Thatcham connections issue 56

Issue 56 Jun - Aug 2016

LocaL ServiceS for You w w w. th a tch amconnections.co.uk

The Seasons

Art Class I was intrigued to hear more about The Seasons Art Class, which is held in a semi-rural part of Newbury (with excellent parking!) So I went to see them at work one afternoon.

It was interesting to know that these classes take place on a weekday, with a choice of mornings or afternoons, which could be perfect for those who have a free three hour slot in their week. With a wide range of people who attend, from new mums/dads to parents whose children have gone to uni, to retirees. It’s suitable for anyone between the ages of 19 to 99!

The first thing that struck me about the Class was a lovely Community spirit. Young people and the not so young all supporting and enjoying time out together - and the energy

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and enthusiasm which seemed to be generated throughout.

I saw people helping others - experimenting - discussing - having a laugh - generally relaxed and with a mind-set to enjoy the whole afternoon.

Carrie says: “Encouragement is what we all need - and of course no one should feel uneasy or self-conscious.

Everyone is a beginner or an improver - everyone is welcomed and regarded equally in that respect. After the step-by-step demo at the beginning of each class, both Liam and I go around the room and give extra one-to-one guidance to everyone - so no-one gets left behind.”

can have fun painting - even those who have no confidence whatsoever in their ability!

Tempted? Why not give it a go? Find out more details about this very popular course and see page opposite.

Call: 01256 810 933 (Pictured: Carrie Partner and Liam Kelleher)

It did not surprise me at all when Carrie told me that most people, having booked on one course come back time and again to enjoy a ‘different’ season’- and a new course.

Both Carrie and Liam are passionate that everyone,

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

ART CLASS STARTS SOON

ARTPART CO TIM UR E SE!

NEW C O

URSE! We are enquirie now taking next A s for our rt This fu Classes. n great course is a w new fr ay to meet ie develo nds and p Please new skills. call no for w a chat .

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS WILL LOVE THIS COURSE! GREAT NEWS for all our readers looking for something fun to do over the next few months! We are now taking enquiries for our new Art Class – starting soon near you. Morning or afternoon classes for just 3 hours one day per week.

interesting. Over the course we will explore four different media; pencil drawing & sketching, oil pastel painting and techniques, painting and blending with water colours and acrylics. Step by step tuition in the basic techniques and secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of art.

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS - JUST LIKE YOU!

STILL LIFE TO LANDSCAPES

We adapt to each student’s needs and give them all the guidance and help they need to develop their artistic skills. The curriculum is fun, comprehensive and

YOUNG AT HEART

By the end of the course, students The course is designed to be fun for have created a minimum of 8 pieces absolute beginners who have never of their very own original art they picked up a brush before through can enjoy forever, from simple still to Improvers. life and flower studies to beautiful countryside landscape scenes.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE

E T TIM SS PAR CLA

SA0297 16

ART

This course is a brilliant way to learn new skills you will be able to enjoy forever. It is also a great way of meeting new friends and

to have a fun experience you will always remember and cherish! It is open to adults of all ages.

MEET NEW FRIENDS, LEARN NEW SKILLS

This part time course is over 3 months, so will give you plenty of time to master your new hobby.

LIMITED PLACES

To maintain a high standard to our classes and the tuition you will receive, classes are kept to small numbers – so places available are limited! We recommend that if you are interested you call us now for details.

For information on dates, course fees and bookings, call now on

01256 810 933

Bring out your inner artist ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS WELCOME

01256 810 933

St Marys Church Hall, Newbury Limited Spaces - Call now for details ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

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

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

It is delivered free to 8,800 homes and businesses in Ashmore Green, Cold Ash, Curridge, Hermitage, Midgham,Thatcham, Woolhampton, Upper Bucklebury andYattendon.

How We Work We understand that the needs of a small business are quite difference 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 Tel: 0118 9886070 ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk www.thatcamconnections.co.uk

Welcome!

Dear Readers, A very warm welcome to this full issue!

This month we are celebrating our eleventh birthday. Once again, a big thank you - to both you - and to our advertisers - for giving our team, here at Thatcham Connections, your loyalty year on year. We do not take this lightly. Quite simply, it not only greatly encourages us - but also enables us to keep printing!

At this time of year, there is so much visually to enjoy, particularly in the countryside and, on pages 2/3 and 6 you will see that we talk quite a lot about the therapeutic value of art and colour. Even if we only appreciate the work of others, how lucky we are to be able to see it around us.

Also our gardens give many of us huge joy and, not surprisingly, this section is growing with advertisers.

Please see pages 44 to 49.

Many of us will now be planning a break away during the summer months.

It is also the time when some of us (including some school leavers) will be embarking on challenging adventures.

Please see page 45 and ‘Montagne Sports’. This is an exciting shop in the Hermitage Garden Centre where you should find all you need - and more - to become equipped to embark on many types of outdoor activities.

There are many great summer dates for your diary! Please see pages 58 - 62. Also, coming up in September is the annual ‘Newbury Show’ (as many of us know it) The dates are 17 and 18 September, so please make a note of that too - it’s a very exciting Show for very many of us and definitely not to be missed. See page Finally, if you take a photo in the holidays which is really lively (in portrait) which we might use in the magazine - even on the front cover - do please send it across to me.

Ursula Aitken Issue 56 Jun - Aug 2016

LocaL ServiceS for You w w w. t ha tc ha m c o n n e c t i o n s .c o. u k

The front cover has kindly been supplied by Sue Lloyd, Thatcham Photographic Club.

CONTENTS Hobbies - Colouring

6

Croatia

8

Quiz

20

Mini Cryptic Crossword 20 Recipe: Cake and Bake 26 Sudoku

28

Which type of ISA is best for you

30

Childrens’ Challenge

40

Bring your treasures Back to life

43

Gardening Feature

44

Codeword

54

Answers to puzzles

55

The Berkshire Show

57

Diary Dates

58/61

Wordsearch

65

Index

66

NEXT ISSUE - COVERING September and October 2016 Copy - ready for print - deadline: Friday 29 July 2016. Please book space in advance.

We’re still standing After all these years

Our branch is open for you Monday to Friday and every Saturday.

Newbury Building Society is 160 this year. We believe experience matters, and we have a lot to go around.

There are many other reasons to visit your local Thathcam branch. We provide savings and mortgages and explain them in a way you can understand, we’re open on Saturday mornings, and we have comfy chairs at the counter.

That’s right. Chairs. Just because we’re still standing doesn’t mean you have to. Find us opposite The Szechuan Inn and discover them for yourself.

Call: 01635 864996 | Visit: newbury.co.uk

NEWBURY building society

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).6085

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

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Hobbies Keep Calm And Get Colouring

By Kate McLelland

Close your eyes and think back to the simple pleasures of childhood: a rainbow box of crayons on the table and, beside it, a book of illustrations just waiting to be coloured in. Remember the intense concentration as you filled in the blank spaces with your favourite shades of yellow, red, purple, green and blue?

books created for the adult market. Millie Marotta’s Animal Kingdom, Johanna Basford’s Secret Garden (now translated into 14 different languages) and Emma Farrarons’ The Mindfulness Colouring Book feature high on the UK’s bestseller lists.

It has become a global phenomenon, spreading to countries as diverse as Brazil and New Zealand. In fact the interest is so great that the world’s largest wooden pencil manufacturer, Faber-Castell, has been forced to increase shifts at its German factory in order to keep up with demand.

Mindfulness, with its emphasis on being aware of the present moment, fits particularly well with this hobby because colouring is essentially a repetitive, undemanding activity that can be used to focus the mind. Colourists claim that their hobby can lead to a calmer, almost meditative frame of mind and this view is supported by clinical psychologist Dr David Holmes: “With our workaholic culture, we spend most of our lives in ‘beta mode’, which is when we’re alert, problem-solving, decisionmaking. By actively altering the preponderance of certain brain patterns, you can shift into ‘alpha mode’, which is more like the state of mind we have as children. Meditation and similar techniques require learning and practice, whereas anyone can just drop into colouring-in.”

Printers and booksellers have also seen a stratospheric rise in the popularity of colouring

Colouring may seem like a solitary pastime but it can also become a social activity: in

Now fast-forward to the present day, when high-tech gadgets and gizmos allow us to create sophisticated and brightly coloured designs with just a few mouse clicks. Such innovations should have consigned the humble crayon to the dustbin of history, so it’s amazing to learn that in the second decade of the 21st century one of the most popular hobbies is adult colouring.

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recent years colouring clubs and parties have proved popular, particularly in America and France. The Ladies Coloring Club is a Facebook Group based in the US which links to groups around the world. Alternatively you could start your own group like 38year-old Suzanne Parsonage from Bristol, who launched a colourists group from her local pub. Many local libraries also host adult colouring sessions.

If you are eager to try colouring for yourself but don’t want to invest in a book of illustrations just yet, go online and download some free printable pages. You’ll find some great library printables at www. pinterest.com that will help you decide whether adult colouring is for you. If you are feeling that this hobby is a little too childish, you’ll be relieved to hear that a recent article in Director magazine identified a growing trend amongst business leaders who have taken up colouring in order to alleviate stress.

So grab a box of crayons or felt-tips and make a start. It seems there’s every reason to add a little colour to your everyday life - and all you need to worry about is keeping within the lines!

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Unit 3, Spire Ridge, Bath Road, Midgham, RG7 5XB Tel: 01189 712151

Opening Times Thursdays to Saturdays 10am to 5pm Sundays 10am to 4pm

Lizhiannes-Fleece-and-Fibre Email: val@lizhiannes.com

Crafty Groups at Lizhianne’s

We stock a wide range of 100% cottons for fabric crafters.

