Reading & West Berks issue 44

MARCH MAY - JULY - MAY 2018 2018

READING BOLTON & BURY BRACKNELL WOKINGHAM EDITION 58 MAIDENHEAD & WINDSOR EDITION 44

Joanna Lumley

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME

James Martin's

AMERICAN ADVENTURE

How to beat the market using trend investing WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ASK THE CONSULTANT: FOOTBALL INJURIES Sometimes repeated minor trauma leads to “impingement” in the ankle joint, where a small piece of bone or scar tissue catches painfully as the joint moves. Other common football foot and ankle injuries include metatarsal fractures and big toe joint injuries.

How can they prevent injury?

Mr Callum Clark is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in foot and ankle problems. Mr Clark runs The Windsor Foot & Ankle Clinic at BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital, along with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Raman Dega. The Windsor Foot & Ankle Clinic provides services for the assessment and treatment of all problems associated with the foot and ankle, from skin and nail care through to orthopaedic surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Mr Clark has ongoing interests in research and education and is an elected member of the Education Committee of the British Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society as well as Musculoskeletal Research Lead for Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. He lives in Ascot with his wife and three children and is a supporter of Liverpool Football Club.

As with all sports, appropriate training and warm-up drills are protective against muscle and tendon injuries in particular. Ankle strength is helped by balancing type or “proprioceptive” exercises, which help prevent accidental inversion of the ankle during play. The most important thing is to avoid reinjury from rushing back into play when not fully recovered.

What should an athlete do when they first notice a niggle or pain?

Most niggles can be successfully assessed and treated by a physiotherapist or other sports therapist, but ongoing or repeated problems should prompt a referral to a specialist.

What treatment or therapy would be beneficial in their recovery?

When an ankle problem doesn’t respond to rehabilitation techniques, then assessment with an MRI scan and a consultation with a specialist is often the next appropriate step. The treatment of these problems depends entirely on the type of injury and may involve simply more rehabilitation or targeted ankle injection, but sometimes arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery or ligament repair are necessary to achieve return to sport.

When should they seek advice?

The vast majority of ankle sprains recover with rehabilitation within 6 weeks of injury, so if they have still not recovered by this stage or are suffering repeated injuries, I would suggest seeking referral to a specialist.

For more information, please call 0800 533 5087

What are the most common injuries you see in footballers?

The most common injury I see is the ankle “inversion” injury - the sprained ankle. The vast majority recover fully with simple rehabilitation measures, but some remain painful and swollen.

Occasionally the ankle remains unstable, leading to repeated sprains and significant loss of playing time as a result.

Serious about health.

Passionate about care.

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ORTHOPAEDICS

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET BACK TO WHAT YOU LOVE BEST? Are you or your loved one suffering with a sporting injury, joint or back pain? Or do you just need some help to get back to fitness?

You don’t have to wait in pain. At BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital we offer fast access to diagnosis and treatment. With rapid on site investigation, experienced physiotherapists and specialist orthopaedic consultants we are here to help get you active again.

We work with all major insurance companies and have fixed price packages for patients wishing to pay for their own treatment.

To find out more call 0800 533 5087

Serious about health.

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Twittering on With Angela Kelly Help -The English Language is being murdered!

AS a fan of the English language I get positively bad-tempered when I hear it being mangled and manipulated.

It’s not just people who pronounce “th” as “f” or fail to sound the “g” in words ending in “ing” or “endin’” in “in’” as it comes out.

JOANNA LUMLEY

it's all about me tour 12-13

travel

trans canadian rail odyssey 6-7

What really gets my linguistic goat is the current obsession with creating your own words. For example, why put “ness” on the end of a word just because you fancy doing so when a perfectly good word covering that meaning already exists?

It’s enough to make you break out in a bout of angriness!

And, when one of Radio 4’s presenters told A Point of View that he hated the expression “going forward”, it heralded a flow of listeners’ pet word hates.

These included “cheeky” as in “I’m just having a cheeky beer” (why have an insubordinate beer at all then?) and using “so” to start a question (so what has “so” to do with anything?).

I’m sure there are plenty of words that irritate people today but among my annoying choices are “meet with” when “meet” is enough on its own, “go figure” (an Americanism that strings two pointless words together).

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It would be easy to blame social media but I actually think that TV and laziness are mostly at fault here. I mean, why bother thinking about the best way to express anything when you can probably construct whole sentences just using trendy modern phrases that mean nothing at all? It’s a no-brainer!

Irritating over-used phrases include “car-crash interview” (upsetting for anyone who has ever been in a car crash and a bit over-the-top for any kind of interview), “going forward” (as opposed to going backwards? What’s wrong with “in the future”?) and “Listen up, people” (more Americanisms used as a means of getting attention: try “Hello, everyone” as an opening gambit).

Anyone who tries to qualify “unique” as in “completely unique” is on a loser as “unique” means one of a kind so needs nothing else with it. “Fit for purpose” has become wildly over-used as a “onesize fits all” phrase (another couple of words we hear far too much about and in every kind of situation). “For free” is also one word too many as “free” also stands alone in this context.

Harry and Meghan’s modern fairytale WE do love a Royal Wedding – especially when it involves such a likeable lad as Prince Harry.

The comparisons between Meghan and Princess Diana have already been made quite favourably, although time will tell if the former comes close to the latter in the hearts of ordinary people. She’s probably got a long way to go in the charity and personality stakes currently but it is early days.

Meghan is already proving to be an effective style icon, especially for the British fashion industry. Every coat and dress she wears to a public occasion tends to sell out immediately.

One tiny denim firm now has back orders for three months after the brideto-be wore a pair of £230 black Hiut jeans on a visit to Cardiff. The small company, based in Cardigan in West Wales, has already had to move to a bigger factory to meet demand as

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orders flood in from Paris and New York – all thanks to the Meghan effect.

work colleagues for banter and approval, being your own boss can actually be better for you.

Interestingly, Meghan does seem to be a universally-approved choice of partner for the popular young prince. Even the Queen, who must be hard to impress, has sanctioned the match (both officially and unofficially).

It’s probably no real surprise that the public seem to like her as well. In 2018, we are obsessed with celebrities of all kinds and particularly entertainers so to have an actress marrying our prince seems like the right kind of modern fairytale.

You just hope, don’t you, that the two of them find their place in society and that they’re happy. Harry needs to have the kind of fulfilling work that a young man with so much energy demands and his new bride will want to step into some kind of meaningful role in public life that allows everyone to get to know her better.

In the meantime, let’s just wish them a very happy married life.

Coffee and crème eggs on tap for home-workers WORKING from home – or remote working as it’s known – is a modern trend that has been happily embraced by thousands.

An office is now almost an essential home area for the many who have chosen to work either independently or just away from head-office.

Now, perhaps not too surprisingly, a study has shown that people who work for themselves are happier, too. In spite of the long hours, the possible stress of finding and keeping work and the lack of

The study, by experts from the universities of Sheffield and Exeter, looked at 5,000 people from various fields around the world. It found that the self-employed felt more engaged with their work, mostly because they enjoyed more freedom around their working environment, took on bigger challenges and met higher standards.

There are more than four million people in Britain who spend at least half their time working at home. I’ve been a home-worker for the past 12 years and never regretted the move.

Networking provides plenty of opportunities for meeting people and is a genuine source of work offers. And I can wear my PJs until 11am if I want to – provided I don’t Skype anyone.

I can have a coffee when I want, stick on a wash load or even binge on Cadbury’s crème eggs between jobs if that’s my choice. No wonder we’re a happier lot!

National Helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 groups throughout Great Britain dedicated to helping those with a serious alcohol problem learn how to stay sober. Groups are made up of people from all walks of life and all age groups. Through friendship and mutual support, members assist each other in coping which is made easier by meeting others with the same problem. There are no dues or fees for membership and anonymity is carefully preserved.

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5

Trans Canadian Rail Odyssey

with Titan Tours first impression! One of you has to climb the stepladder to top bunk - not as bad as it sounds as the beds are comfy and a good width.

The sink and separate WC are tiny, and storage is extremely limited. While at breakfast, your room steward puts the beds away, so two armchairs create a cosy private space to relax (short for ‘nod off’).

