In this issue:
60 Glorious Years
Wokingham's Celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Get the Job
Interview advice from the professionals
Not a Crumb Left
Irresistible cake recipe from Macmillan
Charity at Home
News and opportunities for local good causes
Plus
Community & business news, what's on in Wokingham, local contacts and much more.
clickberkshire.co.uk... ...be part of it! Issue 1: March 2012
Click With Us
Contents 4
Click Community
6
Wokingham Jubilee Celebrations
8
Charity & Community news.
Click Families
All the best for all the family.
Welcome...
...to the first edition of Clickberkshire.co.uk magazine, focusing on Wokingham Borough.
We would like you to be involved with ‘What’s On’ in your area and please tell us what is important to you.
Contact us about any community news you would like to spread the word about, whether it is a school fair, a charity fundraiser or a group you are involved with please let us know. So whatever you like in your Clickberkshire.co.uk magazine, you'll find much more online at www.Clickberkshire.co.uk – a site packed full of community and business news, plus a comprehensive directory of local services in your area.
12 Click Weddings
Find local suppliers for your big day.
16 What's on around Wokingham 17 Click Business
Keeping you on top of the issues.
We are looking to publish four editions of Clickberkshire.co.uk magazine each year, focusing on Wokingham Borough initially with other boroughs to follow.
19 Get the job: Interview Advice
So wherever you live in Berkshire, if you have something to shout about, please let us know! Keep in touch
21 Click Move & Improve Home and garden ideas.
All the best.
28 Your Horoscope 30 Competitions
30 Macmillan Cake Recipe Harriet Slingo Publisher ClickBerkshire Magazines are published by:
Click Counties Ltd 48 Martineau Lane, Hurst, Reading, RG10 0SF
All material in this publication is protected by copyright: nothing may be reprinted without permission. All material is published in good faith, and every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents but the publishers have no responsibility for any loss damage or distress resulting from the use of nformation contained herein. The publisher has no liability for any loss caused by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by the omission of an advert or article, or any error or misprint. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers.
Click Contact Us
Editorial: David Mcluckie davidmcl66@yahoo.co.uk 07747 364 959
Advertising: Harriet Slingo wokingham@clickberkshire.co.uk 07725 740311
Or visit us online, there's lots to see!
www.clickberkshire.co.uk
Click Community In each issue we will be featuring a number of locally based charitable organisations that offer support at a local, national or international level. These will include a variety of causes such as children, health, international aid and social inclusion. If you'd like your favourite charity to feature in a future edition, please email us at wokingham@clickberkshire.co.uk .
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For more information, pictures and availability contact Kathy on 07963 233407 or at ksamson@tiscali.co.uk
Love at the Last
The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity. The death of a child is the worst thing most of us can imagine. The Rainbow Trust works with families whose child has a terminal or life threatening illness. They provide emotional and practical support, free of charge, from diagnosis, through treatment and after the child has died, for as long as the family needs it. Founder, Bernadette Cleary began the work when she was asked for help by a close friend whose 12yearold daughter, had terminal cancer. Word got out, and within months, she had more requests for help than she could ever cover on her own. In 1986 Rainbow Trust was set up in the shed at the bottom of her garden. Now, in their 25th Anniversary year, they help 1,170 families each year. But that's still only 10% of the families that need help and they need your support to do more. There's loads to do it's not just money they need. Find out more at www.rainbowtrust.org.uk. Anisah has bone cancer. She has had to spend long periods of time in hospital away from her brothers and sisters. Her support worker is Linda.
Charity Begins at Home in Berkshire Berkshire Community Foundation
You would have to live on a different planet not to realise that Government belt tightening is a way of life these days. What might not be so obvious is the huge impact that funding cuts are having on the voluntary sector and the remarkable teams who deliver vital caring and support services where they are most needed.
But help is very much at hand in the shape of Berkshire Community Foundation: an organisation which connects people who want to give with local needs and causes which really matter to them. Funds donated are used to create endowments which are then distributed as grants to community and voluntary groups who provide vital services where they are most needed in Berkshire. CEO Andrew Middleton explains,
‘ We would like to see the generosity of Berkshire residents benefitting Berkshire, and more and more people are supporting our Think Local Give Local Campaign. Charity really does begin at home when you donate to BCF.’
To learn more about BCF, how you can help, and how it could help your good cause, please visit www.berkshirecf.org
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Andrew Middleton with the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire.
Click Community
Click Community
PAINTINGTHETOWNRED,WHITE&BLUE The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
If there's one thing Wokingham is renowned for, it's doing big community events very, very well.
Think of the Winter Carnival, the May Fayre or the Food & Drink Festival. Then think bigger.
