Thatcham connections Issue 64

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

Issue 64

February – March 2018

HEARTSTART Thatcham WEDDING Fayre THE OLD BLUECOAT SCHO OOL Concert Programme

CONSERVATORIES

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

GARDEN ROOMS

WINDOW REPAIRS

ORANGERIES

REPLACEMENT DOORS

CONSERVATORY BASES

DOOR REPAIRS

CONSERVATORY REPAIRS

SOFFIT & FASCIA

DIY CONSERVATORY KITS

CONSERVATORY ROOFS

Visit our website to find out how we can help you and why we are the wise choice; trusted by consumers, landlords, letting agents and facilities managers across West Berkshire.

Are you thinking about a new conservatory, replacement doors or windows? Do you need repairs to windows, doors or a conservatory? Call us for a no obligations quote or just for some advice.

www.premierlc.co.uk

01635 246768 Unit 53, Unity House, Greenham Business Park, Thatcham, RG19 6HU 2

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

WEDDING F AY R E

S U N D AY 2 5 T H F E B R U A RY N E W B U RY R A C E C O U R S E 1 1 . 0 0 A M - 3 . 0 0 P M ENTRANCE: FREE

Featuring a host of exhibitors from fantastic photographers to delicious wedding cakes, there are suppliers for all your wedding needs.

All set in the picturesque setting of Newbury Racecourse, it is also the perfect opportunity to view our new wedding suite, the Owners Club, now taking bookings for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

For more information or to pre-register your attendance and be entered into our Raceday Restaurant prize draw please email: events@newburyracecourse.co.uk

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

3

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

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

We print five times a year.Tried andTested over twelve years.

It is delivered free to 9,000 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 988 6070 ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

Welcome!

Dear Readers, A very warm welcome to this issue!

Firstly, I would like to recognise and apologise for incorrectly naming the Coach and Horses on our last issue’s cover. The Coach and Horses have supported us for many years and we are most appreciative of this support.

Very many thanks again for helping to support the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Child appeal. Once again, it was very popular and we proudly sent off over a hundred boxes.

Having celebrated Christmas so recently, it seems quite difficult to get one’s mind round the fact that Shrove Tuesday is 13 February and Easter Day follows on April 8th. It’s that time again when the evenings are becoming just that little bit lighter, giving us hope that Spring is not too far away! Even an abundance of tulips will, once again, embrace us. I am sure Buttercups and Daisies (page 62) will be echoing this sentiment.

We all love a wedding, generally it makes us feel uplifted and so I am very pleased to welcome Newbury Racecourse’s Wedding Fayre which you will have seen on the page before.

It is a pleasure also to tell you all a little more about The Old Bluecoat School Concert Programme as I know many of you will be interested, having seen how active it has become. Under the direction of Simon Witcomb, West Berks Performing Arts now organise the exciting and diverse series of monthly tea and cake concerts to be held there. Of particular interest to Thatcham residents will be the long-overdue return of the wonderful Phillippa Lay to the town on Sunday, 4th February. Her stunning performances in many last night concerts of Thatcham Community Festivals are remembered with great fondness. She will delight once again with favourites by Mozart and Handel - and more besides!

Finally, may I wish you all the very best for 2018 and, as Flashman would say: “Courage to all - and keep shuffling the cards!”

Ursula Aitken

CONTENTS Mini Cryptic crossword

6

Recipe: Cake & Bake Perfect Pancakes

24

Finance: Alternative Ways to Invest in Property

30

Childrens’ Challenge

38

Book Review

44

Gardening Feature: Time to Get Pruning

48

General Knowledge Crossword

54

Thatcham Town Council’s Community & Civic Events 2018

56

Old Bluecoat School Concert Programme

57

Diary Dates

58/59

Thatcham Clubs & Organisations

61

Hub Happenings

63

Handy Numbers

64

natter... natter

65

Index

66

www.thatcamconnections.co.uk Published January 2018

NEXT ISSUE - COVERING April and May 2018.

Please Copy - ready for print - deadline: Friday 2nd March. Please book space in advance.

New Garden Furniture for 2017 Made to Measure • Colour Matching Painted Furniture (With Extensive Colour Range) Giftware and Accessories

Visit one of our showrooms MIDGHAM

NEWBURY

Tel: 01189 712666

Tel: 01635 33000

Kennet Holme Farm Buildings Bath Road, Midgham RG7 5UX

Pelican Lane Newbury RG14 1NX

WINCHESTER

Unit 3, Easton Lane Winnall SO23 7RU

Tel: 01962 865775

WINNERSH

Winnersh Garden Centre Winnersh RG41 5HE

Tel: 01189 797355

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

WALLINGFORD

Old Reading Road (off A4074) Crowmarsh Gifford OX10 8BW

Tel: 01491 825886 5

Mini Cryptic Crossword Across 1. A piece misread in error (7) 7. Man who’s carrying letters (5) 8. All in on unusual fat (7) 9. Wine that’s initially tolerable (5) 11. Food brought back ready to be eaten (5) 12. Female doctor perhaps to provide a bandage (5) 14. Disreputable witness duly disheartened (5) 16. Trouble for flipped Spice Girl (7) 18. ‘Material girl’ elbowed sides (5) 19. Foreigner assuring short cast (7) Down 1. Leave lips off this face (5) 2. ‘Dime over nickel’ row (3) 3. Calm actor beginning line on set (5) 4. Cash cut by East End artist (5) 5. Secure group of singers, we hear (7) 6. Cut back dried plum (5) 10. Keen dad oddly massaged (7)

12. American singer?

Rubbish! (5) 13. Terrific customised purse (5) 14. Duchess closing

many openings (5) 15. Guys from ‘the old country’ (5) 17. Garland in principle ideal (3) See page 66 for Answers

D .

D

P.

Services

Est. 10 Years

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Professional

Chimney Sweep • 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

Email: pdd-services@hotmail.co.uk 6

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

Fully qualified and insured.

Please call to arrange a free no obligation quote.

Call: 01189 813442 07766 880504

homeelectrics@icloud.com www.homeelectrics.net

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Bring out your inner artist Beginners to Intermediates

new Art Class STARTS SOON!

Beginners to Intermediates

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

tzIeLS PEläTA e t D z R n e O r g F LLBNeOW h Hall, rze –

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3 3 9 0 1 8 6 5 2 01

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

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

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

w w w. a n d y j o n e s w i n d o w c l e a n i n g . c o . u k Seasoned LOGS cut and split to your required size

LOGS

For your woodpile

Mobile Hairdresser

Ring

07770 823283

07836 223467

I offer quality, personal, affordable hairdressing in the comfort of your own home at a mutually convenient time:

(Cold Ash)

DRAIN & ABLE

REC HIGH OM LY ME NDE D

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

www.dra ainandable.co.uk

8

Tracey

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.

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Thousands of unmarried couples in the area are at risk of losing everything if their relationship breaks down

As a family lawyer in the area I regularly work with couples whose relationships have, sadly, broken down.

Increasingly these couples are cohabiting – living together but unmarried. They are the fastest growing family type, with recent figures showing there are over 3.3m cohabiting couples in the UK. Unfortunately, as well as being the fastest growing family type, couples in cohabiting relationships are amongst the most vulnerable in the event of relationship breakdown.

Despite the commonly held myth, there is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage,’ and these couples have little or no legal protection should they separate. Under the current law it’s possible to live with someone for decades – even to have children together – and then simply walk away without taking any responsibility for their partner. Yet a large number of unmarried couples we work with at Gardner Leader mistakenly believe that they acquire “common law” rights after living with their partner for a certain amount of time or having

children together. I regularly meet people who have been affected in this way, and because of the lack of legal protection, there are times when I simply can’t help them.

Cohabiting couples need to be aware of their lack of rights, and consider taking measures to protect themselves in case their relationship breaks down. One such measure is a cohabitation agreement, a document that sets out what will happen to finances and property if the worst happens.

