thatcham connections issue48

Issue 48: November 2014-January 2015

Local Services forYou

Remembrance Day

Samaritan’s

Shoebox Appeal

What’s on in the

Community

www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

Photograph taken by courtesyof Mr AlanWoolfenden

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements2

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[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 3

‘Our aim is totry and connectlocal businessesto local people.’

Distribution

Thatcham Connections

Is a local independent magazine.We aim to think Local, BuyLocal and live Local.

It is delivered free to 8,500homes and businesses inAshmore Green, Upper Bucklebury,Cold Ash, Curridge, Hermitage,Midgham,Thatcham,Woolhampton and Yattendon.

HowWeWork

We understand that the needs of asmall business are quite differentfrom those of a big company, andour advertising service is verymuch targeted at independentand local businesses. Fromadvert design to general advicewe are here to help you grow.

Technical & Legal Matters

Whilst every care has been taken toensure that the data in this magazineis accurate, the Publisher cannotaccept, and hereby disclaims,any liability to any party for lossor damage caused by errors oromissions resulting from negligence,accident or any other cause.

No part of this magazine may bereproduced, sorted in any retrievalsystem, or transmitted in any form- electronic, mechanical, recording,photocopying, or otherwise - withoutprior permission of the Publisher.

All in-house artwork and editorialpresented in this magazine remainsthe copyright of Ursula Aitken.

Contact Details

Ursula AitkenPublisher and Editor

Tel: 0118 [email protected]

www.thatcamconnections.co.uk

Welcome!

Dear Readers

And... a very specialWelcome to thosehomes in both Upper Bucklebury andThatcham who are receiving a copyof this magazine, for the first time.

I hope you noticed the front cover. Itwas taken last year by AlanWoolfendenof theThatcham Photographic Club.The choir isTheTamesis Chamber Choirwho sing at the Carol Concert which isheld in St. Nicolas’ Church, Newbury.This annual event (the 13th) will be heldon Saturday 6th December. Pleasesee page 14, from where you will seethatThe Newbury and District CancerCareTrust benefits. Having had a brushwith this disease myself recently, itis, therefore, particularly appropriatefor me to support this cause. I wouldalso like to say a special thank youto Mrs Sue Lloyd, of theThatchamPhotographic Club, who arranged forthis photograph to be taken. For manyyears, Sue has done numerous jobs tohelpThatcham Connections on its way- and I am indeed very grateful to her.

Last year we had a great responseto our Samaritan’s Purse ShoeboxAppeal. One reader took the timeand trouble to write to me explainingthat one of the instructions wasnot very clear - she was absolutelyright - it is always helpful to getfeedback. Please see pages 36/37- and thank you to anyone whodoes it again - and even morethanks to anyone who is preparedto give it a go for the first time thisyear! Perhaps do it with a friend?

Recently, I have been reminded aboutmy son, when he was a little boy,saying to me: ‘I love Christmas becauseeveryone is so smiley and kind’. It isindeed a magical time and I do hopeyou all have a very happy Christmas.

Codeword 16

TheBetterLife 18

Recipe 24

Book Review 26

RemembranceDay 28

ColourfulGrenada 34

ShoeboxAppeal 36

GardeningFeature 38

Home&Interiors 48

What’son 50intheCommunity

Childrens’Challenge 54

Poet’sCorner 55

Answers 56

HandyNumbers 60

Christmas 61PostalDates

Index 62

NEXT ISSUE - COVERING February and March 2015Copy - ready for print - deadline: Friday 16 January 2015 at the very latest.

Ursula Aitken


We are fully insured and full references areavailable upon request. So if you are looking tohave a replacement floor or just require somefree professional advice, please do not hesitateto contact us.

Our customershavesaid the following:“Thank you to Laws Floors for supplying and fittingcarpets in 2 of our houses. The price and qualityof your work has been excellent – I couldn’t faultanything, Thank you also for completing the workwithin the time schedule.” - Victoria

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We are suppliersand fitters of

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WE ALSO OFFER CARPET CLEANING


Oak framed buildingsDESIGNED • MANAGED • CONSTRUCTED

Email: [email protected] Tel: 0118 930 6633www.thebarnpartnership.co .uk

Brooks Farm Bath Road Beenham Reading RG7 5JB


P.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.DP.D.D ServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesServicesWindow Cleaningn Interior & ExteriorWindowCleaningn PureWater Pole System orTraditionalMethod

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For all your soft furnishing andsewing needs

Curtains, blinds, pelmets andalterations. Fabric choices andadvice available

Contact:

JudyConnolly07747 634556

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We have many cats seeking loving homesespecially older cats

fundraising volunteers always neededFor further information contact

01635 200111Open daily, except for Tuesdays,

11am-3pm by appointmentwww.newbury.cats.org.uk

ProtectionNewbury Cats P.C. DECORATING

Paul CoulsonTel: 07771 610230 or 01635 201835

• Local Painter and Decorator with8 years Experience

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10 year old dachshund seeks acaring home where the love he cangive will be truly appreciated.

A very loyal and fearless companion will,undoubtedly, be the reward for a suitable home.

Ideally suited to a mature person but not suitablefor families with babies or young children.

Please ring 0118 9883164 for more details.

More than happy to try a trial period.


Family businesses present particular ownershipand management challenges. Planning ahead andinvolving family members is essential if you are toachieve your objectives, make the most of yourfamily strengths and minimise the risk of disputes.

OwnershipRetaining family ownership and control is aprime objective for many family businesses, butmay limit growth potential. The family ownedbusiness should be open to bringing in outsideshareholders if additional investment is needed.It may be possible to structure investmentsto ensure that family control is retained.

Passing the family business on to the nextgeneration can also be challenging. Youneed to protect your own interests, perhapsensuring that funds are available from thebusiness to finance your retirement. However,you should consider what impact thiswould have on cash flow or profitability.

The businessMany family businesses are not just family-owned but also family-run. Using familymembers as employees and directors has

many advantages, including high levels ofcommitment, a sense of continuity and sharedvalues, and a long-term perspective.

There will be times when it will be beneficialto bring talent from outside the family such asfor a fresh perspective or new skills. However,sometimes family-run businesses can be reluctantto change either because not all membersunderstand the need for change or from areluctance to do non-essential capital investment.

If you decide to recruit employees from beyondthe family then be prepared to offer a stake inthe business as an incentive otherwise it will bedifficult to attract and retain outsiders. You alsoneed to ensure that your succession planning is inplace; assuming that your children will want (or areable) to take on the business can be dangerous.

The business risksBusiness disputes can quickly become personaland vice versa. It takes a lot of discipline tocompartmentalise business and home life. Youwill also need to plan for disputes. If part of theownership or management of the business isheld by the spouse of a family member, youshould ensure that provisions are in place if thatrelationship breaks down. Family breakdownscan be emotional enough without businessproblems causing more complications.

Careful planning allows you to identify andaddress potential problems in advance. Optionsinclude an appropriate shareholders’ agreement,clauses in the company’s articles of associationor the use of a family trust to hold shares.

Building a family business that can be passed onto your children can be enormously rewarding. Sothink about the potential opportunities and plan forany challenges and your business will be a legacythat remains in the hands of generations to come.

By Emma Ladd, associate and notarypublic, corporate and commercial teamat Gardner Leader solicitors.

For further information, please contactGardner Leader LLP, White Hart House,Market Place, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5BA.Tel: 01635 508080. Or visit Gardner Leader’swebsite - http://www.gardner-leader.co.uk

Gardner LeaderSustaining a successful family business


Air Conditioning

J. ThompsonPainting and Decorating

JosephThompsonTel: 0777 5065896

Email: [email protected]

Interior and Exterior

Domestic Repairs and Maintenance

Free Quotations

All Aspects of Decorating

Free Security Advice & Estimates01635 868 318

101A Park Lane, Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of DoorsWindows and Garages

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Are you wondering just howeffective Counselling, Psychotherapyor Coaching could be for you?Working with you in a safe, professional,confidential and non-judgmental environment.

Call me on 07775 706907or visit my website for more information:

www.margaretspencercounselling.co.uk

Working with individuals, couples andorganisations on a short term or openended approach.

� Counselling � Psychotherapy � Coaching

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

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

The Margaret Spencer Practice

Have moved to:Lower Way Farm, Thatcham RG19 3TLWe 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.buttercups-and-daisies.co.uk

Flowers forall Occasions


ExtensionSpecialist• 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

A.ThompsonBuildersA family run business specialising in a range ofboth external and interior building work.

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

Telephone 01635 861088Mobile 07909 902435Email [email protected]

Denbar, Briff Lane, Turners Green,Upper Bucklebury, RG7 6ST


PETERKIRKHAMYOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

Specialising in:

Building andGarden ServicesI am reliable and honestReasonable costsReferences availableFully insuredI am also an Approved Contractorfor the Local Parish Council

Fencing Patios Deckwork Brickwork and Repointing Garden Maintenance

- from domestic one-offsto regular commercialcontracts

Decorating Tiling Carpentry - general building

and maintenancePlease 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


Ballroomlatin american

Sequence

dance Classes for all abilitiesHeld in Thatcham & Cold AshFor more details ring 01635 580930

www.1stepahead.info

new Classfor adultBeginners

at Acland Hall,Cold AshRG18 9JHMondays7.30pm – 9.00pmJoin us on anyMonday

Ballroomand latinamericanFor couples

The Newbury & District Cancer Care TrustInvite you to join them in a Carol Concert

Supported by the Tamesis Chamber Choir on

Saturday 6th December at St Nicolas Church NewburySee www.newburycancercare.org.uk

The choir regularly perform toraise funds for local charitiesincluding THENEWBURY&DISTRICTCANCERCARETRUST; the Samaritans;Sue Ryder and the local AirAmbulance. The choir hasfeatured several times on localradio and the last two CDswere featured on BBCRadio3’s programme ‘The Choir’.

Tamesis is the Latin name forthe River Thames, and the choirhas strong links to Readingand the surrounding area.

Tamesis has been styled‘one of Berkshire’s bestensembles’ in local press.

The repertoire ranges fromsacred to popular music,spanning the centuriesfrom the renaissance periodto the present day.

Louise RappleMoore, directs.The choir, numbering around25 singers. It has carved anew niche in Berkshire: itsmembers are auditionedeach year tomaintain thehighest standards, and theysing high-quality music withonly a few rehearsals for eachconcert. In addition, The Choirhas a lively social aspect!

Tel: 0118 931 4279 formore details/tickets etc.


Each letter in this puzzle isrepresented by a numberbetween 1 and 26. Thecodes for three letters areshown. As you find theletters enter them in the boxbelow.

CODEWORD 17 24 7 19 19 12

5 19 23 5 24 24 3 19 25 8 9 26

16 6 23 16 17 24

20 8 17 8 12 17 8 11 14 24 2 3

7 9 21 7 10

16 1 24 18 18 8 21 26 19 7 20 18

24 4 11 8

3 18 19 18 8 13 14 22A

19R

17 21S

3

8 20 15 1 21

19 5 3 24 9 2 18 8 6 8 18 3

24 2 14 10 2 14

25 24 17 10 24 18 19 3 3 2 23 8

16 20 8 17 18 8

All Dogs Walked DailyAll Dogs Walked DailyAll Dogs Walked DailyProfessional Care andProfessional Care andProfessional Care andAttention at all timesAttention at all timesAttention at all times

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Viewing welcome byappointment. For further

details please ring:

See page 56 for Answers


ComputerTroubleshooter• 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, justneeding a few pointers or your computer hasgot a mind of its own, I’m here to help.

Contact:Sarah Sladen 079793 [email protected]


Short StoryThe Gunpowder Plot by Jackie Brewster

“Is there any chance you couldgive me a hand?”Carrie looked up from thelibrary photocopier at the youngman. It was the same oneshe’d been discretely watchingacross the bookshelves as hestruggled to finish his essay.“I need to enlarge this pictureand I’m not sure how”, he said.Carrie reasoned that shehad only been watching himbecause she thought he mightbe the poor bloke that Marissahad got her claws into. Shecould see why; even though hewas wearing his jumper insideout, he was rather cute.As well as being a student,Carrie worked evenings atthe college library, and hadcome to notice most things.For example, she’d seen himcast anxious glances at thelibrary clock, and suspectedthat tonight was the night thatMarissa had finally agreed togo on a date with him. Therewas a big Bonfire Party in town,and she’d overheard Marissaboasting that this guy was sobesotted with her he would bebuying her entry ticket and herdrinks all night. Poor man, whatwas he letting himself in for?Carrie stared at the book hewas holding out to her.“I’m sorry?” she said.“I need to enlarge this”, he saidapologetically, “I’m in a bit of ahurry”.If he was hoping to catch thesix o’clock bus into town, Carriethought, he was cutting it ratherfine. Slowly, she took the book.“Sure, what do you wantenlarging?”“It’s the Palace of

Westminster”. He pointed tothe page, “I need it blowingup”.She looked at the picture andlaughed.“That’s the Houses ofParliament isn’t it?”“Yes”, he adjusted his glasses,“it’s for an essay”.“You’re asking me to helpyou blow up the Houses ofParliament?” She giggled,“tonight of all nights?” Hestared at her blankly.“It’s bonfire night”, sheexplained.“Course!”, he grinned, “I’mgoing to a bonfire party”.“Got a hot date lined up?”Carrie said, and laughed at herown joke.“Something like that”. Heblushed.“We don’t want you to be late”.Carrie smiled, “I bet she’llhave you hung drawn andquartered”. Knowing Marissa,thought Carrie, that’s the leastshe would do. He laughednervously.Carrie placed the book carefullyon the photocopier,“Does this make me a co-conspirator?” she asked, andpressed a few buttons.“About what?” he said.“About your gunpowder plot?”“Oh yeah”. He glanced at theclock again and winced. Carriebit her lip and pressed the startbutton. Nothing happened.“That’s odd”. She gave themachine a kick. It stayed silent.Carrie methodically wentthrough the whole process

again, twice; patiently checkingeverything, but still nothing.“I’m sorry, the machine’splaying up”, she sighed, “ourtechnician will be back in anhour, can you come backthen?”The library clock chimed six.The young man slumpedagainst the wall. The bus wasleaving without him.“Cheer up”, Carrie saidguiltily, “I’m sure she won’tmind waiting”. It was commonknowledge that Marissa waitedfor nobody. She took a deepbreath,“I’m finishing work now. Can Ibuy you a drink in the studentbar to help pass the time?”“Why not?” He managed asmile, “You’ve been reallyhelpful”.“I’m Carrie”. She comically heldout her hand, “What’s yourname?”“It’s Guy”, he smiled and shookit warmly. “Guy Fawkes”.“You’re joking?”“Got you”. he grinned, “It’sTom”.“I’ll get my stuff and meet youthere in five”. Carrie waved himoff, and, as he walked away,she bent down and switchedthe photocopier back on.

again, twice; patiently checking

FEATURE


Quiet • Personal • Caring • Tailored

Your dog comes first!

Dapper Dogsgroom room

Ellie Walls

07798 667354Unit 3, Riverside Studio, Lower Way Farm, Lower Way,

Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 8JL

• All breeds catered for• Take home service• All aspects of grooming covered• Great location• Ample parking• Flexible appointments

CANINE HYDROTHERAPY

www.wavescaninehydrotherapy.co.uk01635865977 / 07766467360RG184BP email: [email protected]

Hydrotherapy is used in thetreatment ofmany orthopaedic,

osteoarthritis, neurologicalconditions and soft tissue injuries,aswell as improving fitness or -

teaching your dog to swim - for fun!


For a freequotationcall Rose on:

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Platinum Cleaningand Ironing Services• Weekly - One-offs - Spring cleans

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Are you looking for some extraHELP?If so give us a call:

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Head office: Newbury

SPECIALISINGIN LIVE-IN CARE& CLEANINGSERVICES

Also operatingin the

Reading area.

Care @ Home provides a range of social supportservices in the local area for adults living withintheir own homes and sheltered housing.Our service users require practical, domesticand personal care tasks,which are essentialto allow them to live with independenceand dignity in their own homes.

• Working Nights• 24 Hour Live in Service• Short call from 15 minutes up to1 hour,or longer – dependingon your requirements

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24 Houron Call

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KarenTyler-Trillo

After a lifetime of loving, caring for and owning pets and witha farming background, Karen has turned her attention tothe welfare of animals in a professional capacity. Karen willvisit your pet and look after him/her with much loving care.

Readers whomention seeing this ad will begiven a 10%discount on their first booking.

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 kTel: 01635 881 891 or 07876 785312

Whatever your pet may be, PetAngels UK are here to offer avariety of fully insured services.Not only is your life made easier- and you have peace of mind whenyou are out or away - but also thisensures no stress for your animal.

These services include:DogWalking,Pet Feeding, Pet/House sitting,Basic pet grooming in your home.Also: Pet Taxi and DogMidwifery.

In addition to the services alreadymentioned, Karen and her teamare also happy to water plants, pickup post and carry out basic housesecurity checks at your request.

One-to-one Clicker trainingfor your dog is also offeredwith an experienced trainer.

Pet Angels UK Services areexpanding all the time - to includePet Portraits and provide accessories.

Karen is alsoan accreditedmicrochipper


Specialists in plumbing and heating. Weare registered to install and

service all systems.

We offer many other maintenanceservices, including:

•Electrical•Carpentry• Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for ourservices and free call outs.Call us now on 01635 826770

or 07771 653289

THATCHAM & NEWBURYTHATCHAM & NEWBURYTHATCHAM & NEWBURYMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES

plumbing / heatingelectrical / carpentry

•Small Building

email: [email protected]

All your gutterproblems solved.Specialising in clearing, repairs andcomplete replacement of guttering.

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C.D.Gutter

Serviceswww.pddservices.co.uk

Telephone: 01635 866232Mobile: 07834 545905

KEY SAFE & FITTING£45.00 + VAT

SPYHOLE & FITTING£40.00 + VAT

DOOR CHAIN & FITTING£45.00 + VAT

ARMADILLO GARAGE LOCK FITTING

£120.00 + VAT

KEY SAFE & FITTING£45.00 + VAT

SPYHOLE & FITTING£40.00 + VAT

DOOR CHAIN & FITTING£45.00 + VAT

ARMADILLO GARAGE LOCK FITTING

£120.00 + VAT

24/7 Local Mobile Locksmith - who canGain Entry and replace all types of locks.

Keys Cut on SiteBS3621 Standard Locks Supplied

Mark Bassett07816 240733 – 24/7 / 01635 299680

website: www.locksmark.comEmail: [email protected]

24 7


Martin Newman is a mature50 plus tradesman withmany years experience in thebuilding and flooring trades.

He aims to providea reliable andprofessional propertymaintenance servicefor people of all ages.He covers Thatcham,Newbury andsurrounding areas.He offers a ‘pay as yougo’ service based on veryreasonable half hourlyrates, or fixed pricequotes for jobs of 8 hoursor more duration.

FOR ALL THE JOBS YOU CANT DO YOURSELF!

Fo r mo re de t a i l s o r t o book a home v i s i t p l e a se ca l l Ma r t i n on

07970 897317e : m a r t i n n e w m a n 1 9 5 6 @ b t i n t e r n e t . c o m

w w w . t h e m a t u r e h a n d y m a n . c o m

FLOORINGFrom a cloakroom to an

entire house, we have a largeselection of carpets, vinyls orwood laminate flooring whichcan be supplied and fitted

expertly

CARPENTRYCurtain rails, shelving, doorhanging, flat pack furniture

assembly.

PAINTINGAll types of internal andexternal painting and

decorating

PLUMBINGFrom a new tap washer to a

new bathroom suite

THE MATUREHANDYMAN


Roast Turkeywith Leek, Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing

Serves 8-10 Ready in approx 4½ hours, plus resting time

Roasting theturkey in a ’tent’ ofbuttered foil willkeep it moist andsucculent. Alwaysallow time for thecooked bird torest in a warmplace beforecarving.

Ingredients:• 100g butter• 1 tbsp olive oil• 1 leek, trimmed

and chopped• 2 shallots,

peeled and finelychopped

• 75g ready to eatdried apricots,finely chopped

• 150g fresh whitebreadcrumbs

• 100g cookedchestnuts, finelychopped

• 2 tbsp fresh thymeleaves

• 5.4kg oven-readyturkey, gibletsremoved

• 16 cocktailsausages

• 4 rashers smokedstreaky bacon

• Fresh herbs, togarnish

Heat half the butter and the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the leek andshallots for 6-7 minutes until softened. Remove from the heat and stir inthe apricots, breadcrumbs, chestnuts and half the thyme leaves. Seasonwell with salt and freshly ground black pepper and leave to cool.Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Line a large roasting tinwith buttered foil. Use about one third of the stuffing mix to stuff the neckend of the turkey (press the rest of the stuffing in a shallow ovenproofdish to cook separately). Weigh the stuffed turkey and calculate thecooking time - allow 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes. Place theturkey in the lined roasting tin and smear all over the skin with theremaining butter. Sprinkle over the rest of the thyme leaves and season.Cover the turkey with a tent of buttered foil and roast in the preheatedoven for the calculated cooking time, basting occasionally. Uncover theturkey for the last 45 minutes until the skin is golden and the juices runclear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of one thigh. If thejuices still run slightly pink return the turkey to the oven for a further 15-20 minutes then check again.Leave the turkey, loosely covered with foil, in a warm place to rest forat least 20 minutes. Stretch the bacon rashers with the back of a knifeand cut each rasher in half. Wrap the short rashers around the cocktailsausages, securing with a cocktail stick. Place in baking tray and cookin the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drizzle acouple of spoonfuls of juices from the turkey over the stuffing in the dishand cook in the oven at the same time as the bacon-wrapped sausagesfor 20 minutes.Serve the turkey on a large warmed platter with the bacon-wrappedsausages and garnished with fresh herbs. Serve the extra stuffingseparately along with all the usual festive vegetables.For a quick gravy, simmer the roast turkey juices with a splash of redwine and a couple of spoonfuls of redcurrant jelly.

TIP

RECIPE


Crookham SawmillsFencing Panels

preSSure treated15 year guarantee againSt rot

all other typeS of fenCingand deCking01635 [email protected] Burys Bank Road, Crookham Common,Thatcham, RG19 8DE

Also Garden Shedswww.crookhamsawmills.co.uk

PEGASUSMOTOR [email protected]

SERVICING / REPAIRSWe offer a collect and deliver service

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

T. 0118 9713573More than 35 years combinedmain dealer experienceBased in Beenham

FALKLANDBUILDERSOve r 30 yea rs Expe r i ence

All types of Buildingwork undertaken

Brickwork SpecialistExtensions RenovationsAlterations Garden wallsRe-pointing

01635 42744& 07831 470693e: [email protected]


The Tree: ‘The Giving Tree’ byShel SilversteinWhat better kind of sprucethis festive season than ‘TheGiving Tree’. Loved by childrenand adults alike, this is a storyabout a little boy who growsup under the branches of atree, and continues to take andtake throughout his years intoadulthood. If you don’t cry whenyou read this then quite frankly,you must have a heart of stone.It’s such a simple and touchingstory about our capacity to loveand it’s perfect for some firesidesnuggling up with whoeveryou have staying with you thisChristmas.The Gift: ‘The Gift’ by CeceliaAhernIf you ever thought thereweren’t enough hours in theday then meet Lou Suffern, aman who is constantly needs tobe two places at once and whois struggling to keep up. Hefinds it impossible to really ‘be’in the present, whether it’s atwork or at home with his family.One day he meets a homelessman called Gabe and, takingpity on him, sorts him out with ajob in the post room. But there’ssomething not quite right aboutGabe. He always appears to bein more than one place at once.It’s a bit ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’for modern times, and goes toprove that as we suspected,

time really could be the greatestgift of all.The Food: ‘Great BritishBake Off: Christmas’ by LizzieKamenetzky‘Stuff your face with plates ofblinis, fah-lah-lah-lah lah’ orhowever it goes! Christmassimply can’t go wrong withPaul Hollywood and MaryBerry helping you alongyour merry way. There aremaster class recipes as wellas contributions from all fourprevious winners and othermemorable contestants. It’spacked with plenty of inspirationwithout causing you too muchperspiration whilst slavingover a hot stove. It could be apresent to yourself…or whoeveryou’ve talked into doing thecooking.The Weather: ‘Let it Snow’ byJohn Green, Maureen Johnsonand Lauren MyracleHere are three touchingand romantic stories that allstem from one incident, asa young girl decides to ditchthe stranded train she wastravelling on and heads outinto the blizzard. The tales thentake place over the followingfew days as the residents ofGracetown struggle to copewith the Christmas Eve storm.Written by some of today’sbest-selling authors they are

like three perfectly wrappedlittle stocking fillers.The Family: ‘A Proper FamilyChristmas’ by Chrissie ManbyWhenever someone tells youthis is what they want, theymean the nostalgic Christmascard, cookie cutter image. Theydon’t mean the arguments,tears and recriminations thatusually go hand in hand withthe festive season. This is thestory of two clashing families,brought together by the need tohelp the Buchanan’s seriouslyill daughter, Izzy. The matriarch,Annabel, was adopted and soneeds to find her own biologicalparents to see if Izzy can besaved. It sounds like a tear-jerker but it’s a warm and fuzzyone for Christmas.The Escape Plan: ‘Eat, Pray,Love’ by Elizabeth GilbertIf all else fails and you reallycan’t stand your in-laws, oreven your husband for anyamount of time past BoxingDay, then why not just escapefrom it all? At 3am, Elizabeth’sseemingly perfect life iskeeping her up and makingher depressed. So, she upssticks and heads off in pursuitof happiness. Her travels takeher to Italy, India and then onto Bali, finding food for her souland her belly along the way. It’sthe perfect antidote to all thatforced happiness and fun.

We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up this year,with a set of books designed to have everyaspect of the holiday covered. If all else failsthough, there’s always the option of packingit all in and doing a runner…and we’vethought of that as well.

A Gift for You atChristmas

BOOK REVIEW


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REMEMBRANCE DAY

Did you know that 57,000 Britishsoldiers were killed in one dayon the Somme battlefields?It’s a difficult number to visualise so try this: oneof the biggest football stadiums in England isArsenal’s Emirates Stadium with a capacity of60,000. Now imagine nearly every fan at a sell-out football game being wiped out at a stroke.

The rows of brilliant white crosses stretch backacross the vast swathes of lawn to a huge whitewall filled with the names of lost soldiers. Thescale of human loss and suffering is shattering.

Why the poppy? Scarlet poppies grow wildall over western Europe wherever the soil hasbeen disturbed. The battles of the First WorldWar churned up such vast areas of earth thatmillions of poppies germinated and bloomed,often around the bodies of the fallen soldiers.

Why the two minute silence?

It was on the eleventh hour of the eleventhday of the eleventh month that the guns ofWorld War 1 fell silent. Four years of fightingand devastation finally ended. The followingyear ceremonies of remembrance took placeon what was known as Armistice Day.

An Australian journalist, Edward GeorgeHoney, first proposed a respectful silenceto remember the dead. In 1919 He wrote aletter to the London Evening News which wasbrought to the attention of King George V.

The king then issued a proclamationwhich called for a two minute silence.

Please also see the Cold AshMemorial Exhibition on page 30.

Lest weForgetThe eleventh hour ofthe eleventh day ofthe eleventhmonth.Why we still remember.

Thatcham RemembersSunday 9th November 2014

10.30 approxParade leavesKingsland Centre

10.58 approxWar Memorial paradebrought to attention

11.03 approxWreath Laying

11.13 approxNational Anthem

11.30 approxSt Mary’s Church Service

11.30 approxService at St Mary’s Church


19-21stFebruary

2015

by Victoria Wood

Kennet School, ThatchamTickets £10, from www.kats.org.ukBy arrangement with Phil Macintyre Entertainments,Original West End Musical Supervision & Dance Arrangements by Gareth Valentine

“A TIGHT TONGUE INCHEEK STORYLINE,CATCHY TUNES AND

CORKINGLY RUDELYRICS . A HIT!”

Independent on Sunday

19-21stby Victoria Woodby Victoria Wood

Kennet School, ThatchamTickets £10, from www.kats.org.uk

by Victoria Wood

If you’d like to bepart of the show, visitwww.kats.org.uk


The Cold Ash Parish Heritage Group

“Men of the Memorial"WW1 Exhibition

Commemorating the men of ColdAsh Parish who fell in the GreatWar on Remembrance Weekend.This will be in the Fisher Room,St Marks Church, Cold Ash

Saturday 8th November 2pm - 5pm.Sunday 9th November 12pm - 5pm.Free Admission, Children’s Quiz, Refreshments

The story of the 2 brothers in the photo is:In 1911 Arthur George Shelton was the managerof the brick and tile works at Clay Hill, Shaw.He and his wife, Emily had four daughters andthree sons. When war broke out all three sonsvolunteered for the army as they came of age.

William, the eldest andwho was always knownas ‘George’, served fromAugust 1914 and survived. His two youngerbrothers, Arthur, a Gunner with the RFA (shownin the picture seated) and Sidney, a privatewith 5th Battalion Royal Berks (standing) who,because of their age, entered later, did not.Arthur and Sidney died were to die withina few days and within a few miles of eachother in the Somme sector in April 1918.

There are other twists to the story includingthe fact that the brothers were initially buriedon opposite sides of the front line, but to findout what and why - attend the exhibition.

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The Life Centre Midghambegan as a small seed of anidea formed by Maria Birda number of years ago.The plan initially was to establish a privateyoga studio. Over time, however, a visionfor the Centre began to emerge.

Maria’s experiences of life and her closenessto a number of dear friends and family, whoneeded care and compassion during lifechanging events and illnesses, set her ona path of developing a new Centre. Herepeople can come and find a therapy tosuit their individual needs. The purpose isto introduce a therapy and the disciplinewhich empowers clients to take controlover their lives - supported by a selection ofhighly skilled and empathic practitioners.

The overall philosophy of The Life Centre isto give the client choices. We listen to themand give them time to talk or just to step awayfrom the busyness of life through therapy - orby attending one of the classes on offer.

The Centre currently has four amazingtherapists:- Mandy Barter who offersAcupuncture, Reflexology and Tui Na;Maria Nolan, Osteopathy; Helen Bowden,Swedish and Pregnancy massage - andAmy Starr, Sports Massage Therapy.Expert teaching disciplines currently areIyengar Yoga - offered by Maria Bird andTai Chi and Qi Gong - by Jo Dunn.

The centre offers an overall sense of peace, setin lovely surroundings in Midgham yet easilyaccessible on the A4 and with ample parkingfor clients and students, including bike racksfor those keen cycling enthusiasts amongst us.

Future classes from 2015 will include Pilates andMindfulness Classes (bookings being taken),and Yoga for Pregnancy beginning March 2015.There will also be additional therapists joiningthe team over the next few months. All of whichwill be updated on The Life Centre website:

www.thelifecentremidgham.co.uk

Please feel free to call 07989403167if you wish to come and look aroundor find out more about The LifeCentre and the practitioners andteachers who are established here.Please check out our website whichis constantly being updated.

Your health choice

The LifeCentre - Midgham


Amy Starr - Amy offers sports massage therapy at The Life Centreand offers appointments tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.Treatment is designed to release muscle tension and restore balance to themusculoskeletal system. The benefits can be immense, and include physical,physiological and psychological improvements. To make an appointmentand for 10% off your first treatment call Amy on 07552 302247.

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

Helen Bowden - Helen is our Massage Therapist specialising inSwedish, Deep Tissue and Pregnancy Massage. Although massage isoften thought of as a luxury, like regular exercise, it benefits the bodyby enhancing your physical and mental wellbeing. When you make anappointment, or buy a gift for a friend or loved one, you will receive 10%off your first treatment with this advert. Call Helen on 07791 073495.

Jo Dunn - Tai Chi is the ancient art of slow, energising,strengthening exercises, where the holistic impact can be felton the whole person, so that mind and body are co-ordinated,harmonised and brought back into balance. FIRST CLASS FREE.Weds: 7.15pm. Tues: 10.00am. Call Jo on 07816 751212.

Maria Bird - Maria heads the team at The Life Centre - she is anIyengar Yoga Teacher who has been practising and teaching yoga for thepast 23 years. Yoga becomes a way of life for many - improving flexibility,strength and stamina both in body and mind. For class information orto try your first class for free please call Maria on 07989 403167.

www.thelifecentremidgham.co.ukTel: 07989 403 167or email:[email protected]

Maria Nolan - Osteopath. Maria works from The Life Centre andtreats patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, includingBack, Neck and Shoulder pain; Sports related Injuries; Pregnancy relatedconditions; Postural and Occupational issues and also Age-relatedconditions. Call Maria on 07591 094223 for further information andreceive 20% off your first appointment when you mention this advert.

FEATURE


Glowing like an emerald in thesouthern Caribbean, Grenadais small enough to drivearound in a day but amazinglydiverse, from the shelteredCaribbean coast in the west,fringed with white powderysand, to the Atlantic shoreon the eastern side and itssprinkling of volcanic beachesbattered by Trade Winds.There are quiet bays, forestsand mountains, blessed byblue skies and the occasionalshower of ‘liquid sunshine’.The air smells of flowers andspice and the picturesquecapital of St George’s comesstraight out of a fairy tale.Basking on the west coast ofthis exotic English-speakingisland, the town is laced withpastel-hued houses andquaint colonial dwellingsclinging to luxuriant slopes.Fort George keeps watch ona rocky promontory, its oldcannons pointing out to sea,an arduous climb on a sunnyday but when you reachthe windswept battlementsfestooned in valerian, theview takes your breath away,stretching over the hills, townand harbour, and along thecoast meandering far intothe distance. The capital hasthree harbours, none prettierthan the horseshoe-shapedCarenage glinting with sailsand water taxis waiting to

ferry beach lovers to thesweeping sands of GrandAnse across the bay.Later, there will be time toexplore the West Indianmarket selling palm leafhats, batik, sweet potatoesand spices along the shoreor feast on fresh fish andtraditional spinach-likecallaloo soup in a coolwaterside restaurant.Sweetcorn sizzles onroadside barbecues andchurch bells chime crystalclear as the last cruise shipsails into the sunset. Youcouldn’t dream of a betterplace to relax on a balmyevening, lulled by the beat ofsteel drums somewhere inthe hills.One sixth of Grenada ispreserved as nature parksand wildlife sanctuaries,where copper-colouredmonkeys swing in the treesand the call of tropical birdsechoes all around. At over2000 feet, the vast crater lakeof Grand Etang glistens rightat the heart of the NationalPark, a land of deep gorgesand lush mountains withflamboyant and rainbow trees,bamboo groves, babblingstreams and spectacularwaterfalls tumbling throughtangled rainforest. Belowthese steamy highlands,mangos, oranges and papaya

grow on fertile slopes andnutmeg, the ‘black gold’introduced by the British,leaves its scent whereveryou go. It drifts around thehairpin bends, the telegraphpoles painted red and green,the hamlets and their ricketywooden huts on stilts and thenostalgic plantation housespeeping through the treesamong old sugar mills andsulphurous springs.Far below, the fishing fleetbobs at anchor in Gouyaveand Levada beach awaitsthe return of breeding turtles.On the glass-bottom boats,wide-eyed visitors marvelat urchins, buttercup fishgleaming like gold, giantstarfish, brightly-striped parrotfish and great clusters ofunderwater fern swaying inslow motion. On the secludedbeach of La Sagesse, palmsrustle in the breeze while thesun lights up Coral Cove andthe lovely fjords indenting thesouth eastern shore. But mostenticing of all are the tropicalblooms, orchids, ginger lily,heliconia and many moresplashing myriad scents andcolours from shore to shore.It’s little wonder that in thepast 15 years, Grenada hasclaimed as many medals,including ten gold, at theChelsea Flower Show.

ColourfulGrenada

By Solange Hando

FEATURE


APPEAL

Many of whom have neverhad the joy of being givensomething of their own before.Please find an ordinary shoe box (Then imagine aboy or a girl to whom you would like to give (agegroups are 2-4 years, 5-9 years or 10-14 years).

All gifts should be new – please include itemsfrom each of the following four categories- and listed below are possible items:

Toys:Bear, soft toy, tennis ball, finger puppet,jigsaw, yo-yo, building blocks, small musicalinstrument, (no hand-knitted stuffed toyswithout a CEmark) trucks and cars (for a boy)and dolls, clip on earrings, etc (for a girl)

Educational Supplies:Felt pens, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener,eraser, colouring book, notepad, picture orpuzzle book, chalk, pencil case, stickers, etc.

Hygiene items:Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb,hair clips, bar of soap, flannel, etc.

Other Items:Sweets (sell-by date to be at leastMarch 2014), gloves, scarf, sunglasses,cap, hat, bangles, necklace, etc.

Please do not include FOOD (no chocolate- though non-chocolate sweets are allowed.NOMEDICINE or vitamins of any kind, NOWAR RELATED ITEMS – toy guns, soldiersor knives of any kind. No clothing (other thanthose listed above). NO FRAGILE ITEMS (glasscontainers, mirrors) NO LIQUID including blowbubbles, shampoo, bubble bath, toiletry setsor aerosols, NODANGEROUS ITEMS (sharpobjects, scissors or razors) NONOVELS.NOTHING OF A POLITICAL NATURE.

Finally, please wrap your shoebox – and lid– separately with Christmas paper.Pleasemark your box for the girl/boy - agegroup you have selected. Please do notfeel that the box has to be covered beautifullyor with skill! Please then phone 0118 9883164(leave a message with your phone numberif necessary) to arrange collection.

Gifts do NOT need to be expensive. £1 shopsare brilliant to find all sorts of things. Many

of the children who will receive the boxes willhave spent much of their lives without the love ofa parent. Many also will be spending their lives insome sort of institution because - through no faultof their own, there was nowhere else for them to go.

Please also note that whilst a donationis requested for transport costs, it isNOT compulsory! Some people feelable to do this, but not everyone.

SHOE BOXAPPEALOperation Christmas Child 2014For deprived and needy childrenin Eastern Europe and Africa

PLEASE DELIVER TO BERNIES HAIR AND BEAUTYBARN BY 25TH NOVEMBER 2014 AT THE LATEST.Bernies Hair & Beauty BarnKennet Holme Farm BuildingsBath Road, Midgham RG7 5UXTelephone: 0118 9713562


Bernies Team at the

Hair and Beauty Barnin Midgham invites readers to join inthis wonderful Christmas Scheme

PLEASE COULDYOU HELP?Share the joy of giving underprivileged children living in Eastern Europe and Africa

A HAPPiEr CHriStmASby filling a shoebox

FULL OF CHriStmAS GiFtSby November 25th

“Special thanks toBernie (above left)and her team whoare helping us. Alsoto Mary (above right),and The Woolhampton

& Midgham W.I.again, whose helpis invaluable”www. s ama r i t a n s - p u r s e . o r g . u k

See details on opposite page


With Christmas just aroundthe corner, there is alwaysplenty to do. True the gardenside of things may be a littleless busy than usual, buteverything else seems to begoing into overdrive.I love giving presents, but onlywhen I think that the recipientwill really enjoy receiving it- whether that gift is a thingof beauty or something totallypractical. With gardeningas one of the nation’s toppastimes, I’m sure you’ll knowmore than a few gardeners sohere are a few ideas for thingswhich I am sure most greenfingered friends would bedelighted to receive.If you know a newish gardeneror someone who has recentlytaken on a garden then thebasic garden tools are alwayswell received, especially if youchoose good quality, sturdyones. So think fork, spade andrake – yes, they are difficult towrap but worth the effort.For anyone gripped by theGrow Your Own bug andwho’d appreciate a helpinghand you could give one ofmy ‘Grow Your Own withPippa Greenwood ‘ gift cards

– they choose the veg theywant to grow and I sendthem out, at the right time forplanting and accompaniedby weekly advice and tipsemails….it couldn’t besimpler! Find out more atwww.pippagreenwood.com

Weeding is always an issueso a hoe is useful or forsmaller spaces (such as inbetween plants, in gravel,between paving, in asparagusbeds or to tackle weeds withinplanters) try the hand heldred-handled weeders – I thinkthey’re indispensable.

Small but always appreciatedgifts could include a fewpackets of vegetable seeds.Although many gardencentres are currently crammedfull of tinselly, twinkly itemsfor the festive season, mostalready have a good numberof seeds in stock. Choosesome particularly scrumptiousvarieties of vegetables orfor those who are moreconcerned about looksthan taste, how about someflamboyantly colourful flowersto brighten up their garden? Ifyou want to spend a bit moreand the person loves growing

things from seed, a heatedpropagator makes a fantasticgift. With tomatoes, peppers,aubergines and many of thefancier ornamentals needingto be sown soon, it’ll be a giftput to use straight away.

Gardening gloves too aresomething that any gardenercan always have more of.Particularly useful are someof the gauntlet style gloveswhich are perfect if you haveto tackle a pruning job on athorny plant or one with reallyrough or sharp leaves. Totallypractical, but gauntlets canmake even a really unpleasantjob so much easier – I evenused mine to harvest hollyfor decorating the houselast Christmas. Alternatively,there are many lower-pricedtypes of gloves available withgripping pads on the fingers orwith leather toughened stripsacross the knuckles to makesure that your hands don’t gettoo much of a beating whileyou are out in the garden.Classic greens, ravishing redsor funky florals, gloves aredefinitely not boring.

Many gardeners and non-gardeners alike love having

I’m DreamingOf A GreenChristmas

by Pippa Greenwood

GARDENING FEATURE

See page 40


before

after

Before…muchpreparationis needed.

After…The photo’ssay it all!

AJC SERVICES

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T: 01635 860159M:07785 525752E: [email protected]

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birds in the garden. They notonly help to keep certain pestnumbers down, but they alsoadd an extra charm to thegarden environment. Howabout a peanut feeder, nestbox or perhaps even a birdtable; there are many designsavailable from the modern tothe rustic. For the husband,wife or partner who is lessinclined to help with the toughjobs in the garden, give thema gentle nudge by gifting abrand new garden fork andspade; but if you feel that theyreally are beyond help, thenadmit defeat and give thema garden lounger or perhapseven a hammock?

As container gardeningcontinues to rise in popularity,another idea is to give a fewgorgeous looking containers- either empty for the friend

or relative to decide what toput in it themselves, or makethem into a complete giftby planting them up with aselection of plants and underplanting them with bulbswhich you know will bringextra delight next year.

Finally, don’t forget the plantsthemselves. Garden centresare currently crammed full ofa delightful array of plants,mainly with houseplantsbeing perfect for providingbright colour indoors at thistime of year – take a look atthe poinsettias, cyclamen,indoor azaleas and jasminesto get an idea of just someof the plants that would begreat to give as gifts andremember when you buy anyindoor plant from a gardencentre during cold weather, itis essential that you protect

it thoroughly on the journeyfrom the garden centre toyour car and from your carinto your house as even a tinyexposure to cold drafts andlow temperatures can causea lot of damage…….oh, andhappy Christmas from me too!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for aGreat Range of Gardening-related Gifts including stylish‘Grow Your Own with PippaGreenwood’gift cards,Pippa’sfavouriteweeding tool,signed booksand lots ofseriouslyuseful gardenitems foryour friends &family…or foryourself!!!

Continued from page 38


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Over 24,000 people will be sobadly affected by the cold thiswinter that their lives will be atrisk. The charity Age UK hasestimated that 1.7 million olderpeople in Britain cannot affordto heat their homes, and manyhave admitted to living mainlyin one room to save on energybills.In Britain we have some of theleast energy efficient homes inEurope and many householdscould reduce fuel bills by usingsimple techniques such ascavity insulation. You can checkyour eligibility for a governmentgrant towards energy savingimprovements at www.gov.uk.In addition to grants, there arepayments available to helpwith fuel bills. People born onor before 5 July 1952 will gettax-free, automatic payments ofbetween £100-£300 if they arereceiving the State Pension oranother social security benefit(not including Housing Benefit,Council Tax Reduction, ChildBenefit or Universal Credit).You can learn more aboutWinter Fuel Payments bycalling 08459 151515 (8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday) orvisiting www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.If you’re not eligible forgovernment support, thereare still some things you cando to keep heating bills down,

for example, comparing yourcurrent gas and electricitysupplier’s prices against otherproviders at www.uswitch.com.The expression “Everylittle helps” may have beenhijacked by one of our leadingsupermarkets but it’s particularlytrue if you can’t afford to heatyour house. Here are somemore practical steps you cantake to keep the cold at bay:Clothing and exerciseIt’s better to wear severalthin layers rather than onethick one, because eachlayer traps warm air closeto the body. Choose clothesto made from fleecy fabrics,wool or cotton. A lot ofwarmth is lost through thehead and neck, so don’thesitate to wear a hat andscarf indoors.Try not to sit still for longperiods of time, but if youhave to sit, keep your feet offthe ground and cover yourselfwith a shawl or a blanket.Energy saving tipsDraw your curtains assoon as it gets dark to stopthe heat escaping. Keepwindows and doors closed.Have the central heatingsystem regularly serviced toensure that it is working asefficiently as possible, keepthe chimney swept and do

your best to insulate againstdraughts.Set your central heating tothe right temperature - yourmain living room should bearound 21ºC (70ºF) and yourbedroom should be around18ºC (65ºF). It’s more energyefficient to extend the periodyour heating is on than turnup the thermostat when it’scold.Switch TVs and microwavesoff at the wall rather thanleaving them on standby, anddon’t add any more waterthan necessary when boilingthe kettle.FoodDrink plenty of hot drinksthroughout the day. Makesure you have regularhot meals that includecarbohydrates such aspotatoes, rice, pasta andbread. Have porridge withhot milk for breakfast andsoups and stews for lunchand dinner. Keep healthy byeating fruit and vegetables.

If all this sounds ratherdepressing, remember thaton average the UK onlyexperiences a maximum five orsix really cold days each year.While it’s difficult to face thosefreezing temperatures, it helpsto know that our winter woeswill quickly be forgotten as soonas the spring sunshine appears.

Life BeginsConfronting the Cold

Some Simple Tips to KeepSafe andWarmOver Winter

By Kate McLelland

FEATURE


Christmas

AngelsBellsCardsCarolsCribDecorationsFrankincenseGiftsGoldHollyKingsLightsMangerMistletoeMyrhhPuddingRudolph

SantaSleighSnowStableStarToysTradition

TreeTurkeyWreath

Find the names associated with Christmas in the grid and the remainingletters will spell out a related phrase

K P Voller

Chimneys Lined & Rebuilt

Stoves & Fireplaces Installed

Tel/Fax: 01635 869877Mobile: 07881 992481Email: [email protected]

5 Tennyson RoadThatchamBerkshire RG18 3FR

See page 56 for Answer


MAIN AGENTS FORMOST LEADING MAKESSales, Service, Parts, Repairs

Berkshire’s largest gardenmachinery showroom, withover 200 machines on display,including:Mowers, Ride Ons, Tractors,Chain Saws, Strimmers,Arborist Supplies,Clothing & accessories,Hedge Trimmers &MuchMore

KALEHURST GARDENMACHINERY LTDHillier Garden CentreHermitageNr NewburyBerkshireRG18 9TG

T: 01635 201623F: 01635 203436E: [email protected]

With over 25 years’experience, I can helpyou get the gardenyou’ve always wantedDo you need expert advicewith your garden?

Have you just moved houseand need help to plan itthe way you want it?

Perhaps you just needa one-off job?

Whatever your requirementsgive me a call to discussit. Quotations are totallyfree with no obligation.

Mark Lissenden 01635 867568 /07742 [email protected]

Based in Thatcham, I offer a reliable,professional and fully insured service.References are available on requestA concessionary OAP rate is also available

Garden MaIntenance


FFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS&&&MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton RoadNewburyBerkshireRG14 6DB

Tel: 01635 41615Fax: 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd. A company registered in England

Your local friendly electrician Offering a reliable serviceYou can depend on.

CALLPAULON 07833248438 OR 01635 770256www.electricanthatcham.co.ukcurrentconnection@googlemail.comSilverthorne, robertsfeild,

All types of electrical workApproved domestic installerPart P registeredNew installations, ExtensionsKitchens, BathroomsFuse boards

Lighting & PowerFully InsuredNo job too Large or SmallAudio and visual installationsFault findingRewires


Who doesn’t loveScandinavian style? Itcombines classic withcontemporary, pretty withpractical. And it’s theperfect look with which todress up your home forChristmasIn the Scandinavian countriesextremes of landscape, fromforests and fjords to boilinggeysers and the AuroraBorealis, are all around you.In winter, daylight is fleeting,and keeping warm is a vitalpart of life. No surprise, then,that typical homes featurethick log walls, small, south-facing doors and windows,and thatched or birch-barkroofs. Inside, vividly coloured

decorations inbright, rustic folkstyle provide relieffrom the long hoursof night and theexpanses of snow.Carved woodenspoons, bowls,cups and chests,strongly coloured,woven rugs, blanketsand cushions, andbeautifully paintedfurniture in ochres,reds and yellows arethe timeless tradition.Appealing as it is,there is much moreto Scandinavianstyle than colourfulrusticity, however.What we now called‘Gustavian’ stylebecame popular inthe late 18th century,

encouraged by the youngKing Gustav III of Sweden,under whose patronagethe grandeur of Versaillesand the skilled creations ofmaster furniture-makers likeHepplewhite and Chippendalewere interpreted by nativecraftsmen in a gentler andmore restrained way, blendingneo-classicism andromantic Rococointo a unique,northern Europeandecorative style.Think symmetry, palecolours (buttermilkand Baltic blue, greyand peppermint),painted floorboards,ribbons and swags,glass chandeliers,gilding, mirrors and

delicate wooden furniturewith tapering legs and subtlycarved details.Another major influence,a century or so later, wasSwedish artist Carl Larssonand his wife, Karin. In the1890s the couple decoratedtheir rural cottage, LillaHyttnås, in a unique andinnovative way, combiningfolk and Gustavian styleswith contemporary Europeaninfluences: Arts & Crafts, ArtNouveau and Japonisme.Light and airy, pretty andfunctional, the look was allgingham and geraniums,bread crocks and baskets,rag rugs and sprigged china.When Carl’s watercolours ofthe house were published, thepublic response, in Swedenand further afield, wasoverwhelming; his books, inthe early 20th century, did agreat deal to popularise whatwe now see as the typicallyScandinavian style of easy-going Gustavian, folk arts andan open-plan love of light andspace. And what he started,a certain Swedish flat-packfurniture giant continued.Ikea opened its first UK storein 1987 and then – who can

forget? – in 1994 launched its Gustavian-style furniture range, accompanied by an advertising campaign that urged us all to ‘chuck out your chintz’. It sold like hot glogg, and the rest is history – now we all crave

the clean-lined, bright and uncluttered look, styled with pretty colours anddashes of folk art.

Home & InteriorsScandinavian Christmas By Katherine Sorrell

FEATURE


Create a Scandinavian feelthis Christmas by combiningfolk and sophistication, cosyand minimalism. Keep itsimple – too much clutter isdefinitely not a part of thisparticular look. Your colourpalette is, of course, mainlyred and white, with green,brown and black for contrast,and the occasional dustingof glitter or artificial snow.Natural accessories suchas twigs, branches and fircones are a great startingpoint, with generously sized garlandsand wreathsmade fromwoven greenery.A sprinkling ofmetal lanternswith flickeringcandles createsatmosphere,and a realChristmas tree

is, of course, the centrepiece (clip-on Scandi-style candles optional).In general, materials should be as natural aspossible, from bark to hessian, felt to FairIsle, emphasising allsorts of appealingtextures. If you can knit, sew or otherwise make your own decorations, so much the better but, if not, there are plenty ofgorgeous accessories in the

shops and online created by talented craftspeople. Perfection is not required: simplythat appealinglyhomespun look.A row of knitted stockings, forexample, would bejust perfect, while linen sacks with

folk-style embroidery are ideal for larger presents. A gingham table runner is delightful, as are wooden or woven willow

stars, berry garlands, miniature trees,

appliquéd bunting and reindeer baubles. You’ve got the idea? Then raise a cup of schnapps and fill

your home with festive Scandinavian cheer.

Images: Far left top -Christmasstockings, hand-embroidered on woolfelt, £48, Jan Constantine, Tel 01270

821194; www.janconstantine.com;Far left bottom - Embroidered birds

stocking, £30, House of Fraser, Tel 0345602 1073; www.houseoffraser.co.uk;Left bottom - Linen Scandi reusable

Christmas crackers, £12.50 each, KateSproston Design. Tel 07765 675624;

www.katesprostondesign.com; Above-Scandi Merry Christmas decoration (setof four) £16, House of Fraser. Tel 0345

602 1073; www.houseoffraser.co.uk.


WHAT’S ON INTHE COMMUNITY:

9 NOVEMBER 2014

REMEMBRANCE DAYSEE PAGE 28

11 NOVEMBER 2014

ARMISTICE DAYTHATCHAM MEMORIAL HALL, RG19 3HF

10.50 AM

Service starting at ThatchamWar Memorial.

13 NOVEMBER 2014

VERDI’S NABUCCOSEE PAGE 5.

15 NOVEMBER 2014

10.00 AM

WAR GRAVES AT LONDONROAD CEMETERYLocal historian Nick Young will take youon a guided tour of the war graves in theCemetery. He will tell the stories of thesemen, their role in the Great War and theirlives in Thatcham. Free tickets for this talkare available from the Council Offices.

For further details and times call01635 863592 or visit:www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk

17 NOVEMBER 2014

NEIGHBOURHOODWATCH MEETINGWEST BERKSHIRE COUNCIL OFFICES,MARKET STREET, NEWBURY

7.30 PM

A Neighbourhood Watch Meeting is beingheld. 7.30 PM in West Berks CouncilOffices, Market Street, Newbury. Therewill be a talk by Jeremy Mann about hisconviction for a drink/driving offenceand how it has affected his life andcrime updates from the NeighbourhoodPolicing Team and Fire Service. Anyoneis welcome to attend this meeting.

20 NOVEMBER 2014

AN EVENING Of SCIENCEWITH TIM DIxON “CarbonCapture and Storage –what, why and where”IN THE BLACKBURN SCIENCECENTRE, BRADFIELD COLLEGE

7.15 PM FOR 7.30 PM

Due to the popularity of these events,you must reserve your place by calling0118 964 4500. Wheelchair access.

29 NOVEMBER 2014

PANGBOURNE COLLEGECHRISTMAS BAZAAR

DRAKE HALL PANGBOURNE COLLEGE

10.30 AM - 3.30 PM, FREEENTRY AND PARKING

A great chance to buy some uniqueChristmas gifts or simply to pamperyourself at this truly festive event.With something for all ages alongsidedelicious cakes and home bakedrefreshments the whole family will

DAIRY DATES


get into the Christmas Spirit at thePangbourne College Christmas Bazaar.Fine jewellery, clothing and accessories,china and glass, wood turning,Christmas decorations and foods.Free entrance and ample parking.

5 DECEMBER 2014

THATCHAM CHRISTMASLIGHTS CELEBRATIONSTHE BROADWAY, THATCHAM

ENTERTAINMENT FROM 5.30 PM

LIGHTS ARE SWITCHED ON AT 7.00 PM

An evening of entertainment which finisheswith the town’s Christmas lights beingturned on. Visit Santa’s grotto, see thedonkeys, enjoy the numerous charitystalls. Hot food and drinks available.Competitions including a treasure huntaround the local shops and businesses.Late night opening at many of the towncentre shops. It all takes place in TheBroadway, Thatcham. FREE car parking inthe Kingsland Centre (Waitrose) car park.Due to the event, the eastern side of The

Broadway will be closed to alltraffic from 1pm until midnight onFriday 5th December. All the shopswill be open as normal. Organisedby Thatcham Town Council.

7 DECEMBER 2014

CHRISTMAS CRAfTS, CAROLSAND CHILDREN’S PARTIESSHAW HOUSE CHURCH ROADNEWBURY, BERKSHIRE RG14 2DR

11.00 AM – 4.00 PM ADULTS£1, CHILDREN FREE,

TELEPHONE: 01635 279279

CALL TO CHECK LATEST TIMESOR CANCELLATIONS.

14 DECEMBER 2014

CHRISTMAS AT STMARY’S CHURCHST MARY’S CHURCH GATETHATCHAM, RG19 3PN

Celebrate Christmas at St Mary’sChurch with this service includingmusical performances and carol singing.Service starts at 4.00 PM but arrive ingood time to find a seat. Refreshmentsare served after the service. Acollection will be held for ThatchamTown Mayor’s Charitable Fund.

14 DECEMBER 2014

SANTA fUN RUNfOR CHARITYTHE BROADWAYTHATCHAM TOWNCENTRE, BERKSHIRE, RG19 3HPTELEPHONE: 07768233004

Thatcham and District Rotary is runningthis Charity Event again, after last yearssuccessful run raised several thousandpounds for local charities. Starts inThatcham Broadway to DiscoveryCentre and back just 5 km long flatand multi terrain but mostly pavedsurface. Please book in advance asSanta Suits numbers are limited!

Information sourced from www.wherecanwego.com


Call Lesley on 01189 701 600Email [email protected] or

Visit our websitewww.jubileedaynursery.co.ukPaddock View, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG7 4JD

Wintertime at JubileeWinter is a really magical time here at Jubilee Day Nursery.It begins when the outdoor Christmas Lights get switchedon in early December, a fantastic display including a largeFather Christmas, LED Snowmen, Penguins, Polar Bears,Toy Soldiers and even Trains. The children love seeing thelights twinkling in the evening and early morning darkness.


Seepage

56forAnsw

ers

This time of year we also look forward to a very special

event in our winter calendar; our Winter Wonderland Walk.

Where all our children’s parents, siblings and grandparents

join us on a walk through our farmland, down to our private

woodland area, affectionately known as Roughwood. There

we sing carols and Christmas Songs around our Christmas

Tree. There is hot chocolate, coffee and mulled wine so

everyone can enjoy a crisp festive winter’s evening.

Disney’s Frozen is our theme for this years

Winter Wonderland Walk. Lets hope it's

cold enough for Olaf and his friends.

January and February also offer a fantastic opportunity for

the children at the nursery to explore the cold and frosty

outdoors. There is nothing they love more than wrapping

up warm and being outside searching out frozen cobwebs,

crunching their boots on frozen leaves and pretending to

be puffing dragons! The children often walk to the woods

in winter time to feed our animals too – and they even

help break the ice when the duck pond gets frozen!

Call Sian on 01189 834 018Email [email protected] or

Visit our websitewww.jubileegems.co.ukArk House, School Road, Padworth, Berkshire, RG7 4JA

If you would like your child to be part

of this amazing learning experience

on a part-time or full-time basis please

contact one of our nursery managers.


See page 56 for Answers

CHILDRENS’ CHALLENGE


RegisteredcharityEnglandandWales216401.

ScotlandSC037717.

©2014IllustrationsbyJasonChapman.

RequestyourLetterby15December,visit:nspcc.org.uk/santa

Letthemagicbegin...withaLetterfromSanta

Request your Letter by 15 December, visit: nspcc.org.uk/santa


NEWBURY,HUNGERFORD & HENLEYT: 01635 860959E: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]

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Solution Christmas Wordsearch (Page 45)Christmas is a time for families, Dorothy

Answers to Codeword (Page 16)

Childrens Challenge (Page 54)B 17 Windows

PUZZLE ANSWERS


ALLENOVA SCHOOL OF DANCINGBALLET |TAP | JAZZ |MODERN |NATIONAL |DISCO

HIP HOPSTREETDANCE |ADULTCLASSES

Classes held in THATCHAM, NEWBURY, TILEHURST and READING

*NEW 'ELITE'DANCEWEARSHOPNOWOPEN*

Special Baby Classes (from 2½ years)Complete Dance, Drama and Singing Courses (on Saturday)

Examinations taken: RAD, ISTD, IDTAM, NATDPrincipal Miss Allen LRAD, ARAD, FISTD, PGC(A)

Dance Adjudicator for the British Federation and All England Dance CompetitionGraded examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance.

FREE TRIAL LESSONWhen you mention Thatcham Connections

Telephone: 01635 201701 or email: [email protected] www.allenova.co.ukto book your FREE TRIAL LESSON

Est.1985


See page 61See page 61


Handy NumbersEmergency Community Responders 0800 587 0207Police/Emergency Dial 999 or 112Thames Valley Police 101 British Gas Emergency 0800 111 999Thames Water Emergency 0845 9200 888Southern Electric Emergency 0845 770 8090Royal Berks Ambulance NHS 0118 9365500Royal Berks Fire & Rescue 0118 945 2888

Post OfficesCold Ash (last posting 4.20pm) 01635 588300Hermitage (last posting 4.30pm) 01637 200276Tesco, Northfield Road 01635 873251The Co-op, 54 The Broadway 01635 863223Woolhampton (Last posting 4.45pm) 0118 971 3729Yattendon (last posting 4pm) 01635 201236

SchoolsBrockhurst & Marlston 01635 200293Downe House School 01635 200286Elstree School 0118 971 3302Francis Baily 01635 862188Kennet 01635 862121Parsons Down Infant & Nursery 01635 862475Parsons Down Junior 01635 866700Spurcroft Primary 01635 871541St Finians Cold Ash 01635 865925St Marks Cold Ash 01635 862600Thatcham Park C of E 01635 870950Trinity 01635 41373Whitelands Park Primary 01635 862517Yattendon Primary School 01635 201397

Chemists

Boots, Thatcham 01635 864423 Medical PracticeLloyds Pharmacy, 01635 868538 Burdwood Ctre Lloyds Pharmacy, 01635 863334 Crown Mead Lloyds Pharmacy, 01635 869244 Kingsland Ctre

Supermarkets Tesco, Northfield Rd 0845 0269402

The Co-op (24 hrs) 01635 588300 at Texaco Garage

The Co-op Broadway 01635 865052

The Co-op Burdwood Centre 01635 869701

The Co-op Dunston Park 01635 865011

Waitrose, The Broadway 01635 868113

Yattendon Stores 01635 201236

Hospitals West Berkshire Community 01635 273300 Hospital (Minor Injuries Only)

Royal Berkshire Hospital, 0118 322 5111 Reading

Medical Practitioners Thatcham Medical Practice, 01635 867171 Bath Rd

Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006

Emergency Only 01635 866169

Out of Hours Doctor 0118 978 7811

Helping Services A.A. 0845 7697555

Cruse Bereavement Care 01635 523573

Newbury & District Cancer 01635 31542 Care Trust

Childline 0800 1111

PALS 0118 932 3799

Royal British Legion 01635 867621

RSPCA 08705 555999

Victim Support 0845 30 30 900

Library 01635 86604

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

Citizens Advice Bureau

West Berks CAB, 01635 516605 at Thatcham Health Centre

Helpline for Carers 01635 864245

Client Advice Line 0844 4779980

Travel

Rail Enquiries 08457 484950

Newbury Buses 01635 567500

Other Important Numbers

B.T. Fault Line 0800 800 151

Fly Tipping, to report 01635 519080

KATS 08443 105040

Thatcham Connections 0118 9886070

Thatcham Photographic Club 01635 865516

Vet: O’Gormon Slater Main 01635 868382

DVLA Swansea 0300 7906801

Recycling

Hermitage Garden Centre, 01635 200 442 (glass, textiles, books)

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

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

Term Dates 2014 - 2015• Term 1 - Wednesday 3rd September 2014 - Thursday 23rd October 2014 (Holiday: Friday 24h October 2013 - Monday 3rd November 2014)

• Term 2 - Tuesday 4th November 2014 - Friday 19th December 2014 (Holiday: Monday 22nd December 2013 - Friday 5th January 2015)

• Term 3 - Tuesday 6th January 2014 - Friday 13th February 2015(Holiday: Monday 16th February 2015 - Monday 20th February 2015)

• Term 4 - Monday 23rd February 2015 - Thursday 2nd April 2015 (Holiday: Friday 03rd April 2015 - Monday 20th April 2015)

• Term 5 - Tuesday 21st April 2015 - Friday 22nd May 2015 (Holiday: Monday 25h May 2014 - Friday 29th May 2015)

• Term 6 - Monday 1st June 2015 - Wednesday 22nd July 2015

In Service Day - Tuesday 2nd September 2014 will be an INSET DAY for all West Berkshire Schools



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Christmas Postal DatesChristmas Postal Dates

LASTRECOMMENDEDPOSTING DATESATESA

SERVICE

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD

(formerly Airmail)

Wed 3rd DecAsia, Far East (includingJapan),Japan), New Zealand

Thurs 4th Dec Australia

Fri 5th DecAfrica, Caribbean, Central

& South America, Middle

East

Mon 8th DecCypCypC rus, Eastern Europe,

Greece

Tues 9th Dec Canada, Poland

Fri 12th Dec USA

Sat 13th DecWestern Europe(excluding Greece, Poland

)

LASTRECOMMENDEDPOSTING DATESATESA

SERVICE

UK

Thurs 18ths DecSecond Class &Royal Mail SignedFor®

Sat 20th DecFirst Class & RoyalMail Signed For®

Tues 23rd DecRoyal MailSpecial DeliveryGuaranteed®

LastPost


AccountantAccountability 17T.C. Accounting Services 8

AcupuncturistNicola Gibbs 30

Amateur Theatrical SocietyKATS 29

BarnsThe Barn Partnership 7

BlindsSmart Blinds 10

Boarding KennelsFoxhold 16

BuildersA Thompson 12Falkland Builders 25

Caring AgencyCare at Home 20

Car MaintenanceA-Z Autoparts 27Halfway Garage 27Motech 10Pegasus 25

Carpenter/JoinerLiege Carpentry 16Roger Fisher 8

Cats ProtectionNewbury Cats Protection 8

CharityThe Newbury & Dist 25Cancer Care Trust

Children - Including BabiesGR Swimming School 57Jubilee Day Nursery 52/53Monkey Music 56Thatcham Children Centre 59

Chimney LiningKP Voller 45

Chimney SweepPC Dollin 40

CleaningMy Home 61

Cleaning & IroningPlatinum Cleaning 20

CoachingThe Margaret Spencer Practice 11

ComputersSarah Sladen 17

Curtains & Soft FurnishingsIndigo Designs 8

Dancing SchoolAllenova School of Dancing 57One Step Ahead 24

DecoratorAmor Decorators 49PC Decorating 8J Thompson 10

DogsCanine Hydrotherapy 19

Dog GroomerDapper Dogs 19

DrainsDrain & Able 22

ElectricianCurrent Connection 47Home Electrics 30

Estate AgentsColonia 61

FencingCrookham Sawmills 25

FitnessZumba & Pilates 56

FlooringLaws Floors 6

FloristButtercups & Daisies 11

Funeral DirectorsGeoffrey Church 43Turner Brothers 47

FurniturePine and Oak 3

Gardening ServicesA4 Gardening Services 42AJC Services 39Back to the Fuchsia 46Crookham Sawmills 25JPH Forestry 42Kalehurst 46Lawn Force 41Mowers UK 41

GutteringCD Guttering 22

HandymanPeter Kirkham 13Martin Newman 23

HairdresserKoo’s Hair Designs 30

HealthThe Life Centre 32/33

LocksmithCap Security 10Locksmark 22Wyse 43

NailsHouse of Nails 20

Pet CarerPet Angels 21

Pest ControlControl Services Limited 42

PhotographerFiona Cue Photographer 55Sally Rimmer 15

Picture FramerInner Piece 11

PilatesLorraine 56

PlumberAJ Bosley 35Thatcham & Newbury 22

Maintenance ServicesPaul Worsley 7

Podiatrist/ChiropodyTreat your Feet 15

RestaurantThe Coach & Horses 14

RooferA Thompson 27

Sand and GravelRivar Sand and Gravel 40Signs 47

SolicitorGardner Leader 9/64

Storage - secureThe Barn Store 15

Tai ChiJo Dunn 31

Tax AdviceTax Assist 43

Theatre SchoolRead Theatre School 58

VetDonnington Grove 19

Web DesignDeborah Taylor 15

Window CleanerP.D.D. Services 8

INDEX



Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

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

[email protected]

No time forhousework?We’ll clean yourhome to the

highest standard!


UrsulaAitken, Stable 5, Gravelly Bridge Farmhouse, Grazeley, Reading RG7 1LGTel: 0118 9886070 email: [email protected] www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

thatcham connections issue48

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