, Thatcham RG18 3AG 01635 864416 Weekend Masses: Saturday 6.15pm, Sunday 10am Weekdays usually at 9.30am The hall is usually available to hire, Tel 07717 457797

Parish Hall on A4

Thatcham United Reformed Church

01635 898164

Church Lane RG19 3JL

(park in Waitrose car park) Pastor: Rev. Hedley Clemo

01635 862288

pastor@thatchamevangelical.org.uk

Minister: Rev John Lee

www.thatchamevangelical.org.uk

minister@thatcham-urc.org.uk

Services: Sun. 11am & 6pm

Sunday Services: 10.30am

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

37

The Loves of Your Lives The poets tell us of new life and growth and the promise of fruitful earth emerging in green shoots, of hibernating animals waking from their winter sleep, of birds returning to a land of warmth and food. For many – and particularly for nature lovers, it is a very exciting time.

And in our human society we have in Valentine’s Day (see page 66) and Mothers’ Day, expressions of two key kinds of human love. In fact these are the deepest expressions of human love we know – the love of a parent 38

As Winter will soon be giving way to Spring - which is the season of love

for a child, and the love of a couple of adults committed to each other: at their best, they embrace a quality of love which makes life truly worth living.

But it is that phrase “at their best” which is sometimes so troubling. As a teenager I remember throwing my own parents best efforts back at them as inadequate, and in the world we see a greater reluctance to become committed. Love truly faces great challenges in both spheres, and that is where the market steps in. When we think about it we know that love can’t be bought or bargained for or coerced or forced or demanded, yet our doubts

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Love Matters

But it is that phrase “at their best” which is sometimes so troubling about love can be nurtured and exploited.

Each year we see ever more elaborate cards and bunches of flowers and boxes of chocolates and parties as we try to deal with our doubts about love – maybe some of us are even trying to prove to ourselves that love really does exist. At its heart we know that love cannot be bought or taken – it has to be freely given.

And that is a challenge, because one of our deepest human needs is to know that we are loved; and for many of us the greatest challenge is actually to believe that we ourselves are worth loving. I regularly meet people who don’t believe they are loved because when they examine themselves they can’t believe anyone would want to love them.

For Christians the answer sounds easy – we say we believe, and we regularly affirm, that God really does love us – but that doesn’t make the belief real or easy. Yet most of us are loved more than we ever acknowledge or know.

What can we do if we can’t buy or take love – well, it is within our power to give love, and in this season of love, our giving becomes particularly important. There are various occasions in Church where we light candles – if my candle is alight and yours is not, I can light your candle without diminishing the light of my own.

This is how it is with giving love – the love in my own heart is not diminished, but the amount of love in the world is increased. And we don’t need a big or a bright light to share: if there is any light of love in our hearts at all, we can light another life and another heart. In Church at Christmas we start with the light of a single candle and finish with a church full of light – my candle shed no more light than it ever did, but I can see further than I could with the one light alone.

Of course when we give love it is not always so easy as that – as many parents of growing children will testify. St Paul tells us in his famous passage on love: Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.

It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

It is quite a challenge – a risk – to give love without being able to demand anything in return. Love of this kind is more costly than chocolates or flowers. But it is this kind of love which has the potential to fill the world with light and hope.

And as we think about our community in this season of love, let’s open our eyes to those who will be left out, whose families or relationships are not as they would wish, who may receive no flowers or chocolates or cards.

Though love may take a different shape in their lives, let’s not, this year, give the accidental impression that there are people amongst us who are unloved.

So I wish you all well in celebrating the loves of your lives – and I encourage you all to increase the amount of love in the world by giving and sharing the love you have and lighting the lives of those around you.

Revd Mark Bennet, St Mary’s, Thatcham

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

39

Beauty Boosters Whether you’re suffering from dry skin or brassy blonde locks, this month we’re all about solving your beauty dilemmas.

Skin feeling less baby soft and more adult rhino?

Try a weekly salt scrub.

Coffee fans will appreciate Rabot 1745’s Coffee Body Scrub, which is made from Arabica ground coffee, pure salt, cocoa butter and almond oil. The salt helps to remove dry skin and draw out toxins, the coffee works to freshen and tighten skin and the cocoa butter and almond oil soften and hydrate.

The aroma of fresh coffee is also a good wake-up call on dark mornings. If you’re thinking that the packaging looks rather like a reusable coffee cup, you’d be right. And if you use that cup at any Hotel Chocolat café, you’ll get 50p off a hot drink. The Coffee Body Scrub costs £16 at Hotel Chocolat and www. rabot1745beauty.com, so will pay for itself in 32 coffees’ time…

If it’s your face that’s feeling dry and parched (thanks a bunch central heating and winter winds), Frances Prescott TRISPRITZ might help. As well as boosting hydration, the facial mist works to support tissue recovery, calm and reduce

40

inflammation, neutralise free radicals and protect from pollution. As an added bonus, it helps to set your makeup in place. I tend to use TRI-SPRITZ as a quick pick-me-up when my skin feels a bit dehydrated or just generally ‘meh’. It’s £45 from www.francesprescott.com.

Blonde hair can start to look dull or brassy between hair appointments.

Give it a lift with Philip Kingsley’s Pure Blonde Colour-Correcting Weekly Shampoo (£11.50) and Mask (£15). Whether you’re a natural blonde or have a little help, the shampoo and mask can help to tone down yellow and orange tones while repairing damage and replacing moisture. I’ve only tried them a couple of times, but can already see a difference.

My hair looks lighter and much closer in colour to when I last had it highlighted. See www.philipkingsley.co.uk.

Planning a winter getaway?