A cohabitation agreement can help protect both partners if they separate and couples could also think about life insurance. By setting out your intentions in these documents, you’ll be in a much better situation if the unexpected

happens. It’s likely the number of cohabiting couples will continue to grow in future, and that more people will be affected by these issues.

This is why I would urge all cohabiting couples to consider their legal situation, and take the steps to better protect themselves in the future.

By Susy Hamshaw, a Senior Associate in the Family Team, based in our Thatcham office. Contact Suzy by email to s.hamshaw@ gardner-leader.co.uk

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

9

www.bettercallmartin.co.uk Interior and exterior painting and decorating in Newbury, Thatcham and surrounding areas

PROFESSIONAL WORk AT SENSIbLE PRICES

PLASTER REPAIRS SURFACE PREPARATION

WOOD REPAIRS

INTERIOR DESIGN

For more info visit our website or call us now

COLOUR MATCHING SERVICE

07970 897317

Email: mart rtinnewman1956@btinternet.com

Acting for more than 1000 clients throughout the UK, predominantly in the Berkshire and Thames Valley area, Avalon Accounting Limited are committed to providing first class professional service.

We provide a full range of audit, accounts, taxation and business support services to individuals, sole traders, partnerships and small to medium-sized companies in and around the Reading and Berkshire area.

We are committed to providing a first class professional service, and our staff have a wide range of accounting and taxation expertise kept up to date with regular training.

Our Core Services Include but are not limited to: Accountancy • Monthly/quarterly Management Accounts • Sole Traders Accounts • Partnership Accounts • Limited Company Accounts • Corporation Tax Returns • Self-Assessment Tax Returns Book-keeping • Cash Books • Bank Reconciliation • Sales Ledger • Purchase Ledger • Nominal Ledger • Fixed Assets Register • VAT Returns • IR35 Advice for Contractors • SSP, SMP, OSPP

Call for a FREE Consultation* +44 (0)118 942 3537

enquiries@avalonaccountants.co.uk Equity House 4-6 School Road Tilehurst Reading Berkshire RG31 5AL

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Auditing In accordance with international Accounting Standards • Production of statutory Audits and Assurance Reports Payroll Sub-contract your Payroll: • Payroll Services for Employees & CIS Sub Contractors • Wage Slips, P60s, P11Ds & P35 • IR35 Advice for Contractors • SSP, SMP, OSPP Tax & Business Planning • An annual review of your Tax position • Day to day and ad-hoc tax planning and advisory service in relation to all taxes • Business Strategy • Business Plans and Cash Flow • Due Diligence • Company Valuations • New Business Set up • Formation of Companies, advice re set up and cash flow forecasts

Avalon Accounting Limited, Registered Company Number 9127727, 148 Percy Road, Twickenham, TW2 6JF To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

11

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

Specialising in:

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

    

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

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

72 Loundes Close, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 3EB

t: 01635 872285 m: 07849 078204 admin@berkshirehandymanservices.co.uk

B e R k S h I R e F R a m I n g C o m Pa n y

Bespoke pIcture frames made to order Formally known as Inner Piece Framing, we are starting the new year with a new name!

Berkshire Framing Company is located at Riverside Studios, Lower Way Farm, Thatcham.

If you need inspiration, ideas, or advice on how to protect and present your artwork, photography or memorabilia then we’re here to help.

• • • • Open: Tues- Fri 9am- 5pm & Saturday 9am-1pm Plenty of car parking available

Picture framing • Replacement glass fitting Mount cutting (specialist anti reflective Picture cleaning & restoration glass for clarity and Mirrors protective UV filters)

Member of the Fine Art Trade Guild

Unit 12, Lower Way Farm, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 3TL

Tel: 07806 563322 email: b@berkshireframing.com

w w w. b e r k s h i r e f r a m i n g . c o m

The Coach & Horses 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

10%off

on evening meals Tuesday- Saturday Tables up to 8 people Traditional Sunday roasts Lunch specials £10.95 Tuesday- Saturday Beer garden

Closed Mondays (inc Bank Holidays) Tuesday- Thursday 11.30am-3.00 pm (kitchen 12pm-2.15pm) 5pm-11pm (kitchen 6pm-9pm) Friday- Saturday 11.30am-3.00pm (kitchen 12pm-2.15pm) 5pm-12pm (kitchen 6pm-9.30pm) Sunday 12pm-5pm (kitchen 12pm-3pm)

The coach and horses Bath road, Midgham, RG7 5UX tel. 01189 713384 www.coachandhorsesmidgham.co.uk

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

13

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

Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuilders@gmail.com

w w w. a t h o m p s o n b u i l d e r. c o . u k

CREST

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Improving Homes Across Berkshire, Hampshire & Oxfordshire

Windows • Doors • Conservatories Fascias, Soffits and Guttering • Cladding Double Glazing Repairs • Replacement Glass Composite Doors fully fitted from £799

*

• Choice of 12 colours with traditional wood appearance • Anti-snap/Drill/Bump/Pick cylinder locks c/w 6 keys • All double glazed units come with warm edge spacer bars and laminated glass • Secured By Design - Police Preferred Security Specification • Window/Door repairs • 10 Year Guarantee

Competitive Prices • 15 year product & workmanship guarantee for peace of mind • Choice of colours * Terms & Conditions apply

Call today for a brochure or a hassle FREE no obligation quotation

0118 449 2493 / 07798 840 649 www.cresthi.co.uk 15 To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

16

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

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

GROUP SESSIONS....

PILATES, ZUMBA, HIIT

NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE

ONE TO ONE PERSONAL TRAINING IN PRIVATELY OWNED GYM

For more information on pricing and classes contact Lorraine on 07711 182137 or email lorrainevickers@hotmail.co.uk www.lorrainesfitness.co.uk Based in Woolhampton

Therapy Room & Studio at Orchard Life SwEDISh / bODy MASSAGE AROMAThERAPy christine Poile

Pre-blended oils, hot and cold stones therapy - and Indian head massage can be provided. Christine tailors treatments to suit her clients' unique needs. She offers treatments that are relaxing, uplifting, stimulating, balancing - or that give a sense of well-being. She also provides detoxifying massage and anti-cellulite treatment, along with local muscle decongestion and relief from muscle tension.

PODIATRy/ChIROPODy emma barrow

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

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

REFLEXOLOGIST nicky broomfield

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

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

yOGA & MEDITATIOn Jessica raphael

Jessica’s yoga is friendly and fun and is focused on all round well-being in body and mind in this frantic world.

The classes are based on hatha yoga and Jessica also incorporates her experience of meditation and mindfulness. The classes are suitable for all abilities.

PILATES - mel rickerby,

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

OSTEOPATh

yOGA & MEDITATIOn laura routh-Parsons

Laura's class at Orchard Life incorporates yoga flow, restorative pauses and meditation, with a focus on restoring, energising and honouring your mind and body. Saturdays 9 - 1030am, this class will allow you to wake up to the weekend. Suitable for all levels.

Phone 07821 450168 or email laura@thewellbeingfeeling.co.uk.

DEEP TISSUE, SPORTS & REMEDIAL MASSAGE

danielle gadd

Danielle has a Masters degree in Osteopathy from the London School of Osteopathy. She provides expert advice and treatment for Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Sciatica, Pregnancy Related Pain, Sports Injuries and much more. You can see the full list of conditions she treats at www.nolanosteopathy. co.uk. If you’d like an appointment with Danielle, please call 01635 597290 or you can *Book Online* on the website above. Please quote Thatcham Connections to receive 20% off your first appointment.

REIKI MASTER

amy Starr

Daytime or evening appointments available for Men, Women and Children with sporting goals, injuries or in need of relaxation. Amy has worked with a variety of clients from keen athletes including a commonwealth competitor, to local office workers suffering from stress and women experiencing pre and post pregnancy postural discomfort. Please visit: www.starrsportsmassage.co.uk for more information.

Shelley gore

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

IyEnGAR yOGA TEAChER AbOUT US maria bird

The owner and creator of Orchard Life, has been practicing and teaching yoga for the past 25 years – with a wealth of information and the ability to teach with empathy and a light heartedness Maria has established herself as a well respected teacher in the local area.

At Orchard Life, our practitioners have come together to offer our clients a range of therapies to suit their individual needs. Our aim is to empower every one of our clients to make treatment choices and to guide and support them in their unique plan. Practitioners and teachers working together to advise, within our range of expertise, on health advice. We take time to listen to you.

The Studio At Orchard Life - Offering a range of classes yoga - maria bird: mariayogalife@gmail.com

Pilates - mel rickerby: yoga & meditation - Jessica raphael: mel.pilates@btinternet.com jessicayoga@me.com Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

18 life, bath road, midgham, rg7 5uu Tel: 07989 403 167 or email: mariayogalife@gmail.com orchard

Let’s talk

The Key to Hope. Change. Empowerment.

Stress Depression

Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you are feeling, talking through what’s going on with a professional can help.

Self-esteem

Trauma Anxiety Divorce

Bereavement

We are a dedicated team of counsellors, cognitive behavioural therapists, psychologists and psychotherapists. Whatever you’d like to talk about, we are here to listen.

Suicidal thoughts Relationships Gender & Sexuality Addiction Anger management OCD Phobias Panic attacks Family issues Emotional & physical abuse

Eating disorders Career Low mood

Self harm Infertility

• • • • •

Adults, young people and children Couples and families Workshops and therapy groups Trainees and supervision Range of prices £35.00 – £90.00 per session

If you’d like to book an appointment or have any questions, please call on 07544 752 667 or email us at enquiries@keytherapyassociates.co.uk We are also happy to set up an initial free consultation.

You can find out more about us and our services at www.keytherapyassociates.co.uk KEY THERAPY ASSOCIATES LTD Thatcham House, Suite 18a and 18b, Turners Drive, Thatcham, RG19 4QD

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.

In the beautifully light and spacious

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

Classes also at

PANGbOuRNE VILLAGE HALL

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.

Wednesday mornings: 10am - 11am & 11am - 12noon

And, additionally at

THATcHAM PARIsH HALL Thursday: 2pm and 3pm

Please contact Jo Dunn PangValleyTaiji/QiGongForHealth M: 07816 751212 E: pangvalleytaichi@gmail.com

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

19

Fi Fre tti e ng

g ee in Fr sur ea M

Visit our friendly showroom in Thatcham High St

• shutters • Venetian blinds • Motorised blinds • Vertical blinds • Roman blinds • Roller blinds • Perfect fit blinds • Conservatory blinds • awnings

counsellor / life coach bacP accredited with over 23 years experience.

I am a genuine and warm person and approach my clients in an empathic non judgmental way.

I am committed to supporting others through times of pain and transition.

I can help with all issues large or small except addictions.

The best pricing and service within the local area for 20 years

Please ring for an informal chat:

Please call to speak to one of our family run team today – 01635 866600

01189 714674

Email: info@smartblinds.org

wandabaker@integrative-counselling.co.uk

www.integrative-counselling.co.uk

www.smartblinds.org

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 20

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

ONE-ON-ONE APPOINTMENTS NOW REGULARLY AVAILABLE IN THATCHAM “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” [1] and it can be hard to know what or how to change. Discover the benefits of using a trained expert to guide you through the process of life change.

Visit me if you choose to find out more about the power of business coaching www.levelheadcoaching.com and Life Coaching www.bjorn-holmer.com

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who push.” [2] Being deserving of happiness and success, on its own, is rarely enough. If what you are doing is not getting you the results you desire, Do Something Different Right Now. “Doing nothing gets you nothing”[3] [1] George Bernard Shaw [1] Abraham Lincoln [3] Sean Reichle

So email bjorn@levelheadcoaching.com or call 020 3286 8205 today, it’s a confidential first step towards your reinvigorated business or reinvented life.

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

21

Gem's

Dog Grooming Local Independent Grooming Salon in central Thatcham – and we offer a personal and caring service for each and every dog.

Let us pamper him - or her knowing that we will tailor our service to your requirements.

Unit 7,The Old Mews, 32 High Street, Thatcham RG19 3JD

Gemma Humphrey

07783 518927

gemsdoggrooming7@hotmail.com

22

coSy coTTage caTTery Small country cattery offering holiday accommodation for caTS only Spacious heated cottages with covered outside patios. Inspection invited at Woolhampton by appointment INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION OF OWNERS

Keith, lesley and Tina

0118 971 2293

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

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

23

Cake & Bake Perfect Pancakes Whip up a classic pancake batter to celebrate Shrove Tuesday.

Simply serve the traditional way with sugar and lemon juice or try one of our extra special sweet or savoury serving ideas.

Makes 8 - Ready in 30 minutes plus standing time Ingredients: • 100g plain flour • Pinch of salt • 1 large egg • 300ml milk (or milk and water mixed) • Sunflower oil or unsalted butter, for frying 1. Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the salt and make a well in the centre. Add the egg and beat with a balloon whisk, gradually drawing in some of the flour.

2. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking all the time and drawing in the rest of the flour, until you have a smooth batter which is about the consistency of single cream.

3. Stand the batter for about 30 minutes to allow the starch grains in the flour to soften and expand –this will give a lighter pancake. If the batter has thickened slightly then just whisk in a splash of milk.

4. Heat a little sunflower oil or a knob of butter in a non-stick shallow frying pan (about 20cm diameter)until almost smoking then quickly ladle in enough of the batter to thinly cover the base of the pan, swirling the pan to give an even layer.

5. Cook for 1-2 minutes until small air bubbles appear in the pancake then flip it over and cook for a further minute until golden. Repeat with the rest of the mixture, serving the pancakes as they are cooked or interleaving with baking paper and keeping warm in a low oven.

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SWEET Choc ‘n’ nuts – spread warmed pancakes with chocolate and hazelnut spread then fold into quarters. Drizzle with warmed chocolate sauce and serve with toasted hazelnuts.

Orange cream – heat 4tbsp thin-shred marmalade with 150ml orange juice in a frying pan and simmer for a few minutes until syrupy. Fold the pancakes and add to the pan, turning to coat in the syrup. Serve topped with whipped cream or crème fraiche.

SAVOURY Cheese and bacon melts – add 2tsp dried Italian herbs to the pancake batter. Fill each cooked pancake with some grated Cheddar and 2 rashers crisply fried smoked bacon rashers. Fold over and pop in a hot oven for 10 minutes until the cheese has melted.

Tuna parcels – place a spoonful of canned flaked tuna fish in the centre of each cooked pancake and top with some canned sweetcorn and chopped spring onion. Fold the pancakes to make parcels and enclose the filling. Serve with sweet chilli sauce.

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27

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

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

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

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

28

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Fully insured • Fully Qualified • 24 hour call out • all Plumbing & • heating Work undertaken Service, installation • & maintenance Power Flushing • Contact:

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29

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Alternative Ways to Invest In Property

companies (OEICs), but you should seek professional advice on the best investments for your particular circumstances.

Although property remains a popular longterm investment, lending restrictions make it difficult for first-time buyers to secure a foothold on the property ladder. Furthermore, the introduction of a buy-to-let stamp duty surcharge, and reduction of mortgage interest tax relief, have made buy-to-let less lucrative.

Your money is combined with that of other investors and fund managers decide on the best investments. These could be solely in the UK or internationally, depending on the property fund you’ve chosen, and may be in retail, office or industrial property.

So are there any other options that could be suitable if you’re interested in property investing?

Here are a few alternatives that might appeal, but as with any other form of investment, it’s crucial to carry out plenty of research.

Property crowdfunding involves investing in property itself, as opposed to peer-to-peer lending where you invest in the mortgages provided to buy-to-let landlords and property developers. So how do these systems work?

Property equity crowdfunding Each property is held within its own limited company - you purchase a share of the company and own a small part of the property along with fellow investors. After registering on a property crowdfunding website, you can search for properties of interest and then make the investment online.

• You receive a return on your investment via rental payments and also, potentially, capital gains.

• You can spread your investment across a number of different properties.

• Fees include a fundraising/finder’s fee, along with property management fees.

• A share of the profits is also deducted by the crowdfunding platform at the end of each investment term.

Peer-to-peer lending Rather than investing in the property itself, you and other investors provide the money for loans and mortgages that buy-to-let landlords and property developers use.

• Return on investment comes from interest paid on the loan.

• Platforms provide details of any payment defaults by borrowers, so you can make a more informed decision on whether to lend.

• Investments may be made over a shorter term than property crowdfunding, which is important if you don’t want to tie up your money for too long.

Direct commercial property funds You can invest in commercial property via unit trusts or open-ended investment

30

• You’ll pay a fee for the fund to be managed.

• Capital gains tax and tax on dividends received will need to be taken into account.

• You may be able to hold a property fund within a stocks and shares ISA. • You can either pay a monthly amount or a one-off investment sum.

The concept of small investments spread over a diverse property or loan portfolio runs through these options, but what if you do want to purchase an entire property rather than use these ‘hands-off’ alternatives?

Furnished holiday lets Buying a property as a furnished holiday let avoids some of the drawbacks of buy-to-let investment. It offers specific tax advantages and can bring a higher overall return than buy-to-let.

Holiday let mortgage providers generally require a deposit of 25%-40%. The amount they’ll lend depends on the existing rental income, or the income as estimated by an experienced local holiday letting agent.

Furnished holiday lets haven’t been affected by the clampdown on tax relief faced by buy-tolet investors. Although they require more work in terms of regular marketing, they’ve become a popular way to earn money from property. www.gov.uk/government/publications/ restricting-finance-cost-relief-forindividual-landlords/restricting-financecost-relief-for-individual-landlords www.thetimes.co.uk/article/buy-tolet-tax-perks-are-on-the-way-out-butlandlords-dont-have-to-be-28r2qdjrd www.moneywise.co.uk/first-time-investor/ investing/how-to-be-property-investoralternative-ways-to-invest-property www.yourmoney.com/investing/threealternative-ways-invest-property/ www.zoopla.co.uk/invest/guides/propertyinvestment/how-to-invest-in-property-withoutbuying-a-house/#dskrb27ElShzavC2.97 www.which.co.uk/money/investing/howinvesting-works/guides/asset-classes-explained/ commercial-property-investment-explained

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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

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31

Short & long term secure storage for home or business Open 7 days a week 8am – 8pm Easy access, all on one level Security alarms, CCTV cameras and 24 hr surveillance t: 0118 982 0788 e: tadley@barn-store.co.uk

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Are YOU the person we need?

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33

Diana Pattenden Sculptor

Hand Casting • Children’s Clay Parties •

Hand Casting Book a place to come to Diana Pattenden’s studio on a Saturday afternoon 2-4pm for family hand casting Using a quickdrying, non-toxic alginate, Diana will create a mould from your hands, and then cast into plaster. Its lots of fun and you’ll have a moment in time captured for posterity.

Babies feet £75, Two hands £95, Family of four £145

CHildrens’s Clay Parties Book a children’s party for six children to make something of their choice in clay. £20 per child. They get to make something and colour it. Then collect two weeks later – fired and fantastic.

ProseCCo & Clay Parties Gather six of your friends together for evenings of fun with clay - Covers two evening sessions 7.00-9.00pm £56 per head

Sculpture and Pottery Classes • Prosecco and Clay Parties • Commissions • sCulPture and Pottery Classes It could be an animal or a figure, perhaps a pot or a garden feature, try your hand at sculpture and pottery with Diana’s expert guidance and fun approach.

There is a potter’s wheel to for you to try too.

Monday Evenings 7.00-9.00pm Tuesday Mornings 10am-12noon Friday Mornings 10.30am-12.30pm Courses average £250 per term

Commission a sCulPture See Diana’s website, watch her YouTube film and see how bronzes are made.

Diana can make anything, any size. Materials can be bronze, bronze resin or ceramic. Diana works in partnership with you to get the desired sculpture perfect.

07887 844981 diana@dianapattenden.co.uk 34

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REBECCA KINGWELL WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Comprehensive, bespoke, financial advice & planning

I offer specialist advice across all areas of financial planning.

Rebecca Kingwell

My expertise includes planning for retirement, savings, investment planning, estate planning and tax efficiency.

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

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

35

Unit 9, Wyevale Garden Centre, Bath Road, Thatcham, RG18 3AN

Tel: 01635 897665

36

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

J. Akers Carpentry

I am: • Very experienced • Fully insured • Thatcham based • Honest and quoting sensible prices

• I take pride in my high standard of work • References freely available

Jack Akers: 07766 464244 / jakerscarpentry@gmail.com

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Craft Mates Dedicated crafting time with friendly group support and the company of like-minded people with expert advice on hand

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

Whatever craft you want to do - If you want to craft but don’t know how? Do you have a project but need help? - Anything goes!

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Bead Buddies

Workshops teaching a wide range of beading projects from beginners upwards Limited places and step-by-step instruction from experienced tutor Every month, on a Saturday 10am-3pm (ask for dates) The Old Bluecoat School, Chapel Road, Thatcham RG18 4QL

£10.00 Per session Dignity Funerals Ltd. A company registered in England

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37

See page 66 for Answers

www.aquablue.org.uk

An ASA affiliated swim school

NEWBURY, HUNGERFORD & HENLEY

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Children’s Swimming Lessons at The Downs School, Compton

Stages 1-10 | Sibling discount available Please visit our website for full timetable CONTACT US TODAY TO BOOK YOUR PLACE Amanda: Beth:

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39

Platinum Cleaning

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/babySensations

Spot the Differences

See page 66 for Answers

40

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DANCE - SINGING - DRAMA Every Saturday - Francis Baily School, Thatcham 3-16 year olds 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 bi-annually at Arlington Arts and yearly in the West End at Sadler's Wells - with the opportunity to be represented by a professional agency!

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN Musical Theatre Summer Course!

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Book a FREE trial for our classes and a place on our Holiday Courses online or call : 07920 748784

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

41

CHILDREN’S SWIMMING LESSONS BOOKING NOW for classes in Compton, Thatcham & Reading • • • • • •

Non-swimmers & improvers from 3 1/2 yrs Snorkelling & diving Advanced & club level swimmers 6 children per class Teachers DBS checked Term courses & holiday courses available

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How can the Bank of Mum and Dad help my son purchase his first property?

My son is struggling to save for a deposit to purchase his first home. I’m eager to assist if I can.

I’ve heard the phrase ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ a few times but don’t really understand it. Can you help?

Mr Harris from Thatcham The Bank of Mum and Dad (and now also Granny and Grandad) became the UK’s 9th biggest lender for first time buyers in 2017. This is due to a number of reasons: rising house prices, slower wage growth and the size of deposits needed as a down payment – it’s no surprise your son is finding it difficult to fly the nest.

It’s great that you’d like to help boost his chances of getting onto the property ladder, and there are a number of ways you, as the Bank of Mum and Dad, can help: By gifting a deposit – You can gift a deposit sum which will go towards the property purchase. Without a deposit you are unable to buy a property with a mortgage; therefore you can help your son by providing a larger deposit. This could also potentially lower the cost of interest rate that will be payable on the mortgage.

Additional borrowing on the family home – Providing you own your home, you can release equity from your property. You can take out a mortgage and gift the funds to your son – no matter your age.

Joint mortgage - Sole ownership – When applying for a standard mortgage, parents can help their children borrow more by standing as a joint mortgage borrower. This could potentially increase the size of a mortgage they are able to achieve and enable them to get onto the property ladder. The parent would be jointly named on the mortgage; however the ownership of the property would remain in the name of the child.

Jane Bosher Office Manager at Newbury Building Society’s Thatcham branch.

This means stamp duty on a second home is not payable.

Help to Buy and Shared Ownership – The property sector’s knight in shining armour, the government’s Help to Buy scheme provides a realistic platform for first-time buyers to boost their purchasing power. With as little as a 5% deposit needed and for Shared Ownership a mortgage that requires owning anything from 25% of the share value, getting onto the property ladder is no longer a pipedream.

Just remember: Before you make any decisions, it’s always advisable to seek independent advice. Helping your son may seem like the right thing to do, but do ensure that it is affordable for you and any agreements entered into are clear to all parties involved.

Good luck!

If like Mr Harris, you would like to talk about how the Bank of Mum and Dad can work for you, please contact us and arrange an appointment in a branch local to you or by telephone. We are known for providing a tailored and individual service and our qualified mortgage advisers are also available for appointments on Saturdays.

Visit our Thatcham branch, call us on 01635 864996 or email thatcham@newbury.co.uk.

Visit us at: www.newbury.co.uk YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). 6862 To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

NEWBURY building society

43

Hidden Gems We usually focus on new releases for our book reviews, but this time we’ve scoured the back catalogues for a few gems you might have missed.

Station Eleven – Emily St. John Mandel From Kirsten – child actor turned travelling thespian – to aspiring doctor Jeevan, the novel tells the individual stories of several people before, during and after a pandemic that wipes out most of the population.

Gripping, beautiful and all too plausible, Station Eleven is a must for fans of Margaret Atwood, Erin Morgenstern and Suzanne Collins.

Harry Potter series – JK Rowling, illustrated by Jim Kay There can’t be many people who haven’t heard of the boy wizard by now. If you’re a fan, you might want to consider upgrading your paperbacks for the hardbacks illustrated

by Jim Kay. One is being released each year, starting with The Philosopher’s Stone in 2015, so the first three are currently available to buy.

Kay’s illustrations are superb and incredibly detailed. Prefer e-readers? Check out the Kindle in Motion editions, which animate parts of the illustrations, so you can watch Harry fly through the air in hot pursuit of the golden snitch while you’re reading.

44

The Mysterious Affair at Cuckoo Song – Frances Hardinge Cuckoo Song was first published in 2014, the year before Frances Hardinge’s Costa Award-winning novel The Lie Tree. Eleven year old Triss wakes up from an accident to find things aren’t as they were.

She can’t satisfy her immense hunger for a start; her sister is terrified of her; and even her dolls have turned against her.

Is she going mad, or is the truth even more terrifying? A thoroughly enjoyable, fantastical read, Cuckoo Song is sure to prove a hit with fans of Neil Gaiman and Angela Carter.

The Crow Road – Iain Banks The Crow Road covers some pretty big themes – love, death, religion, drugs and fractured families being just a few of them. Prentice McHoan returns home for his grandmother’s funeral and soon gets drawn into trying to solve the mystery of his Uncle Rory’s disappearance. It’s a dark, intense novel and far from an easy read, but the wit and sheer beauty of the writing could well make it one of your all-time favourites.

Why Mummy Drinks – Gill Sims Gill Sims is the author of a hugely successful Facebook blog – Peter and Jane’s Mummy. Why Mummy Drinks was released last autumn and quickly became a bestseller.

Written in diary format, it tells the story of Ellen, a 39 year old mum of two, who’s trying to balance work and children, while navigating playground politics, irritating in-laws and an ex-boyfriend. The ensuing drama is extremely funny and very relatable if you’re a parent who isn’t quite ready to hang up her dancing shoes.

Styles – Agatha Christie If last year’s hit film Murder on the Orient Express has tempted you to dip into the works of Agatha Christie, why not start with her very first novel?

Published in 1920 and set during World War I, it introduces readers to the brilliant mind of Belgian refugee Hercule Poirot.

The murder of a woman has everyone pointing the finger at one man. It’s down to Poirot to find out the real culprit before it’s too late. While The Mysterious Affair at Styles is not considered Christie’s finest work, there are still plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.

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Continued on page 48

Amor Decorators • Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating

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amordecorators@gmail.com

AmorDecorators

t n a t n u o c c A Lady ting to day accoun ay d f o s ct e p Providing all as er how small. att services, no m l

s of smal rstand the need de un I so f el ys d will explain siness m unts in order an co ac I run a small bu ur yo t ge n help you way. businesses. I ca non-accounting r, ea CIS TAX cl a in ng VAT RETURNS everythi EEPING OL

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BOOKK CREDIT CONTR EME H TAX RETURNS SC N O SI N PE PAYROLL ENT TING ENT GOVERNM TROUBLESHOO G AUTO ENROLM IN IN A TR RE SOFTWA ACCOUNTING

olivia@accoun

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6146 Te l: 0 7 7 8 8 w7w2w.accountabilityservices.co.uk

tabilityservices.

co.uk

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

45

A4 SERVICES

We mAnufActure

Garden Sheds, Garden Workshops, Summerhouses, Chalets, Bespoke Rooms, Playhouses · Over 50 years experience. · A family run business. · We use wood from renewable sustainable managed forest. · We do not use chipboard or plywood. · Bolted assembly. · Bespoke design available. treatmen t · Helpful and friendly staff.

WitH tHis ad · Value for money.

Free

• 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

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.

46

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

All aspects of Tree Surgery undertaken - from full tree reports to pruning, dismantling, hedges and logs Free quotations. Fully insured and NPTC Qualified.

Nc.Arb., A.A. Tech Cert

m: 07793 366361 t: 01635 799478

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

47

Time to Get Pruning

by Pippa Greenwood

At this time of year the weather is often perfect for pruning and cutting back woody plants, so take advantage of the fact that deciduous trees, shrubs, hedges and climbers are now devoid of leaves and get stuck in.

Here’s how to make sure your pruning will really benefit your plants: • For a small hedge or to roughly reshape a shrub, a good, sharp pair of well-oiled shears should do the job.

Angle the blades to make a level trimmed surface. To make a neat and level surface when cutting the top of a hedge, use a taut string as a guide line. For large hedges consider using a powered hedge cutter or hedge trimmer, but make sure you can use it safely!

• When removing stems at various heights and of varying thicknesses, use ‘loppers’, which are much better at cutting through relatively thick stems than shears or secateurs and yet also allow for accurate positioning of the cut. When cutting back branches above your head, wear protective headgear and goggles.

• Secateurs are used for the most precise pruning of smaller woody stems.

48

Provided they are good and sharp, you can make a perfectly clean and accurate cut. Always cut to an outwardfacing bud (so that the new growth produced from that bud grows outwards).

Secateurs are good for removing dead and dying stems as well as for formative pruning (where you are helping to ensure the plant grows in the direction you want it to), and for pruning to encourage flowering.

• To remove larger tree branches or if you have fruit trees to prune, then a pruning saw is the perfect tool. Use a sawing action for best results and make the cut a few millimetres from the main stem to which the branch you are removing is joined. A cut like this will heal quickly and the wound will be smaller and less prone to fungal rotting.

• Check the best pruning time for the plants you have in mind. Although most hedges and many shrubs can be cut back now, there are exceptions.

• Some trees - mainly those in the Prunus family such as cherries, plums, apricots, damsons, peaches and nectarines - are very prone to a potentially fatal fungal

infection known as ‘silver leaf’. To reduce the likelihood of this, prune these trees in the summer unless there is no alternative.

• Pruning tools should be really sharp; if blunt, the job will need more effort and may result in damage to the plant from a jagged cut or crushed stems.

• Create sloping cuts whenever you can so that rain and moisture runs off (wetness encourages wood rotting), and cut close to but not on top of a bud to allow new growth without dieback - you will need to use secateurs, loppers or a saw to do this.

• Stand back from time to time when pruning to check the overall appearance of the plant and judge which part to tackle next, as close up it is harder to see how your pruning is affecting the overall shape of the plant.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in the spring accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus Nemaslug, biocontrols, gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

AJC SERVICES

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

Before

After

Before

After

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

Please callTony now to arrange a free consultation and quote

T: 01635 860159 M: 07785 525752 E: ajcservices@hotmail.co.uk www.ajclandscaping.co.uk To advertise call: 0118 9886070 or email: ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk

49

TRansFoRm your tired drive, path or patio with a

pERmanEnT paVing soluTion Put your own stamp on your driveway or path with Pattern Imprinted Concrete. Range of colours and patterns available. The best part it’s WEED FREE.

Imprinted Concrete - Beautiful paving that adds a WOW! factor to any home

Get in touch for a free home survey, design and quote.

Visit pridelorddriveways.co.uk or call us on 07508 455256

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

MAIN AGENTS FOR MOST LEADING MAKES Sales, Service, Parts, Repairs

Berkshire’s largest garden machinery showroom, with over 200 machines on display, including:

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

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

51

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

present

Alice in Wonderland The Pantomime

By Steven Gordon-Wilson

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

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General Knowledge Crossword 1

3

2

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

11 12 13

15

14 16 17

18

19 21

22

23

Across 1 Finishing line for a foot race (4) 3 Microscopic diseasecarrying agents (8) 9 Enduring strength and energy (7) 10 Snow leopard (5) 11 Moving mechanism that transports objects, as in a factory (8,4) 13 Small stamp or seal on a ring (6) 15 Liquid produced by a flower (6) 17 London district in which the Royal Opera House is sited (6,6) 20 Gold coin formerly used on the Continent (5) 21 Stylish and graceful (7) 22 Leave one’s country of residence for a new one (8) 23 Palm fruit (4)

Špuzzlepress.co.uk

20

Down 1 Legal action where the outcome is likely to set a precedent (4,4) 2 Shrimp-like crustacean (5) 4 Major river flowing through Brazil (6) 5 Someone who deliberately stirs up a problem (12) 6 Curled lock of hair (7) 7 Declare formally as true (4) 8 Instrument used to locate buried explosive devices (4,8) 12 Person with dark brown hair (8) 14 Shaped and stuffed pasta dumplings (7) 16 Thoroughfare (6) 18 Theatrical entertainment (5) 19 Boundary, rim (4) See page 66 for Answers

54

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Fun, Social Activity in the Community!

Ever Active is a Community Physical Activity Programme aimed at getting Older & Disabled Adults more active! Our fun, sociable sessions will get you out the house and get you moving, helping you to stay healthy. All ages, abilities and fitness levels welcome. If you struggle to get out of the house, we have a Home Exercise Kit bag providing balance and strengthening exercises. We can also offer training to volunteers who may wish to set up their own community sessions.

Our programme changes regularly so please contact nick.rance@getberkshireactive.org or call 01628472851 for more information

HIGH QUALITY OUTDOOR CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

at HILLIER GARDEN CENTRE, HERMITAGE, RG18 9TG TEL: 01635 203374 YOUR INDEPENDENT STORE FOR WALKING, HIKING, RUNNING, CYCLING & SKIING

visit us in store or online at montagnesports.co.uk

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

55

Thatcham Town Council’s Community & Civic Events 2018 Monday 12th March – Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth, 9.45am Council Offices, Brownsfield Road Monday 23rd April – Annual Town Meeting, 6.30pm Council Chamber, Council Offices, Brownsfield Road Sunday 20th May – Mayor Making Ceremony, 3pm Frank Hutchings Community Hall Sunday 24th June – Thatcham Family Fun Day, 11am-4pm Henwick Worthy Sports Ground Monday 25th June - Armed Forces Day Flag Flying, 10am Council Offices, Brownsfield Road Sunday 15th July – United Service of Remembrance, 3pm London Road Cemetery Thursday 30th August – Fun on The Broadway, 10am-3pm The Broadway Green Saturday 6th until Friday 19th October - Thatcham Festival Various venues across Thatcham Sunday 11th November – Armistice & Remembrance Parade, 10.30am Parade through the town centre with services at the War Memorial and St Mary’s Church Sunday 11th November – WW1 Armistice Centenary, from 6.45pm Beacon Lighting & Concert, St Mary’s Church Friday 7th December - Christmas Lights Switch On, 5pm The Broadway Sunday 9th December - Civic Carol Service, 4pm St Mary’s Church

Visit our website and social media to keep up-to-date with the Town Council’s and local organisations’ events throughout the year.

Thatcham Town Council Brownsfield Road, Thatcham, RG18 3HF

56

T: 01635 863592 W: www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk E: enquiries@thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

ThatchamTC

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

57

WHAT’S ON INTHE COMMUNITY:

DIARY DATES Thu 15 Feb, SaT 17 Feb

WedneSday 21 Feb 2018

KaTS alice in Wonderland PanTomime

TalK - neWbury’S

Kennet School, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 4LL

roman cemeTery 7pm - 8pm, £5. Please phone the museum to buy your ticket.

West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, Berkshire,

See Page 53

Berkshire RG14 5AS

Friday 16 Feb 2018

linKing The landScaPe: under The microScoPe Free, between 10am - 1pm

Contact telephone: 01635 519562 Call to check latest times or cancellations In the middle of the 19th century, a large Roman cemetery was discovered in an area now near Sainsbury’s in Newbury. The cemetery was quickly destroyed, and poorly

West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf,

documented. Local historian Dr

Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5AS

David Peacock tells the story of the

Contact telephone: 01635 519562 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

What can you see under the microscope?

Local Wildlife Trust experts will be on hand with microscopes, and an array

discovery, and of the Roman pottery and other items which have survived.

monday 26 February 2018

of remarkable mini-beasts up-close.

neighbourhood

Learn about this fascinating essential

WaTch meeTing

world happening unseen all around us.

The next Neighbourhood Watch Drop in any time between 10am and 1pm to

Meeting is being held on Monday 26

this free event at West Berkshire Museum.

February 2018 at 7.30 pm in West

58

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

WHAT’S ON INTHE COMMUNITY:

DIARY DATES Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury and there will be an interesting talk by DCI Darran Hall on Stronghold, the Serious Organised Crime Unit.

Representatives from the Police and Fire Service will also be attending to give crime updates and both will be available to answer any questions. Just a reminder that there is parking close by and the evening charge is £2. Anyone

WedneSday 21 mar 2018

TalK - The curridge hoard, braSS coinS From 3rd cenTury roman briTain.

is welcome to attend this meeting.

7pm - 8pm, £5. Please phone the museum t buy your ticket.

SaTurday 10 mar 2018

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

civil War aT ShaW houSe 11am – 4pm Shaw House and cafe open from 11am – 4pm with free entry to the House. Free.

Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2DR Contact telephone: 01635 279279 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

Immerse yourself in history with a day out in the 17th Century. Discover what life was like for those who had to take up arms against their fellow countrymen.

Witness soldiers training to use swords, muskets and pikes and visit some of the tradesmen and civilians who accompanied the armies. Plus Living History demonstrations inside Shaw House.

Contact telephone: 01635 519562 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

In 1998 a pot of Roman coins was discovered at Curridge, Berkshire.

Although it contained everyday Roman brasses and coppers produced from the first to the third centuries AD they bore the names and images of some of the most famous emperors in Roman history. The final coins date to the reign of Septimius Severus (AD 193-211) – destined to spend the end of his life in Britain as part of his campaign to subdue the lands beyond Hadrian’s Wall. The movement of armies and imperial retinues involved grand logistics, but even the small change of the time had to be likewise shipped in bulk to what was for the Romans the furthest reaches of their empire. A talk from British Museum Curator Richard Abdy.

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

59

Kitchens, Bathrooms & refurBishments

ASSET InSTAllATIonS lTd

T. 0118 984 4061 M. 0779 212 7159 E. andybrooker@talk21.com

Your local,Thatcham based, friendly electricians offer a reliable service you can depend on • All types of electrical work • Electrical inspection condition reports (EICR) • Landlord safety certificates • Commercial installation and maintenance • Emergency lighting installation, testing & certification • New installations – extensions • Advice and installation of LED lighting

• Kitchens.

Bathrooms • Fuse boards • Lighting & Power • Fully insured • No job too large or too small • Audio and visual installations • Fault finding • Rewires

on 07833

CALL US

248438 or 01635 777015

enquiries@currentconnection.co.uk Silverthorne, Robertsfield, Thatcham

www.electricianthatcham.co.uk

60

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Thatcham Clubs and Organisations Age UK (Thatcham Branch) ageuk.org.uk 01635 869395 Thatcham Allotment Gardening Club 01635 865230 thatchamallotments.btck.co.uk Alzheimers.co.uk alzheimers.org.uk 01635 500869 Thatcham Angling Association thatchamanglingassociation.co.uk Thatcham Art Experience 07914 321681 Angela Bates Blind Club Theale & Thatcham David Brazier 01635 253994 Buttercups Baby & Toddler Group Frank Hutchings. Mon am 01635 864113 Cancer Care Trust Newbury & District Newburycancercare.org.uk 01635 31542 Thatcham Classic Car thatchamclasic.co.uk Cold Ash Brass 01635 869906 Coldashbrass.org.uk Thatcham Community Market 01635 866653 01635 860634 Thatcham Folk Dance Club Mary Davidson 983 2605 Community Spirit Thatcham 34 High Street, quality clothes, toys and more. Find on Facebook.

Driving tuition RoADAR TVG www.roadartvg.org.uk Gingerbread (for lone parent families) 01635861813 gingerbread.org.uk Thatcham Historical Society thatcham historical society.org.uk Hand Bell Ringers based at St Mary’s Church 01635 867421 barfield.org.uk Home Start facebook.com/newburyberks/ posts/1004543709573999 Thatcham Karate thatchamkarate.org Ladies Fellowship - Meet at Thatcham Free Church 01635 40358 Lakeside Women’s Club 01635 866905

charitychoice.co.uk/thatchamlakeside-womens-club-107331 Lady Frances Winchcombe’s Thatcham Foundation 01635 865339 Let’s Sing Mon eve, Kennet Sch 01635 813355 Philatelic Society 01635 866942 tdps.org.uk Thatcham Photographic Club thatchamphotoclub.com Thatcham Pre-School 07831 611145 thatchampreschool.co.uk Thatcham Rock Choir rockchoir.com Royal British Legion (Thatcham Branch) 01635 867621 Thatcham Rugby Club 07974771701 thatchamrfc.co.uk Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide 07763644315 Thatcham Tennis Club 01635 861069/07917 710927 Thatcham Town Cricket Club 07932 692103 thatchamtowncc.co.uk Thatcham Town Ladies and Girls Football Club 01635 873596/07917 137022 pitchero.com/clubs/thatchamtownladiesgirlsfc Thatcham U3A 01635 863848 Village Agent villageagentswb.org.uk 01635 581001 Vision Youth Club thatchamyouth.org.uk WI 01635 866841 thatchamwi.weebly.com Thatcham Writers thatchamwriters.co.uk Thatcham Youth 07340 131337 thatchamyouth.org.uk

Film Club

7.30pm last Friday of the month, Frank Hutchings Centre Last Friday of the month Showing: Feb - Dunkirk, March - Maudie (2016) Join up with friends and/or make new friends £5.00 on the door (Adults only.)

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

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

61

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 ■ Plumbing & Electrics

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

01635 868253 or 07771 638365 liegecc@hotmail.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

62

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

Flowers for all Occasions

Lower Way Farm, Thatcham RG19 3TL Voted Best Florist in Berkshire 2017 by

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

Please ring 01635 869689 or visit our website:

www.buttercups-and-daisies.co.uk

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

Hub Happenings Monday

Central Family Hub

Stay, Play & Learn at Central Family Hub 9.15-11.00am

Park Lane Thatcham RG18 3PG

For parents & children up to 5 years. £1.00 contribution Toy Library at the Central Family hub (2nd & 4th Monday of the month) 9.30-11.00am A session for parents to browse through the Toy Library catalogues.

Borrowing charges at a small cost.

Tuesday Messy Play at Central Family Hub 10.00-11.00am Activity session involving messy and creative activities for parents and children up to 5 years. £1.00 contribution.

Wiggle Babies at Central Family Hub 2.10-2.50pm A music and movement group with action, songs and rhymes for children aged 0-12 months. £1.00 contribution

Wednesday Come play at Swings & Smiles at Lower Way (Term time only) 9.15-11.00am For parents & children up to 5 years. £1.00 contribution

Thursday Crabtree Stay, Play & Learn at Crabtree Community Centre 9.15-11.00am For parents & children up to 5 years. £1.00 contribution

01635 865318 The Family Hub provides services, activities, support and information for families who have children aged 0-5.

It provides experiences which take account of, and respond to, the child’s developmental needs and which allow each child to make progress related to his/her own abilities.

The centre is committed to the inclusion of all children and has regard for the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

Provision for children with special educational needs is a matter for everyone in the setting. The staff will work in order to enable each child to meet their full potential and endeavour to give each family the support they need.

The Central Hub has additional programmes running throughout the year – these may be adult and community learning courses, parenting programmes or specialist sessions such as post natal and baby massage.

Various organisations or agencies such as the Health Visiting team also run services at the Hub.

Friday

Each month, a full timetable listing all the services and sessions which take place is published.

Bumps & Bundles at Central Family Hub 10.00-11.30am

Venues where our sessions are held:

For mums to be & parents with children up to 12 months old, a social group to meet and socialise over a cup of tea. £1.00 contribution

Central Family Hub, Park Lane, Thatcham RG18 3PG

Story, Walk at the Discovery Centre 13.00-14.30pm

Swings and Smiles, Lower Way, Thatcham RG19 3RR

A walk based on a story with fun activities. £1.00 contribution

Crabtree Community Centre, Crabtree Lane Hermitage RG18 9US RG19 3FU

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

63

Handy Numbers Emergency Community tyy Responders 0800 587 0207 Police/Emergency Dial 999 Thames Valley Police (non urgent) 101 British Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Thames Water Emergency 0845 9200 888 Southern Electric Emergency 0845 770 8090 Royal Berks Ambulance NHS 0118 9365500 Royal Berks Fire & Rescue 0118 945 2888

Supermarkets Tesco, Nort rthfield t Rd The Co-op (24 hrs) at Texaco The Co-op Broadway The Co-op Burdwood Centre The Co-op Dunston Park Waitrose, The Broadway Yattttendon t Stores

Post Offices Cold Ash (last posting 4.20pm) Hermitage (last posting 4.30pm) Tesco, Nort rthfield t Road The Co-op, 54 The Broadway Yattttendon t (last posting 4.00pm)

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

01635 862440 01637 200276 01635 873251 01635 863223 01635 201236

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

01635 864423

Medical Practitioners Thatcham Medical Practice, Bath Rd Burdwood Surgery Emergency Only Out of Hours Doctor Helping Services A.A. Cruse Bereavement Care Newbury & District Cancer Care Trust Childline PALS Royal British Legion RSPCA Victim Support rtt

Library Mon: 9.30-5.00 Tues: 9.30-7.00 01635 863334 Wed: NOT OPEN Thurs: 9.30-5.00 01635 869244 Fri: 9.30-7.00 Sat: 9.30-12.30 01635 868538

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

01635 273300 0118 3225111 Citizens Advice Bureau West Berks CAB, at Thatcham Health Centre 01635 867171 Helpline for Carers Client Advice Line 01635 868006 01635 866169 Travel 0118 9787811 Rail Enquiries Newbury Buses