Because this year's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations are going to be the biggest thing ever to hit town. With a whole weekend of entertainment for all ages, two huge concerts, and the whole town centre transformed into a giant restaurant for The Big Jubilee Lunch, this is going to be something that people remember for a generation.
Wokingham Town Council
And we want you to be part of it. How? By coming and enjoying yourself, and bringing your friends and family and making a day of it.
Look at our website, jubilee.wokinghamtc.gov.uk and see what's planned. Sign up for our email newsletter so we can let you know about all the other stuff that is the pipeline.
And come the 2nd and 3rd of June, come out and throng the streets and help make Wokingham's Celebrations not just the Best in Berkshire but the Best in Britain.
THE JUBILEE WEEKEND
Saturday 2nd June Jubilee Choral Concert
Possibly the largest musical event ever in Wokingham with more than 250 singers and musicians performing music with royal associations and patriotic favourites.
Sunday 3rd June The Big Jubilee Lunch
Tables for 1500 people in and around Market Place. Music, street entertainers and dancers. Enjoy a £5 Jubilee Special from one of more than 20 restaurants, or bring your own Jubilee Picnic.
Sunday 3rd June The Big Jubilee Gig
6 hours of music for all the family from every decade of the Queen's reign. Absolutely Free!
For full details: jubilee.wokinghamtc.gov.uk 6
Buy and sell quality nearly new AND new baby and kids' items. They grow up fast don't they? Turn round twice and all those cute new clothes are too small (but hardly worn) and your house is filling up with bundles of baby bricabrac.
Baby & Children's Markets offer a stunningly simple solution to the problems of toddler clutter: no uploading photographs, no wrapping and coding and no commission. Just book a stall, and sell your unwanted gear at a price of your choosing. Free up your cupboard space, earn some extra cash and present another set of parents with a bargain. And you're recycling and saving waste as well: it ticks all the boxes. We also welcome business sellers: We are always on the lookout for beautiful new products and gifted designers to showcase.
Baby & Children's Markets regularly take place at venues all around the county go to www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk to find one near you, or call us on 07881 641614. Woodley 21st April – Bulmershe Leisure Centre More details and locations near you on our website
Click Family
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Click Weddings It's your big day and you want it to be just that yours 足 unique and distinctive. Fortunately there are hundreds of local, quality suppliers to add the bespoke finishing touches to your preparations. Find more online, with exactly what you're looking for at www.clickberkshire.co.uk
From a single rose to an elaborate, tailored arrangement, Wokingham's independent florists are here to offer you our expertise, our warm, personal service and, of course, our passion for beautiful fresh flowers.
0118 932 8050 www.belindarayflowers.co.uk
Click Weddings
WHAT'S ON Around Wokingham
Click Listings
Go to clickberkshire.co.uk for listings and details of events of all kinds: far more than we can print here! And some of them even have special offers for our readers. If you're running an event, send us details and we'll put it on the website. And we'll put what we can in the print edition as well.
COMEDY Mark Steel’s In Town 7 March Norden Farm Centre Awardwinning comedian presents the recording of his Radio 4 sgow, in which he explores the "quirkiness and interesting aspects" of Maidenhead. 01628 788997 or www.nordenfarm.org
CHARITY SHOW Royal Berkshire Hospital League of Friends Talent Night. 17 March Shinfield Theatre I’ve always had a suspicion that doctors were all frustrated actors. You can find out, when staff from the RBH take to the stage in this fundraiser for the hospitals League of Friends. Who knows if a medical superstar will be discovered...? 0118 322 8592 or lofroyalberks.org.uk SCIENCE Reading Science Week 9 16 Match, various venues. Lots of events celebrating science, engineering and technology. From science buskers in the town centre to star gazing at Reading University, theres something for all the family. More info at: www.britishscienceassociation.org/readingscienceweek SPORT Resolution Runs 17 March Swinley Forest Was your new year’s resolution to take more exercise? How’s it going? The Resolution Run is here to help you with a choice of 5, 10 or 15km routes, it’s aimed at all levels, and will raise funds for the Stroke Association. www.stroke.org.uk or 020 7566 1525 for more information. MUSIC Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra Anniversary Concert Wellington College, 24th March Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra celeabrates 20 years with a programme featuring the ever popoular Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto, with up and coming pianist Julian Clef as soloist. www.crowthorneorchestra.com
KIDS The Big Dinosaur Show Lookout Discovery Centre until 6 May Help a herd of Stegosaurus to survive a number of dangerous challenges. Find out what the breath of a T Rex smelt like and how much poo the biggest dinosaurs made! Endless fun for dinoobsessed kids from 4 up. 01344 354400 or www.bracknellforest.gov.uk BUSINESS Wokingham Curry Club The Square Bar, 12th March Informal, friendly meeting for local business people with the added attraction of great curry. www.wokinghamcurryclub.co.uk
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Click Business
Sponsored by:
Click Business Fancy being your own boss? The Real Business Club
For those who have always wondered about starting their own business Wokingham is happy to boast it's very own enterprise club aptly called The Real Business Club. Meeting every couple of months at TradeMark Windows on Fishponds Road the club provides face to face expert advice and support to those starting in business or wishing to move their business to the next level. Now running for the last 2 1/2 years it has gone from strength to strength and over 500 entrepreneurs and professionals have accessed practical help to move their business aspirations forward.