This is a wonderful way to experience Canada, travelling across the Canadian Rockies over 14 nights from Toronto to Vancouver, three nights aboard The Canadian sleeper train plus two days on the prestigious Rocky Mountaineer.

Toronto is a fascinating mix of modern high-rise buildings and occasional traditional buildings in the old part of town. It is beautifully lit up after dark, especially the central square opposite Hudson’s Bay Store.

After an overnight stay, the full-day trip to Niagara Falls was wonderful! Words such as stunning, amazing, aweinspiring are unavoidable. It was even more spectacular than we expected.

Snow Capped Mountains

From Toronto through industrial areas, vast lakes and dense pine forest then on through Ontario towards Manitoba, where the scenery is more diverse. After a break to explore the city of Winnipeg, there is a definite change in scenery as you travel towards Saskatchewan. Vast plains, yellow wheat fields and a strange ‘singing’ sound of the train along this stretch of the railway, different from before.

We had pre-booked the Hornblower Cruise (optional), and donning red ponchos, chose a spot on the deck for the best views. It was a brilliant experience, under the Falls with a real feel for the power of this tremendous flow of water.

After visiting Niagara on the Lake, a pretty village nearby, the day ended at Toronto rail station to catch VIA Rail’s sleeper train, “The Canadian”.

Toronto to Jasper Our cabin had private facilities, and a shared shower at the end of the carriage. Bijou is definitely the

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An Activity Coach includes beer-tasting, bingo or a movie, plus free tea, coffee and cakes all day. Three sittings for lunch and dinner, the food is excellent and beautifully presented amazing they can produce such high quality in this environment.

Winnipeg Bridge

Jasper and Banff to the Rocky Mountaineer After brunch, we said good-bye to The Canadian and on to Jasper by coach. This is a fabulous area, rich with lakes and waterfalls and strange rock formations.

We stopped at several places to

TRAVEL photograph pale-turquoise lakes and rivers coloured by minerals seeping from the hills.

Maligne Lake is a great place to stop, eat at the Chilli Bar, hire a canoe or just enjoy the backdrop of snow-topped mountains. Along the Icefield Parkway is the included excursion onto the Athabasca Glacier. Board the Ice Explorer truck which trundles slowly onto the designated walkways for visitors. Wrap up warm and enjoy the spectacle of this ancient glacier which is shrinking by the day.

Two nights in Banff at the excellent Fox Hotel and Suites. Phone rates were reasonable, all rooms had free WiFi, and there is also a free public transport pass which is “not really free, we just paid for you”!

Banff has a variety of shops and restaurants, and you might even see a moose or bear wandering around. The first day includes an excursion to Lake

Louise and optional Gondola (cable car) ride plus lunch with an early start next morning to join the Rocky Mountaineer for two days. A delicious breakfast awaited us on board, and we were constantly fed or provided with drinks startin at 9.30am!

We enjoyed the luxury of the Gold Leaf service, comfortable seats on the top deck of the sightseeing carriage and a restaurant downstairs. Standard Silver Leaf service is also in comfortable, allocated seating with meals served at your table and plenty of viewing opportunities. Overnight is at The Coast hotel in Kamloops, then back onboard in the morning.

We were all sorry to say goodbye to the Rocky Mountaineer. If only you could travel the whole way across Canada in such style!

Vancouver Our last 3 nights were spent in central Vancouver. We loved the city, especially

Stanley Park, enjoyed an evening Harbour Cruise dinner, (meeting a racoon in the street on the way home), and a cable-car trip up Grouse Mountain the next day.

September was a perfect time to visit and in hindsight, an extension of a few days in Vancouver at the end of the trip would be ideal.

By Jacqueline Jeynes from Silver Travel Advisor.

Silver Facts: For further information, visit www.titantravel.co.uk and search for Trans Canadian Rail Odyssey or call 0800 988 5803.

Quote Silver 17 for any current special offers (various savings available depending on tour and date).

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7

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17:15

TRAVEL

Taking My Dog

ON A FOREST HOLIDAY

By Natasha Blair from

had always thought

Silver Travel Advisor

of fungi as soft and moist but in reality

How glad I was that I

over time they can

didn’t allow my initial

become hard. It

feelings of trepidation

certainly taught

to influence my stay with

me what to look

Forest Holidays. Being

for in the future.

a townie, and despite

Thankfully dogs

having a dog, I had never

know not to eat

considered taking a holiday

mushrooms. We

in the middle of a forest.

also looked at trees,

Poppy, my Coton du Tulear

crayoning pieces of

and I had an unexpected,

paper on their barks

wonderful, relaxing time.

to make patterns,

Forest Holidays are spread

and were told how

throughout the country and I chose the one nearest to London, at Blackwood Forest in Hampshire. A big added bonus to this holiday was not having to endure the hassle of airports.

The minute we arrived we were immersed in nature. Our cabin was modern, airy, and spacious with, at the back, a hot tub with views of trees as far as the eye could see. A real plus was that Poppy was allowed access everywhere even in the reception/shop where there was a small cafe with a terrace, the focal point for meeting other guests, and more importantly, other dogs to play with. Dogs are supposed to be kept on a lead in areas where there are deer, but as we never saw any, she had free rein for the majority of the time.

On the day we arrived, Gail one of the two forest rangers, was running a fungus foray. I had hopes of teaching Poppy to sniff out truffles but sadly none were to be found. However, Gail did show us lots of different species, warning us not to eat any unless we knew for certain that they were edible as it could be dangerous.

What surprised me were those growing out of tree barks that I had, up until now, thought of as parts of the tree. I

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to identify a tree by its particular leaf. Although perhaps not something that I would remember, it certainly gave me the taste to learn more, and question what I see. The time of year obviously dictates what is growing, and sadly we were just too early to see the profusion of bluebells that apparently coats one of the meadows.

Shelters made from long branches could be seen everywhere. These, David the other forest ranger, explained were made as part of the survival class although given the number around parents were also helping their children to make them on their own. In this course, participants learn the three basics of how to keep warm, forage for food, and provide shelter. Although the class is geared to youngsters, as the activities are family oriented the adults also participate, and enjoy it as much. I learnt how to light a fire safely using what I could find, and how to build a shelter, along with the sort of things I would need to consider such as the direction of the wind. David also had a box of goodies from which he took out containers filled with bugs for us to identify, showing us where to find them under fallen barks. The one and a half hour courses are charged as an extra but

as the atmosphere is so informal and the foresters enjoy

bed cabin sleeping eight people connected by a bridge

what they are doing I found that they went on for a lot

to a Treehouse which sleeps two people. The treehouse

longer.

is ideal for family holidays when those of us who go to sleep early or have a nap in the afternoon can do so

Bicycles are hired out by the day for £15. Having

without spoiling the younger members’ enjoyment.

never learnt to cycle as a child and living in London, I took lessons but was never brave enough to practise.

The accommodation is self-catering but if the cook in

Here with so many trails and few cars, it was the ideal

the family wants a holiday too, freshly prepared food is

environment and I am proud to say that I now can. As

available in the cafe as well as tasty meals that can be

someone commented, for the novice car driver, this is

heated up in your cabin.

also an ideal environment to become a more proficient driver.

Forest Holidays offers an ideal environment for those who love the peace and quiet of the countryside with

The lodges are based in forests owned by the Forestry

activities on hand, a hot-tub on the deck and space for

Commission. Virtually everyone, while I was there, had a

quality time in the heart of beautiful woodlands.

child or a dog or both.

The 60 cabins of varying sizes are modern with underfloor

For more information, please contact

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the romantic environment of a Golden Oak Hideaway cabin. There are also a number of Treehouse cabins which sleep up to ten people; this is essentially a four

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Joanna Lumley

IT’S ALL ABOUT ME NOT many people can go from championing the Ghurkas to starring as a crazy fashion guru to presenting the BAFTAs and still remain absolutely fabulous but Joanna Lumley can.

Now, the 71 year-old is embarking on her first ever live tour, All About Me, later this year when she hits the road for a 30date itinerary all over the UK and Ireland, finishing in Boston, USA. “The thought of this tour, travelling across the British Isles and Ireland, has completely taken over my waking hours,” she admitted.

“It’s utterly thrilling to start planning the stories I can tell and the rapture (and gratitude, to be fair) with which I shall greet the audiences. Nothing like this has come my way before, and I may have to be dragged off with a hook at the end of each show.”