01635 516605 01635 864245 0844 4779980 08457 484950 01635 567500

0845 7697555 Other Important Numbers 01635 523573 B.T. Fault Line rtt 01635 31542 Fly Tipping, to report KAA KATS 0800 1111 Thatcham Connections 0118 932 3799 Thatcham Photographic Club 01635 867621 Vet: O’Gormon Slater Main LAA Swansea 08705 555999 DVLA 0845 30 30 900 In event of Power Cut

0800 800 151 01635 519080 01635 869893 0118 9886070 01635 865516 01635 868382 0300 7906801 105

01635 866049 Recycling Hermitage Garden Centre,

01635 200 442

(glass, text xtiles, t books)

Kingsland Centre Car-park adjacent to Waitrose (paper, glass, mixed plastics, text xtiles, t cans)

Household Waste Recycling Centre (opposite St Gabriel’s School)

Term Dates 2017 - 2018 • Term 1 - Wednesday 6th September - Friday 20th October (Holiday: Monday 23rd October 2017 – Friday 27th October 2017) • Term 2 - Monday 30th October 2017 - Wednesday 20th December 2017 (Holiday: Thursday 21st December 2017 - Wednesday 3rd January 2018) • Term 3 - Thursday 4th January 2018 - Friday 9th February 2018 (Holiday: Monday 12th February 2018 – Friday 16th February 2018) • Term 4 - Monday 19th February 2018 - Thursday 29th March 2018 (Holiday: Friday 30th March 2018 – Monday 16th April 2018) • Term 5 - Tuesday 17th April 2018 - Friday 25th May 2018 (Holiday: Tuesday 29th May 2018– Friday 1st June 2018) • Term 6 - Monday 4th June 2018 - Friday 20th July 2018 (Holiday commences on Monday 23rd July 2018) In Service Day Tuesday 5th September 2017 will be an INSET DAY for all West Berkshire Schools, therefore an non-teaching day. Children will go back to school on Wednesday 6th September 2017. Bank Holidays have not been included in school holidays – please check. ursula@thatchamconnections.co.uk 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

64

meet friends - make friends

See page 66 for answers

natter...natter grey ... matter for Arts and Crafts people See page 37 for details of the courses which Dawn Ladds runs here See page 57 for The Old Bluecoat School Concert Programme 2018 See page 7 for details of the Seasons Art Classes.

On page 34 you will see the sculpture courses run by Diana Pattenden.

In two minutes Do you know? find all the words of four or more letters that can be made from these letters:

AREBGL 4 letters 13 5 letters 9 6 letters 1 Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

What was Achilles most famous for?

For what do we associate The Amazons?

Why does Alexander the Great have his name?

Who was the Goddess of Love & Beauty?

In Greek mythology, who ew too close to the sun?

Dispelling shocking myths The Heartstart Thatcham team have been placing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout West Berkshire.

With devices becoming common place we sadly hear several myths too. We will put some of that to rest here and now.

1. You need to be trained.

NO. The AED is designed to be used by an untrained by bystander. Turn it on and it will talk to you telling you what to do.

2. It can harm/shock anyone.

NO. The AED will check that the person it is connected to

is in cardiac arrest. It will then and ONLY then allow you to deliver a shock.

3. It could make things worse.

NO. If the casualty is in cardiac arrest you cannot make things worse. Step in and give the casualty a fighting chance.

4. It is used for a Heart Attack.

NO. An AED is designed to be used on a casualty in cardiac arrest. This is where the casualty is unconscious and not breathing or not breathing normally. It is an electrical issue. A heart attack is a restriction in

blood to the heart itself. The casualty is typically conscious and has chest pain for example.

To let us remove your fear of using a defibrillator and learn skills that can and do save lives please contact the team.

Tel: 07810145690 Email: getinvolved@heartstartthatcham.info Web: www.heartstartthatcham.info

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements

SEE: www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

Accountant Accountability Avalon Heslops Activity Programme Ever Active Aerials - TV S F Digital Amateur Theatrical Society KATS Art Classes The Seasons Art Class Beds and mattresses Elite Bedding Building Society Newbury Building Society Blinds Smart Blinds Builders A Thompson Falkland Builders Liege Carpentry & Construction Ltd Whitehouse Young Car Maintenance Autotouches Chauffeur/Private Hire Halfway Garage Motech Pegasus Carpenter Jack Akers Cats Protection Newbury Cats Protection Cattery Cosy Cottage Cattery Charity The Newbury & Dist Cancer Care Trust Children - Including Babies Baby Sensations GR Swimming School Monkey Music Read Theatre School Chimney Sweep PC Dollin Cleaning Ashdowne Ltd Cleaning & Ironing Platinum Cleaning Computers Sarah Sladen Conservatories Premier Conservatories Counsellor/Coach Let’s Talk Powerful Positive Change

Cryptic Crossword

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Crafting Curtains & Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs Dancing School Allenova School of Dancing Decorator Amor Decorators Martin Newman PC Decorating Dog Grooming Gem’s Doors and Windows replacement Premier Conservatories Drains Drain & Able Double Glazing Cloudy to Clear Electrician Current Connection Home Electrics Fencing Colourfence Fitness Lorraine’s Florist Buttercups & Daisies Funeral Directors Turner Brothers Furniture Pine and Oak Gardening Services A4 Gardening Services AJC Services Back to the Fuchsia James George Kalehurst New Line Sheds Permanent Paving Guttering CD Guttering Handyman Peter Kirkham Martin Newman Hairdresser Koo’s Hair Designs Tracey Health Rooke Holistic Therapies Orchard Life Centre Tai Chi Wanda Baker Home Improvements Crest Kitchens Asset Installations

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33 42 45 10 33 22 2 8 16 60 6 47 17 62 37 5 46 49 51 47 51 46 50 39 12 52 20 8 33 18 19 20 15 60

Locksmith Cap Security Logs Oven Cleaning Oven Solutions Smart Oven Clean Pest Control Control Services Limited Pet Carer Pet Angels Pet Groomer Gem’s Picture Framer Berkshire Framing Co Picture It Plasterer Mr H Plumber AJ Bosley Paul Worsley Kevin Mace Renewable Energy Xpert Energy Restaurant The Coach & Horses Roofer S Norman Roofing A Thompson Sculptor Diana Pattenden Solicitor Gardner Leader Sports Store Montagne Sports Storage - secure The Barn Store Tai Chi Jo Dunn Theatre School Read Theatre School VET Donnington Grove Window Cleaner Andy Jones P.D.D. Services Wealth Management Rebecca Kingwell Wedding Fare Newbury Racecourse

27 8 27 33 46 23 22 13 28 32 29 16 33 26 13 28 60 34 9 55 32 19 41 22 8 33 35 3

Childrens Page

General Knowledge Crossword

Spot the differences

The safe number that needs entering is ‘16’.

Across: 1 Tape, 3 Bacteria, 9 Stamina, 10 Ounce, 11 Conveyor belt, 13 Signet, 15 Nectar, 17 Covent Garden, 20 Ducat, 21 Elegant, 22 Emigrate, 23 Date.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Reading down column 1, the numbers increase by 9. Column two they increase by 6 & column Down: 1 Test case, 2 Prawn, 4 Amazon, 5 Troublemaker, 6 Ringlet, 7 Aver, 8 three they increase by 3.

Mine detector, 12 Brunette, 14 Gnocchi, Grey Matter 16 Street, 18 Drama, 19 Edge.

• For his part in the Trojan War • Aphrodite • They were entirely female warriors • Icarus

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

Shoe Beauty Spot Belly button Rainbow Shorts colour Wheel Socks Bangle Clouds Finger

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Too busy for housework?

WE are here to help YOU free up YOUR time Residential Cleaning Services Offering: • Friendly, fully trained team • Flexible cleaning services (weekly, fortnightly, monthly) • Spring cleans, one-off blitz • All cleaning products & equipment provided • Your clean is fully insured & guaranteed

been We have able li re providing ning a le home c in services area l a c lo your 7 since 200

Ashdowne Ltd For a free estimate, call Phil today on:

01635 867186 07771 522225 or email: philjryder@gmail.com

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

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