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or chasing the sun, don’t forget to

take your favourite toiletries with you. If you’re only going for a long weekend, it’s worth decanting your toiletries into reusable travel bottles and jars. It’ll mean you pass the 100ml or less rule for liquids and creams in your hand luggage, and saves you lugging extra weight around the airport. You also won’t need to fork out for travelsized toiletries, which are usually a lot more expensive per ml than their full-sized counterparts. Wilko’s new travel pots (www.wilko.com) start at just 50p and can be used time and time again.

Dry shampoo bars are handy for travelling and an easy switch if you’re trying to reduce your plastic waste.

Faith in Nature’s new shampoo bars have a lower PH level than most, making them better for your hair.

Choose from Lavender & Geranium (one of the brand’s most popular fragrances) or the extra hydrating Coconut & Shea Butter. Both are 100% natural, packed with nourishing ingredients and fragranced with essential oils.

And they’re just £5.79 each from www.faithinnature.co.uk.

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By Kate Duggan

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:

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To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

41

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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Beware the Ides of March!

By Tom Hancock

“Beware the Ides of March!”

I’ve heard this saying often throughout my life but only recently thought to find out about it.

It’s actually a quote from William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar. Early in the play a soothsayer declares it, forewarning of the eventual assassination of Caesar (apologies if that spoils the ending for anyone!)

But what are the Ides of March?

In the ancient Roman calendar the Ides was one of three markers used each month, which

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related to the position of the moon. Ides comes from the Latin verb ‘to divide’ The Ides in March fell on the 15th and marked the full moon.

It happens that Julius Caesar was murdered on March 15th, 44BC. He was stabbed to death by a group of Senators shortly after being declared ‘Dictator Perpetuus’, which means, ‘dictator for life.’ His death lead to the Liberators’ civil war and the new Principate period of the Roman Empire.

So, the Ides of March is actually the anniversary of Julius Caesar’s murder and Shakespeare played on this with his oft-quoted soothsayer. People adopted the expression and it is still used as a warning that something bad could befall a person on this date.

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Over 55 And a home owner?

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access to the funds, you can get more from your money by locking in a fixed rate. Fixed rate savings accounts and ISAs are typically available from one to five years, and the longer your money is tied up the higher the rate you’ll get.

Stepping stone investing and other ways to get more from your money If you don’t have much money left for saving or investing once your essential bills have been paid, it’s important to make sure you get the most out of your money and make good use of compound interest.

The stepping stone method can bring huge rewards even if you only have small amounts to invest each month, but there’s a whole range of other financial products and strategies you could also use to seriously improve your financial situation over time.

Saving and investing using the stepping stone method The stepping stone method involves increasing the amount you save or invest by 10% each year. Whether you start off with £100 or £10, exponentially you could achieve a considerable increase in your return with minimal effect on your monthly finances.

If you’re reluctant to invest, finding a good savings account

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or current account that pays credit interest can reap serious rewards, even for smaller amounts. This is what makes the stepping stone method so accessible, and one of the best ways to get the most from your money.

If you do decide to invest, be aware that investments can go down as well as up and past performance is no guarantee of future growth, so you’d need to take professional advice before going ahead.

Current accounts for credit interest If you pay a regular sum into your current account, such as your wages, you may be entitled to credit interest on your balance. Some current accounts offer higher rates of interest than savings accounts, but you’ll need to meet each bank’s eligibility criteria.

Consider locking in a fixed rate If you’re sure you won’t need

Move your money around It doesn’t pay to be loyal to companies these days as the best deals are typically offered to new customers.

From the banks’ perspective, a higher interest rate does attract new business but, again, these offers are often time-limited.

Tracker accounts Tracker accounts track the Bank of England base rate and offer a specific percentage figure above this rate for a defined period of time. They help to ensure you benefit from any interest rate rises, as some financial institutions are slow to pass these on to their customers.

What about a monthly saver?

Regular savings accounts can be a good way to maximise your savings.

You gain access to a higher interest rate for a fixed timescale, but there are limits on how much you can put away each month.

Finding the right financial products takes a little time and effort but the rewards can be high as compound interest takes effect. Whether you try the stepping stone method or take advantage of specific deals, making the most of your money offers financial stability and peace of mind for the future.

By Ann Haldon

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Alternatives to gifting house deposits to help loved ones Collectively, parents have given £6.3bn of financial assistance to help their children step on to the property ladder.

A substantial figure, it ranks the Bank of Mum and Dad (BOMAD) 11th, if considered as a national mortgage lender.

The average contribution now stands at £24,100, an increase of more than £6,000 compared to 2018, research by Legal & General has revealed. However, it seems the Bank of Mum and Dad is running out of money and overly generous parents risk harming their standard of living during retirement. In fact, 15% of the 1,600 participants surveyed admitted to already having to cut back after helping a loved one purchase a property.

Fortunately, gifting cash isn’t the only way you can help a loved one step on to the property ladder and other routes to support homeownership should be considered.

At Newbury Building Society, our flexible and tailored approach to lending gives us the ability to help parents or grandparents boost their loved-one’s borrowing power without having to dent their personal financial wellbeing.

Joint borrower sole proprietor mortgages, for example, is one such consideration which enables parents to help their child by assisting with their mortgage. Their income is used to improve overall affordability without being named on the title deeds. By doing so, the parent does not have to pay the additional three per cent stamp duty surcharge on a second property as well as capital gains tax when the property is sold.

Parents could also remortgage or downsize their own property to release equity to help fund a deposit, if appropriate to do so.

In addition, there are several affordable

housing schemes available to support homebuyers fulfil their property ambitions with more than 420,000 completions taken place using one or more of the Government’s Help to Buy schemes, such as Help to Buy Equity Loan and Shared Ownership.

Needless to say, the Bank of Mum and Dad isn’t set to close its doors anytime soon, but parents can rest assured there is more than one way to unlock a loved one’s borrowing potential.