The tour should prove a fascinating one as Joanna’s life so far has certainly been full and interesting and began in the same out-of-the-ordinary way it has continued. She was born in Kashmir, India, to British parents. Her father was a major in the Ghurka Rifles and she spent most of her early childhood in the Far East where he was posted.

Although she was an aspiring actress, it was as a model in the Swinging Sixties in London that she first found success. Statuesque and with striking good looks, she caught the attention of famous-name photographers including the late Lord Patrick Lichfield.

She was designer Jean Muir’s muse and house model for several years before going freelance to become one of the top 10 most-booked models of this exciting decade.

Her acting career included appearances in On the Buses, Dracula and Coronation Street (where she was Ken Barlow’s early love interest) and she was a Bond girl in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Her acting breakthrough, though, came as Purdey in The New Avengers’ TV series in 1976. More than 800 girls auditioned for this role to appear alongside actor Patrick McNee but producers obviously saw something special in Joanna and her subsequent success in the series – along with her trademark Purdey haircut which became a musthave style – made her a hit with the public as an all-action heroine.

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Roles which followed included Sapphire in Sapphire & Steel in 1979, opposite David McCallum, in a cult sci-fi series which gained many fans. During the 1980s, Joanna honed her theatrical skills in Hedda Gabler and as Elvira in Blythe Spirit.

Joanna also made appearances in several films including the 1982 hit Trail of the Pink Panther and Curse of the Pink Panther the following year. She also had a screen-stealing role in iconic hit film Shirley Valentine in 1989.

While the public had long ago accepted her versatile acting talents, the role that really shot her to international acclaim came along in 1992 when she joined Jennifer Saunders in the TV comedy series Absolutely Fabulous.

She played fun-loving fashionista Patsy Stone to Saunders’ PR guru Edina “Eddy” Monsoon and this re-invention as a comic actress caught the public’s enduring attention. It also won Joanna a string of awards including BAFTAs and cemented her status as a muchloved and admired entertainer.

She has always been quick to attribute Ab Fab’s success to the writing of Jennifer Saunders, commenting: “You cannot get better than the writing. The writing has to be the best you can get, then you can build on it. You can’t make bricks without straw “Jennifer’s writing for Ab Fab was absolutely stunning and unbeatable and individual and hysterically funny.”

The public, however, long ago embraced both Patsy and Joanna as their own and she has been a regular fixture on national TV screens ever since. She has also built up a successful film career as a character and voice-over actress. Her silky, upper-class English tones are immediately identifiable and her enduring beauty and charm have made her a natural for presenting programmes of all kinds.

In 2009, she became a strident spokeswoman for the Gurkhas in the UK and helped persuade the British Government to allow those who had served in the Army the right to settle here.

Not too surprisingly, when she visited Nepal she was feted by crowds and thanked by Nepal’s President and

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Prime Minister for her work in championing the Ghurkas’ cause.

She does have strong views about standing up to be counted and once stated: “You have to feel more involved than just writing out a cheque. Charity is almost the wrong word – I think people are beginning to feel more responsible for the world.”

And, however unlikely another Ab Fab series might currently seem, what is certain is that thousands of fans are about to be fascinated by a glimpse into the world of Joanna Lumley on her tour.

As for Joanna, she is both excited and grateful for this, insisting:

“Oh people! This is especially for you from me, with masses of love. I think it will be fabulous!”

TOUR DATES 17 October 2018 New Theatre, Oxford 29 October 2018 London Palladium * For full details of Joanna Lumley’s tour and tickets go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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Taking control of your investments

BY DOUGLAS CHADWICK, CHAIRMAN, SALTYDOG INVESTOR LTD I decided to take control of my own financial destiny and have never looked back. At the time I only had access to around 40 funds, and had to track their progress long hand – the world is a very different place now.

How to ‘Do it yourself’ To make the most of your investments you need to follow a few simple steps: • Take advantage of the low cost fund supermarkets and discount brokers • Use tax-efficient wrappers like ISAs, SIPPs and Investment Bonds • Manage risk by understanding the relative volatility of different funds • Monitor your progress

Clear Well-Presented Data

At Saltydog Investor we don’t believe that people should necessarily work longer, pay more into their pensions, or take out insurance for their twilight years. Yes, these things would help, but why doesn’t anyone suggest the obvious – make your current savings work harder.

If you’re frustrated by the lacklustre performance of your pension, ISAs and other savings then why not do something about it?

Many years ago, I was blissfully unaware of how poorly my investments were performing, assuming that my IFA was actively managing them to maximise my profits. I had sold my first business in 1985 and invested some of the proceeds in two Skandia Investment Bonds. I was withdrawing 5% per year, but was astonished when 15 years later I had seen no capital growth. I challenged my IFA and to my amazement found that I was still invested in the same property and balanced managed funds that they had recommended when the bonds were first taken out. The world had moved on, but my investments hadn’t.

I’d learnt the hard way that the financial industry generally promotes passive investing. You are put in a fund and are then expected to stick with it through thick and thin, while the fund managers and advisers sit back and count their commission. This is why it’s frequently reported that many tens of billions of pounds are left floundering in underperforming funds offered by some of the world’s largest financial institutions.

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Tracking 40 funds by hand was laborious, but possible; keeping tabs on the thousands of Unit Trusts, OEICs, Investment Trusts and ETFs that are readily available to the private investor is a completely different proposition. At Saltydog Investor we analyse all these funds and present a summary on a weekly basis in a way designed to help private investors see which sectors are currently performing well, and which are the best performing funds within those sectors.

We combine the Investment Association sectors into our own proprietary Saltydog Groups which are: • • • • •

Safe Haven Slow Ahead Steady as She Goes Full Steam Ahead – Developed Markets Full Steam Ahead – Emerging Markets

These groups help indicate the potential risk associated with each fund within them. Combine this with our up-to-date performance data and it’s easy to see whether the increased risk associated with the more volatile funds is currently being rewarded.

Skin in the Game We also run a couple of demonstration portfolios to show how our data can be used and publish details every week.

These are real portfolios and show what we’re doing with our own money. The ‘Tugboat’ is designed to be very cautious and avoiding losses when markets fall is as important as making gains when they rise. The ‘Ocean Liner’, shown on page 17, is slightly more adventurous.

Take Control For too long the financial institutions have had it all their own way. They have taken their charges, regardless of performance, and grown fat on the apathy and inactivity of the private investor. The politicians are just as bad. To punish us for living longer, and to make up for their incompetent management of public finances, we are now being told that we will have to work longer, and then survive on smaller pensions.

Fortunately things are changing. Advisors are no longer able to take trail commission every year from your investments, and the investment houses have been forced to introduce funds where the hidden costs that used to go to the middle men now stay within your investments.

The recent growth of on-line trading has been astonishing.

The way we shop, bank, arrange our insurance, book our holidays, and choose our utilities providers has changed forever. Surely our approach to investing will follow suit. If you use one of the many fund supermarkets, switching between funds only takes a few minutes and the costs are minimal. The Saltydog data makes shortlisting the funds that are

performing well straight-forward, and free on-line tools mean you can monitor performance whenever you choose.

I am not particularly computer literate, I don’t come from the financial industry, and I have had no formal financial training - yet my investments have consistently out-performed the market. The time has come for the DIY investor, and if I can do it anyone can.

How to beat the market using trend investing Saltydog Investor is a trend investing system, helping you ride uptrends and then get out when the market starts heading down. Each week we analyse all of the markets sectors, looking for the ones showing upward trends, and sift through thousands of funds to find which ones are doing the best at the moment.

The charts and numbers we provide every week give you all the information you need to become a successful trend investor.

For a full explanation of how our trend investing system, using funds, could give you better – and less volatile – returns from the stock market, please take a look at our website:

www.saltydoginvestor.com

saltydog investor

Saltydog Investor Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and does not provide financial advice. Any information that you use, or guidance that you follow, is entirely at your own risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Claim your FREE GUIDE, ‘An introduction to successful trend investing’, or sign up for our two month FREE TRIAL.

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| 15

sa

Committed to fighting fraudlent activity Council Tax Benefit Council tax bills are based on the assumption that two adults occupy the property as their main home.

If it’s occupied by only one adult, and the property is their main home, the bill is reduced by a single person’s discount of 25%.