Whether you are thinking about starting a business, would like to meet people who have taken the plunge, want to start a new career following redundancy or just returning to work after bringing up a family, the club can help guide you through what it might be like to be in charge of your own destiny. The next club dates are 12th March 14th May
Getting your finances right Creative ways to build your business
Alongside the club events The Real Business develops bespoke business development and training programmes for startups, SME's, councils and large corporates. To find out more and book your place visit www.therealbusinessclub.co.uk.
HOW CAN THE FSB BENEFIT MY BUSINESS? The Federation of Small Businesses
There are currently over 200,000 members nationwide and with that many members – as you can imagine – the FSB have enormous buying power to benefit small businesses. Some of these services will include a legal advice line – just one phone call a year will pay your membership. Just being a member of the FSB will minimise your risk of an Inland Revenue inspection, and by being a member you have the financial support should you have an inspection. There are also a number of low cost, high impact networking events. In the East Berkshire region alone – Wokingham through to Slough – we hold over 60 networking events a year We also lobby government on behalf of small businesses – and the government listens. There are two major campaigns running at the moment – “KEEP TRADE LOCAL”, which is vital in the current economic climate and “SUPPORTING BRITAINS ENTREPRENEURS”, who are vital for the growth of the UK. If you want to know more about how membership can benefit you, please drop me an email and I will ask one of my colleagues to contact you. Richard Knight, Chair of East Berskhire region. richard@focal.co.uk 19
Looking for Employment? Want a new Job? Professional advice from Barbara Patrick of compellingcvs.co.uk
Click Business
Although a professional CV plays a vital role in employability, it’s not the only factor at play. You need to differentiate yourself.
Personal Branding Is your online persona what you want potential employers to see? Adjust your privacy settings on social networking sites and always use a professional email address for job applications; sign up for a free hotmail or googlemail account.
Personal Development Improve your employability by continually acquiring and developing new skills. Be realistic but do stretch yourself. Commit to acquiring the skills you need to secure your ideal job, enrol for online or local college courses, and read good quality publications.
CV and Cover Letters For most vacancies, a chronological CV, with work experience listed in reverse order, works best.
● Include key skills and add credibility with ‘evidence’ of your achievements, eg ‘consistently exceeded targets by 20%’. ● Use positive verbs and adverbs throughout, eg “initiated”, “managed”, “project managed”, but don’t overdo it. ● Add transferrable skills such as multitasking or working to tight deadlines. Also include hobbies such as independent travel, languages, study, sports or volunteering, provided they equip you with transferrable skills. ● Provide details of special equipment or software that you’ve used. This helps differentiate you from other applicants. ● Use bullet points not narrative, keep the content concise, and leave plenty of “white space” to make the CV easy on the eye. Write a cover letter outlining why you are interested in the role and why you think you’re suitable. Word the letter to fit the job description, including relevant key words. Adapt your CV in the same way. Proofread and spell check everything at least twice. If you’re invited to interview You can’t do too much preparation. Research the employer and the job thoroughly, and prepare some interesting questions.
Compelling CV's in Reading offers: Interview Skills Training, LinkedIn Profiles, Personal Statements, Cover Letters and, of course, compelling, professionallywritten CV's.
● Our CVs are fully bespoke, based on your experience, skills and achievements. ● Working from the Recruiter’s perspective, we work alongside you to build on your strengths and to optimise your employability. ● Our service is highly personalised. We don’t use templates and we don’t clone our clients. You’re unique and so is your CV. ● We also provide covering letters, LinkedIn profiles and personal statements, together with interview skills coaching and advice from school leaver to executive level. Invest in your future and get ahead of the game with Compelling CVs. Call us today.
www.compellingcvs.co.uk
Tel: 0118 988 7628
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C l i ck B
e r k s hi
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Click Move & Improve
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www.clearcutgardens.co.uk For emergencies please call 07515 122375
YOUR STARS IN MARCH By Astrologer Christine Chalklin The Cosmos during March
We are heading towards longer and warmer days, and with the spring equinox on Tuesday the 20th and a powerful new moon in Aries on the 22nd there is renewed strength and vitality available for all. Enjoyment and prosperity are also emphasised as benevolent Jupiter and harmonious Venus are both in sensual Taurus. Reconnecting with love, art, music and all things beautiful should be a priority to lift your sprits and help to access your potential. Impatience may cause concern as communicative Mercury marches through Aries, but this will all slow down as the retrograde motion begins on the 12th. It is always wise to look before you leap with Mercury retrograde, and don’t forget to check all communications and travel plans as the trickster always likes a laugh at our expense!