If you would like to discuss your mortgage opinions, please contact us or visit us in branch. We provide a tailored and individual service, and we are available for Saturday appointments face-to-face, by telephone or via video call.

Visit our Thatcham branch: 4 High Street, Thatcham, RG19 3JD. Call: 01635 864996, email: thatcham@newbury.co.uk Jane Bosher, Senior Branch Manager at Newbury Building Society's Thatcham branch 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. 7801

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

Newbury Building Society

47

Grow your own

Gardening Matters

By Graham O’Connell

Now is the ideal time to get started on growing your own vegetables.

If, like me, you enjoy the taste of healthy, wholesome home-grown veg and want to reduce those food miles, then here are some tips to get you off to a good start.

One of the easiest and most satisfying plants to grow are potatoes. They can be grown in containers in the smallest of spaces or in a dedicated vegetable area of the garden. As to varieties, well there is almost too much choice so I am just going to recommend one: Accent. It is what is called a First Early potato.

It is waxy - making it great for boiling - it has good flavour and is a reliable cropper, meaning you get plenty of spuds for your efforts.

Start chitting them in February. This just involves standing the tubers in an egg box and putting them in a bright, cool but frostfree place for 3-4 weeks until the buds start to come through. Plant them out from late February or any time in March and they will be ready to harvest 10-12 weeks later.

If you already have a vegetable bed then now is the time to mulch your perennial vegetables such as asparagus. Garden compost is ideal but shop bought will also do the trick. I’m hoping this year will see a growth in plastic-free self-fill compost sales - I for one will be cutting back on single-use plastic as much as possible - but the reality for most of us will still be the bagged variety.

If you don’t yet have a raised bed, this is the time of year to get one before the growing season gets in full swing. They are a worthwhile investment as they help the soil to warm up, they aid drainage and they make gardening a little easier on your back. You can make your own, buy a kit or you can treat yourself to a raised wooden trug on legs. These are particularly good for people with a disability or mobility issues.

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Vegetables don’t do well in acidic soils so if that is what you have got rake in some lime. If you are not sure you can buy a soil test kit very cheaply. Some will do multiple tests which will also show you if your soil is low in certain key minerals or nutrients.

Once the soil is prepared you can start planting.

You can sow hardy broad beans, such as Aquadulce Claudia, directly outside along with garlic, shallots and Jerusalem artichokes. If you have a greenhouse, cloche or even a window ledge you can start sowing many types of seeds including salad leaves, early carrots, peas and beetroots, and, easiest of all, radishes.

Lastly, hunt out overwintering snails especially in or under empty pots and in dark corners.

How you dispose of them is up to you but leaving them by a bird feeder is one option.

I don’t know about you but I am a mostly a fair weather gardener. On those less appealing days I hunker down and stick to planning the season ahead, including which National Garden Scheme gardens with good veg plots I am going to visit. There are quite a few!

Graham O’Connell is Assistant County Organiser (Berkshire) for the National Garden Scheme (NGS) which helps garden owners open their beautiful gardens for the benefit of nursing and caring charities - see www.ngs.org.uk. Graham and his wife give talks on the NGS, for details email graham.oconnell22@gmail.com

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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

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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AJC SERVICES

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

Before

After

Before

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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 50

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From this to…

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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.

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Beautifully practical fencing Fencing blends in, but chances are that the last timber fence you noticed was because it was falling down.

This revolutionary fencing is attractive and practical. Unique ColorbondTM steel offers low maintenance and longevity plus versatile style and colour combinations to match your theme or make a statement. No more painting or repairs, just a beautiful backdrop for years to come.

ColourFence is also an incredibly strong product. It has been tested to withstand winds of up to 130mph without falling over, which means peace of mind, come rain or shine!

Low maintenance fencing – hose off just twice a year Will withstand winds up to 130mph No painting or repairs required Guaranteed for 25 years* *T&C’s apply - visit website for details

For a FREE no obligation quote & survey, contact us on

colourfencenewbury.co.uk

01635 261420

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 52

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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

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Please ring Ursula (leave a message) on 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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

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Give an old book a chance Love a good browse in a second-hand book shop?

You might want to keep an eye out for these books…

His Dark Materials – Phillip Pullman If you loved the BBC series but haven’t yet delved into the original books, what on earth is stopping you? Starting with the Northern Lights, this trilogy takes the reader on a journey with Lyra Belacqua.

With her daemon Pantalaimon by her side, Lyra sets out on a quest to rescue her best friend and discover the secret of Dust. Along the way, she’ll befriend witches, Gyptians, an armoured bear and a boy from another world, while pitting her wits against the all-powerful Magisterium.

Heroes and Villains – Angela Carter In a post-apocalyptic world, Marianne looks down from her ivory tower as her brother is murdered in the streets below.

Years later, she helps the murderer to hide, runs away with him to his Barbarian tribe and is forced to become his bride. Dream-like, disquieting and beautiful, Heroes and Villains is one of Carter’s lesser-known books but my personal favourite.

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Tales of the City – Armistead Maupin This series of nine books starts in the late seventies and centres around the inhabitants of 28 Barbary Lane, including the naive but ambitious Mary Ann Singleton, the matriarchal Anna Madrigal and the best-friend-you-wishyou-had Michael Tolliver (AKA Mouse). Maupin is a skilled storyteller and skilfully weaves together numerous plotlines and character arcs to create a stonkingly good series you’ll want to binge read your way through.

The Wee Free Men – Terry Pratchett Would-be witch Tiffany Aching sets out to rescue her brother from the fairies and stop them from invading her home.

She’s only armed with a frying pan, but luckily she has help in the form of the Nac Mac Feegle – they may be tiny, but they’re fierce, fast and loyal.

Technically, this was written as a children’s book, but don’t let that put you off – it’ll appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages.