Who is eligible for a blue badge?

If you are disabled, you may be able to park in restricted areas under the blue badge scheme. The scheme is for drivers and passengers.

Who can get a blue badge?

In addition, there are certain groups of people who we do not count for Council Tax purposes when counting the number of adults in the household. These groups are known as ‘disregarded persons’.

Some people can get a blue badge automatically. This is called being eligible without further assessment. You fit into this group if one or more of the following applies to you:

If there is an adult from one of these groups living in your property, they may not be counted for Council Tax purposes and you may be entitled to a discount.

• you are registered as blind/severely sight impaired

Examples of disregarded persons are: • people on some apprentice schemes • 18 and 19-year-olds in full-time education • full-time college and university students • student nurses • foreign language assistants registered with the British Council • people with a severe mental impairment • live-in carers who look after someone who isn’t their partner, spouse or child • diplomats Fraud within the Council Tax system costs each lawful Council tax payer. Fraud can get into the system a number of ways but the most common issues are: • Making a false statement at the outset, i.e. misleading the Council into accepting information which at the time was not true.

• Failure to report relevant changes to circumstances to the Council Tax service, for example; someone over 18 has moved into your address and you receive a Single person’s discount.

If you suspect that someone may be defrauding the Council Tax system in any way you can help by reporting you concern’s in confidence to: CALL 0118 937 2143 Email antifraud@reading.gov.uk Report via web pages http://www.reading.gov.uk/ internalaudit

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• you receive the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement • you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) • you receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and you scored at least 8 points in relation to the ‘moving around’ activity in the PIP assessment, or least 12 points in the mobility activity for planning and following journeys • you have been awarded a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8).

You have also been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult • you receive a government grant towards your own vehicle.

If you were on higher rate mobility component of DLA, but you had to claim PIP instead and didn’t get enough points to be eligible for a blue badge, you can continue to use your badge until it expires.

If none of these apply to you, you may still be eligible. This is called being eligible subject to further assessment, and will apply to you if you meet one of these criteria: • you have a permanent or substantial disability which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult • you are a driver and have severe upper limb disabilities • as a result of a mental disorder you are unable to follow the route of a familiar journey without the assistance

of another person. Anyone aged over two years can be eligible under this condition, including people over 65.

• you are applying on behalf of a child under three with a medical condition that requires them to be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment or transporting bulky medical equipment.

If you have any queries about whether you’re eligible for a blue badge, you can contact the national blue badge helpline on 0844 463 0215.

How are you assessed?

If you are eligible subject to further assessment, your local authority will look at the evidence of your disability to decide whether you can have a blue badge.

You may need to have an independent mobility assessment. If you have applied for or held a blue badge previously, your GP may have carried this out.

Assessments may now be carried out by an independent mobility assessor.

This is usually a medical professional such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, who has never treated you before.

If your local authority wants you to have a mobility assessment, it will refer you to the assessor. You will not be charged for the assessment.

You may not be required to undergo an assessment if your council says it is very obvious that you are eligible or ineligible.

Blue Badge (disabled parking permits) Fraud: Disabled Parking Permits or Blue Badges are issued by your Local Authority to persons with a genuine need to access facilities and park within easy reach of these. However there are some people who are prepared to misuse or fraudulently acquire these badges.

The Investigation Team are committed to fighting fraudulent activity but need your help to do so!

If you suspect someone of committing Blue Badge fraud please contact us in confidence.

CALL 0118 937 2143 Email antifraud@reading.gov.uk Report via web pages http://www.reading.gov.uk/fraud

BLOW THE HOUSING WHISTLE ON CHEATS

HOUSING BLOW THE

NRP REFEREE-RBC-A42.pdf 1 10/05/2012 13:28

CHEATS WHISTLE ON HOUSING CHEATS When somebody with a council or housing association home rents it out

without permission or obtains a home through providing false information, they

When somebody with a council or not fair. housing association home rents it out If you suspect someone of unlawfully sub-letting without permission or obtains a home call us on 0500 500 777 or through providing false information, report online www.reading.gov.uk/fraud Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be given anonymously. they are guilty of housing fraud. They are using up valuable housing spaces and depriving families and vulnerable people on the waiting list. It’s not fair. are guilty of housing fraud. They are using up valuable housing spaces and

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2009. Copyright in the content, design and typographical arrangement rests with the Crown.

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2009. Copyright in the content, design and typographical arrangement rests with the Crown.

WHISTLE ON

depriving families and vulnerable people on the waiting list. It’s

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When somebody with a council or housing association home rents it out

without permission or obtains a home through providing false information, they are guilty of housing fraud. They are using up valuable housing spaces and depriving families and vulnerable people on the waiting list. It’s

not fair.

If you suspect someone of unlawfully sub-letting

0500 500 777 or report online www.reading.gov.uk/fraud call us on

Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be given anonymously.

If you suspect someone of unlawfully sub-letting call us

When somebody with a council or housing association home rents it out

Your report will be treated in the confidence andlist.can befair. given depriving strictest families and vulnerable people on the waiting It’s not anonymously.

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S ICION E SUSP V A H IF Y OU

call us on

0500 500 777 or www.reading.gov.uk/fraud

report online

Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be given anonymously.

We are committed to fighting fraudulent activity The Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Scheme currently has around 2.5m badges issued Nationally, to eligible applicants.

Blue Badge fraud is estimated to cost the UK £46 million per year!

The Investigation Team are committed to fighting fraudulent activity but need your help to do so!

If you suspect someone of committing Blue Badge fraud please call us in confidence.

CALL: 0118 937 2143 Email: antifraud@reading.gov.uk Report via web pages: http://www.reading.gov.uk/fraud

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| 17

HOME

Spring your home

BACK TO LIFE THIS is definitely the time of year we take a fresh look at our home and think about change.

Spring is not just a time for Spring-cleaning but also altering and improving our lifestyle and streamlining the way we live with less clutter. As the brighter days come along, the fresh light on often tired furnishings and décor can galvanize us to action. But where to start?

Although it may be your rooms that look like they need some immediate rejuvenating, it’s worth first checking the OUTSIDE of your property and seeing if work needs doing there.

The fascia board and soffits – the wooden bits around the outside of your home – may be looking tired and in need of some work. You may just need a new coat of paint on the outside or even new WINDOWS. Today, windows are not only very effective in keeping out the bad weather and ensuring your home is well-insulated but also look good and can modernise the most tired-looking property.

If you don’t want to spend quite that amount, check that your FRONT DOOR is still effective as a welcoming portal to your home. Front doors come in all kinds of designs these days and are ideal for ensuring light in your hallway.

You may want to build onto your home in 2018 with an EXTENSION, SUNROOM or ORANGERIE. You may prefer a CONSERVATORY as a means of extra light and space. They can all add both value and quality to your home and daily living but it’s worth choosing your builder carefully.

An approved official body like the Federation of Master Builders is a good place to start; go to www.fmb.org.uk for information about a suitable local builder. Your builder should be able to show you previous work which is why having one recommended to you often helps.

Check all your rooms carefully before you start any work as, once you’ve got one room much improved, it can make the others look rather dull!

A fireplace is the natural focal point for any room lucky enough to have one. From cosy log fires to providing a place to display your most treasured belongings, making the most of your mantel will enhance your space's mood and feel.

Warfield Stoves & Fires have extensive experience and knowledge and will guide you through the process of choosing a wood burner, gas appliance or fireplace.

They can co-ordinate your installation from start to finish whether it’s creating a larger fireplace opening, installing a flue system or a simple stove or gas fire and fireplace replacement.

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BACK TO NATURE – It’s the natural look by Valspar paints for this lovely room As your local retailer they can offer you many heating options to ensure, that whatever you choose, it will be suitable for your needs and provide you with a beautiful focal point.

Keep your HALLWAY bright with good lighting and possibly new wallpaper and paint. Mirrors are also a great way to maximise space and light.

Decorating might be the answer around the house, especially in areas like the lounge and kitchen where you spend a large amount of time. The paint experts at Valspar advise that “light colours will always uplift a small room and make it appear bigger. In larger rooms, you can use dark colours to make the room feel cosier or create a more dramatic effect.”

If you don’t want to invest in a new SOFA or CHAIRS, having new covers made or even buying attractive throws will definitely brighten them up.

The same applies in the KITCHEN where new unit doors, for example, can create the illusion of a completely new kitchen. Or, splash out on a large, freestanding fridge if you’ve got the room to stylishly add to storage and drinks’ capacity.

Even new pots and pans, displayed attractively, can improve the look of you kitchen or new, brightly-coloured utensils.

You can buy complete ranges of coffee-makers, kettles and containers now in lively colours.

The same applies in the BATHROOM where a new suite will do wonders for the look here and make it much more contemporary. Bright shower curtains and accessories can complete your makeover.

BEDROOMS definitely benefit from decoration in soft, relaxing colours, complemented by new bedding in similar shades and new flooring.

2. Pick a time and a place – Whilst in certain circumstances it makes sense to sort all of a particular “type” of thing in one hit – books, clothes, photographs etc – if you’re simply trying to give yourself a sensible clear-out and freshen up your home, I’d suggest working either room-by-room or space-by-space. So, find yourself a free morning or afternoon when you can get stuck into a room, or just 30 minutes to work on a set of drawers or a shelf, put the radio on and get to work!

your items. There are things to keep, to donate to charity, to pass on to friends or where, needs must, to put into the bin.

Cardboard boxes, bin bags plastic tubs or simple marked-up spaces on the floor (use a post-it note) or table are a good starting point. Simply moving things around and not into a specific category means it’s easier to mix up and get into a muddle again.

4. Need it? Use it? Love it? – These are the questions you need to ask yourself when going through your possessions. If you can’t answer “yes” to any of these, you’ll then need

3. Bags, boxes and all that jazz – You don’t need to go overboard here by any means but it’s good to have at hand some suitable containers for sorting

STOVES & GAS FIRES

Nothing will work well in the way of home improvements, though, if you don’t seriously address the matter of clutter. Professional de-clutterer Amanda Manson from Orderly Office and Home suggests some simple, tried and tested tips to help you tackle those niggling areas and create a feeling of calm.

We supply, install and maintain one of the most comprehensive ranges of stoves, fires and fireplaces in the area

WarfieldStoves&firesLtd www.warfieldstoves.com

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1. Decide on your goal – Getting started requires a mindset that is open to letting things go, a sense of acceptance and the ability to move forward. I speak to many people who say they have too much stuff in the spare room or that their loft is ful of “goodness knows what” and they just can’t seem to make a start tackling it. So first I’d suggest setting yourself a goal and a timeframe in which to achieve it. Clearing the overflowing sideboard or dining table before you have guests over for lunch or going through a pile of newspapers and magazines that have been stacking up over the weeks in time for paper recycling day, for instance, are both great motivators.

Moss End Garden Village, Warfield, Berkshire, RG42 6EJ Tel: 01344 456486

Warfield Stoves & Fires Ltd

Warfieldstoves

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| 19

Kitchens from Crown Imperial

Outside space from Ultra Frame

Revolutionary loft beam system

For all enquiries call Jason on 01793 887561 or 07411 489703

We bring you over 30 years’ experience creating beautiful home spaces. This experience can help guide you through the design process and get the best for your budget.

KITCHENS All our Kitchens are supplied by Crown imperial manufacturers of quality kitchens for 70 years.

A full range of Laminate, quartz and resin bonded worktops all fabricated on site, So no waiting time for completion.

A full range of appliances from the top manufacturers.

Fully designed supplied and installed.

Visit the full gallery at : www.crown-imperial.co.uk

CONSERVATORY The latest in conservatory technology from Ultra Frame making the most of modern materials.

Fully insulated and constructed with no extreme temperature fluctuations.

With synthetic tiled roofs for a more solid feel which can be combined with glass panels to create a stunning look.

Visit the full gallery at : www.ultraframe.co.uk

LOFTS Using the very latest in technology bringing you a revolutionary beam system for quicker easier more convenient construction without the need for awkward and expensive steel floor beams.

Designed for modern “truss” systems and traditional “cut” roofs . A full design and calculations package is available .

Why not combine all three areas for the best value and that ultimate look.

email: jason@homespace101.com

FOOD & DRINK

James Martin's

AMERICAN ADVENTURE Chicken ‘Bonne Femme’ Bonne femme translates as ‘good woman’ or ‘good wife’, and refers to the simplicity of this tasty dish. In culinary terms, it has come to refer to a dish with a mushroom-based sauce. There are lots of versions of Bonne Femme, made using oysters or sole as well as chicken. This is my version of a Louisiana Creole classic. The Worcestershire sauce adds a great depth of flavour.

4 tablespoons olive oil 100g (31/2 oz) lardons or chopped streaky bacon 100g (3/4 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1.5kg (3lb) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces 1 green pepper (bell pepper), deseeded and diced 3 large Spanish onions, sliced

2 celery sticks, diced 125g (41/2 oz) white button mushrooms, sliced 300g (101/2 oz) new potatoes 5 garlic cloves, chopped 150g (51/4 oz) chorizo sausage, diced 4 tablespoons white wine 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 15 drops of Tabasco a few sprigs of tarrago

Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6.

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Place a large roasting tray over a medium heat. Drizzle half the oil into the tray, then add the lardons or bacon. Stir into the hot oil and fry until crispy, tossing every now and then. Once the bacon is cooked, lift out with a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl.

Spread the flour on to a plate and season well. Dip each piece of chicken into it to coat completely. Fry the pieces in the tray, in batches and over a medium heat, adding the remaining oil, as you need to. When each piece is golden on one side, flip over and brown the other side, then place in the bowl with the bacon. With the tray still over a medium heat, add the vegetables, potatoes, garlic and chorizo, stir in, then pour in the wine. Deglaze, stirring in the sticky bits and juices from the base of the pan, then add the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco.

Return the cooked bacon and chicken to the tray and season.

Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for 35–40 minutes.

Sprinkle with tarragon before serving.

Bow Pasta with Clams, Crayfish & Cajun Spices

SERVES 6 1 tablespoon salt 500g (1lb 2oz) bow pasta 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon ground white pepper 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon celery salt 4 tablespoons butter 5 garlic cloves, chopped 4 tablespoons white wine 500g (lb 2oz) clams 300ml (1/4 cup) double (heavy) cream large handful of cavolo nero, chopped 500g (1lb 2 oz) crayfish tails sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 10 drops of Tabasco 25g (oz) Parmesan cheese

We definitely need to eat more of these little fellas, as American crayfish have taken over from the UK crayfish in our rivers and streams. It’s easy to find containers of the cooked tails in the supermarket. This pasta dish is so simple to make and uses American kale, also called ‘black cabbage’ or cavolo nero.

Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, add the salt and the pasta, stir in and simmer for 10 minutes until al dente.

Mix the paprika, white pepper, thyme, oregano and celery salt together in a bowl.

Melt the butter in a large pan over a low to medium heat.

Once the butter has stopped foaming, add the garlic, herbs and spices and cook for a minute or two. Pour in the white wine, then add the clams and

cream and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and cook for 2 minutes.

As the clams start to open, add the cavolo nero followed by the crayfish.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain the pasta, keeping a little of the water, and tip into the pan with the sauce. Season and keep cooking for another 2 minutes.

Add the Tabasco and grate half the Parmesan into the sauce. Spoon onto a large serving bowl and grate over the rest of the cheese.

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FOOD & DRINK

Bourbon Pecan Tart Another classic American dessert, this moreish tart is packed with crunchy pecans, smothered in bourbonflavoured sticky goodness. If you’d like to glaze the cake, warm 2 tablespoons golden syrup (light corn syrup) in a pan and brush all over the tart after baking.

SERVES 8 For the pastry 250g (I3/4cups plus 2 tablespoons) plain (all-purpose) flour, plus extra for rolling out 125g (1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon) butter, diced, at room temperature 1 medium egg, beaten For the filling 4 tablespoons butter 100g (3oz) treacle 4 medium eggs 175g (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) caster (superfine) sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 tablespoons bourbon whiskey 500g (1lb 2oz) pecans To serve double (heavy) cream or vanilla ice cream

To make the pastry, put the flour into a large bowl, add the butter and rub in using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Pour the egg into the middle of the mixture and stir in well, then lightly knead the mixture to bring it together. Add 1 tablespoon of water if the mixture feels a bit dry and doesn’t come together into a smooth dough. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in clingfilm (plastic wrap) and rest in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Lightly flour a clean work surface

then roll out the pastry into a large circle, around 2mm (1/8in) thick. Keep turning the pastry every time you roll it to keep the shape even. Use to line a 26cm (10 in) fluted loose-bottomed tart tin, 3cm (1.in) deep.

Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until mixed well then pour in the cooled butter mixture, cinnamon and bourbon and stir everything together.

Line the tin with the pastry. Press into the flutes and edge of the base of the tin, then leave the remainder hanging over the edge.

Put the tart tin on a baking sheet.

Spread the pecans all over the tart case, then pour the filling over the top. Bake for 35–45 minutes until the filling is firm.

Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/gas mark 3. Make the filling. Put the butter and treacle into a small pan and heat gently to melt the butter. Stir together.

Take the pan off the heat and cool a little.

Once cooked, cut all the overhanging edges off the tart using a sharp serrated knife. Cool the tart until warm, then lift the tart out of the tin and transfer to a plate.

Cut the tart into slices and serve with cream or ice cream.

James Martin’s American Adventure by James Martin (Quadrille, £25) Photography © Peter Cassidy

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OUT & ABOUT

New Technology for Bracknell Forest Libraries

Bracknell Forest Libraries

Late spring/early summer will see the launch of our pilot of self service in Binfield Library. The introduction of self service is part of the consultation held with Bracknell Bracknell Forest libraries have something to offer Forest residents regarding budget everyone including traditional books and computers to restrictions. online resources and WiFi alongside a variety of events and clubs.

Those who have been working

on the project are excited to Bracknell Library in particular, with the Lexicon close by, is be shortly going live. The two seeing an increase in visitors. Next door to Fenwick why selfpop service machines which not in next time you areare shopping and see what we presently being programmed will have to offer? enable customers to issue, renew and return all include items, view their account any charges.

Recent events Flamenca Magicaand andpay a craft Credit debit cards will be accepted.

We hope as many fair withand many others planned.

Further afield we have Christmas events atasSandhurst andthe Santa’s Grotto in give us Binfield residents possible use machines and Crowthorne take thoughts part in the annual late night their views. who It is their and suggestions which will be shopping. incorporated into the final product which goes live across Bracknell Forest during the summer months.

This is stage one of the project.

Stage two is far more ambitious as library opening hours are extended further using technology assisted opening to allow customers to Those who are looking foruse a more relaxed after the library in pursuit non staffed the Christmas rush may behours. interested in the Chi, Binfield will Tai again be the meditation and yoga sessions. pilot, with many of the necessary building works already completed.

Our libraries appeal to those of all ages, with rhyme Customers who wish to use the times, code clubs and Lego clubs , through to knitting, library out of staffed hours will have craft, reading and language clubs for adults. Some of our a thorough induction intoclubs. this. They libraries hold IT help sessions, job clubs and chess will be able to use the computers, Specialist one off events are frequent and can be seen on use the self service machines the website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries or or onjust sit and read. Bracknell our Facebook page. Forest are not the first authority to use this technology and many discussions have taken place with Many of ourwho clubs on volunteer help. authorities userely it. This has enabled usVolunteering to learn a great opportunities our libraries deal about its are useavailable and take in upall inof advance.

It willoften provide increasing the hours libraries open. If this interests Binfield library users the again with anare opportunity to shape the you please see what is available at www.bracknell-forest. service and the future of Bracknell Forest libraries. gov.uk/libraries/volunteer-your-library.

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cular, with the Bracknell Lexicon close by,inisparticular, with the Lexicon close by, is Library itors. Next door to Fenwick why not seeing an increase in visitors. Next door toto Fenwick not Events coverwhy all interests shopping andpop see in what have toare shopping and see what we have to nextwe time you and age groups offer? amenca Magica and aevents craft fair Recent include Flamenca Magica craft public fair Free and wifia and pcs d. Further afield wemany have others Christmas with planned. Further afield we have Christmas in all branches Santa’s Grottoevents in Crowthorne who and Santa’s Grotto in Crowthorne who at Sandhurst ate night shopping. take part in the annual late night shopping.

Job Club (Bracknell) hose of all ages, with rhymeappeal times for Our libraries to those of all ages, with for and IT rhyme Help times Sessions and Lego clubs for those school under two’s,ofcode clubs and Lego clubs for those of school craft, reading age, and language for craft, reading and language clubs for through toclubs knitting, rooms for hire ries hold IT help sessions, clubs adults.

Somejob of our libraries hold IT Meeting help sessions, job clubs list one off events theclubs. hugely and like chess Specialist one off events like the hugely or the Blind event at Crowthorne are for the Blind event at Crowthorne are successful Guide Dogs n on the website at www.bracknellfrequent and can be seen on the website at www.bracknellon our Facebook page forest.gov.uk/libraries or on our Facebook page n volunteer help.

Volunteering Many of our clubs rely on volunteer help. Volunteering ble in all of our opportunities libraries oftenare available in all of our libraries often libraries are open.

If this the mayhours the libraries are open. If this may increasing what is available at present at www. interest you please see what is available at present at www. ibraries/volunteer-your-library bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries/volunteer-your-library ng you shortly whether is to use We look it forward to seeing you shortly whether it is to use t new friends. specific facilities or meet new friends.

Events to cover all interests Events to cover all interests and age groups

Free wifi and public pcs in all branches

and age groups

Free wifi and public pcs in all branches

Job Club (Bracknell) and IT help sessionsJob Club (Bracknell) Meeting rooms for hire

and IT Help Sessions

Meeting rooms for hire

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OUT & ABOUT

Out & About

A GUIDE to the amazing events around BERKSHIRE 11 May 2018 - 24 May 2018

Thames Valley History Festival 2018 The Thames Valley History Festival celebrates more than 2,500 years of British history. Through a mixture of talks and discussions as well as guided walks, children’s activities, and historical re-enactors, we have something for everyone, young and old.

Our home is the historic town of Windsor, but our event-range is the ever vibrant and historically eclectic Thames Valley, covering the areas around Slough, Windsor, Eton, and Maidenhead.

Windsor, Berkshire 01753 743585 12 May to 3 June

Reading Children's Festival Step back in time for this year's Reading Children's Festival where we celebrate all things historic. A three week festival of events and activities for children of all ages!

Highlights include: • Forbury Fiesta, Forbury Gardens Saturday 12 May • Come and Try out Canoeing, Reading Canoe Club- Monday 28, Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 May • Half Term Fun, Museum of Reading Tuesday 29 May- Friday 1 June • Eton Mess Workshops, Bel and the Dragon Restaurant- Monday 21, Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 May • Baby Loves Disco, Rivermead Leisure Complex - Sunday 3 June Full programme of Children's Festival events contact: ally.griggs@reading.gov.uk or 0118 9372395 Friday 25 May – Sunday 17 June

Feastival

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For three weeks in early summer, the Feastival food markets will return with a bigger, bolder setup. The team are bringing in a two-tiered platform stage with a bar, fire pits and hay bale sofas.

Partly inspired by London’s summer UnderBelly Festival, there will also be a programme of live music sessions as well as an art display celebrating Reading’s local history and famous faces (think Huntley & Palmers, Robin Friday and Ricky Gervais).

If you're more of a land-lubber, there's lots to do on the riverside including children's entertainment, a beer tent, BBQ and snacks and an assortment of shopping stalls, why not enjoy a picnic on the bank of The Thames while cheering on the rowers and make a day of it!

Oxfordshire Bank of The Thames, Ferry from Reading Bluecoat School Boathouse,, Upstream of Sonning Lock, Sonning, Berkshire, RG4 6TT

Last year, food vendors included local favourites Georgian Feast, Peru Sabor and John the Greek as well as street food traders from the wider area such as Crispy Squid and Rad Burgers. The line up for this year is still to be announced, but will rotate through the three week period, so there’ll be chance to try everything.

Forbury Gardens, Reading RG1 3BB Saturday 26th May 2018

Sonning Regatta

Sat 26 May, 19:30

Agree with Ratty from Wind in the Willows that there's "nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats?" Then head down to the Sonning Regatta over the second May Bank Holiday.

The Live Tour 2018 Kevin And Karen: Dance

The Regatta is a fun, family event held on the River Thames in the historic Berkshire village. The event features races for all ages and all rowing abilities - from aspiring Redgraves and Pinsents to complete novices.

Monday 28 May 2018

There's the opportunity to take to the water in more unusual boats including dongolas, Canadian canoes and katakanus. And taking part couldn't be easier with all boats and equipment provided for both juniors (children need to be over seven years old) and adults with race entry.

To take part download an entry form at sonningfestival.co.uk register. Entry is £3 per child and £6 per adult.

The Hexagon, The Hexagon Theatre, Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA Tickets: www.readingarts.com

Reading Carnival 2018 RCCG Presents Reading Carnival 2018: The Rebirth Come and join the festivities by lining the streets for the parade and enjoy some delicious cuisine from the Caribbean and across the world! There will be entertainment at the park for all ages, from 12 pm until 7 pm. Carnival is a friendly, truly inclusive and family funfilled event, and everyone is welcome!

If you would like to register your interest or find out in more detail about how to get involved, please contact rccgoffical@gmail.com and a member of the team will be in touch.

Sun 10th June

The Drifters The Drifters have collated a huge catalogue of over 50 hits, selling in excess of 214 million singles and 114 million albums across the world. Since their creation, the line up has undergone many changes with more than 60 different singers, including icons such as Clyde McPhatter, Ben E King, Johnny Moore and Rudy Lewis.

The Drifters perform a selection of gems from their treasure trove of hits from the last 60 years, which include ‘Saturday Night At The Movies’, ‘Under The Boardwalk’, ‘Come On Over To My Place’, ‘Kissing In The Back Row Of The Movies’, ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’ and ‘There Goes My First Love’.

Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1PS Box Office: 01753 853 888 Monday 28 May 2018 and Sunday 1st July

Family Fun Days at Royal Windsor Racecourse

ambiance with a ‘family festival day’ including Dragon Boat racing and lots of fun entertainment.

Windsor Racecourse's popular family fun days are back and bigger and better than ever with loads of free fun activities for children of all ages to enjoy.

These fantastic days out is guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained with lots of entertainmen. The gates, bars and restaurants will be open two hours before the start of the first race so why not come along early and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere whilst selecting your winners from the racecard.

A number of food stalls are available within the enclosure along with the Marlow Round Table Riverside Bar. Higginson Park, Pound Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2AE Friday, July 13 until Sunday, July 15

Readipop Festival

Readipop Festival, is a charity-led music event run by musicians, and members of the art and performance community.

Held along the River Thames in Caversham, the festival is in its third year with the first line up announcement expected in late January.

Entrance is FREE for racegoers under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult! Adults can be responsible for up to three children under 18 each at Royal Windsor Racecourse.

Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 5JJ 01753 498400

Alongside rising stars in the area the festival will also bring together international and globally celebrated artists.

16 June 2018 - 17 June 2018

Marlow Town Regatta & Festival

There will also be children's entertainment, music workshops, food and craft stalls, circus acts and much more.

The Marlow Town Regatta & Festival is now firmly on the map as an annual event which combines a traditional rowing Regatta and its garden party

Christchurch Meadows, Caversham, Berkshire

Hear well Feel well

Our hearing is something most of us take for granted. But just like our eyesight it can change over time, so it’s important to make regular hearing checks part of an active and healthy lifestyle.

To book your free initial assessment call us on 01635 523 343 or come and see us at 10 Weavers Walk in Newbury. www.maryharehearingcentres.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT 14th & 15th July

and kicking in the hands of this amazing band.

Forbury Gardens serves as the setting for this independently run festival celebrating French culture, with live music and dance acts and stalls serving delicious French themed food and drink.

Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1PS Box Office: 01753 853 888

Bastille Day Festival

Forbury Gardens, Reading RG1 3BB Wednesday, July 25 until Sunday, July 29

Fringe Festival

This year the festival will be bringing back The Dome in Station Hill, as well as hosting a range of events such as comedy caves, a vintage cinema, an immersive theatre experience and so much more.

Also making an appearance is an ice musician who will be performing on a glacier in Greenland before coming to Reading.

Venues across the town centre Keep up to date on their Facebook Page.

21 July 2018 - 22 July 2018

Marvellous 2018

Marvellous 2018 takes place over the weekend of 21 & 22 July at Dinton Pastures Country Park and promises to be bigger and better than ever with more of all the stuff that makes Marvellous marvellous! We are looking forward to welcoming some new acts into the fold as well as including some firm favourites from previous years - with T Rextasy for Saturday and the amazing Bob Marley tribute Legend for Sunday for starters. Make sure that you're registered for our regular newsletter updates - you don't want to miss out.

Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 0TH Sun 29th July 7.30pm

Showaddywaddy Showaddywaddy have long been established as Europe's most successful ever exponents of retroinspired Rock ’n‘ Roll. The record simply speaks for itself! 23 Top 40 hit singles, including 10 Top 5 hits ‘Under The Moon of Love’, ‘When’, ‘You Got What It Takes’, ‘3 Steps To Heaven’, ‘Hey Rock & Roll’ and many more. After more than 40 incredible years, Rock ’n‘ Roll music is truly alive

25 Aug 2018 - 26 Aug 2018

Windsor Food Festival Food and Drink Festival with chef demonstrations from local restaurants, bars and hotels, cocktail making, local beers tent, wine tasting and more.

Alexandra Gardens, Riverway, Barry Avenue, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 5JA 7th to the 16th September

Reading on Thames Festival The newest addition to Reading's expansive festival lineup, the Reading on Thames festival returns for its second year to celebrate Reading's stunning waterways over 10 days filled with walks, theatrical performances, waterway light displays, food and drink stalls, children's activities, river writing, talks, exhibitions dedicated to Reading's waterway history and much more.

best of all the breeds of livestock that have been exhibited at the Show during the weekend. Winning Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats, Llamas and Alpacas will all be parading around the Main Arena for your enjoyment. Come along and see them all, you may see some breeds you've never heard of before!

In the Sports Zone you will be able to see what it is like to do circuit training, have an introduction to stress management exercises and even find out about kettle ball.

There will be turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens in the Poultry section and with turkeys in mind, it won’t be long until Christmas and there are always many original ideas for your present giving, as wellas a few treats for yourself that you won’t see on the high street.

There will be over 72 different food stalls in the food tent, over 80 original crafts in the craft tent, spectacular displays of plants in the horticulture tent and always in excess of 600 outside trade stands?

Over at the Bandstand you can relax with your cup of coffee or lunch and listen to a wide variety of the counties musical talent.

There is so much to do at the Annual County Show – put the date in your diary now!

Newbury Showground, Hermitage, Newbury, Hampshire, RG18 9QZ 01635 247111

Wed 12 Sep, 19:30

Taking Care of Elvis ~ Starring Ben Portsmouth The King is Back 2018 The Hexagon, The Hexagon Theatre, Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA Tickets: www.readingarts.com 15 Sept 2018 - 16 Sept 2018

Royal County of Berkshire Show at Newbury Showground The Royal County of Berkshire Show will returns to the Newbury Showground for yet another yeat.

The Grand Parade of Livestock will enter the Main Arena on both Saturday and Sunday. You will be able to see the very

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Thu 18 Oct, 19:30

Celebrating the sound of a generation Magic of Motown 2018 The Hexagon, The Hexagon Theatre, Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA Tickets: www.readingarts.com IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE PUBLISING IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE DUE OUT IN AUGUST 18 PLEASE EMAIL THE DETAILS TO admin@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

Tomato Lycopene and Prostate Health

By Prof T G Truscott (Keele University) and Prof Fritz Boehm (Medical Consultant, Berlin)

As men get older the risk of prostate diseases, from prostate enlargement to aggressive prostate cancer, increases. While enlargement is common in men aged over 50, the risk of getting prostate cancer is no more for such men than it is without this problem.

The main prostate disease, which DOES concern older men, is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with near 1000 new cases diagnosed every week – it can develop slowly. If you have a close male relative, such as your father or brother, with prostate cancer you are at a higher risk. This means if you have this disease your son(s) are also at a higher risk, especially so if another male relative has the disease.

One of the most common tests for prostate cancer is a blood PSA test (Protein-Specific Antigen) - while this test can sometimes be unreliable (a high PSA level may not be due to cancer) it can be useful in detecting early prostate cancer.