Available by the metre or pre-cut into fat quarters and design packs.

All groups £1 per person, including refreshments.

Knit, Natter, Crochet and Chat Thursdays 7 to 10pm

Saturdays

1pm to 4pm Bring along your project and enjoy knitting and crocheting with others

Share a Craft

The Sunday Sew

Fridays 1.30pm to 4pm

Sundays 1pm to 4pm

Come along with any craft project you have on the go. Every other week we will try something together.

More details on our Facebook page.

Drop in for a few hours of Sewing, Quilting, Patchwork, Embroidery, Cross Stitch or something else. There will always be a sewing machine available for anyone to use.

Additionally we stock beautiful yarns for knitting and crochet projects including 100% baby alpaca, wool and wool blends, cashmere blends and even a wool and soya bean blend. We are the only local yarn shop for Juniper Moon Farm and Ella Rae yarns.

We also sell haberdashery

*HRIIUH\ &KXUFK &R FUNERAL DIRECTORS

For a personal and dignified service at all times …

∗ Personal Service - 24 Hours ∗ Private Chapels of Rest ∗ All types of Memorials, supplied and fixed

∗ Pre-payment Funeral Plans available

THATCHAM

HUNGERFORD

Churchgate, The Broadway Tel: 01635 868444

48a High Street Tel: 01488 686830

TADLEY 48 Bishopswood Road Tel: 0118 9814420

Please ring 07808 929436 after 6.00pm

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

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Croatia The Plitvice Lakes

By Solange Hando Set up in 1949 in northern Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes are the oldest national park in the country and the largest, covering close to 300 square kilometres. There, on the edge of the rugged Dinaric Alps, rocks and water have created a unique landscape protected by UNESCO and one of the most impressive karst formations in the world.

Yet just 400 years ago, the whole area was inaccessible, draped in mystery and legends from buried treasures to the kind-hearted Black Queen who gave water to the poor. In the 18th century, it was described in turn as ‘five beautiful lakes in the densest wood’ and ‘the devil’s garden’. But those who come here today know that neither is true: there is no devil in this natural paradise but there are 16 beautiful lakes for all to see.

The twelve upper lakes and four lower lakes are all connected, divided by natural limestone barriers shaped by water, wind and plants and creating myriad waterfalls.

The highest is the aptly named ‘Large Waterfall’, swollen by the Plitvica river and tumbling down 78 metres into the final section of the lower lakes. Just a

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stone’s throw away, the source of the Korana is said to be the most beautiful in karst country, heading through the canyon towards a bucolic village dozing in flower meadows.

Meanwhile, footpaths and single-file boardwalks meander from one magical lake to the next, festooned in waterfalls, canyons and caves, and whatever the crowds, little disturbs the peace but the rumbling of cascades and bird song. There are popular viewpoints and secluded corners, steps here and there and for those who want to take it easy, rides on an electric boat across Lake Kozjak or a panoramic train in the upper levels.

But nothing beats a leisurely stroll where lush scenery and fresh air quieten mind, body and soul. The lakes beckon, more bewitching the closer you are. Azure, silvery grey, deep blue or emerald green, shimmering in the sun or mirroring a darkening sky, they are for ever changing as light and shade filter through the abundant foliage along the banks.

The lower lakes glitter through a rocky canyon, the upper

lakes nestle among forested slopes rising to 1,279 metres.

Mediterranean and Alpine plants mingle with fir, spruce and beech and in the remote areas of the north-west, trees are up to 700 years old. Over 1,100 plant species have been recorded in the park, including 75 endemic and 55 different orchids. Gentians and lilies add colour in the undergrowth and grassy bells and wild hyacinths grow alongside endangered species such as the carnivorous round leaf sundew. Spring heather, beard grass and mint are also found along the lakes where maple and sumac trees turn all shades of red and gold in autumn.

Wild cats, lynx, deer and wolves all live in the park but the brown bear has become the true symbol of the Plitvice Lakes. Yet visitors on a day trip from the beach are far more likely to spot the butterflies, an Orange Tip, a Painted Lady, a Red Admiral, to name just a few, and at least some of the 105 species of birds, woodpeckers, grebes, larks, finches and others, or perhaps a rare golden eagle hovering in the thermals high above the glistening lakes.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Gardner Leader Team grows at thriving local law firm The only law firm in Thatcham, Gardner Leader solicitors, located in Winbolt House, is celebrating after seeing considerable growth in its business, services and staff base over the last 12 months.

The firm has expanded their offices at Winbolt House in The Broadway, with other changes including the provision of a brand new reception area, new meeting rooms, and an increase in the number of solicitors at the office to four, following the establishment of a permanent Inheritance Protection team at the office.

This makes Gardner Leader the only firm in the area to offer private client services, such as wills, probate and powers of attorney, in addition to the residential and commercial property services it has offered to the community for many years.

As part of these changes, David Finnerty, solicitor in the Inheritance Protection

team now stationed in the Thatcham office, will be promoted to Associate on 1st July. Partner Bob Tomlinson, a stalwart of the office for the past 39 years, will be retiring from practice on 30th June. In his stead, Senior Associate, Patrick Stewart, and Associate, Michelle Challis, will assume the responsibility of running the office.

Patrick has over twenty years experience in the conveyancing field, both in relation to residential and commercial property. He was previously a Partner at Charles Hoile Solicitors before moving to Gardner Leader following its acquisition of part of the firm in 2013. He is a Thatcham resident and therefore knows the area well, both commercially and residentially.

Michelle has worked for Gardner Leader for ten years, during which time she has gained significant experience in all aspects of residential sales and purchases. She deals with properties both local to the office as well as those located all across

the country and enjoys excellent relationships with local estate agents.

Together, Patrick and Michelle intend to focus on continuing to serve the Thatcham community, as well as seeking to further establish relationships with businesses and communities in the surrounding areas, such as Aldermaston, Basingstoke, Tadley and Woolhampton.

“The Thatcham office is really thriving,” said Patrick and Michelle. “We are very excited about working to develop it further and increasing our reach to help more local people and businesses to benefit from the services we provide.”

Gardner leader is one of the fastest growing solicitors in the South-East with more than 100 staff across offices in Newbury, Thatcham and Maidenhead.

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

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LEAKY FLAT ROOF? WE CAN CURE IT!

ADD UP TO 10 YEARS EXTRA LIFE AT HALF THE COST OF A NEW FELT ROOF

FLAT ROOF SOLUTIONS The old roof covering and flashing is cleaned, and any major damage repaired. We then use a resin- based, glass fibre reinforced roof coating, applied over the existing flat roof surface, giving a 100% waterproof seal that is guaranteed for 10 years!

F L AT R O O F S O L U T I O N S is a local Thatcham Based company run by M a r t i n N e w m a n . We are fully insured and have many satisfied customers in Newbury and surrounding areas.

FOR A FREE SURVEY AND QUOTATION RING NOW!

07970 897317 01635 820312

“DON’T WAIT FOR THE BAD WEATHER TO SHOW UP YOUR LEAKS, GET YOUR ROOF PROTECTED NOW!”

Email: martinnewman1956@btinternet.com

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

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

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Newbury Cats Protection We have many cats seeking loving homes especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed For further information contact 01635 200111 Open daily, except for Tuesdays, 11am-3pm by appointment www.newbury.cats.org.uk

Dan Street

BSc(Hons)Pod MChS HCPC Registered

HOME-VISITING

CHIROPODIST PODIATRIST

01189 67 58 53

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.DChimney Sweep D P. Professional

www.pddservices.co.uk

services

Est. 10 Years

• Brush and Vacuum • Pots, Cowls, Caps & Birdguards Fitted • Chimney Stacks Repaired • Brick Fireplaces • Fully Insured Contact: P Dollin

Tel: 01635 871885 Mobile: 07885 105 006

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

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PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

Specialising in:

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

    

Fencing Patios Deckwork Brickwork and Repointing Garden Maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts  Decorating  Tiling  Carpentry - general building and maintenance

Please visit my website to see more:

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

72 Loundes Close, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 3EB

t: 14 01635 872285 m: 07849 078204 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

K P Voller

Chimneys Lined & Rebuilt Stoves & Fireplaces Installed

Tel/Fax: 01635 869877 Mobile: 07881 992481 Email: kpvoller@btinternet.com

5 Tennyson Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 3FR

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

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Your local friendly electrician Offering a reliable service You can depend on.

9 9 9 9 9 9

All types of electrical work Approved domestic installer Part P registered New installations, Extensions Kitchens, Bathrooms Fuse boards

9 9 9 9 9 9

Lighting & Power Fully Insured No job too Large or Small Audio and visual installations Fault finding Rewires

CALL PAUL ON 07833248438 OR 01635 770256 www.electricanthatcham.co.uk currentconnection@googlemail.com Silverthorne, robertsfeild,

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

Ladies and Gents Hairdressing

• Help you manage your hair better!

(for all ages)

Family discounts

• Make beautiful hair more beautiful!

• Make difficult hair less difficult!