The Choice – Edith Eger Edith Eger was on the brink of death when she was freed from Auschwitz. This is her story. It’s certainly harrowing in parts, but also uplifting, reaffirming and full of hope.

Edith realised that burying her past doesn’t make it easier to live with. Instead, she learnt how to move past her trauma, build the life she deserves and help thousands of other survivors to do the same.

The Clan of the Cave Bear – Jean M. Auel The first book in the Earth’s Children series, The Clan of the Cave Bear centres around Ayla, a young girl raised by Neanderthals in prehistoric Europe.

Ayla faces prejudice and suspicion but, with the help of her adopted mother Iza, is eventually accepted by most of the clan. A powerful, wellresearched, epic tale. You don’t even need to wait for the next instalment to come out as all six are just waiting for you to find them.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Reading Geological Society visit

The Museum of Natural History in Oxford University

By David Ward

The December field meeting of the RGS is usually to a museum, and this time it was to the Natural History Museum in Oxford.

This is as grand a building as the Museum in South Kensington, has stunning building stones, including dozens of different stone columns and excellent collections of minerals and fossils.

Rob Knight, the Curator of Minerals, explained the history of the museum which started with the arrival of the natural history collection from the Ashmolean Museum and by Sir Henry Miers who was the first to concentrate on cataloging the collections.

Members were delighted to see and hold examples of native elements including a gold nugget, some platinum metal and a natural diamond (in the natural blue kimberlite rock) which we could compare with a cut and polished

stone. He showed us some minerals that we don’t expect to fluorescence in ultraviolet light including calcite, selenite, ruby and garnet, but which did, spectacularly. He also showed us the three main types of meteorite - stony, stony-iron and nickel-iron – all “out of this world” The Corsi Collection is a set of uniform cut and polished slabs of rocks that have been used as decorative building stones, from Roman times to the present day. They were acquired in 1827 from Corsi who had collected and catalogued them.

We all appreciated Rob’s presentation and the collections and we thanked him for the tour. We each put £10 in the donations box at the entrance as requested. After the tour we lunched in the Lamb and Flag then returned to enjoy the rest of the museum.

The next two lectures at the RGS are “Carboniferous Ecosystems” on Feb 3rd and “Doggerland in the North Sea” on Mar 2nd all are welcome to our lecture meetings.

The Field meeting on Feb 22nd is to Hatford Quarry to collect fossil corals and then the March 20th visit is to the Mendips – mineral extraction, limestones, volcanoes and some industrial archaeology. Please visit our website to sign up for these visits.

All are welcome to these events – please see our website at www.readinggeology.org.uk for more information.

Our members come from Wokingham, Bracknell, Camberley and Newbury - be the first to join from Thatcham!

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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Prepare your Home for Winter Energy efficiency grants and collective switching news from West Berkshire Council.

Heat the Home Counties Energy efficiency grants.

A consortium of councils (Bracknell Forest, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Runnymede, Spelthorne and West Berkshire), in partnership with the HEAT Project and Happy Energy Solutions Ltd are working together to make homes healthier, warmer, and more energy efficient. Grants are available towards measures such as boiler upgrades, central heating systems, insulation, and renewable energy systems.

Central heating grants funded by the consortium’s successful bid to the National Grid’s Warm Homes Fund; are also available.

These are for households who currently have no heating, such as open fires or plug in electric heaters, or those who wish to switch from electric storage heaters to a full radiator heating system. Grant funding can also be provided towards the cost of a new mains gas connection, or, in rural areas, the new heating system can be fuelled from LPG, and in some cases, by a ground source heat pump.

You may be eligible for a grant if your household income after tax, Council Tax and energy costs is less than £35,000 per year, or if someone in your household receives benefits. Residents looking to take advantage of any of these grants can call Heat the Home Counties on 01344 888930, or go to www.heatthehomecounties. org.uk. All works are subject to survey, eligibility criteria and limited funding.

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West Berkshire Energy Switch - See if you can pay less for your energy bills The West Berkshire Energy Switch is a free to join scheme which gives residents the chance to see if they can make savings on their fuel bills.

Since 2016, over 660 households have switched supplier through the scheme, saving over £144,000 between them. The recent October auction saw switchers saving an average of £108 on their annual bill.

A one day reverse auction will be held in February; with suppliers competing with their best offers, and the winning supplier/s then sending registrants their personalised offer for consideration. Auctions are held each year in February, May and October.

There is no obligation to switch. Sign up and see if you can save; to register or find out more, visit www.westberks.gov.uk/communityswitch You will need to have your latest energy bill to hand, as you’ll need the details during the registration process.

Registration and acceptance is open until 24th March, and offers will begin to go out from 24th February.

West Berkshire residents without internet access should contact West Berkshire Council on 01635 503267 by 13th March to register.

Remember to have your energy bill or annual statement to hand when you call.

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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

Puppy and Dog Training Classes across Berkshire www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk 07918 750513 berkshiredogschool@dogstrust.org.uk @dogschoolberks fb.com/dogstrustdogschool dogstrustdogschool

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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ochre or chocolate are great choices, while navy or dark grey are more neutral and perhaps easier to live with all year round. Don’t be afraid of trying darker shades – not only are they very on-trend, but they are really effective at creating a feeling of cocooning comfort. Think about the other main colours and textures in each room.

For warmth underfoot use a deep pile rug or two to add extra softness, and consider swapping sheer, pale, lightweight curtains or blinds for something heavier and in a bolder shade – think wool, tweed, velvet, even felt, denim or mohair.

Cosy up your home

Spring may still be a while off, but there are ways to make your interior more inviting, even in the midst of winter.