Lycopene and Prostate Cancer

Another trial comes from America - Omer Kucuk (Oncology Professor, Detroit) studied men with existing prostate cancer who were to have radical prostatectomy. The trial results, (published in The American Institute of Cancer Research) led Professor Kucuk to report: “Lycopene from tomato extract may not only prevent prostate cancer but may also be useful to treat prostate cancer”.

As well as these and other promising results for men with established prostate disease, what about those currently free of the disease but possibly at higher risk? Here, we believe the results of a large trial from the USA are important.

Professor Edward Giovannucci, (Harvard Medical School), has followed 50,000 men, investigating the relationship between the incidence of prostate cancer and lycopene intake. In a recent paper (published in ‘The Journal of National Cancer Institute’ - Oxford University Press), he concluded: “Dietary intake of lycopene was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer, especially lethal prostate cancer”.

Lycopene is the red colour in tomatoes - it is known to accumulate in the prostate and there is evidence that lycopene can help those with established disease as well as those at a higher risk.

A trial at Kings College Hospital, London, used Lycoplus (10mg Lycopene per day). All the men on this 1 year trial had established prostate cancer, an average age of 70, average PSA 23ng/ml and they were monitored during and at the end of the trial.

The trial results (published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases) showed that 70% of those on the trial had a significant reduction in the PSA rate or a PSA reduction. The urologists running the trial reported ‘‘Our clinical study lends weight to the probability that dietary supplementation from Lycopene [from Lycoplus] slows disease progression in men with prostate cancer”.

The reason why only 7 out of 10 men showed an improvement and 3 showed no improvement is not explained in this work. We believe some men are unable to take up sufficient lycopene and so a higher dose may have increased the number who would have benefited. This is why we have increased to dose of bio-available lycopene in Lycoplus capsules, since this trial, from 10mg to 15mg/capsule.

Nigel Johnson BBC Radio Stoke Football Commentator says:

“Tomato feast may keep prostate tumours away”

“Tomato pills that could fight prostate cancer”

The Times

Daily Mail (online)

“Tomato pill to save your life - a cancer-fighting extract found in tomatoes”

“Lycopene’s effect on preventing cancer of the prostate is near miraculous”

Daily Telegraph

The Times

While the trials so far indicate the benefits of tomato lycopene for those men with established prostate cancer, more extensive trials would be worthwhile.

However, many men are not waiting but are taking bio-available lycopene, such as Lycoplus, to reduce the risk of prostate disease and, we believe, mitigating the disease if it is already present.

What our customers say: We get many letters, emails and phone calls telling us of the success of Lycoplus. Often these tell us of a rising PSA value being stabilised or sometimes actually falling. Typically, recently a new customer from South Wales has told us his PSA has fallen 25% after only 12 weeks of taking Lycoplus.

Stay Informed: To order or for a free newsletter please call 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk

“I take Lycoplus every day to reduce prostate problems and maintain my good health.”

Natural Lycopene

What the papers say:

Supplement

Each lycoplus one-a-day capsule contains 15mg of natural lycopene plus 60mg of Vitamin C and 10 mg of vitamin E. These enhance the effect of the lycopene supplement.

One box of 30 capsules (one month’s supply) £17.95 Save

Save

Save

£5.00

£16.00

£49.50

£30.90

£55.80

£130.00

2 boxes

4 boxes

All prices include free UK postage & packing

10 boxes

George & Partners Limited, Keele University Science Park, Staffordshire ST5 5NL

To order or for a FREE Newsletter call freephone 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk

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HEALTH

At The Berkshire Dental Laboratory in Winnersh we have many years of experience and expertise when it comes to new dentures and provide an excellent after care service.

Should I take my teeth out at night?

It is advisable to take your teeth out at night as this gives your gums a chance to recover and rest. Your denture is basically plastic and has absorbent properties so it will soak up the bacteria in your mouth. Whilst you may be advised to wear your new denture almost constantly during the first two weeks it is considered best practice to remove it at night.

Research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during a 24 hour period allows the gum tissue to rest and the roof of your mouth to breathe and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva.

This helps maintain healthy gums. I have experienced a client who required an emergency repair after his lower set came out whilst sleeping and he rolled over it so there is a another reason not to wear them at night!

I do have some patients who say they can’t sleep without their teeth in because it feels strange or they snore or they just feel too self conscious not to leave them in. If this is the case I usually suggest they remove their teeth for as long as is possible every day, perhaps when in the shower or getting dressed. Your dentures should be carefully cleaned each day so this could be an opportunity to give them a brush and put them in a cleaning solution. Taking them out for periods of time each day, in conjunction with good oral hygiene, helps reduce the risk of getting infections.

What is the best way to clean my dentures?

When you clean your original teeth you are advised to start at the same point and work your way round, cleaning all the surfaces of each tooth, twice a day. Well a denture is no

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different! Get a good brush, the ones specially designed for dentures are best.

To be effective your toothbrush needs to be changed every 3-6 months or when the bristles become splayed out. Brush the polished side and the area that fits against your gums, paying particular attention to all those spaces between the teeth and other hard to reach parts. For brushing, a good liquid soap or washing up liquid is very effective, it cleans your dishes so why not your denture!

Denture cream and toothpaste are also good. Toothpaste can be a little abrasive but, in my experience, with dentures made from modern acrylics and brushed gently with a soft brush, it does little damage. Denture soak tablets can work well, but they do have a tendency to bleach the colour from the acrylic, so please ensure you read the instructions carefully.

There are ultra sonic cleaners on the market that will help with cleaning your denture. They work by causing little shock waves that disturb and remove any debris and you can use your usual denture cleaner with them.

Using a disclosing tablet is a good way of telling if you are cleaning the whole surface and not missing any areas. After you have cleaned your denture just pop it in a cup with a disclosing tablet then any areas you have missed will be highlighted. This will help you to ensure the whole denture is thoroughly clean.

For a deep clean that you can do at home fill a container with half cool tap water and half white vinegar or baking soda.

Give the combination a mix and leave the dental appliances in the container for 20 – 30 minutes, finally brush as usual. The tartar that builds up on your dentures is a lot like limescale so this will help soften it up before brushing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember to rinse your dentures before placing them back into your mouth or you will be left with an unpleasant taste in your mouth! Of course you can visit us at the Laboratory for a polish. A high gloss surface prevents food sticking to them and keeps them in tip top shape.

How will I know when I need new dentures?

Over time our facial features change which makes the fit of the denture change and it can become uncomfortable or unnatural looking. Dentures are used every day so they get worn. This is particularly noticeable on the back teeth as they become flat and smooth.

As a rule of thumb if your dentures are over 8 years old it could be time to consider a new set. Most denture wearers require a reline every 2-3 years as the fit deteriorates. Relining means the fitted surface of the denture is resurfaced.

It is always better to get a new set before the old set becomes completely worn and unwearable as you then have a good spare.

effect on the plastic. I would advise you give your spare set a really good clean, pat them dry and put them in a plastic tub so they don’t get broken. Always keep your dentures in a good storage box out of the way when not in use. I have a steady stream of patients with dentures that need repairing or replacing as the family dog has taken an interest in them!

And finally… I would like to draw your attention to something interesting I often see. When looking at a set of dentures that have a very worn tooth surface and, when looking at them in the mouth and being unable to repeat a position that would cause this wear, I ask the patient if they eat mints. They invariably say yes and ask how I know, I say mint abuse!

Eucalyptus oil is used in a lot of mints and it will act as an acrylic solvent so you often get the contact between the teeth worn away in an unusual manner.

To find out more about our range of services contact BDL on 0118 979 7555 or enquiries@berkshiredental.co.uk.

How should I store my spare pair of dentures?

I often hear that you should leave your dentures in water to prevent warpage but in my experience they don’t warp it is more that the mouth changes slightly. We have had study dentures in the Lab for years out of water with little or no

The team at Berkshire Dental are dedicated to giving you a natural smile.

We can help with: • Free denture consultations • 12 month guarantee • Full and partial dentures

• • • •

Denture cleaning Emergency replacements Excellent customer service Easy parking

The Berkshire Dental Laboratory Telephone: 0118 979 7555 enquiries@berkshiredental.co.uk www.berkshiredental.co.uk Registered with the General Dental Council

Visit us at 385a Reading Road, Winnersh RG41 5LT (opposite Sainsbury’s)