ARIES MARCH 21 APRIL 20
Your ruler, energetic Mars, is in retrograde motion all month and may bring a halt to certain projects. This may seem like a hindrance, but in truth you probably need to double check your plans. Mid month brings a spectacular alignment with transformational Pluto and new ideas are revealed.
TAURUS APRIL 21 MAY 21
Venus, the goddess of love and your planetary ruler, moves into your sign on the 5th. Are you ready for a new romance, or just some quality time to concentrate on yourself and bring new pleasures into your life? The 14th could bring amorous surprises as Venus aligns positively with Mars.
GEMINI MAY 22 JUNE 21
The full moon on the 8th illuminates the domestic area of your chart and challenges you to really think about your living arrangements. Mars in productive Virgo continues to fire you up to make positive changes and your endless enthusiasm ensures a successful outcome.
CANCER JUNE 22 JULY 22
The new moon in pioneering Aries on the 22nd, challenges you to take another look at your professional life. Are you really getting what you want and do you feel appreciated? Communicative Mercury, retrograde after the 12th, brings innovative and inspiring ideas to the surface.
LEO JULY 23 AUGUST 23
A spectacular alignment of Venus and Jupiter on the 14th could illuminate some interesting developments in your professional life. With transformational Pluto and Mars also joining in, this is a great time to strengthen your reputation and make important and advantageous connections.
VIRGO AUGUST 24 SEPTEMBER 22
Mars is retrograde in your sign all month supplying you with added energy to refocus and re establish your personal goals. This is a fantastic time to identify your strengths and to take positive action to rectify situations that may have previously felt frustrating or repressive.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 OCTOBER 23
This could turn out to an amazingly lucky month for Librans. Bountiful Venus and expansive Jupiter are cuddling up in the financial area of your chart. Optimism and enthusiasm should be at their peak and innovative projects started now could turn out to be very successful. 28
Click Horoscopes SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 NOVEMBER 22
Expansive Jupiter and bountiful Venus are in your opposite sign of Taurus, bringing up your innermost feelings and desires. Refocusing and review become necessary now. It's time to re examine how you have been handling your assertiveness in relationships and with family.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 DECEMBER 21
Sagittarians feel a wave of new energy at the start of this month. Three planets activate the most creative and fun loving part of your chart. Your popularity is on an upward trend and others will find you particularly attractive and friendly. Spread the joy and have a ball!
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 JANUARY 20
Three planets in the domestic sector of your chart herald a busy start to the month. Many issues concerning you home and family could come to head now. Stern Saturn, your ruling planet, is in Libra and helps you to find a more balanced way of coping with any difficulties.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18
All things around communication and learning are illuminated during March. Your ruler, the maverick planet Uranus, demands innovative and creative thinking on all levels. You’ll enjoy the challenge of tackling a variety of new subjects and making brilliant new connections.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19 MARCH 20
Expansive Jupiter and the love planet Venus light up a pivotal sector of your chart. During this cycle there should be a powerful mental connection with your creative selfexpression. You should be very proud of your ideas and have no trouble expressing them smoothly.
NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE COSMIC TIDES OF 2012
Would you like to know how you can get in touch with your personal power and be the very best version of yourself in 2012? I can help you to discover your purpose, achieve personal transformation and work towards achieving your dreams.
I am also a trained life coach and a practitioner of Bach flower essence therapy and I offer a full motivational and transformational coaching programme. By using cosmic awareness you can plan your year ahead by tuning into productive planetary cycles. You can also gain the clarity and insight needed for optimal abundance and success. Overcome your fears and anxiety and replace them with assertiveness and selfconfidence. Consultations are available in person, on the telephone or Skype. Gift vouchers are also available. Please contact me for more information.
Christine Chalklin Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach www.restyleyourlife.co.uk christine@restyleyourlife.co.uk Telephone: 07813 483549 29
Click To Win
Are you Feeling Lucky? It's Competition Time
At clickberkshire.co.uk we've got new competitions all the time: sometimes it's a huge discount on one of our member's services, sometimes it's a total freebie: here are just three of our current ones. THE BIRD IN HAND Win dinner for two and a bottle of wine
PRECIOUS MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY Win a Free photo shoot, and a ÂŁ50 voucher to spend on prints. BLOCK & DECK HalfÂprice gutter cleaning
It's simple: go to clickberkshire.co.uk, register your name and email and click on as many competitions as you want to enter. When we make the draw, we email the winner a voucher to take to the business to claim their prize. Let us make you day!
COMPETITIONS