Make long, dark nights and chilly mornings more bearable with some clever thinking. To start, make sure your lighting is up to scratch. A well-designed lighting scheme reinforces a sense of security, comfort and vitality, and making dramatic improvements could be as simple as adding a floor lamp in a dark corner or a reading lamp next to a favourite armchair. For the best effect, layer lighting so that it comes from a variety of sources and directions. If on a budget, replace main light switches with dimmers, and plug in a selection

of table or floor lamps at strategic points. Check that your bulbs give off the correct amount of illumination for the task at hand, and where appropriate are a ‘warm’ white in colour rather than ‘cool’. Add the leaping flames of a log burner or a few pretty tea lights or candles for an atmospheric evening in.

Colour can make all the difference to a room’s feel, and a quick paint job – perhaps just on one wall – can be transformative. Earthy or spicy colours such as claret, mustard,

In the bedroom, replace pale linens with sheets or a duvet cover in a deeper shade, piling on quilts, eiderdowns, bedcovers, throws and blankets, combining colours, patterns and fabrics for a glorious, sumptuous mixture.

And in the living room, pile up cushions on sofas and armchairs for a sense of cosy luxury, then add some generously sized throws over the back: great for snuggling under. You could use a length of tweed edged with velvet ribbon, chunky knitting or crochet, fake fur or soft fleece.

Draw the curtains, light the fire, pull on some fluffy socks, make a mug of hot chocolate and settle down with a good book or a favourite box set – baby it may be cold outside, but inside it’s warm, cosy and welcoming.

By Katherine Sorrell

Image: Curtains: Kortori fabric in Gilt, from £34 per metre; cushions left to right: Moda fabric in Gilt, from £36 per metre; Kortori fabric in Gilt, from £34 per metre; throws: Asami fabric in Gilt/Willow, from £42 per metre; all from the Orientalis collection by ILIV: 01772 651199; i-liv.co.uk.

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

✮ 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

w w w. s m a r t b l i n d s . o rg To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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Addiction Have you ever said to yourself; “Blimey!

I need a drink”? Ever thought why?

It is estimated that more than half a million people in England are “dependant drinkers”

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Happy New Year! I hope it is going well for you so far.

Did you make any New Year Resolutions? Did you plan on giving anything up? …smoking / drugs / alcohol? and 24% of adults in England and Scotland ‘over drink’ meaning more than 6 – 8 units of alcohol in one day. In 2017 there were more than 7,500 deaths related specifically to alcohol consumption. Alcohol can increase the risk of cancers (throat, mouth, stomach, liver and breast) as well as leading to cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure and depression. It is reported that 1/3 of all adults in England and

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

mind Matters

Whatever it is is too much to bear; the alcohol or drugs help numb those intrusive, horrifying, disturbing thoughts and memories Wales have used drugs at least once in their life. 15.1% of adults smoke (2018), 2.2% used cocaine (2016) and on average one person dies a heroin related death every five hours – In 2015 there were more than 2,500 drug related deaths.

what they did to me. I can at least FEEL this, I’m not numb. Perhaps now someone will care for me (physically, if not emotionally).

These thoughts might justify their actions and create a ‘safer’ emotional / psychological place for the addict to be, however, it doesn’t last – the torments from the past are replaced by torments in the present – the addict knows, at an unconscious level at least, that this is not healthy or helpful. Most know that they need help, but asking for help is admitting you cannot cope and that might be too much to bear. Some addicts want out of life so much that their aim may be to end their life, to commit suicide slowly. A sad state to be in.

https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcoholfacts/fact-sheets/alcohol-statistics

Remember; if you are recognising any of this there is hope out there, there are agencies, counsellors and other professionals (and friends and family) who do care and can help you – you need to want to change, but there is support for you to do this:

https://www.addictionhelper.com/ addiction/addiction-statistics

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/ alcohol-support-services/

These are, to me, shocking statistics, I like a glass of wine, a G&T perhaps, I don’t think I have ever needed a drink.

What about the person who does need it? What is going on for them?

https://www.talktofrank.com/gethelp/find-support-near-you

Frequently it is about trying to block something out. Generally people who have an addiction whether it is to alcohol or drugs are trying to manage a more disturbing memory or situation.

It might be about managing PTSD (Dec ‘18) or Depression (April ‘19), they may be the victim of childhood sexual, physical or emotional abuse or domestic violence has plagued their lives.

Whatever it is is too much to bear; the alcohol or drugs help numb those intrusive, horrifying, disturbing thoughts and memories. Sadly, it does not take long to become addicted to that ‘high’ – equally sadly is that the ‘high’ takes more and more of the substance to achieve as the body becomes more and more used to the chemical ‘hit’ and so the cycle begins.

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthybody/drug-addiction-getting-help/

And remember, having a glass of wine or two is fine; If you are still enjoying yourself then you probably do not have a problem, just be mindful, watch yourself and your friends / family and think about what might be going on for you / them if that glass or two just doesn’t seem enough anymore.

Maxine Hoskins MA, MBACP (Accred.)

Psychodynamic Counsellor.

Tel: 07826 325835

Addicts often tell themselves many things; the thoughts in my head are too much, I can cope with the hangover/’downer’. I can blot out the awful memories with alcohol / drugs. I can control this, whereas I couldn’t control the other stuff. They did this to me - I’ll punish them for To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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Pictograms

PICTOGRAMS

4 words

PANTANTANTPANT

3 words BOO!

QUIZ

NEON 2 words

ABC

13/05/2020

26/10/4040

WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

E

T

A

L

T P

E

M

TARGET Excellent: 41 or more words Good: 36 words Fair: 32 words See page 70 for Answers

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SUDOKU

Puzzle Page

1. The 2010 film Easy A, starring Emma Stone, was loosely based on which 1850 novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne?

2. How many points is the letter “B” worth in Scrabble?

3. In the equation E = mc2 that was devised

by Albert Einstein, “E” represents “energy” and “m” represents “mass”. What does the letter “c” represent?