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

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

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

Mobile 0790 8930682 Based Dunston Park Thatcham 16

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

Koo’s Hair Designs

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

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

DESIGN & ARCHITECTUREArchitectural Services Planning Applications Building Regulations

MANUFACTURE Oak Frame Structures

DELIVER Project Management Total Build Solutions

Brooks Farm, Bath Road, www.thebarnpartnership.co.uk Beenham, Reading, RG7 5JB info@thebarnpartnership.co.uk

FALKLAND BUILDERS

Over 30 years Experience

All types of Building work undertaken

Brickwork Specialist Extensions Renovations Alterations Garden walls Re-pointing

01635 42744 & 07831 470693 e: falklandbuilders@hotmail.com

Tel: 0118 930 66 33 Fax: 0118 930 44 88

CAP SECURITY LOCAL LOCKSMITHS Professional Family Run Business

All makes of Locks Opened/Fitted/Replaced/Repaired

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages UPVc Door and Window Maintenance Specialists Free Security Advice & Estimates

01635 868 318

101A Park Lane, Thatcham Berkshire ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

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Liege Carpentry & Construction Limited Liege Carpentry & Construction Limited is a Thatcham based company and run by Brett and Christina Messenger. I was interested to know more about them as they have grown so much over the last fifteen years.

Christina now tells the story.

“Originally Brett worked as a Carpenter after the completion of his apprenticeship, some thirteen years ago. Then in 2009, together, we starting taking on larger projects, growing our customer base and deciding to become a Limited company in 2012, of which we are both directors.

As time went by, it became apparent that as our clients’ needs became more extensive, we too needed to offer a wider range of services. That is why we now include all types of building work - from roof construction to the building of extensions - and even decking and paving .”

liaising with customers - and am the main point of contact.

I run the ’office’ side of the business ensuring that orders are placed correctly and that the appropriate people are organised on site on the days required, to meet any deadlines.

We maintain a full time team of 3 and we also have a team of subcontractors. We are, however, essentially a family ‘team.’

We continue to work as any family would and together we share our thoughts and skills.

People have commentated that Ideas literally ‘bounce off’ each other!” This is the beauty of it all - working and sharing to achieve excellence. We are not afraid of trying something new - but equally we appreciate the value of implementing that which is tried and tested.

Above all, we are dedicated to giving our customers the very best service we can - and of course at a fair price. We know that when a client asks us for an estimate, they will be expecting us to give them excellent value.

“Are you able to help with the Planning process?”

“Yes, we both have an extensive knowledge of the current planning processes and building regulation legislation - in many areas, including West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Reading Borough, Bracknell Forest and Basingstoke”.

“Can you supply references for past projects?”

“Of course. We have an extensive portfolio of past projects of different types and can easily provide references.”

“Please tell us how you run the company”.

“Brett, oversees the day to day site management and works on site, ensuring that the job runs smoothly. I, after finishing my career in the Police Force, spend my time

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Liege Carpentry & Construction Limited

We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and will always go that extra mile to complete any project, however big or small, to the high standards we work to.

■ Extensions & Refurbishments ■ Home Imporovements & Alterations ■ Kitchens & Bathrooms ■ Carpentry ■ Roofing

ALL BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN Please contact us for free no obligation estimate for your project.

01635 868253 or 07771 638365 liegecc@hotmail.co.uk

P.D.D

■ Plumbing & Electrics ■ Brick & Flint Works ■ Driveways ■ Landscaping & Garden Maintenance

Services

Window Cleaning n Interior & Exterior Window Cleaning n Pure Water Pole System or Traditional Method n Commercial & Domestic n uPVC fascia, soffit & cladding cleaning

Air Conditioning

n Conservatory roof cleaning n Gutter Clearing & Repairs n Fully insured

01635 871885 or 07885 105006

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

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Thatcham Connections Money Quiz Money 1. Which US President features on a one dollar bill?

2. What two word term refers to an instruction a bank account holder gives to their bank in order to pay a set amount of money from their account to another account at regular intervals?

3. What is the main colour of a 20 Euro note?

4. In London slang, how much money would you have in total if you had a “monkey” and a “pony”?

5. Money Never Sleeps was the sub-title of the 2010 sequel to which 1980s film?

6. How many times is the word “money” mentioned in the chorus of the ABBA song Money Money Money?

7. On a standard UK keyboard, the pound sign appears on what number key?

8. Founded in 1762, what was the world’s second oldest merchant bank, which collapsed in 1995 after suffering losses of over one billion dollars due to the actions of “rogue trader” Nick Leeson?

9. Which is worth more?... two kilograms of one pound coins or one kilogram of two pound coins?

10. Rich Uncle Pennybags is the mascot for what?

See page 55 for Answers

Mini Cryptic Crossword Across 1. Dashing sort of protection from light (7) 7. A page turning, wide open (5) 8. Nothing in port backing calvary unit (5) 9. Pictures – not so innocent! (7) 11. Female relative going back and forth (3) 12. Tell sir about creeper’s support (7) 17. Explosive initials! (3) 19. Edible colours (7) 22. City units in disarray (5) 23. Prickle from the north (5) 24. See sign about first book (7) Down 1. Material saint made (5) 2. Sum provided by a rise (6) 3. Pierce with maple I fashioned (6) 4. Pace a way in, we hear (4) 5. Read about a challenge (4) (6) 6. Somehow beats an animal (5) 16. Stakes and puts in 10. Floral garland seen in Rayleigh (3) the mail (5) 13. Go fast in Brunei (3) 18. Trials cricket 14. Silent change to hear (6) matches (5) 15. Impedes the growth of dangerous feats

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20. Bright star returning to an old county (4) 21. Foreign agent holding back a mob (4)

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Karen Tyler-Trillo After a lifetime of loving, caring for and owning pets and with a farming background, Karen has turned her attention to the welfare of animals in a professional capacity. Karen will visit your pet and look after him/her with much loving care.

Whatever your pet may be, Pet Angels UK are here to offer a variety of fully insured services.

Not only is your life made easier - and you have peace of mind when you are out or away - but also this ensures no stress for your animal.

These services include: Dog Walking, Pet Feeding, Pet/House sitting, Basic pet grooming in your home.

Also: Pet Taxi and Dog Midwifery.

In addition to the services already mentioned, Karen and her team are also happy to water plants, pick up post and carry out basic house security checks at your request.

One-to-one Clicker training for your dog is also offered with an experienced trainer.

Pet Angels UK Services are expanding all the time - to include Pet Portraits and provide accessories.

Readers who mention seeing this ad will be given a 10% discount on their first booking.

Karen is a an accre lso dited microch ipper

Please have a look on our website for more information:

w w w. p e t a n g e l s u k . c o . u k Tel: 01635 881 891 or 07876 785312

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

21

The Margaret Spencer Practice � Counselling � Psychotherapy � Coaching

Working with individuals, couples and organisations on a short term or open ended approach.

• Abuse • Addiction • Anger • Anxiety • Confidence & Self Esteem • Bereavement & Loss • Divorce, Separation & Redundancy • Relationships • Stress Management • Depression • Eating Disorders

Are you wondering just how effective Counselling, Psychotherapy or Coaching could be for you?

Working with you in a safe, professional, confidential and non-judgmental environment.

Call me on 07775 706907 or visit my website for more information: www.margaretspencercounselling.co.uk

Margaret Spencer BSc MBACP (Accred) MNLP Kingfisher Court Hambridge Road Newbury RG14 5SJ

22

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Does Your Pet Have An Allergy?

It’s not just unwanted visitors that make your pet scratch.

Allergies are common in most domestic pets, and scratching is just one sign that something’s not right.

You might notice a loss of fur if your dog has dermatitis, and is constantly scratching to relieve the itch. Potential triggers include new shampoos, a different type of food, or a seasonal allergy, as these affect animals just as much as humans.

PETS

General signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction Here are one or two signs to look out for so you can treat your pet as quickly as possible: • cats: lesions, lumps and bumps on their skin – these are often felt rather than seen, and may be accompanied by bald patches around the base of the tail or underside of the body.

• dogs: frequently shaking its head – look for signs of redness in the ears, as it could be the start of an allergen-based infection.

• rabbits: flaky skin or soreness in the ears can be caused by an allergy to mites.

Bee stings are particularly dangerous A puppy’s natural inquisitive and playful nature invariably leads it into dangerous situations, but if it chews or swallows a bee, the resulting reaction can be severe.

It could cause their face to swell, with breathing problems developing from a narrowed airway, and you’ll need to get emergency help from your vet in such cases. They may prescribe an EpiPen so you’re prepared if it happens again.

http://www.petplan.co.uk/allergies. asp http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/ healthypets/archive/2012/06/22/ pets-seasonal-allergies.aspx

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

By Ann Haldon

23

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

(01635) 582829

Platinum Cleaning

C.D. Gutter Services

and Ironing Services • Weekly - One-offs - Spring cleans

www.pddservices.co.uk

• Reliable and trustworthy

All your gutter problems solved.

Specialising in clearing, repairs and complete replacement of guttering.

• Upvc & Cast iron guttering and downpipes • Water butts supplied and fitted • Upvc fascias, soffits and cladding cleaning • Any type of conservatory roof cleaned • Fully Insured • Free Estimates

telephone: mobile: 24

01635 866232 07834 545905

• House Sitting/Dog walking • References provided • Fully Insured

For a free quotation call Rose on:

07825 041033 rosemary.j.woolford@gmail.com

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

Extension Specialist • Barn Conversions • Garage Conversions • Driveways and Patios • All Roofing and Guttering works • Brick, Stone & Flint work • Hard Landscaping • Drainage • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Plumbing • Electrical • Painting and Decorating

Telephone 01635 861088 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuilders@gmail.com Denbar, Briff Lane, Turners Green, Upper Bucklebury, RG7 6ST w w w. a t h o m p s o n b u i l d e r. c o . u k ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

25

RECIPE

Cake and Bake Chocolate Chip and Nut Biscotti These crisp Italian biscuits are baked twice to give them that extra crunch. Serve them with strong coffee or a sweet dessert wine for dipping.