4. What is the only American state to have a name beginning with the letter “a”, but ending with a letter other than “a”?

5. Commissioned to mark the 2002 Commonwealth Games, in which British city would you find a sculpture called B of the Bang?

6. Known by the stage name Mr. C, Richard West was the lead singer of which charttopping group?

7. What letter begins the names of more elements in the periodic table than any other letter?... A, B or C? 8. Which is larger?... an AA battery or a triple-A battery?

9. In the lyrics of the Chuck Berry hit single, Johnny B. Goode lives “deep down” in which US state?

10. The “Four Cs” is a term used to refer to what four characteristics that diamonds are commonly judged by?

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

General Knowledge Crossword

See page 70 for Answers To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON IN THE COMMUNITY:

DIARY DATES MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2020

Neighbourhood Watch Meeting A Neighbourhood Watch Meeting is being held on Monday 3 February 2020 at 7.30 pm in West Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury. We shall be having a talk by a representative of Victims First on the help they give to victims of crime, family members and witnesses. Also crime updates from the Police and Fire Service. Anyone is welcome to attend this meeting. There is a £2 parking charge for evenings in local car parks.

7.30 pm Admission Free West Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD

WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2020

Welford Park - Open Garden for NGS One of the finest natural snowdrop woodlands in the country, approx 4 acres, along with a wonderful display of hellebores throughout the garden and winter flowering shrubs.

This is an NGS 1927 pioneer garden on the River Lambourn set around Queen Anne House (not open). Also the stunning setting for Great British Bake Off 2014 - 2019.

For NGS: Wed 5 Feb (11-4). Admission £8, Children £4. Light refreshments.

Times:11:00 to 16:00. Open for charity.

Welford Park, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8HU

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2020

Mozart: Vesperae Solennes K339 and Haydn: Nelson Mass The Laudate Dominum from Mozart’s Vespers is one of his best-loved and familiar works but the other pieces in the collection add up to a stunning celebration of Mozart’s choral craft.

Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis (‘for troubled times’), which became known as the Nelson Mass when it was first performed after the Battle of the Nile, has been described as his greatest single composition.

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Information sourced from www.wherecanwego.com

Four splendid soloists and a period instrument band join Newbury Chamber Choir in this concert of classical masterworks.

Concert is from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets £18 in advance via the choir website or from The Corn Exchange, 0845 5218 218, www.cornexchangenew.com, £20 on the door. Under 18’s free. More details www.newburychamberchoir.org St George’s Church, Wash Common, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 6NU

SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2020

Basildon Park - Illuminated Woodland Walk Stroll through a canopy of thousands of fairy lights on our woodland walk to the mansion. This winter, thousands of winter lights will be illuminating the woodland. Take an afternoon walk up to the mansion and admire the colours of the trees in a new way.

It’s the perfect place for a photo opportunity.

Booking Not Needed. Suitable for children of all ages. Dogs on leads welcome.

A National Trust Event - Start 10:00. End 16:00.

Free Event but Normal Admission Charges Apply. Check website for latest information.

Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire RG8 9NR Contact telephone: 01491 672382 Basildon Park estate office. Call to check latest times or cancellations.

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2020

The Pete Allen Jazz Band An afternoon of happy foot tapping jazz with the Pete Allen Jazz Band.

There is free parking and a licensed bar.

Show commences at 3.00pm. Admission £13.50 (Cash only) at the door.

If you require a pre-show lunch or would like a round of golf this can be booked directly with the Golf Club (01635 48772).

Deanwood Golf Club, Baydon Road, Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8JP

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2020 - 11am

Eggs on Legs Puppet Theatre ‘Every day, from here to there funny things are everywhere’ Dr Seuss Meet a family of zany Eggs on Legs, living in a lost pocket of the globe. One day the wind blows a huge egg into their tree and they are excited to play with it.

But what happens if it hatches and can they protect it from the slithery snake?

Garlic Theatre conjure a poetic, Dr Seuss world full of eggcentric puppets and music to make you roll around with laughter.

A cracking family show bursting with wonder and surprise - you will never look at an egg in the same way again.

Suitable for 3-8 year olds but older and younger children are welcome (under 2 years free).

Running Time: 40 minutes www.garlictheatre.org.uk/shows/eggs-on-legs/ Adults £9, Children £7.

Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2DR

SATURDAY 7 MARCH

Downton Abbey The continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century.

Saturday 7th March 2020 at 7pm.

Tickets £6 for non-members and £5 for members. Available from 0118 981 4538 or online at www.thelittleboxoffice.com/ tdca. Light refreshments available.

The Link, Tadley Community Centre, Newchurch road, Hampshire RG26 4HN Contact telephone: 0118 981 4538 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2020

Talk - Excavating the public baths of the Roman City at Silchester The Roman baths at Silchester were first discovered in 1903-4 during the Society of Antiquaries’ of London campaign to explore the Roman city in its entirety within the town walls. The talk by Professor Fulford will

describe the current excavation, started in 2018. With its modern, scientific approaches, remarkable new light is being shed on the history of the baths over the four centuries of Roman rule, on who used them and how they were used. Professor Michael Fulford has been with the University of Reading since 1988. He specialises in Roman archaeology, with a particular interest in Silchester where he has been excavating for many years.

7pm - 8pm, £5. Unreserved seating, non refundable West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AS. Contact telephone: 01635 519562 Call to check latest times or cancellations

SUNDAY 29 MARCH 2020

Pangbourne Twinning French Film - ’The Diving Bell & the Butterfly’ The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) A film by Julian Schnabel.

In December 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor in chief of the French fashion magazine Elle suffered a massive stroke, which left him a prisoner in his own body and able to communicate only by blinking his left eye. This he termed being ‘inside the diving bell’, but his memory and imagination (‘the butterfly’) remained untouched.

Using a special alphabet, Bauby defied the odds and wrote a book, showing the amazing resilience of the human spirit.

This is his story as filmed by the American director and artist, Julian Schnabel. The film stars Mathieu Amalric and Emmanuelle Seigner. It won awards for best director (Cannes Festival and Golden Globes) and best adapted screenplay (BAFTA).

‘Fascinating and beautiful... immensely moving’ – Time Out. One of the most life-affirming films of the year’ – Film Review.

Duration 107 minutes, in French with English subtitles.

BBFC classification 12 £6 per person - pay on door. Doors open 6.45pm, film screening 7.30pm. Drinks available.

Pangbourne Village Hall, Pangbourne, Berkshire RG8 7AN

Disclaimer: whilst every effort has been taken in the preparation of these listings, Thatcham Connections accepts no liability for any inaccuracies, misprints or omissions. You are strongly advised to check current details before committing to an event.

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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had become traditional for noblemen to write romantic poems to their love interest or ‘Valentine’.

The oldest known Valentine still in existence is a poem entitled Farewell to Love written in French by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following capture at the Battle of Agincourt.

Valentine’s Day

Why do we exchange cards, flowers and gifts with our loved ones on 14th February when the day’s patron saint was a Christian martyr?

The origins of St Valentine’s Day are said to have begun as early as the third century and were possibly influenced by the Roman fertility feast of Lupercalia held on 15th February, whose themes and rituals were centred around coupling and new birth.

No one is entirely sure who St Valentine was. Valentine or Valentinus was a popular name in Rome and there are at least three Catholic saints known as Valentine who have been venerated over the centuries.

Any one of them could have had the Feast of St Valentine named after him when Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian festival in 496 AD. One theory is that St Valentine was a Christian priest in the third century who defied Emperor Claudius II’s edict that no Roman soldiers could

66

marry by performing secret wedding ceremonies for young lovers until he was captured, beheaded (allegedly on 14th February) and buried under a Roman road.

It is also thought that St Valentine’s Day may have been merged with a Norman celebration that took place around the same time known as Galatin’s Day, meaning ‘a gallant’ or lover.

The link between Valentine’s Day and romance was solidified in the late 1300s with Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem Parliament of Foules (Fowls), said to have been written in honour of King Richard II’s betrothal to Anne of Bohemia. It contains the lines: “…For this was on seynt Volantynys day

Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.”

(For this was on St Valentine’s Day when every bird comes there to choose his mate.)

Royalty took the notion on board, and by the 1400s it

St Valentine’s Day was clearly established as a day for lovers by 1600 when Shakespeare referred to it in Hamlet during a speech by Ophelia.

By the eighteenth century, handmade Valentine’s cards had become popular and were very elaborate with flowers, ribbons and lace.

They would often feature Cupid (whose name means ‘desire’), the mischievous winged son of Venus, Roman goddess of love. He also appeared in much romantic verse as the bringer of often unrequited love – hence a missive was necessary to let the object of your desire know of your affections!

With their sentimental notion of romance and the language of flowers, the Victorians elevated Valentine’s Day to the popular celebration it has become today. In 1858, The London Journal wrote of St Valentine’s Day that it was both “natural and proper that at the start of spring the predominating sentiment in the human mind should be the sentiment of love; and to this accordingly the anniversary of our saint is directed”.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

By Catherine Rose

Reasons to advertise with

We are a small independent business who has been established over thirteen years. You will always deal with us directly and we fully appreciate how much your business means to you.

Our ethos is of friendliness and trust Your details will not be passed on to a third party.

Many of our advertisers pay by standing order which means that a tenth of their bill is paid monthly over ten consecutive months.

We use expert professional graphic designers to make sure your advertisement stands out. There may be a small charge for this service (please enquire) but there is NO VAT. Every issue is put up on the web – quite often before the hard copy has been delivered from our printers!

Advertising in Thatcham Connections will reach 10,000 homes and businesses in: • Thatcham • Ashmore Green • Cold Ash • Curridge • Hermitage • Midgham • Woolhampton • Upper Bucklebury • Yattendon - that is a potential audience of approximately 22,000 people.

One Year of Advertising - 5 Issues

Advert Size

February/March, April/May, June-August, September/October, November-January

Full Page 1/2 Page 1/4 Page 1/8th Page

£585 (£117 per issue) £380 (£76 per issue) £250 (£50 per issue) £150 (£30 per issue)

Premium Back Cover Inside back, inside front and first and second right hand pages

£875 (£175 per issue) £625 (£125 per issue)

Leaflets Leaflets can be distributed

£40 (per 1,000)

Reserve your space today by calling us on 0118 9886070 and please confirm by emailing ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk www.thatchamconnections.co.uk Our readers are often members of busy families – and the actively retired To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 67

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 2019 - 2020 • Term 1 – Wednesday 4th September – Thursday 24th October (Holiday: Friday 25th October 2019 – Friday 1st November 2019) • Term 2 – Monday 4th November – Thursday 19th December 2019 (Holiday: Friday 20th December 2019 – Friday 3rd January 2020) • Term 3 – Monday 6th January 2020 – Friday 14th February 2020 (Holiday: Monday 17th February 2020 – Friday 21st February 2020) • Term 4 – Monday 24th February 2020 – Friday 3rd April 2020 (Holiday: Friday 6th April 2020 – Friday 17th April 2020) • Term 5 – Monday 20th April 2020 – Friday 22nd May 2020 (Holiday: Tuesday 26th May 2020 – Friday 29th May 2020) • Term 6 – Monday 1st June 2020 – Friday 17th July 2020 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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To advertise Please call: mention 0118 9886070 Thatcham or email: Connections ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk when responding to advertisements

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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