Ingredients:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F, Gas 4. Line a

• 50g butter, softened

2. Put the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat

large baking sheet with baking parchment.

• 100g caster sugar • 1 medium egg, beaten • 2 tsp orange zest • 175g plain flour, plus extra for shaping • 1/2 tsp baking powder

3.

4.

• 40g blanched hazelnuts, roughly chopped • 40g dark chocolate chips

5.

Makes approx 20 biscuits Ready in 50 minutes

6.

TIP

For a flavour variation, replace the nuts and chocolate chips with sweetened dried cranberries and mixed peel.

26

7.

together with a wooden spoon until very pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in the egg and orange zest.

Sift over the flour and baking powder and add the hazelnuts and chocolate chips. Knead on a lightly floured surface to a soft dough, adding a little more flour if the dough seems sticky.

Divide the dough into two pieces and using lightly floured hands shape each to a 18cm x 8cm log.

Place on the baking sheet, well spaced apart, and flatten each one slightly with the palm of your hands.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until firm and light golden. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and leave to cool for about 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer the two logs to a chopping board. Use a serrated knife to cut each log on the diagonal into 9-10 slices. Return all the slices, cut-side down, to the baking sheet and bake for a further 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden brown.

Transfer the biscotti to a cooling rack and leave to cool completely. They will keep in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.

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PEGASUS

MOTOR CARE

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SERVICING / REPAIRS We offer a collect and deliver service

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

T. 0118 9713573

More than 35 years combined main dealer experience Based in Beenham

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

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Light + Power home and your home office ►

Fault finding and wiring repairs

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LED lighting advice and installation

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Phone: 01481 672423 or 07968 541357

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See page 55 for Answers

28

ONLY

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Tracey

Mobile Hairdresser 07770 823283

I offer quality, personal, affordable hairdressing in the comfort of your own home at a mutually convenient time: I can travel to you in Thatcham and the surrounding villages.

Please call if you would like to make an appointment.

Tel: 07770 823283 Discounts available for double and group adult bookings. ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

29

FEATURE

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Which type of ISA is best for you? open to anyone aged 18 or over. The money is divided between various investment products, including company shares, government and corporate bonds, and unit trusts.

Individual Savings Accounts were first introduced in 1999.

They provided exemption from income tax and capital gains tax, and quickly became a popular place to save and invest.

Back then, it was a straightforward choice between a Cash ISA or a Stocks and Shares equivalent, but with seven different types of Individual Savings Account now available, making the right choice is much more complicated.

So how do you know which ISA is best for you, and even whether you’re eligible to apply? We take a look at the different ISA accounts available, to identify which ones might suit your needs.

Instant access cash Isa A straightforward tax-free savings account offered by banks and building societies - interest rates have fallen considerably in recent years, but it’s also a risk-free way to put your money to one side.

You get instant access to your savings, and need to be at least 16 years of age to open this account. stocks and shares Isa Stocks and Shares ISAs are

30

Although as an investment there’s greater risk with a Stocks and Shares ISA, you can control your exposure to it by splitting your annual allowance between this and a Cash ISA. JunIor Isa Parents can save for their children in a Junior ISA. It’s open to children under the age of 18, but the child can only open an account if they are aged 16 or over. The annual allowance currently stands at £4,080, but a child between the ages of 16 and 18 can also open an adult ISA, which boosts their saving capacity. help to Buy Isa A fairly recent addition to the ISA family, the Help to Buy ISA was introduced in December 2015 in an attempt to boost the first-time buyer market.

For every £4 saved, the government has pledged to add a £1 bonus (up to a maximum of £3,000), making it a great way to save for a deposit on a first property.

InherItance Isa To avoid having to pay tax on a deceased partner’s ISA savings, the Chancellor introduced the facility to inherit tax-free from December 2014.

From the date of a spouse’s death, the surviving partner is granted an Additional Permitted Subscription (APS) for the total

amount in the account, and has three years in which to use it. lIfetIme Isa The Lifetime ISA will be introduced from 2017, and is for people between the ages of 18 and 39. A 25% bonus from the government is available, so for every £4 saved they will put in £1 up to a maximum of £1,000.

It can be used towards the purchase of a house up to the value of £450,000, otherwise you need to keep the money in the account until the age of 60 to avoid a penalty.

InnovatIve fInance Isa This is seen to be a riskier choice for investors, but one that potentially brings higher returns. One of the risks is that your money won’t be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme because the banks are not involved.

You place your money with peer-to-peer lending platforms, which could attract a higher rate of interest than with Cash or Stocks and Shares ISAs. At the time of writing, however, there are only eight such online lenders offering this type of ISA. http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/saving/article-3505692/ The-seven-different-types-offerchoose-one-you.html http://www.moneywise. co.uk/banking-saving/savingsaccounts-isas/how-to-inherit-isa http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/mortgageshome/article3520497/From-new-LifetimeIsa-shared-ownership-banishtime-buyer-blues.html

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

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

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

Heslops

1 High Street Thatcham RG19 3JG Tel: 01635 868202

www.heslops-thatcham.co.uk

G EE IN FR UR S EA

*M

*F FR IT EE TI NG *

Chartered Accountants

*

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

Dignity Funerals Ltd. A company registered in England

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

31

32

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Diet & Nutrition

The Hair & Beauty Barn

A D V I S O R

Based in Thatcham, I am a qualified nurse of 11 years with a diploma in nutrition. We all know how important diet is and that it really matters for our health. I am now dedicated in assisting clients to find a unique diet tailored to their specific needs.

Midgham

May be you want to feel more energetic or lose weight? Do you get all the important nutrients in your diet? Let me tailor a plan to suit your tastes and lifestyle.

Therapy rooms to rent within a well established Hair & Beauty Salon in a prime location with ample free parking.

A great opportunity for a professional to rent a room on a self-employed basis.

We are looking for a fully qualified therapist such as beauty, osteopath, chiropractor, counselling or homeopath.

Ideally suited to someone with an established clientele.

For more information please contact me:

E: green-jan@hotmail.co.uk T: 07941 176897

Telephone Rachel 01189 713562 or 077710 103647

• BSc Hons Enhancing Professional Practice • Diploma in Diet & Nutrition • Associate Member of British Nutrition Foundation

8 weeks - 8 keys to success Leaner - Lighter and Full of Life, in just 8 weeks?

Individually tailored & friendly - personal - confidential help will ensure you achieve just this.

In 8 weeks together we will unlock the 8 keys to weight loss success.

• Individual coaching - tailored and confidential • Personal assessment and realistic goals • ‘Know How’ sessions to build knowledge and practical tips to help you achieve your goals

‘A new local holistic approach’

• HIIT exercise sessions - have fun & support each other!

To find out more & book your place, please see:

• On-going motivational support

www.newburyw8loss.co.uk or phone Steph on 07876 770473

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

33

Tai Chi & Qigong

Tai Chi (Taiji) is an Internal Martial Art born from the ancient healing system of Chi Kung (QiGong), specialising in restoring balance and harmony in our lives.

Slow, gentle movements work on strengthening muscles, increasing stamina, improving coordination, while boosting energy levels and enhancing our feelings of well-being.

Jo is a highly qualified and experienced teacher. She brings her warmth, humour and understanding of people and life to all her classes, giving back these healing, energising and restorative exercises to all her students.

In the beautifully light and spacious

WOOLHAMPTON VILLAGE HALL, RG7 5RE Friday mornings: 10am - 11am

Classes also at

PANGbOuRNE VILLAGE HALL Wednesday mornings: 10am - 11am & 11am - 12noon

FIRST CLASS FREE - COME AND TRY!

Please contact Jo Dunn PangValleyTaiji/QiGongForHealth

07816 751212 / 0118 984 5837

E: pangvalleytaichi@gmail.com

www.robdonnellytherapy.com

Do you need some help with any of the following, or related issues?

Stress • Depression • Habits and Addictions Confidence & Self Esteem • Compulsions & Obsessions Sports Performance • Public Speaking • Exam Nerves Relaxation • Phobias

Then Discover how Cognitive Hypnotherapy and NLP can help you...

If you are dreaming of a new you, start your journey now and contact Rob

Rob has the unique skill set of being both a fully qualified Fitness Professional and a Cognitive–NLP Master Practitioner.

He can offer personal sessions that will not only help you attain your fitness goal, but also achieve the right mindset to get there.

If you are at all thinking about change then why not give me a call 07710 726 424 or email me at info@robdonnellytherapy.com

The new you is just a phone call away !

34

A problem is only a problem if it’s a problem to you!

Working together we can help you find a solution to your problem – quickly, efficiently and without fuss – so you can just get on with everyday life.

My flexible approach and experience means that whatever it is you are trying to change, we – working together – can help you achieve it in a very simple way.

T: 07710 726 424

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Your health choice

Orchard Life in Midgham www.orchardlifemidgham.co.uk Tel: 07989 403 167 or email: mariayogalife@gmail.com

Corrine thomas - Corrine is a qualified coach, NLP trainer and NLP4kids practitioner who works with children one to one and in private workshops to help them to overcome emotional challenges, increase confidence and improve self esteem. Through developing a positive mindset, her clients are motivated to reach a greater learning potential. Call Corrine on 01183 282743 for a discussion on how NLP can help you and your children.

maria nolan - Osteopath, works from Orchard Life and treats patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including Back, Neck and Shoulder pain; Sports related Injuries; Pregnancy related conditions; Postural and Occupational issues and also Age related conditions. Call Maria on 07591 094223 for further information and receive 20% off your first appointment when you mention this advert. amy starr - Amy offers sports massage therapy at Orchard Life and offers

appointments tailor-made to suit your personal requirements. Treatment is designed to release muscle tension and restore balance to the musculoskeletal system. The benefits can be immense, and include physical, physiological and psychological improvements. To make an appointment and for 10% off your first treatment call Amy on 07552 302247 or email: info@starrsportsmassage.co.uk

mandy Barter - Mandy is trained in Acupuncture and Tui Na massage, which uses acupuncture points and channels but without needles. She is also a Reflexologist. She is a member of The British Acupuncture Council, The British Reflexology Association and is a founder member of ACT Berkshire, the Acupuncture for Conception and Childbirth team. 10% off first treatment when you mention this advert. Mandy can be contacted on 07980 127560.

Jo saunders - Are you feeling tired & lacking in vitality? Are you suffering with IBS symptoms, hormonal problems or a skin condition?

Through personalised dietary changes which are realistic and achievable for you, Jo works to restore imbalances to help you feel your best. Initial consultations ÂŁ70, follow ups ÂŁ40. Contact jo@josaundersnutrition.co.uk or 07771 813196 or 0118 9713732 melanie rickerby - Melanie is our mat Pilates teacher who is passionate about Pilates and has practised for many years. Pilates can improve your fitness and well-being by developing your alignment, breathing and core strength. The benefits include positive body awareness, increased flexibility, posture and balance through precise and controlled movements.

For more information please contact Melanie on 07776 482360. sheila Bond - Sheila offers 8 week mindfulness

courses to relieve stress, and to help those who live with long-term health problems such as pain. Sheila is a Chartered Physiotherapist and Accredited Mindfulness Teacher. One to one appointments also available Sheila can be contacted on 07990 584078.

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

35

Feeling in need of exercise?

Ballroom Latin American Sequence

Dance Classes for all abilities Held in Shaw-cum-Donnington village hall

For more details ring 01635 580930 www.1stepahead.info

36

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Why not learn to dance?

What is Dramatherapy?

One of the Arts psychotherapies, recommended by NICE, Dramatherapy offers teenagers, couples, individuals and families a safe way to express difficult emotions, feelings and family patterns.

How can it help me? You don’t have to be able to act – and we work without words, non-verbally sometimes! Aspects of your own story are our focus, helping you safely express your most difficult feelings associated with difficult relationships, conflict, depression, anxiety, grief, frustration and jealousy.

Who is the Arts psychotherapist? Lauraine Leigh Klugman Arts Psychotherapist, MA psychoanalytic studies, is Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. She has 20 years’ experience working with couples, families and individuals privately and in the NHS. She works in a charity school, and offers Private work at excellent rates.

Lauraine offers BEST RATES & a free arranged 10 min call to discuss your concerns: 01635 292434. Testimonials on Request.

When responding please quote Thatcham Connections

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

37

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NEWBURY, HUNGERFORD & HENLEY

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CHILDREN’S SWIMMING LESSONS Summer Crash Course

25th-29th July, Thatcham / Newbury • • • • • •

Non-swimmers & Improvers from 3 1/2 yrs Snorkelling & Diving Advanced & Club level swimmers 6 children per class Teachers DBS checked Term & Holiday courses available

01635 201410

rose@swimlessons.co.uk │ www.swimlessons.co.uk

38

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DANCE - SINGING - DRAMA

Every Saturday - Francis Baily School Fun, creative dance, drama and singing experiences for children of all ages. Learning to dance, sing and act in energetic classes designed to harness and develop co-ordination and confidence whilst inspiring creativity.

LITTLE STARS (3-4 yrs - 9:30-10:30am) MINI THEATRE SCHOOL (5-6 yrs - 9:30-10:30am) SATURDAY THEATRE SCHOOL (7-17yrs - 10:30-1:30pm) RTS pupils perform annually at Arlington Arts and in the West End and have the opportunity to be represented by a professional agency!

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Musical Theatre Easter Course 4th-8th April 2016.

7-16yr olds. 9am-3pm Matilda Musical Theatre Summer Course 8th-11th August 2016.

7-16 yr olds. 9am-3pm Book a FREE trial for our classes and a place on our Holiday Courses online or call : 07920 748784

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

39

40

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements See page 55 for Answers

Little Quavers Music Fun music sessions for under 5’s with their parent or carer Sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays

No termly fees Visit our website www.littlequaversmusic.co.uk

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…

Free trial lesson with this adver

t!

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

41

See page See 61

42

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page 61

Hobbies Ten Tips To Bring Your Treasures Back To Life

By Kate McLelland

Many years ago in London’s famous Portobello market, I came across a grimy old box made of wood. At first glance didn’t look like anything special, but on closer inspection I saw that some fine veneer work was visible in places.

“Ten quid. A bit of wire wool and some washing up liquid straight out of the bottle, and that’ll come up lovely.”

It sounded unlikely, but I paid the stallholder and took the box home, where I nervously began to rub the surface with a steel wool pad. As the dirt melted away I uncovered an intricate inlaid marquetry design, and my grimy box eventually emerged as a beautiful antique that I’ve loved ever since.

Although I was successful, I suspect most experts hearing of my method would tear out their hair. Remember these points before starting your own projects: • Some antiques are valued for their patina and certain items – such as old coins – should never be polished.

• Check very old items for cracks that may break during cleaning.

• If in any doubt, do some research or ask an expert.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals

or abrasive cloths. here are ten tips for restoring your vintage bargains: • To remove general grime from old prints, gently roll a piece of doughy, fresh bread over the surface.

• To remove old, rusted-in screws, first clean around screw head edges, heat the screw head with a hot air gun, then the turn screw a little TIGHTER, before undoing (use caution with heat if the object has a varnished or painted finish).

• Age marks on porcelain can be removed by soaking overnight in baby bottle sterilizing liquid.

• Use Steradent tablets to get rid of water marks in old glass vases.

• For a bright shine, polish chrome with baby oil and cotton wool.

• To clean a gilded object, use a clean white cotton cloth, cotton balls or Q-tips, and the barest amount of clean, cool water. After you have dampened the cleaning material, remove excess moisture on a dry piece of cloth before you apply it.

• Rub undiluted household bleach into dirty hairline cracks in pottery and rinse off,

to reduce the crack’s visibility.

• Use half a lemon and salt to clean brass and copper items.

Apply, rinse off, dry carefully and clean with impregnated wadding, polishing finally with a soft cloth.

• To repair a pottery item, clean the pieces with a mixture of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water and let them dry completely. Apply clear, slowsetting two part epoxy glue and hold the pieces in place with modelling clay so they don’t fall apart whilst drying.

• Remove dust and dirty marks on old leather by dipping an artist’s paintbrush in methylated spirits. Use sparingly, working on a small area at a time.

Whenever you carry out a restoration project, you should decide whether you want to keep the item or sell it on before you get started. If you want to keep it, you can restore it to your personal taste. If you’re selling, it’s wise to do some research on the current market before you start restoration.

Although it may seem strange, some buyers may actually want the rust stains and marks of use that show an item has been handled and loved for many years.

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

43

GARDENING FEATURE

Water, Water Everywhere

by Pippa Greenwood

With summer well under way, many gardens are now feeling the need for a bit more water than the rain is giving them - it is hard to believe that not long ago all the plants were suffering due to excess rainfall and waterlogged soil. Now it is important to forget those wet winter days and concentrate on doing everything you can to keep your garden looking good, despite increased temperatures and soil that is drier by the minute. There’s no doubt that you will need to do some watering, but how can you minimise the amount you apply, make best use of what you’ve got and still have a good-looking and productive garden?

If possible, avoid making new plantings right now. It would be far better to wait until the autumn because, if planted out now, most trees, shrubs and climbers will find it harder to get properly established and are more likely to suffer serious setbacks too. However, if you

do have any planting that you really can’t avoid, then make sure that you improve the soil texture before you begin. Dig and fork in plenty of garden compost, well-rotted manure or other bulky organic matter so that the soil is better equipped to retain moisture.

This will make sandy soil hold water more effectively but you will also find it helps to decrease the chances of clay soil cracking. It may be hard work but it will make life a lot easier for the plants, and should also mean that you have to spend far less time watering later on.

composted chipped bark, cocoa shells or many of the numerous pebbles, shingles and so forth which are now available. If the soil is well watered before the mulch goes on, then it will really help to keep moisture in the soil and, as all the materials I’ve suggested will let plenty of rain through, when it does rain the plants will still benefit. Applying a good mulch will also help to keep down weeds, which will not only save you time but also prevent these thirsty plants from taking up valuable soil moisture.

It is never too late to mulch: it might be high summer but it is still well worthwhile mulching beds, borders and your vegetable plot.

Mulching is often thought to be something you have to do early in the year, but provided the soil is moist when you put the mulch in place, it will still serve you well. The mulch needs to be 2” - 3” (5 - 7.5 cm) deep and you can use shredded composted bark,

In drier areas of your garden, try to use plants which are particularly drought tolerant. Those with silvery or grey foliage such as the lavenders, Sedums (ice plants), rock roses (Helianthemum), rosemary and Convolvulus cneorum all tend to thrive in dry conditions, and are also more likely to do quite well if planted now, as compared to an average herbaceous or Continued on page 50

44

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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

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

Telephone Paul on 07748 335954 (locally based in Thatcham)

email: a4services@live.co.uk

THATCHAM

GARDENWORKS • Lawnmowing and strimming • Hedge cutting, reduction and removal • Lawn care, aerating and scarifying • Treework, crown reduction, lifing and pollarding • Turfing, fencing and decking • Regular visits and contract work • Leylandii reduction and removal Fully insured and DBS checked.

Registered green waste carrier.

We offer a friendly and reliable service to domestic and business grounds.

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION:

07858 640265 thatchamgardenworks@gmail.com or find us on facebook

46

Sweet Peas

Deliciously scented sweet peas are a dream flower for every garden. These easy to grow annuals actually thrive on having their flowers picked, so you can have the pleasure of the aromatic blooms both inside and outside your home. Keep cutting the flowers because if you let them go to seed, flowers will no longer be produced.

Sweet peas flourish in an open, sunny site with well-cultivated soil. They benefit from the addition of a small amount of wellrotted manure or organic compost. Feed with a weak solution of flower-producing fertiliser during the summer. Create a cane wigwam of twigs and raffia for them to scramble up and train the tendrils around it as they grow. These plants grow to between 1 and 2 metres and need support.

Dedicated to a very special ‘Sweet P’

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AJC SERVICES Landscape Gardener Tony Coombs Do you want to add value to your home - whilst also enjoying the improvement?

Services offered

by Tony include: • • • •

Groundwork Drainage Construction Drives - patios - fencing and decking • Hedge trimming • Clearing Please contact Tony to arrange a free consultation and quote.

Before…

much preparation is needed.

After…

The photo’s say it all!

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

before

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

47

Colourfence Metal Fencing and Gates to be proud of

In our hectic world, treating and sustaining garden fencing is yet another thing to manage.

• There are four different colours from which to choose - green, brown, cream and dark blue colours which remain fresh and bright year after year.

So it is has great appeal to all ages - but maybe particularly to those who have a very busy life-style or those who do not want to take on yet more upkeep and maintenance.

• No-nonsense ‘All-in’ pricing with no hidden extras or charges.

Here are some reasons why Colourfence is such a clever product.

Reasons for choosing Colourfence: • No maintenance at all - and no annual treatment required.

• Made of high quality zinc coated steel, it can be cut to fit on site to suit any garden environments.

48 1

• Installation undertaken by accredited Franchisees offering consistently high levels of service - with no high pressure sales!

or peeling - or any other type of degradation.

Colourfence ... is much stronger than timber - and their stylish looks also lasts much longer than timber.

Whilst Colourfence has been marketed with great success in Australia, it stands alone in the UK! Why? There are no other firms who are supplying this product.

Metal fences are designed to withstand winds of up to an incredible 130mph.

Why not give Tom Hendren (pictured) a call to discuss?

01635 261420 or 01256 700552

A 25 year guarantee will be issued against rot, warping

(Please also see opposite page for further details.)

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Colourfence are transforming gardens across Berkshire and North Hampshire!

For a free no-obligation quote or site visit, please call…

01635 261420 or 01256 700552

www.colourfence.co.uk/newbury

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

49

Continued from page 44

woody plant.

Make sure that you make the most of any rain that does fall by fitting a water diverter to the drain pipe which takes water from the guttering from your greenhouse, house, conservatory or garage. This can then divert the water straight into one or more water butts when it does rain. You can also fit a water diverter to the downpipe which takes water from your bath, hand basin or even the kitchen sink. Normal amounts of shampoo, bubble bath and washing up liquid should pose no threats to plants, and these detergents may help with pest problems such as greenfly.

When you are watering,

always make sure that you do this in the evening or extremely early in the morning, unless there’s no alternative. Watering at these times of day will drastically reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation, and also means that there is far less chance of the foliage or flowers getting scorched - as can happen if they are wetted in bright sunlight.

Where possible use a watering can or hose with a gentle nozzle attachment and water only the areas where the water is needed.

If the soil is very dry before you start to water, then sprinkle the surface gently with a light drizzling of water and return again a

few minutes later - you will find that the water sinks in and penetrates down to the roots much more effectively.

Excessive watering on a very dry surface, particularly one which has become ‘capped’, is likely to lead to a lot of run off and hence wastage.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including Nemaslug to safely control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, ladybirds to control greenfly, biological controls, pullout mini tunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

See Thatcham Rotary Car Show - 26.06 - Family Fun Day

50

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Amor Decorators • Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating • Wallpapering • Coving & NVQ

40 years e c experien

qualified

www.amordecorators.co.uk

Tel: 07747 051117 or 07500 221086

amordecorators@gmail.com

Flowers for all Occasions

AmorDecorators

Mrs Belinda Sheppard

Inner Piece Framing For quality bespoke Picture Framing

Contact Belinda on 07806 563322 Unit 12 Lower Way Farm, Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3TL Have moved to:

Lower Way Farm, Thatcham RG19 3TL We look forward to seeing our regular customers, and hope to meet some new ones at our new larger premises at Lower Way. For all your private or corporate functions, large or small.

Please ring 01635 869689 or visit our website:

www.ipframing.com belinda@ipframing.com

opening times 9.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday to Friday 9.00am - 1.00pm Saturday Closed Mondays or by appointment

www.buttercups-and-daisies.co.uk

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

51

Rivar has been an established company for over twenty-five years - serving Thatcham and the surrounding areas.

They pride themselves on the statement: ‘Your local friendly company here to help.’

Open seven days of the week, one of their trained sales assistants are more than happy to help and advise anyone who wants to discuss their particular project - be it a building - a lawn - driveway - walling or a patio. To build a house you may need sand but to line a plant pot- just some grit! It is Rivar’s genuine wish that you buy only the best option for your particular job.

Their product range is massive - more than anywhere else in the area - and although it can be confusing to know which product to use - you can be assured that one of their experienced staff can guide you through effortlessly with your decisions.

For you to have inspiration for your garden of your dreams, Rivar can supply the products that will help make your project/garden stand out.

Ballast, scalpings, building sand and gravel, in

52

commonly used sizes, are all readily available.

Sand is available in several colours and their decorative aggregates are particularly recognised for the style they will give to any garden.

Indeed, they have achieved accolades to this effect: ”We moved into a house which had been very badly neglected. Rivar supplied everything we needed to make a wonderful garden from what had previously resembled a jungle”.

“Rivar’s range of gravels and stone is the best in the area, and on a business level, they have proved a pleasure to deal with.”

Quality is the key word at rivar. Quality materials and value for money - no job too big or too small.

And we are here to serve you - approximately 363 days in the year (Not open on Christmas Day or Easter Day)- either with a phone call or a visit in person.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Please quote

NEW0 01 for a 10%

discount wh en ordering *

For stunning patios and paths, choose Rivar natural stone and gravel to bring your garden to life.

Newbury 01635 871003

www.rivarsandandgravel.co.uk

*Discount is on standard retail prices and excludes skip hire & some deliveries. Ask for details.

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.

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

53

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

22

17

11

15 24

7

A

17

25 1

10

9

3

3

14

1

12

R

25

20

3

3

24

10

12

3

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23

3

3

4

7

6

1

3 12

7

10

8

7

2

13

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25

1

5 6

3

4

7

24

7 3

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22 21

22 22

3

6

6

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5

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21

19

21 21

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1

22

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12 24

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3

26 15 20

3

6

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17

3

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4

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1

3 25

3

3

15 21

15

8 12

19

6 3

1

13

17 21

6

22

24 16

21 6

13

20

3 12

22

21

See page 55 for Answers

Around Britain

5 Raids & Invasions

1. the channel Islands - The Channel Islands were the only part of the Commonwealth occupied by Germany during the Second World War. On June 30 1940, two weeks after the government demilitarised the islands, Germany invaded and took control of Guernsey, then Jersey, Alderney (where they built four concentration camps), and lastly Sark on July 4. The occupation lasted five years.

2. deal, kent - In 1495, a pretender to the throne named Perkin Warbeck landed at Deal to summon up support for his claim to the throne by alleging that he was one of the Princes in the Tower, whose disappearance led to the accession of Richard III. Warbeck’s invasion, however, was scuppered and after a second attempt in 1497 he was imprisoned and executed.

3. the Isle of Wight - In 1377, at the height of the Hundred Years’ War, the French launched a series of attacks along the English Channel and invaded the Isle of Wight, seizing town after town en route to Carisbrooke Castle. The castle remained impenetrable, however, and after a lengthy siege the French eventually abandoned the island.

4. lindisfarne, northumberland - Lindisfarne was attacked in what is considered to be the first Viking raid on the English coast in 793. Not as rampageous as later attacks, it nevertheless left much of the island’s 7th century priory desecrated. Viking raids continued for more than two centuries.

5. pevensey, east sussex - It was at Pevensey that William the Conqueror – then William, Duke of Normandy – first landed in England in 1066, one month before the Battle of Hastings. The Battle lasted more than nine hours, William eventually overcoming Harold’s exhausted army, killing Harold and taking the throne. © Taken from The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer by Paul Anthony Jones, out now.

54

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

PUZZLE ANSWERS Codeword (Page 54) 22 17

I

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21

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17

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11

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15

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24 6 3

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Quiz (Page 20)

24

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Mini Cryptic (Page 20)

21

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1. George Washington 2. Standing order 3. Blue 4. £525 (£500 plus £25) 5. Wall Street 6. Seven (“Money Money Money” twice, plus “If I had a little money, it’s a rich man’s world”) 7. Three 8. Baring’s Bank 9. Two kilograms of one pound coins (£210 v £166) 10. The board game Monopoly

Sudoku (Page 28) 8 7 3 9 6 4 2 1 5

2 6 9 3 1 5 4 8 7

4 5 1 8 7 2 9 3 6

3 4 5 7 9 6 1 2 8

1 2 6 4 5 8 7 9 3

9 8 7 1 2 3 5 6 4

6 9 2 5 3 7 8 4 1

7 1 8 6 4 9 3 5 2

5 3 4 2 8 1 6 7 9

Childrens (Page 40)

Wordsearch (Page 65)

Hidden phrase: Spring: the music of open windows -Terri Guillemets

Reverse Pattern Match-Up: 1-D. 2-E. 3-A. 4-C. 5-B.

There are 42 triangles.

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 422764 07766 880504

homeelectrics@icloud.com www.homeelectrics.net For all your soft furnishing and sewing needs Curtains, blinds, pelmets and alterations. Fabric choices and advice available

Contact:

Judy Connolly

07747 634556

Upholstery All types of traditional & modern upholstery undertaken Tel: 01635 46423 Mob: 07787 524938 Email: sallyfish@headweb.co.uk

www.indigodesign.co.uk

P.C. DECORATING Paul Coulson Tel: 07771 610230 or 01635 201835

   

Local Painter and Decorator with 17 years Experience All types of decorating undertaken including plastering & wallpapering Call now to arrange a FREE No Obligation Quotation No job Too Small

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

55

Coach & horses the

Good food 6 days a week

We can be found on the A4, Just outside Thatcham, in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire countryside.

Extensive International Menu • Real Ales / Fine Wine

Evening Special Menu

Closed mondays (inc Bank holidays) tuesday - thursday: 11.30am - 3pm (kitchen 12pm - 2.15pm) 5 - 11pm (kitchen 6pm - 9pm)

main courses from £10.95 Tuesday to Saturday evenings

traditional sunday roasts

friday – saturday: 11.30am - 3pm (kitchen 12pm - 2.15pm) 5pm - 12am (kitchen 6pm - 9.30pm)

Lunch Specials £9.95 Tuesday - Saturday

sunday: 12.00 - 5pm (kitchen 12pm - 3pm)

The Coach and Horses

Bath road, Midgham, Berkshire, rG7 5uX tel: 01189 713384

www.coachandhorsesmidgham.co.uk

Computer Troubleshooter • • • • • • • •

Internet and Email problems Virus removal and clean up Hardware/Software problems Advice on updating Broadband set up Data recovery Digital Photography Jargon free lesson!

Whether you’re starting from scratch, just needing a few pointers or your computer has got a mind of its own, I’m here to help.

Contact: Sarah Sladen 079793 78408 sarah@sladens.co.uk 56

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BEST OF BRITISH...BEST OF BERKSHIRE

BERKSHIRE’S

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57

WHAT’S ON INTHE COMMUNITY:

DIARY DATES 11 June - 2:00pm-4:00pm

12 June - 7pm

Greenham and Crookham Common heathland Walk

talk: hoW to make a Boat fit for a Queen

Heather at Crookham by Rob Appleby One of a series of events led by BBOWT’s Seasonal Wardens on Greenham and Crookham Common weekly from 10th April until 30th July 2016.

Come on this guided walk with our Seasonal Wardens to find out what makes the heathland of Greenham and Crookham Common so special and how we manage the Common with the help of grazing cows and ponies.

How to Make a Boat Fit for a Queen To celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday we welcome woodcarver Alan Lamb who, as well as being a leading authority on historic British woodcarving, made the carvings on the Royal Barge for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and was on board with the royal party during the celebrations. Tickets £5 available from West Berkshire Museum, the Corn Exchange or online www.westberkshireheritage.org/whatson £5 per person. Tickets available from the museum or online.

West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5AS

This walk is 2-3 miles long mostly on flat but uneven ground.

Contact telephone: 01635 519562

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

17 June - 7:00pm-9:30pm

Please wear stout footwear, warm clothing or sunhat & sunscreen, depending on the weather. Insect repellent is recommended.

You might like to bring a camera and binoculars if you have them.

linkinG the landsCape midsummer eveninG Walk

12 June - 3.00pm

pete allen reeds ’n’ rhythm With ian & alan Bateman Pete Allen presents his Reeds ‘N’ Rhythm for a great afternoon of traditional style jazz, featuring Dave Moorwood (Banjo/Guitar), Dave Hanratty (Bass) and Richie Bryant (Drums ) with special guests Ian Bateman (trombone) and Alan Bateman (Trumpet) Show Commences at 3.00pm. Admission £14.50 (cash) at the door. You can save 20% on a pre show Sunday lunch (Sunday lunch will need to be booked with the hotel (01635 871555) and mention you are attending the Jazz.

Regency Park Hotel, Thatcham, Berks, Berkshire RG18 3RP

58

Call to check latest times or cancellations.

Kennet valley by Rob Appleby Join us for a lovely, varied 3-mile midsummer evening walk in the heart of the West Berkshire Living Landscape.

Starting at Waterside Farm in the Kennet valley, we shall walk along the valley, up through wooded slopes to the gravel plateau shared with Greenham Common, and down again passed wildflower meadows back to Waterside Farm.

We’ll be looking out for and spotting wildlife on our way; flowers, insects, birds or whatever is about. We’ll talk about and point out the importance of connecting landscapes, the local history, farming and wildlife, and the work the Linking the Landscape are doing with private landowners.

We shall end by meeting Sophie Holland of Waterside Farm who can tell us more about the working of the farm and the measures they have in place to help wildlife.

Meeting place: The walk starts and ends at Waterside Farm. Courtesy of Sophie

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

information sourced from www.wherecanwego.com and Jonathon Holland. The farm is 10 minutes walk from Thatcham station.

26 Jun

thatCham family fun day

FREE event - try your hand at a range of activities and sports! Enjoy the fun fair, bands will be performing on the stage and there will be attractions in the arena. Take a wander along the avenue of stallholders including local businesses and charities and enjoy a range of refreshments. Parking is free. Highlights of the day will include the TSN Fun Run, Thatcham Rotary Car Show, Dog Show and a Tug of War as the finale.

11am-4pm Organised by Thatcham Town Council.

Henwick Worthy Sports Ground, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 3BN Contact telephone: 01635 863 592. Call to check latest times or cancellations. www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/

30 June - 18.30-21.00

free neiGhBourhood planninG traininG CCB’s Rural Housing Enabler, Arlene Kersley, is running a session that will be of interest to Parish Councillors or Clerks, community activists and anyone that wishes to help plan the future of their community. The training will introduce participants to the principles and processes of Neighbourhood Plans. A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led planning framework for guiding the future development, regeneration and conservation of an area.

Arlene has been actively involved in neighbourhood plans since 2012 and is a Locality Neighbourhood Planning Champion.

Venue: Woolhampton Village Hall, Bath Road, Woolhampton.

If you are interested in attending this session please complete the registration form by copying the URL below into your internet browser, or call us at CCB on 0118 961 2000. https://ccberks.wufoo.com/ forms/x1maw30l0knk009/

Places are limited. This session is funded with support from: West Berkshire District Council Adult & Community Learning

3 July

neWBury raCe for life 5k & 10k 2016

Join us by taking part in a Race for Life in Newbury in 2016. Show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink by taking part in the Race for Life 2016 5K event or up the challenge and declare war on cancer by taking part in a Race for Life 2016 10K event. 10K is a great step up from our 5K events but you can still run, walk or even dance your way around the course! Adult entry (16+ womenonly) - £14.99 Child entry (6-15 girls and boys under 13) - £10.00 Under 6 entry (boys and girls) - free and no registration needed You and your friends can also join the fight by volunteering. Our events can’t take place without the hundreds of people who give up their time. Don’t forget to bring your friends and family along to support you. They can stroll around the stalls and activities such as catering, bouncy castle and face-painting on site while waiting to cheer you through the finish. Go to bit.ly/RFLCent to find out more and sign-up!

Start time: 11:00 am Prices: Adult entry (16+ women-only) - £14.99 Child entry (6-15 girls and boys under 13) - £10.00 Under 6 entry (boys and girls) - free and no registration needed Newbury Showground, Priors Court Road, Hermitage, Newbury, Berkshire RG18 9QZ Contact telephone: 0300 123 0770. Call to check latest times or cancellations. raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/ choose-your-event/events/newbury5k-2016-07-03-1100.html

7 July

freedom of the toWn On 7 July Thatcham Town Council will welcome the RSMS to parade through Thatcham. At 1.15pm a Parade consisting of soldiers from the Royal School of Military Survey, The Band of The Corps of Royal Engineers, representatives of the Royal British Legion (Thatcham Branch) and the Royal Engineers’ Association will march from Brownsfield Road along the A4, the High Street and then into Thatcham Broadway where, at 1.45pm, the ceremony will take place.

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

59

DIARY DATES After the ceremony the parade will return along the same route to the Council Offices.

It is hoped that Thatcham residents will join the Town Council in showing their support of our servicemen and women by watching the parade and ceremony during the afternoon.

17 July

To show their appreciation to the town the RSMS have arranged for The Band of The Corps of Royal Engineers to perform an open air concert at Thatcham’s Cricket Ground from 4pm-5pm. This special concert is open to everyone, it is free of charge and no tickets are required. Bring along your own chairs or blankets and enjoy the show.

It’s normally a fun afternoon with food on offer from the Rowbarge pub and duck tickets from Thatcham Rotary. This year we are going to have a coconut shy and some activities on offer whilst the ducks get into position.If you can come along and join us that would be great.

Background: In 2011 the Royal School of Military Survey (RSMS) based at Denison Barracks was honoured with the Freedom of the Town by Thatcham Town Council.

The honour was in recognition nationally and internationally of the outstanding contribution the RSMS has made to the education and training of defence personnel and the close relationship which has existed between the RSMS together with the Corps of Royal Engineers at Denison Barracks and the residents of Thatcham for more than sixty years.The honorary Freedom means that the RSMS has the right, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of Thatcham on all ceremonial occasions with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed.

16 July

JannaWays - open Garden for nGs This 5 acre garden encompasses a lake naturally fed by springs. A circular walk from formal beds near the house, leads along a woodland path, crossing a weir to wild flowers and specimen trees. A pitch perfect lawn, fish pond, pagodas and many hidden gems provide visitors with a rich panoply of vistas round every corner.

Sat 16 July (2-5.30). Admission £5, Children free. Teas & biscuits included.

Times:14:00 to 17:30. Open for charity.

Jannaways, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8AH

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annual duCk raCe Please save the date 17th July for a few hours on a hopefully sunny Sunday afternoon for our annual Duck Race.

If you can’t make it, pledge some money for tickets and we will get them to you. Sponsor a corporate duck for £25 or just give us a donation. However you can help we would be grateful. Please see page 50. www.thatchamrotary.org.uk

22 July

talk: arChaeoloGy Without a troWel - fesitval of arChaeoloGy 2016

There are clues everywhere to what happened in West Berkshire in the past - this talk, will show you examples of what you can find without digging, both outside and using the web. Sarah Orr, Historical Environmental Record Officer, Wets Berkshire Council www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/whatson Tickets £5 available from West Berkshire Museum West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5AS

4 auGust and 5 auG

family aCtivity days at West Berkshire museum this summer On Thursday make a scarab beetle and on Friday an Egyptian cuff.

10am-3pm each day. Drop-in, no need to book. £2 per child per activity.

West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5AS Contact telephone: 01635 519562. Call to check latest times or cancellations. www.westberkshireheritage.org

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

information sourced from www.wherecanwego.com 6 auGust - 7pm

21 auGust

eddie the eaGle - Cinema

open Garden: enGlefield house

£5.50 non members, £4.50 members Tadley & District Community Association, Newchurch Road, TADLEY, Hampshire RG26 4HN Contact telephone: 01189814538. Call to check latest times or cancellations. www.tadleycommunitycentre.org.uk

6 auGust

hiGhClere Castle Battle proms ConCert

This 12-acre garden descends dramatically from the hill above the house through woodland down to the terraces with wide lawns, roses, mixed borders and topiary. The stone balustrades and staircases date back to 1860 and the origin of the garden dates back to 1600. The ivy house, the grotto and the pebble garden are the more recent additions to the garden. A children’s garden with hidden jets of water provides fun for younger visitors.

Refreshments, teas, home made cakes, gift and plant stalls all in the Long Gallery.

Open 11am - 4pm. Price £5.00 per adult, children under 12 free.

Opening for British Red Cross.

Highclere Castle Battle Proms Concert Lineup: The New English Concert Orchestra with soprano Denise Leigh: Tickets available.

Englefield House, Theale, Berkshire RG7 5EN

Doors open: 16:00pm. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Call to check latest times or cancellations. redcross.org.uk

Highclere Castle, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 9RN www.gigantic.com/hatfield-house-battle-promsconcert-highclere-castle-2016-08-06-16-00

20 auGust

uk Wolf Conservation trust Wolf vieWinG & Bat Walk An opportunity to have a tour of the Trust & see the wolves, wolf photography & howling sssions. A presentation will then be made by an expert on the life of bats in the UK followed by a tour around the nesting boxes positioned at the Trust to see long eared bats flying. £15 per person 7.00pm. Booking required on: 0118 971 3330 or via website shop - events UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5NT Contact telephone: 0118 971 3330. Call to check latest times or cancellations. www.ukwolf.org

Contact telephone Anne Huddart: 0118 935 8221

22 auGust - 7.30pm

neiGhBourhood WatCh meetinG A Neighbourhood Watch Meeting is being held on Monday at 7.30pm in West Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury. We shall be having a talk by Diana Mitchell, Head Guide at Highclere Castle speaking about Highclere Castle and the filming of Downton Abbey and crime updates from the Neighbourhood Policing Team and Fire Service. Anyone is welcome to attend this meeting. There is a £1 parking charge for evenings in local car parks.

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

additionally, please make a note in your diary for 17 and 18 septemBer When We Will enJoy ‘the royal County of Berkshire shoW’.

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

61

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Thatcham’s Family Fun Day and

TSN Fun Run

Sunday 26th June 11am til 4pm at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground

Fun on T he B ro ad way FREE FUN!

T hursday 1st Sept 2016 10am - 3pm on T he Broadway Green, Thatcham

Summer 2016 Civic & Community Events For details please call 01635 863592 or visit www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk

ThatchamTC

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

63

Still shocking the community Heartstart Thatcham and defibrillators

Heartstart Thatcham teaches Emergency Life Support (ELS) skills. The skills include signs of a heart attack, cardiac arrest and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is a restriction in the blood supply to the heart, a plumbing issue.

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is where the heart is no longer pumping blood around the body, it is an electrical issue.

A casualty in cardiac arrest is unconscious and not breathing, or not breathing normally. The casualty stands the best chance of survival with bystander intervention in the form of calling 999 and starting CPR.

The chance of survival can be increased further by using a defibrillator. In

theory this stops the heart fibrillating. The heart should then start beating normally.

Thus in 2014 the team started to raise funds for and install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) around the area to allow a casualty the best possible chance of surviving a cardiac arrest. The team have installed over 30 devices at locations including Thatcham, Newbury, East Woodhay, Calcot and Bucklebury.

There are many misconceptions about AEDs so a few facts to clear these up: 짜 AEDs will not shock a casualty unless they need a shock. 짜 All AEDs talk to you telling you what to do. 짜 You need no training to use, i.e. anyone can use them. 짜 Codes for locked cabinets are given out by the ambulance call handler via 999 only.

Using CPR together with an AED will give a casualty the best possible chance of survival. The courses, which are free, help take the fear

away people have of using such a device.

Most people also think cardiac arrest happens to the elderly or unfit but anyone can suffer a cardiac arrest. Indeed there are 12 young people a week that will die as a result of a heart condition, perhaps one where a defibrillator could have made a difference.

Thus these AEDs not only can be used by anyone but potentially could be used on anyone, thus helping to protect the entire community.

The team have taught these skills, skills that can and do save lives, to hundreds throughout Thatcham, Newbury and the surrounding area and do so for free.

To find out more or to come along and learn these skills please contact the team.

Tel: 07810145690 Email: getinvolved@heartstartthatcham.info Web: www.heartstartthatcham.info Heartstart Thatcham is a registered charity. Charity No. 1161990

64

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Find the names of herbs and spices in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

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

65

INDEX Accountant Accountability

22

T.C. Accounting Services

12

Heslops

31

Aerials - TV Digital

29

Amateur Theatrical Society KATS

11

Barns The Barn Partnership

17

Berkshire Show

57

Building Society Blinds Smart Blinds

31

Brass Band Cold Ash Brass Band

7

Builders A Thompson

25

Falkland Builders

17

Liege Carpentry &

18/19

Construction Ltd Caring Agency Care at Home

65

Car Maintenance A-Z Autoparts

29

Halfway Garage

28

Motech

19

Pegasus

27

Carpenter/Joiner Liege Carpentry

8/19

Cats Protection Newbury Cats Protection

12

Charity The Newbury & Dist Cancer Care Trust

12

Children - Including Babies GR Swimming School

38

Little Quavers

41

Monkey Music

38

Read Theatre School

39

Thatcham Children Centre

42

The Village Montessori

37

Chimney Lining Heetas Engineer

15

Chimney Sweep PC Dollin

12

Cleaning Ashdowne Ltd

58

Cleaning & Ironing Platinum Cleaning

66

24

Coaching The Margaret Spencer Practice 22 Computers Sarah Sladen 56 Crafts Lizhianne’s 7 Curtains & Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 55 Dancing School Allenova School of Dancing 41 One Step Ahead 36 Decorator Amor Decorators 51 PC Decorating 55 Diet and Nutrition Jan Green 33 Drains Drain & Able 24 Double Glazing Cloudy to Clear 15 Electrician ADD Light + Power 28 Current Connection 16 Home Electrics 55 Fencing Colourfence 48/49 Florist Buttercups & Daisies 51 Funeral Directors Geoffrey Church 7 Turner Brothers 31 Furniture Pine and Oak 67 Gardening Services A4 Gardening Services 46 AJC Services 47 Back to the Fuchsia 49 Thatcham Gardenworks 46 JPH Forestry 46 Kalehurst 45 Guttering CD Guttering 24 Handyman Peter Kirkham 14 Martin Newman 13 Hairdresser Koo’s Hair Designs 16 Tracey 29 Health Dramatherapy 37 Hypnotherapy 34

Locksmith

Orchard Life Centre

P.D.D. Services

36

Cap Security

17

Oven Cleaning Smart Oven Clean

36

Pet Carer Pet Angels

53

Pest Control Control Services Limited

48

Picture Framer Inner Piece

51

Plumber AJ Bosley

32

Paul Worsley

27

Podiatrist/Chiropody Treat your Feet

38

Dan Street

12

Restaurant The Coach & Horses

56

Roofer A Thompson

27

Martin Newman

10

Room - Beauty to let

33

Sand and Gravel Rivar Sand and Gravel

52/53

Solicitor Gardner Leader

9

Sports Store Montagne Sports

45

Storage - secure The Barn Store

12

Tai Chi Jo Dunn

34

Tax Advice Tax Assist

24

Theatre School Read Theatre School

39

Upholstery Sallies

55

Vet Donnington Grove

23

Water Softener JM Softeners

28

Weight Loss NewburyW8 Loss

33

Window Cleaner

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

18

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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