Gingerbread (for lone parent families)

alzheimers.org.uk 01189 596482

01635861813

Thatcham Angling Association

gingerbread.org.uk

thatchamanglingassociation.co.uk

Thatcham Historical Society

Thatcham Art Experience

thatcham historical society.org.uk

07914 321681 Angela Bates Blind Club Theale & Thatcham David Brazier

Hand Bell Ringers based at St Mary’s Church 01635 867421 barfield.org.uk

01635 253994

Home Start

Buttercups Baby & Toddler Group Frank Hutchings. Mon am 01635 864113

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

Thatcham Town Ladies and Girls Football Club

Thatcham Bowling Club

thatchamkarate.org

01635 873596/07917 137022

01635 867044/07979922233

Ladies Fellowship - Meet at Thatcham Free Church

pitchero.com/clubs/ thatchamtownladiesgirlsfc

01635 40358

Thatcham U3A 01635 867037

Newburycancercare.org.uk

Lady Frances Winchcombe’s Thatcham Foundation

01635 31542

01635 865339

villageagentswb.org.uk

Thatcham Classic Car

Let’s Sing

01635 581001

thatchamclasic.co.uk

Mon eve, Kennet Sch 01635 813355

Vision Youth Club

www.thatchambowlingclub.co.uk Cancer Care Trust Newbury & District

Cold Ash Brass

Village Agent

thatchamyouth.org.uk

01635 869906

Philatelic Society

Coldashbrass.org.uk

01635 866942

Thatcham Community Market

tdps.org.uk

01635 866653

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

WI 01635 862553 thatchamwi.weebly.com

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

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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SEE: www.thatchamconnections.co.uk To advertise, please email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk Accountant Accountability Heslops Aerials - TV S F Digital Amateur Theatrical Society KATS Art Classes The Seasons Art Class Blinds Smart Blinds Building Society Newbury Building Society Car Maintenance Halfway Garage Pegasus Cats Cosy Cottage Cattery Newbury Cats Protection Charity Newbury Cancer Care Children - Including Babies GR Swimming School Monkey Music Read Theatre School Chimney Sweep PDD Services Concrete Pumping 24-7 Conservatories Amberwood Counsellor/Coach David Barragan Level Head Coaching Curtains & Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs Dancing Allenova School of Dancing Decorator Martin Newman Tom Jupp Dogs Amy Laker Berkshire Dogs Trust

Children’s Page Skeleton: 1. Skull, 2. Clavicle, 3.

Sternum, 4. Humerus, 5. Coccyx, 6. Femur, 7. Radius, 8. Tibia The bone match is: Femur - A, Humerus - C, Sternum - D, Clavicle - B

Word Wheel TEMPLATE

70

44 44 31 71 20 59 47 24 22 12 57 24 35 33 34 6 25 2 28 25 30 33 21 5 57 57

Drains Drain & Able Electrician Home Electrics TWK Electrical Emporium Pandora’s Box Financial Funding Lifelink Fitness Work out with Lorraine Florist Buttercups & Daisies Footcare Diana Wortlehock Funeral Directors Turner Brothers Furniture Pine and Oak Garage Doors Garolla Roller Garage Doors Gardening Services A4 Gardening Services AJC Services Back to the Fuchsia Colour Fence Easigrass Kalehurst Stihl Going Glazier Homedene Guttering CD Guttering Handyman Peter Kirkham Martin Newman The 50+ Hairdresser Koo’s Hair Designs Tracey

Pictograms

1. Ants In Your Pants 2. Element Of Surprise 3. Double Date

Sudoku

12 31 8 28 45 29 6 30 16 3 49 6 53 50 52 52 51 49 44 8 12 19 23 12 30 33

Health Chiropractic - Total Core Therapies Fitness - Lorraine’s Harmony Health Physiotherapist Mind2BodyTherapist Orchard Life Centre Total Health West Berks Locksmith Cap Security Maths Teacher Jane Goldie Pest Control Control Services Limited Picture Framer Berkshire Framing Co Picture It Plasterer Mr H Plumber AJ Bosley Paul Worsley Properties Henwick Properties Roofer S Norman Roofing A Thompson Shopping Experience Pandora Solicitor Gardner Leader Storage - secure The Barn Store Tai Chi Tai Chi Newbury Wendy Rooke Vet Donnington Grove Wealth Management Rebecca Kingwell Window Cleaner Andy Jones P.D.D.

26 41 29 28 26 26 10/11 27

Quiz

Crossword

1. The Scarlet Letter 2. 3 3. The speed of light 4. Arkansas 5. Manchester 6. The Shamen 7. C 8. An AA battery 9. Louisiana 10. Carat, Cut, Clarity and Colour

Across: 1 Farmer, 7 Academia, 8 Arc, 9 Enlist, 10 Tank, 11 Obese, 14 Bootees, 16 Guilder, 17 Franc, 21 YMCA, 22 Isobar, 23 Ode, 24 Colliery, 25 Priory.

Down: 1 Fiasco, 2 Raceme, 3 Radio, 4 Cartoon, 5 Testator, 6 Sinn Féin, 12 Blue moon, 13 Syllable, 15 Decibel, 18 Arroyo, 19 Comedy, 20 Polyp.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

18 35 22 45 24 22 13 18 42 8 16 28 7 16 26 30 57 43 31 12

To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

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At the heart of the Berkshire community for over 120 years.

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Family

Commercial Property

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Dispute Resolution

Residential Property

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Managing Risk and Reputation

Winbolt House, The Broadway, Thatcham RG19 3HX 01635 508080 | gardner-leader.co.uk

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Ursula Aitken, Stable 5, Gravelly Bridge Farmhouse, Grazeley, Reading RG7 1LG Tel: 0118 9886070 email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk www.thatchamconnections.co.uk Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements