Eye Magazine June 2021 Issue 101 by Village Eye Magazines

Priceless!

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The area’s favourite monthly magazine

GLOBAL Business Awards

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2021

Issue 101 June 2021 reaching 11,500 households

Parkway Newbury The perfect balance of High Street brands & Independent Boutiques

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Ready, Jet ,Ganoyo!u Wheretracvel to? now

Bapgate! When is a bread roll not a bread roll?

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WIN A MASSAGE THE AREA’S FAVOURITE LOCAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Tigers Children Love Outdoor Learning Outdoor learning in early years settings is important as it supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles and offers children opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement.

It promotes confidence and well-being as well as giving an experience of the weather and seasons. Here at Tigers we have amazing outdoor facilities that the children use daily.

Spaces available call us for more details

www.tigersdaynurseries.co.uk | 0118 930 3000 16 Church Street, Theale, Berkshire, RG7 5BZ

5 GLOBAL Business Awards

Winner

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Why you’ll always find a rugged, respectful, underplayed consistency at the heart of Tom Hardy’s approach to work, parenthood and life itself.

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17. Do what you’ve always done, always get what you’ve always got. Karen Hartshorn from Tarragon Nutrition tells us how to change our lives with one simple step!

6. Bapgate! When is a bread roll not a bread roll? When you’re in the North East, North West and parts of the Midlands apparently.

22-23. On the Move Are you planning a home move in 2021? Perhaps your dream home is right here. Take a look at what’s on offer with David Cliff this month.

7. Win a full body Massage We have teamed up with Re:You Massage for the chance to win a 60 minute massage and TWO vouchers for an Indian Head Massage. And relax. 8. Ready Jet, Go The introduction of the new traffic light system is here. We take a look at some of the destinations on the list and where you might be able to visit this year.

24-31. Pink Pages Electrician? Roofer? Windows? Whatever you are looking for, check here first! All of our C advertisers are following PHE guidelines and wearing PPE M when necessary. Y

34. Brain Training Take a tea break and have aCM bash at our Brainteasers this month. MY

keep it local!

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The area’s favourite monthly magazine

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The Village Eye is brought to you by Pinktomato Ltd, a local, independent creative design and marketing company. All content within the publication is copyright of Village Eye. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates, times, URLs and telephone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. Registered Address: Butlers Lands Farm, Mortimer, RG7 2AG

We have some great competitions for you in this issue, all of which will improve your wellbeing!

As always, we’d like to extend a big thank you to our readers, our advertisers and our contributors. Please mention Village Eye when contacting our advertisers. Have a lovely, sunny June!

11,500 house

K 40. Historic Theale In part 3 of our ‘Yesteryear’ series, this month, we bring you some old pictures of Theale. Where do you recognise?

Why not start by planning a visit to Parkway Shopping Newbury, our cover sponsor this month? Parkway offers a delightful shopping experience by combining the big high street brands with gorgeous independent boutique stores. You can read more about some of their independent traders on page 10 and they can’t wait to see you back!

You can win a set of three yoga sessions from Roho Yoga, a massage from Re:You and a The Full Works Package from master barber Maximus Molyneux in Spencers Wood. Get entering! You’re worth it.

June 2021 reaching

37. Dadgets With Father’s Day at the end of the month, our CY ‘Dadgeteers’ have come up with a selection of suitably ‘Dad’ style CMY gifts just for him.

We’re delighted to bring you June’s issue of Village Eye magazine as it’s absolutely bursting with ideas on how to make the most of the warmer weather and, if all has gone according to plan, by the time you read this England should be on track for a full removal of all legal limits on social contact by 21st June. The sun has started to shine on us in more ways than one, so let’s get out there and enjoy it!

Issue 101

12. Bug’s Beauty Looking a little pasty? Has the dull, rainy weather ensured a chalky white complexion? This month, Bug brings us her pick of the best fake tans on the market right now.

Hello June

Priceless!

4. Community News Who do you know in our Community News round-up? We’ve been finding out all the news around the villages to make sure we keep you up-to-date!

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What’s inside

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The perf ect balance of Street bran High Indepen ds & dent Boutique s

(when is a bread roll not a bread roll?)

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Editor: Hellen Shaw Sub Editor: Jackie Stuart Advertising: Lindsey Barker Social/Design: Holly Chrisp Beauty: Amelia Baird Motoring: Adam Tudor-Lane

MONTHL Y MAGAZIN

Film Buff: Gardening: Finance: Travel: Wellbeing: Fitness:

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news - please call the team 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

Rob Barnes Jordan Curtis Mark Penston Michelle Goulding Karen Hartshorn Steve Shreeve

BUDDY ST MARY’S

One of the special things about living in a village is how it comes together to support the community. Burghfield St Mary’s School has asked local businesses to support them in raising money for their school fund, and boy, have they got it! On a Sunday in May, Burghfield Spices agreed that if any customers quoted ‘Burghfield St Mary’s Fundraising’, they would donate the profits from those customers to the school. A profit of £1195 was declared and Mashiur Rahman Buddy, owner of Burghfield Spices, generously rounded this up to £2000. The Greenham Trust have agreed to match this pound for pound through their Good Exchange platform. So, that’s an absolutely incredible £4000 raised for this village school in a single day. Headteacher, Anthony Gallagher, said “The response from our local community in supporting our fundraising for the environment lodge has been overwhelming. In just a very short period of time we have been able to raise to nearly £6500 to fund the lodge. I would like to particularly say a huge thank you to Buddy at Burghfield Spices.” And it doesn’t stop there! The Fox & Hounds in Theale, also keen supporters of Burghfield St Mary’s, are running a Summer Fun Day on 14th August to raise money for the school’s new woodland project. It promises to be a great day out for all ages with live music from three bands, BBQ food, and a bouncy castle for the kids. There will also be market stalls selling crafts, local produce and gifts. If you would like a stall at the event and would like to support a local school, contact Sean on foxandhounds@butcombepubs.com

TRISTAN CONQUERS EVEREST & RAISES MONEY FOR FOODBANK

Local school boy, Tristan Bowers, has been raising money for charity since Easter by walking and running virtual hikes! Using the Conquerer app, which tracks and maps famous routes, he recently ‘virtually’ climbed Mount Everest! He told us, “I would like to give directly to my local food bank as they have given help and support to my own family when we have needed it.” After raising his first £100, Tristan went shopping himself to choose food and toiletries to donate to the local Food Bank. And he is doing more of these challenges to raise even more money! His current challenge is to trek the route around the pyramids of Giza! What an inspiration. Please support him if you can. https://gofund.me/816b3dc9

Can You Put Some Coins In The Piggy Bank? When Spencers Wood resident, Suki Player, brought home two piglets (joined later by another) she suspected they would win her heart, but deciding to start a farm sanctuary came as a surprise! It was in 2019 that they brought home Hippo, Tulip, and later Rose, after a year of research and setting up indoor and outdoor pens. Suki was very well prepared on a practical level, but told us, “I wasn’t prepared for how amazing and intelligent they would be and how much they would enjoy being part of our family.” But after a few months, Hippo was falling over and struggling to get up. After extensive tests, he was finally diagnosed with myotonia congenital which means he is unable to get up on

his own. He wears a harness so he can be lifted and he cannot be left alone for more than a couple of hours in case he falls over in the sun or rain. Hippo is now on two medications that stabilise him. Suki says, “We decided that we wanted to save more pigs in a similar position and give them a chance of life.” Suki is currently fundraising for the barns to be built which will include the isolation stalls for the pig’s area, physio room, medical room and then the pool. “We want to py thera hydro a lling insta bedrooms, eventually ls to live their best help pigs like Hippo and other vulnerable anima ” life. e find them on To get involved and follow their journey, pleas nmillion Facebook at www.facebook.com/weloveyoute

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

eye

CAPTAIN SIR TOM’S BURGHFIELD RUMBLE

Community News

Across the first weekend in May, which would have seen epic fundraiser Sir Captain Tom Moore’s 101st Birthday, charity supporters of all ages and abilities were out in force across Britain to raise money for the Captain Tom 100 appeal, organised to continue his legacy. At a ridiculously early time one Saturday morning in May, members of Burghfield Running Club (BRC) set off to start a charity relay run in aid of the Captain Sir Tom Moore Foundation. Running 3km loops of the Burghfield Common pavements (both clockwise & anti-clockwise), teams of 2 runners (with mobility walkers identical to those used by Captain Sir Tom Moore in his own epic fundraising), battled and rattled their way around the streets of Burghfield in order to finish each loop in under 30 minutes! “Our overall goal was to reach 100km in total”, said Kelly Doe, one of the event organisers. “We had a control tent set up and made sure everything was Covid secure, including wiping down each 4-wheel walker after each loop. It was really hard on the bones running with these walkers.” The runners finished around 3.30pm. To-date the event has raised over £1,300 (double its original target) and the Captain Sir Tom mannequin (originally Spratley’s ‘scarecrow’ from the Mortimer Scarecrow Trial) even made an appearance to spur the runners on. Huge thanks to BRC, Spratley’s (for the loan of Sir Tom) and Burghfield Mobility Service (loan of walkers and infrastructure). You can find out more about the Burghfield Running Club by looking them up on Facebook and there is still time to donate to their charity page at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/ BurghfieldRunningClub1

TADLEY’S FINAL TREK

Over the last weekend of May, four valiant volunteers from Tadley Rugby Club are taking part in an Ultra Challenge called The Final Trek.

With over 60 participants in all, most from the world of grassroots rugby, the challenge consists of walking 80 miles - through the night to raise money for Rugby Against Cancer. This charity supports grassroots rugby players and their immediate families dealing with cancer. The walkers will begin outside of Guy’s Hospital Cancer Care Centre, joined by members of Guy’s Hospital RFC – the oldest rugby club in the world - and then cross London before heading through Hampshire to Portsmouth Rugby Club to a hero's welcome. If you would like to donate, search The Final Trek 2021 on the Just Giving website.

A CUNNING PLAN ME’LORD With the theatre industry and the hospitality industry both being hit so hard over the last year, we just knew that our readers would want to know about this event. Get Friday 11th June in your diary because touring thespians, Half Cut Theatre, are bringing their riotous energy to a performance of Shakespeare’s 12th Night, a timeless story of mistaken identity, trickery and boiling passions. It will be performed in the beautiful garden of The Cunning Man in Burghfield who told us, “We’re really looking forward to hosting Half Cut Theatre in June. Our customers are keen to enjoy some summer entertainment and we’re excited for Twelfth Night.” Tickets are free to reserve and then you Pay What You Decide after the performance. Book your tickets at: www.halfcuttheatre.co.uk or scan this code:

Tickets

Pay What You Decide after the show

Praise for Half Cut Theatre’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Hour”

★★★★★

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Bapgate!

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When is a bread roll not a bread roll? When you’re in the North East, North West and parts of the Midlands… Picture the scene. You’ve just sat down with some friends for a cheeky portion of fish and chips (complete with a bread roll). After all, in for a penny in for a few extra few lbs on the waistline… Adding a chip butty really isn’t going to do any more damage - is it? Then one of your fellow diners says, “Ah, you’ve got a Stottie” (in his broad Geordie accent). “A Scottie?” I ask. “Never heard of that one,” I say. “That’s a proper Stottie,” came the reply. I don’t think so… It’s just a bread roll? Then one of the other friends chimes in, “I call it a Barm cake.” Really? There was only one way to settle the argument. Snap a pic, post it onto our Facebook page and ask our fans and readers to determine what it is really called.

In Wigan, shove a pie in your bap and you’ll have ‘yerself’ a Wigan Kebab. You wouldn’t want ‘owtelse’ !

Now, the virality of the post only added to the confusion. Here in the home counties, we are quite happy with a Bap or Roll, but Barm Cakes, Bin Lids, Tea Cakes, Oggies and even Spaniels all made the debate, and we were no closer to receiving any breadification on the matter. There was only one thing to do. Ask the experts... And the lovely folks at Warburtons in Bolton were only too happy to oblige: “Our family of bakers has been baking since 1876 and we’re pretty sure this topic has being debated all that time! Be it a cob, barm, bap or stottie, we just roll with it and enjoy the butty!”

Bap Map!

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Interesting but pointless fact:

What happened next can only be described as barmy. In the days that followed, this simple post asking people to settle the dispute amassed over 2.5Million views, 600 shares and received a whopping 105K comments. It even caused an evening of debate on BBC Radio Berkshire! At the time of going to print, the virality of this post continues to be nothing short of bonkers, with numbers continuing to climb. Everyone, it seems, has an opinion - and are very precious about the name of their favourite bread product. It just depends on where you hail from.

And what of our local bakers, Warings? Lucky for us, it turns out that Warings’ very own Daniel Carr, is on the Board of the Craft

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What do you call them? Bakers Association. Surely he’d know? “If I’m telling you with my Warings hat on,” he said, “It’s got to be a bap”. “If what you are putting in it is, say, a burger or chips to make a chip butty - then it is going to be a bap every time. Rolls by definition can contain cheese and you wouldn’t eat a cheese bap would you?! Also, baps are enriched with ingredients which make them softer. Who wants a crunchy chip butty?” And with his Craft Bakers Association hat on? “Ah,” came the reply. “We simply can’t get into that. It would be breadsticks at dawn. We are divided.” We wrapped up the conversation there! Next month? We are going to stick with bread and ask the audience what makes the perfect crisp sandwich? Pass us a packet of Smith’s Salt & Vinegar square crips, we’re on it!

2.5 million views 122K comments

The Hatchgate BEER GARDEN READY fine indian cuisine the hatchgate burghfield , RG30 3TH

www.burghfieldspices.com

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

0118 983 4040 Follow us to keep updated, locally

Food for Thought A huge well done and shout-out to the parents and staff over at Jubilee Day Nurseries. So far this year, they have generously donated a magnificent 529.7kgs of food to the West Berkshire Foodbank. Like for like, this weight is around the same as a small caravan! This fantastic amount of food equates to around 1112 meals which, we are sure will be distributed to those who need it most in our community. In a time when the local foodbank is being used more than it ever, if you’d like to make a donation, Tesco Express, Burghfield Common & Budgens of Mortimer both have collection points. For other ways to donate, visit https://westberks.foodbank. org.uk/give-help/donate-food/

Win a

Win

60 MINUTE MASSAGE AND TWO VOUCHERS FOR AN INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing set, visit www.villageeye.co.uk and answer the following question:

07940 785472

Where is Fiona’s business located currently? a: Mortimer, b: Grazeley, c: Burghfield Competition closes midnight, 30th June Ts & Cs apply

, y d Rea ! o G Jet , e ey R

o, it looks like some of us may finally be jetting off for some fun in the sun this summer. As lockdown continues to ease and popular holiday destinations prepare to welcome back their much needed tourism trade, we take a look at where you lucky lot might be able to head off to… And there are a few surprises on the list!

Azores Whether your much needed getaway takes you to Malta, Gibraltar or even South Dakota, we take a look at where you might be allowed to travel in the coming months. There are 3 important factors to bear in mind for any leisure traveller this year; FCDO advice Is the FCDO advising UK citizens to travel to that country? Is that country letting in people from the UK? (up to date information can be found on gov.uk website - below).

8 8

As travel restrictions start to ease, where could you be heading this summer? The now infamous traffic light system This sets out the rules for your RETURN to the UK (see table on the opposite page). Is the country you want to visit on the red list? Are you willing to travel to an amber destination and selfisolate for a maximum of 10 days (5 with test to release), or is it a green list country with minimum restrictions? Please bear in mind that currently with all these options, you will still need PCR tests before you return to the UK and once back in the UK. These are expected to decrease in price dramatically over the coming weeks. We understand that the Government will decide which destinations will be on which list based on the following criteria: The percentage of a country’s population that have been vaccinated, rate of infection, the prevalence of variants of concern and the country’s access to reliable scientific data and genomic sequencing. Whilst the Department for Transport has said it is still “Too early to predict which exact countries will be on which list over the summer.” At the time of writing, exact permissible destinations are still being finalised and secured. Here’s what we can gather (and, as with all things COVIDrelated, this may be subject to change);

Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Iceland, Gibraltar, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Israel & Jerusalem Brunei Faroe Islands. These are all on the green list. However, if you take into account the 3 step factors, it would still not be possible to enter most of the countries listed as at May 17th. The FCDO advice is updated daily and the traffic light list will be updated every 3 weeks, with countries being added or removed from their current green, amber and red status. For the next announcement due in early June, although it is unsure which countries will be on the all important ‘green list’, early indications are that the Caribbean, USA, the Greek Islands may make the cut. Our best advice? Seek the professional advice of a travel professional!

Iceland

For the latest guidance visit: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

eye Travel

Greece Do you want to get away but are not confident about booking? This is something our travel industry are addressing very well. Especially so if you book using a reputable independent travel company like Triangle Travel or Travel Counsellors. You could book online, but the complexity of booking your much needed holiday is simplified when you use a real person. A real person at an ABTA/ATOL protected company will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date destination information and a real person (rather than an internet robot) will almost certainly provide peace of mind about what can be done to reimburse, relocate or amend any bookings which have been made if required. Even better still, the prices that the independent agents are able to secure are often better than online too. This is because, they more often than not, have direct contact with the airlines, destinations and resorts. Using a real person also means that you’ll be treated as an individual, with your own holiday needs, wants and must-haves being taken into account. The advice from our independents? We know it’s a cliché but the message is “Don’t delay - book today!” With limited destinations on the lists, places will fill quickly and it is also possible that some prices on flights and accommodation will rise once things start to move again.

Malta Triangle Travel: www.triangletravel.co.uk Jessica 0118 933 1177 Travel Counsellors: www.travelcounsellors.co.uk Michelle Goulding: 0118 329 0066 michelle.goulding@travelcounsellors.com

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

PKY Spring Back A-scale copy.pdf 1 09/04/2021 PKY Spring Back A-scale copy.pdf 1 09/04/2021 16:04 16:04

Parkway Shopping The perfect balance of High Street brands & Independent Boutiques

Parkway Shopping is set to have a bumper summer this year. With the incredible 50,000 sq.ft. Next store opening soon alongside other new arrivals The SweetBox, 21/12 Barbers and Mr Simm’s Old Sweet Shop, you can be sure that Parkway remains one of Berkshire’s favourite shopping destinations. Come and meet some of the independent boutique owners and find out just how Parkway Shopping champions and supports, not only the big high street brands, but also those just starting out with a dream… Meet Carrie Dallas, Owner of Luna Boutiques. I love clothes and I love people. When I moved out of London I felt that we were missing a place that brought them together. I started Luna to create a bright and inspiring store to lift the spirits while supplying great clothes and accessories. The team at Parkway gave me some much needed breathing space & support during lockdown to get stock in place for reopening and get back on my feet with my exciting new (up-sized) store! Parkway is a wonderful place to be because we are part of a lovely group of retailers who all support each other. Opening a store is very hard work so you absolutely have to love your product and people and have a huge work ethic. If you’ve got these in place then go for it! www.lunaboutiques.co.uk

Meet Peter Baranyai, Owner of The Sweetbox My passion for desserts started when I was about 6 years old. I always wanted to help my mother in the kitchen when she made desserts. I qualified as a pastry chef around 30 years ago and I knew back then that I wanted to have my own shop one day. I worked in a number of high profile hotels and shops over the years, including the biggest pastry shop in Budapest and fine dining restaurants in London where I was head pastry chef. When I moved to Newbury to start working in the Vineyard Hotel, my dream of starting my own cake shop was still with me.

I began to plan more seriously and now, here we are. The Parkway team have been a marvellous support throughout the process – more than I could have wished for - and I am pleased to say that I have now realised my dream of opening The Sweet Box at Parkway Newbury with Greg Seregi my best friend. Come and try our desserts, coffee and ice-cream!

Meet Aaron Daws, Owner of 21|12 Barbers. Owning my own barber shop has always been a dream of mine. I wanted to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where clients of all ages can feel at home. Our clients are our priority, so whether you want to come for an awesome haircut, or pop in to tell us how that interview went, our doors are always open at 2112.

You can always turn to Parkway staff for assistance!

www.the-sweetbox.co.uk

If you truly have a dream - go for it! I really believe if you love your brand and truly believe in your vision, that passion will trickle through to your clients, staff, and local community. www.2112barbers.com

The Parkway team has been awesome in helping getting set up, supporting with marketing and promotions, and all staff generally just being so lovely!

Meet Suki Malli, Owner of DAJ Collection. We offer affordable and beautiful accessories, different to those you’d normally find on the high street. After five successful years on the outskirts of the town centre, we moved to bigger premises in Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury. We were pleasantly surprised at the help and support that was available to us as an independent business. One of the biggest factors for us during lockdown was

If you’d like to find out more about how you can open a branch of your retail business at Parkway Newbury, please call any of the numbers here:

Will Hooper williamh@lunson-mitchenall.co.uk 07761 899 924 Neil Hocklin neilh@lunson-mitchenall.co.uk 07785 504799

Filippa Mudd filippamudd@mmxretail.co.uk 07917 034807 Heny Foreman henryforeman@mmxretail.co.uk 07469 155716

the security of our premises, which was all taken care of by the fabulous security team at Parkway who provide surveillance 24-7, lockdown or no lockdown! If we have learnt anything from the last year, it is to live for each moment. If you have a dream of running your own retail business in Newbury, make it a reality and just do it! You will never know until you try. www.dajcollection.co.uk

Paul Norbury paul@orb.agency T. 01488 760100 M.07788 545550 www.orb.agency

Ditch the

Pasty With the sun peaking through the clouds, we’re starting to feel a bit ‘pasty’ here in the office.... Being tanned is often linked to selfesteem, with many women (and increasingly men too) saying they feel more confident, slimmer and healthier when they’ve ‘had a tan’. This month, I thought I’d bring my pick of this summer’s best bronzers. The last thing you want to hear in your head after slathering on a self tanner is that Oompa-Loompa song. We’ve all been duped by too-orange self tanners, no? Nothing’s worse than trying to do the right thing by avoiding the sun and arduously applying a lotion, cream, foam, gel or spray to your body, only to wind up with dark elbows and streaky legs! My top tip? Always exfoliate first, moisturise and never every try and apply without using a tanning ‘mit’!

Nip+Fab 365 Body Glow Fix, £9.95 If you’re not looking to break the bank but want an all-year-round glow, never fear! Nip+Fab’s first fake tan, the 365 Body Glow Fix, is definately a winner. The clear gel smoothes on easily, and develops into a natural colour in just four hours without leaving a trace of that horrid biscuit smell. Lovely.

Sienna X Gradual Glowing Self Tan, £15.95 Sienna X’s moisturising Gradual Glowing Self Tan lotion gives - from the spray tan experts themselves - one of the most natural tans we’ve ever seen, with a delicious coconut vanilla scent. The almond oil restores the skin’s elasticity and smoothness, while the aloe vera and cocoa butter soothes and softens. Apply two coats to achieve a deep glow which stays for days and days.

Our Fave

Fox Tan (Various starting at £10.99) is the Aussie tanning regime which is taking the world by storm! Their active formulas will see you reach your darkest real tan, with less time in the sun. Great for a confidence boost and even better for your skin - it’s hydrating, light weight and has an amazing smell too.

Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan Water Resistant, £3.49 A great fake tan doesn’t have to break the bank. Rimmel’s matte tan budget buy, which comes in a choice of two shades, provides a gorgeous natural looking bronze while keeping skin nourished and moisturised. Not only that, but this water resistant version won’t streak in the rain.

Fake Bake 60 Minutes Self Tan Liquid, £25 Fake Bake has long been one of the top go-to brands for the best fake tans, and now they’ve formulated their fastest ever developing tanning lotion that provides you with a natural sun-kissed glow in just 60 minutes. This pioneering time-saving liquid boasts a fast-drying DHA and erythrulose complex making it perfect for last minute body prepping.

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

Bug’s Beauty

FREE SUMMER VEHICLE CHECK!

If you’re lucky enough to be going away this summer, chances are, you’ll be using your car. At Spratley’s, for your peace of mind, we’ll carry out a free ‘Summer Check’ with every service carried out in June.

√ √ MOTs £45 At your local Testing Station

√

Carry out a full on-ramp visual inspection of your vehicle

Check operation and temperature of air conditioning system – re-gas at extra cost if required Check your tyres and tyre pressures and adjust as necessary

call or book online now:

0118 933 2338 e: service@spratleys.co.uk

Service | MOT | Repairs | Car Sales

60/62 Victoria Road | Mortimer | RG7 3SG

www.spratleys.co.uk

*MOT testing by appointment only. Conditions and limits apply.

hen Blackhall Studios in Shinfield opens in early 2022, it plans to bring major Hollywood film productions to the UK and create up to 3,000 new jobs in the area, including around 1,500 employed directly at the facility. According to Nick Smith, Blackhall’s UK President, the plans are to construct 500,000 square feet of stages, and buildings like offices and workshops — where you actually fabricate the film sets. “We’re building something at a scale that you could — if somebody was so inclined — house the next James Bond film, but it could be anything; James Bond, Star Wars, Jumanji... “ With 007 in mind, one of hottest contenders widely tipped to replace Daniel Craig in the Broccoli Franchise is Tom Hardy. No stranger to these parts, and having been spotted on numerous occasions in local pubs, supermarkets and generally out and about, could we be about to be treated to more sightings of the cardi-clad mystery-man in the coming months and years ahead? Let’s hope so. Mutter the word ‘enigma’ in the general direction of Tom Hardy though and the British actor will most likely respond with a blunt, slightly cursive repost. The star of Legend, Dunkirk, Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dark Knight Returns, who rose up through the ranks via some unusual diversions into rap and hip-hop (as both an artist and producer), as well as

That’s not to say he hasn’t broken cover once or twice in the past when the subject of his children has come about. His eldest, Louie, was born in 2008 from a relationship with producer/ director Rachael Speed. More recently, the birth of a girl, to second wife Charlotte Riley, came along in 2015 – although her name has never been revealed – while little Forrest turned two in December.

fashion modelling, is happy to take credit for his successes on screen, but rapidly draws a rather well inked line when the fanfare arrives. “The acclaim just doesn’t interest me because it’s all subjective,” he says. “What to some is a brilliant piece of absorbing drama could, to me, be a performance that I’ll unpick and find endless faults with; and there is no correct answer, so for that reason I take all the plaudits with a slight sense of numbness.” Hardy, 43, doesn’t mean to come across as ungrateful; it’s more than his schooling in the creative arts came from a place where the expectation to do something meaningful and noticeable was always there. After all, his father, Chips, was a confident and charismatic actor in his pomp, appearing across diverse comedy, TV drama and literature projects. “I think people take me far too seriously,” he notes. “Perhaps that’s because I used to take myself a lot more seriously. I realise now though I have become a more mellow person, and a lot of that is down to fatherhood. You accept nothing is as important as your children, and nothing else really matters.” It’s also refreshing that in a world where so many recognisable faces sell off the package of their stardom, their life and their significant others, the Peaky Blinders actor is stubbornly happy to let his talent do the talking.

14 14

“I think there is a big temptation to create our children in our own shadow, but it’s nonsense isn’t it. I mean, pretty much as soon as they arrive, you appreciate the fact these incredible little people are their own entities and, for the most part, they will do exactly what they want… and actually, that’s what you want too.” Away from parenting, Hardy’s professional ambitions have, like so many others been put on hold over the past year in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The film industry has found itself paralysed, with releases delayed and in some cases cancelled, cinemas shut down, and distributors out of pocket to the tune of billions of dollars. “It has been tough for everyone, but nothing is more important or precious than life, and there are industries and livelihoods much harder hit than mine,” he admits. Hardy does at least have a couple of projects slated for release this year, notably this month, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, then a rumoured return of Mad Max… but Hardy won’t be rushed. “I’ve always believed the value in doing something is in doing it properly, and that’s something my father taught me,” he says. “When you do what I do there are always offers coming your way to do this, try this, get involved in that, and it’s hard to turn away good opportunities. Yet it’s harder still to carry them off if you’re not fully devoted to them. “So that’s my position now – do it properly, or don’t do it.”

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Celebrity

Hardy ial Perren Why you’ll always find a rugged, respectful, underplayed consistency at the heart of Tom Hardy’s approach to work, parenthood and life itself. 15

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This is my last column for Village Eye (for now, at least), so as we come into summer I wanted to give you my top tip on how you can change your diet and lifestyle for the better.

Tel: 0118 933 3896 Text: 07951 840643

www.mortimerphysio.co.uk info@mortimerphysio.co.uk

First, a story to show you what I mean. Just over a year ago, I was really terrible at regular exercise. Even though I was a competitive rower many years ago, I was feeling frumpy and flabby. I knew if I started a drastic new exercise programme, I would either overdo it and injure myself, or lose motivation after a week and be back to square one.

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Instead I made the smallest and easiest change I could: I’ve always been a morning person, but I had gotten into the habit of sitting in bed scrolling through my phone when its alarm went off instead of getting up.

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So, I put the phone charger in a different room and bought myself an alarm clock instead. Simple as that. With the phone removed and an alarm going off, there was only one thing to do - get up and get moving. Fast forward to June 2021, and I’m still sticking with daily morning exercise.

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fact, motivation wears down over time (and even over a day), so the less of it you need to form your new habit, the better your chance of success. And that’s all there is to it. Think of the smallest, easiest change you can make to improve your life, and start doing it one day at a time. After a couple of months, you won’t even notice that you’re doing it anymore. When you’ve nailed that change, add a second one. Good luck!

About Karen Based in Burghfield Common, Karen offers confidential coaching sessions in person or via Zoom. She will help you to develop a healthy, positive relationship with food and exercise so you never have to diet again! For a free initial conversation, please contact:

0118 983 6358 07834 466090

www.tarragonnutrition.com karen@tarragonnutrition.com

What’s the lesson here? By starting small new habits, which don’t require extra motivation, you can make big positive differences. In

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

by Karen Hartshorn

Follow Karen for more tips @tarragon_nutrition

anpering

When the barber shops got the go-ahead to reopen their doors on April 12th, the reaction was incredible. Around the area, we saw lines of men and boys queuing (socially distanced, of course) outside in the sleet and snow waiting patiently for their lock down locks to be chopped and styled.

It just goes to show that men are taking just as much care over their appearance as their female counterparts these days. But it’s not just ‘a number 2 all over, mate’ and a trim of the beard. Oh, no. The barbershop experience is so much more. Not only can you get your hair cut, you can have a number of other things trimmed too; eyebrows, neck, ears and nose! And all finished off with a hot towel face wrap and a head massage….oooh, lovely.

Maximus Molyneux is a local master barber based at Chandlers in in Spencers Wood. He has been barbering for over ten years and offers everything from a basic haircut to luxury hot towel shaves. Maximus covers the whole spectrum of haircuts (including immaculate skin fades), waxing and razor shaves. He has kindly offered our readers the chance to win ‘The Gents Full Worx Package’. If you (or the man in your life) would be up for winning this, take a look below for details on how to enter! In the meantime, why not treat yourself (or your man) to a bit of ‘Manpering’ with Maxiumus. You can book his services by texting 07808 850622 or by using the Nearcut app.

Maximus has kindly offered our readers (or their menfolk) a ‘Gents Full Worx’ package which includes:

• • • • •

A gent’s haircut (clippers and scissors) Eyebrow Trim Neck shave Ear singe and nose wax Full bears trim/shape or clean shave performed with a cut throat razor and a luxurious badger brush lather. • Finished with a scented hot towel face wrap, firm head massage, • Cologne and rich facial moisturiser.

eye Win

To be in with a chance of winning, visit www.villageeye.co.uk and answer the following question: How long has Maximus been barbering? a: 5+ years b: 10+ years c: 15+ years Ts & Cs apply. Closing date June 30th 2021. Winner will be announced via our social channels on July 1st.

Arithmophobia It is hard to imagine getting through life with a fear of numbers, but there are people out there who have to. It is often related to anxiety around maths and finding it difficult to quickly calculate and deal with numbers. This anxiety can be overwhelming, especially when there’s pressure involved, and it can put people in difficult positions when they put off looking at or paying bills or avoiding job roles where numbers are involved. These phobias are a clear sign that almost anything you can think of is terrifying to someone out there.

Plutophobia

No, this is not the fear of the planet Pluto. Most of us wish we had a lot more of this stuff, but if you have plutophobia, you have a genuine fear of money and wealth. It often stems from being afraid of wealthy people or worries about the responsibilities that come with being well off or a fear of being attacked or robbed due to their wealth. It can become debilitating as people may try to avoid doing well at work to avoid promotion, and they may find it difficult to deal with their day to day life as even handling money can lead to a sense of dread.

When it comes to phobias, we all know the common ones. Arachnophobia, agoraphobia, and claustrophobia are words you’ll have heard regularly but what about nomophobia or ablutophobia? These may sound like they’re imaginary, but they really do exist and they’re amongst out top five odd phobias which you may relate to or you may think are completely barmy.

Nomophobia Believe it or not, this is real! Nomophobia, has been recognised as a genuine psychological condition and is the fear of being without your mobile phone. Loads of us have probably felt that sinking feeling when our battery has died but people with nomophobia experience excessive and sometimes unmanageable anxiety if they do not have their phone with them. It often comes hand in hand with an addiction to your smartphone or general overuse of tech and the inability to switch off. It’s certainly a sign that you need a digital detox if you’re finding it difficult to be separated from your device.

Arachibutyrophobia As phobias go, this is up there with the strangest and something which should be avoidable if you do find yourself living with it. Taken from the Greek, this phobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth. Simply avoiding peanut butter or foods of similar consistencies seems to be the best option if you have this unfortunate phobia. Some people may be able to handle small amounts of peanut butter whereas others may have the phobia alongside a nut allergy or traumatic experience such as choking.

Ablutophobia Ablutophobia is a bit of a stinky one, as it is a phobia of bathing, cleaning oneself or washing. It is something we usually find in children and improves with age, but some adults can still struggle with it. It often comes alongside a fear of water. Sometimes ablutophobia becomes an issue because someone hasn’t been able to wash for a long time and the idea of it has become frightening or they may have issues surrounding washing and cleaning due to a traumatic event in their past.

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Bug ’s Beauty

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Home

COLOUR BLOCKING

Colour blocking wall ideas can take your colour scheming to a whole new level: It’s the new must-have interior trend for both contemporary and traditional rooms. 2020 was both a difficult and unique year for homes across the country. As a lot of us have spent the last year staring at our walls, making changes in your living space quickly became a popular task for many to take on while ‘WFH” (working from home).

It’s also not a necessity to use the boldest of colours. Neutrals or whites also have a powerful effect on a blank canvas room. Using square, rectangular or even curved coloured boxes as interior design elements are beginning to show up almost everywhere.

So, it was no shock that we welcomed 2021 with a host of new interior design trends. As the lockdown continued, a lot of people felt the urge to add touches of liveliness to homes with colour and contrast.

The main rule of colour blocking is to avoid sharp contrasts. The colour pair must remain within the same sentiment. Major colours go with major ones, while minors create a beautiful union with minor ones. This is why pink looks so amazing in combination with orange, while the same pink is just unbearable when matched with light green.

The colour blocking technique by itself is not new or restricted to decorating wall ideas and has been rinsed and repeated throughout history. The contrast of bright solid colours breathes life into any space instantly.

Framed Artwork

It’s really all a balancing act between harmonizing warm and cool colours; visually heavy and light pieces; and graphic, painterly works, and photographic pieces to create a look that, as a whole, is easy on the eyes.

Mood Boarding

The purpose of a mood board is to help explore ideas and figure out the general style, mood, colours, and overall feel of a room or project space. The mood board lets you put your ideas together in one place, then take a step back to see what works well together and what doesn’t. It helps inform your design direction and avoid potentially costly mistakes down the road. The last thing you want is to put several hours into a project only to realize later it’s not going in the right direction.

Colour Scheme

Nothing is as personal as colour. Choosing a colour palette is both the most important part and yet the most daunting part for many when it comes to decorating their homes. For best results, use samples and swatches within your mood board to get an idea of what colours are harmonious to each other and what just doesn’t fit.

Adding Greenery

Not only do indoor plants enhance the overall appearance of a space, but they’ve been shown to boost moods, increase creativity, reduce stress, and eliminate air pollutants — making for a healthier, happier you. Rosebourne, Basingstoke Road, Aldermaston, RG7 4LD www.rosebourne.co.uk

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Burghfield

Country residence with annexe This 6 bedroom character home has been extensively upgraded by the current owners. It comprises the original farm cottage to the Manor together with the barn which were converted together into this fine detached dwelling in the early 1950`s. • Private location • 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms • 4 receptions • Open plan kitchen/dining/family room • Garden room and outbuildings • No onward chain • EPC rating B

£1,250,000 guide Spencers Wood Handsome Victorian Home This magnificent 4 bedroom home has been extended and greatly improved by the current owners. Situated amongst beautiful gardens approaching a quarter of an acre and offering excellent privacy. The property is full of character and charm and offering excellent family accommodation • Mature plot approaching quarter acre • 4 bedrooms • Dressing room to main bedroom • Living room and separate dining • Fitted kitchen/breakfast room • Utility and cloakroom • EPC rating D

£1,000,000 guide contact our mortimer office: phone: 0118 467 7999 email: mortimer@davidcliff.com visit: davidcliff.com

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Ground floor living This well presented, 3 bedroom detached bungalow offers flexible family accommodation and sits on a mature gated plot in the heart of Tadley. • Detached family bungalow • 3 bedrooms • En suite to main bedroom • Study/home office • Conservatory • Enclosed gardens • EPC rating D

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Burghfield Common Westbuild detached home

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Pink Pages: Trades & Services

James W Fisher Property Maintenance

PAINTING & DECORATING All interior and exterior decorating, carpentry and small building work. 25 years experience. CONTACT JAMES TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION. No job too small:

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Advertise in, or send flyers out with this magazine in July.

FROM £55 Our two magazines cover 29,500 homes with an estimated readership of 47,000 each month.

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Professional certificated arborists. 25 years experience. Fully insured. Free quotations and advise. 25 years no claims. All types of tree work and hedge work . All types of tree planting. All types of commercial and domestic in fencing.

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If you urgently need a Gas or Heating Engineer in Berkshire, look no further than Theale Gas.

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11,500 copies, 17 local villages, estimated 32,000 readers - monthly!

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NEED A NEW BOILER?

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EXPERIENCED SER VICE AT COMPE TITIVE RATES New Boiler Supply & Installation All new gas boiler installations performed to the manufacturers instructions. Boiler Repair If your boiler or central heating is not working we can assess and repair it using top quality branded parts and components. Boiler Servicing Using state of the art combustion analysers we can service your boiler and help you comply with all necessary gas safety regulations.

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ASHLEYS

REMOVALS & STORAGE 0118 983 1311

REMOVALS & STORAGE BIG ENOUGH TO COPE BUT SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE

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11,500 copies, 17 local villages, estimated 32,000 readers - monthly!

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DO YOU DREAM OF A NEW KITCHEN?

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Miles & Daughters Funeral Directors Serving Tadley and surrounding areas

Roller Garage Doors Centre

Fitting Garage Doors since 1995

✓✓Visit our showroom or request a home visit ✓✓We provide our own professional engineers ✓✓Fully insulated 7 YEAR ✓✓Custom made & British built MOTOR WARRANTY ✓✓Free no obligation quotations ✓✓Best Price Guarantee ✓✓Free 7 year motor warranty ✓✓A huge range of styles and colours ✓✓Police secured by design and insurance approved option available

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Miles & Daughters Funeral Directors are here to support and guide you. We offer a friendly, professional service to families.

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Call us for immediate support, advice or to arrange a home visit. We are here to help 24 hours a day.

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www.milesfunerals.com Funeral homes also in Winnersh, Reading, Twyford, Binfield, Crowthorne & Maidenhead.

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Pink Pages: Trades & Services MTJ PLASTERING We’ll get rid of unsightly ceilings & walls With more than 20 years of experience, you can expect the highest standards and an excellent finish every time.

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11,500 copies, 17 local villages, estimated 32,000 readers - monthly!

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Surge in Post-Lockdown Divorce and Separation? At the beginning of the pandemic, commentators widely predicted the pressure of lockdown and homeschooling would cause a surge in separation and divorce enquiries.

However recent data from the Ministry of Justice confirms that there was actually a fall in the number of divorces during lockdown and not the rise that was widely predicted. Between 1 April 2020 and 31 December 2020, the number of divorces filed in England & Wales fell by 5% compared to the previous year.

Tadley Office Sherfield House Mulfords Hill Tadley RG26 3XJ 0118 981 2992 info-tadley@rowberrymorris.co.uk FREE car park at rear of office Reading Office 17 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7SB TEL: 0118 958 5611 E: info-reading@rowberrymorris.co.uk Offices also at Richmond and Staines www.rowberrymorris.co.uk

During times of economic uncertainty, we often find that people put plans to separate on hold. A divorce or separation can cause serious disruption to a couple’s finances, as it will often lead to the cost of running two separate households. The pandemic has made this particularly difficult for those struggling with reduced household income. Some couples have also found it hard to get the solace they need to seek confidential legal advice. Citizens Advice data suggests this is now changing. Divorce and separation enquiries have been rising and couples are now becoming increasingly confident about the vaccination programme and post-lockdown recovery. For those considering a divorce or separation, please bear the following points in mind: Seek advice at an early stage It is important that you get legal advice at an early stage and ideally before any

lengthy period of separation. Having a full understanding of your rights will put you firmly in control of your situation and help to reduce anxiety. It is important that you feel comfortable with your legal advisor and they understand your priorities. Understanding your options There will be a lot of things to think about in the initial stages, such as where will you live, how much time the children will spend with each parent and whether you will need to sell the family home. Rather than trying to second-guess these answers, you should make sure you have a full understanding of the options. There are many amicable, constructive and family-focused ways to resolve these issues. Putting your children first Regardless of your marital status, you will always be the parents of your children and so it is crucial that you take early steps to act in their best interests. Being transparent and communicating respectfully with each other will be fundamental to achieving this. Stuart Duncan is a specialist Divorce and Family Solicitor at Rowberry Morris, based at our Tadley office. He is a member of Resolution with an accreditation in advanced finance and offers fixed fee consultations for £150+VAT. If you have any questions about divorce or separation, please contact Stuart on 0118 982 3774 or at stuart.duncan@rowberrymorris.co.uk

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PROTECTING YOUR LEGACY

Make provision for the things you love (with a little help from us)

orking with a financial planner can seriously improve your financial wellbeing. A major new report from insurer Aegon has found that, when it comes to giving yourself the peace of mind that you’re financially secure, “mindset” is one of the key factors. Interestingly, Aegon found that this applied to all savers – whether you consider yourself well-off or not. The Aegon study of more than 10,000 consumers is interesting reading. It found that just one in six people (16%) in the UK combine healthy finances and a positive financial mindset. Common mindset problems reported included: Two in five people (38%) have only a vague idea of where they want to be financially in 10 years’ time. 28% of people only have a vague idea of what brings them joy or purpose in life – two key elements of being happy. Nearly nine in ten people (87%) have no financial plan in place to help them achieve their long-term goals. Only 17% of people could answer at least four out of five basic financial literacy questions correctly.

Personalised Financial Planning

For an initial consultation call us on:

0118 987 6655 info@blueskyifas.co.uk www.blueskyifas.co.uk

BLUESKY Chartered Financial Planners is a trading style of BLUESKY Independent Financial Advisers LLP which is authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.’

In simple terms, people who are better at imagining what their future self or life might look like are better at working out a long-term financial plan. It won’t surprise you to learn that we believe having a financial plan

in place is crucial if you want to achieve your aims. We’re not called “financial planners” for nothing! This plan needs to start by focusing on your financial and life goals. There are many goals you might have: early retirement, starting your own business, or leaving a legacy to your children, to name just a few. Before we start talking about pension planning, investments, or protection we want to know what it is you want to do with your life. Your plan starts there. A good financial plan considers what brings you joy, your purpose, and your financial goals (how you get to a position where you can achieve those things financially). And, of course, it’s flexible and adapts to change as your circumstances and life changes. Mindset is a crucial part of this process. Thinking about your future, identifying what your future self looks like, and putting a plan in place to get there will all help you to take positive steps towards your goals. Working with a financial planner can help with many of these mindset changes. For example, we can be a sounding board in volatile times and help you avoid emotional decisions. We can help create a financial plan and regularly review it with you to keep you on track. And we can give you the peace of mind that your finances are structured in a way that helps you live the life you want, both now and in the future.

Jeremy Jacksonn is a Chartered Financial Planner with Bluesky Chartered Financial Planners.

Jeremy

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imagination is everything! Magical dance classes for the energetic 2.5 age group & up

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Finding the Fountain of Youth:

Using Strength Training to Turn Back the Clock eye

Fitness

here are three important areas to focus on: You have more power over how your body ages than you may realise. This is important whether you’re 18, 28, or 68. It’s never too late to get started on turning back the clock, but the more work you put in at a young age, the less you’ll be affected as time passes by. Starting in your 30’s your body starts losing muscle at a rate of 1-2% per yearthis is called sarcopenia. As you lose muscle, your metabolism slows down, making it easier to gain body fat. Loss of muscle around the joints leads to aches and pains, and activities of daily living become harder or tiring. Most people assume that these things are an inevitable part of aging, even if they’re keeping active, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Most types of exercise and physical activity can’t stop sarcopenia because they don’t tap into a specific type of muscle fiber that we lose the most of as we age. Strength training changes everything though because it uses and builds all of our muscle fibers-including the ones we’d naturally be losing. As you re-build lost muscle, your metabolism will speed up, your joints will regain their muscular support and you’ll also strengthen your tendons, ligaments and bones. We even know that strength training turns back the clock on over 100 of our genes, making

them behave like those of people up to 20 years younger! Other types of exercise are important too for maintaining lung capacity and flexibility, enhancing blood flow and slowing down the aging of our DNA but it’s hard to get the most out of a run or swim if your joints are aching. Strength training makes all other activities feel easier and gives us the muscular resilience to keep our joints supported no matter what we’re doing. One particular study demonstrated how powerful the anti-aging benefits of strength training are. A group of adults (average age 89) living in assisted care were all able to spend less time in their wheelchairs after only 14 weeks of strength training. They all gained muscle and strength and lost fat. As well as one participant who was able to stop using their wheelchair completely, another was actually able to leave the care home and return to independent living! While strength training is a powerful tool to reverse the effects of physical aging and painful conditions, my message is always that I’d rather you avoid getting problems than wait until you have them to get started. If you’d like to learn more about this amazing form of exercise, please feel free to get in touch, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.

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eye Tech

by Eye Geek

No CON FUSION

How we might save the planet

ST-40 Compact spherical tokamak

This month I am going to get really scientific, but I make no apologies, just skim over the page if you like. You may not have heard of COP26, the 26th climate change conference in Glasgow later this year. I hadn’t until I saw a news article online that Sir David Attenborough has been named as the People’s Advocate for the conference. Let’s be honest, he is a national treasure. In the video he describes how the pandemic has shown the importance of how the world needs to act together to deal with the challenges we face. In the old adage that there are only two things in life that are true, death and taxes, I would like to propose another. That unless we make a paradigm shift, a radical step change in how we consume energy then we will tip the balance and within 5 to 10 years there will be irrevocable damage to our planet and ourselves. Damage that we will not recover from. So let’s add energy consumption to that list of things about life. Don’t take my word for it have a look at what Sir David says. At the time of writing, I’ve just read an article on the news about a USA oil pipeline being hacked. It’s closed down 2.5 millions of refined oil flowing per day in the East coast of the USA, and next to it is an article on Fusion. Both of these news items made me think about energy.

we remove. But our energy use was without thought for the future until in the 60’s when we started to notice changes. Changes that are now so apparent that unless you are called Trump you cannot ignore them. So now we must look to the future of our energy consumption. We are faced with an immense challenge. How to remove the part of our infrastructure that stops burning diesel and other carbon ejecting fuels. And that is a dramatic change in the way we behave as a species. Let’s look at another sector, global shipping. This is a sector which, is essentially run by diesel and uses around 7% of the worlds oil and perhaps you will see my point. We have to really start thinking in a bigger way on how to sort out the mess we have created. So we need to think differently about how we consume energy and use it to move things and us around the planet. We need a shift in mentality, a big shift, and that’s where smart people, way smarter than me, can come to the world’s aid. Because without science there will be a dramatic reset in the population size on this planet. That means our children, or their children or frankly the lack of them. When the aliens land they will look back and say “What were they thinking? ” Imagine if we could provide more energy than the world needs without using any coal or gas. We could do this in an environmentally balanced way. It will keep our society moving, it will start to reverse the harm we have done or at least help to halt it. That’s where fusion comes in. Tokamak, a company based in Oxford, is building a fusion reactor. They have developed the world’s most powerful supercooled magnets at -253c to hold plasma within it at 100 million degrees. This plasma in layman’s terms is the sun. The finely balanced process delivers more energy out than is put in and you can run such a reactor on hydrogen (yes from water) creating zero emissions. And the race is on. Using their technology the aim is to build a commercial fusion reactor by 2030. If this works, and it looks promising, it will dramatically change the way we create energy and make it sustainable and economically viable to produce. The reactor almost looks like science fiction and images of a warp core come to mind. But this is serious stuff and in the same way that scientists developed a covid vaccine using new technology, lets hope that these scientists and engineers can do the same with our energy creation and thus generate the Fusion era. Small people like me can only make little changes - but if you make the change higher up the food chain it will surely have an impact on the masses and over time the entire planet. Head over to their website for some more info on fusion. www.tokamakenergy.co.uk

Eye Geek

If you look back at civilisation when we as a species started, you can directly link the growth of human population over time to the amount of energy we can harness, or consume for that matter. There was fire, and wind, and steam, and the coal and petrochemical and nuclear age. We did little harm to the planet when it was wind power. But when we started to harness the millions of years of energy stored in our planet as coal and oil and started to eject it into the atmosphere we unlocked in less that 120 years what the planet took millions of year to store. Our species has grown exponentially over that time and the size of the population ie you and me being here is directly linked to the amount of oil and fossil fuels

National Treasure

36 36

To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

Dadgets Father's Day

Sunday 20th June

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To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

s Jubilee Gem Summer School is back!

Our Summer School at Jubilee Gems is an exciting and stimulating learning facility, specifically for children to attend over the Summer holidays. It bridges the gap between children finishing nursery and starting at their new school in September. Our Summer School is designed to ensure your child has the best preparation possible for their next educational leap. By recreating situations and routines that children might experience when they go to school (for example, changing into and out of a ‘PE kit’ independently), we help them to overcome any anxieties and have a summer to remember! Our fabulous team also provides a whole host of great activities with weekly themes, Forest Schools sessions, water play and much more! If you would like to book your child a place, please contact us on: 0118 983 4018 Alternatively, you can email us at info@jubileegems.co.uk More information can also be found at: www.jubileegems.co.uk/learning/summer-school

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HIGH STREET:

1905

E L A E H T A ONCE UPON HIGH STREET: 1950s

THE WEST DOORWAY OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY: 1840s.

As we continue our historial trek through our region’s villages, this month it is Theale’s turn. We’d like to say a very special thank you to local resident, Andrea Hall, who has been an invaluable contributor to this popular series - and this month is no exception. She knows a thing or two about the area too. Did you know that John Constable painted Theale Church in 1832? Or that the 1997 film The Borrowers was filmed on the High Street? We also learned that the name Theale is a simple Saxon word meaning ‘plank’. It may have referred to a plank bridge over the River Kennet, or possible to a plankbuilt hall where the local Hundred Court met, for Theale has been the centre of

one of these ancient administrative units since before the Domesday Survey in 1086! It turns out that Andrea is planning on writing a book about the role of the Ordnance factories based at Burghfield, Theale and Grazeley back in WWII. To date, she is full of content but is sadly lacking in imagery. If any of our readers can help her, please email: andreahall. marketing@gmail. com

Next month, we’ll be looking at Aldermaston, and would like to invite anyone in possession of any old pictures to get in touch with us before June 7th please. Email: Holly@ villageeye.co.uk

THEALE CHURCH JOHN CONSTABLE 1832

SCENE FROM THE BORROWERS: 1997

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YOUR LOCAL LAND ROVER SPECIALIST

29/03/2021 14:56

ON TV

eye

with ROB BARNES

A powerful and poignant assault on the senses Director and co-writer Darius Marder’s sonic drama about deafness and addiction is a beautiful parable about seeing beyond your limitations, and embracing the hand life deals you. Drummer Ruben (Riz Ahmed) is one half of rock band Backgammon, the other is singer and girlfriend Lou (Olivia Cooke). After four years clean of drugs they live their lives on the road touring the country in their RV performing gigs. But over the years the heavy metal has taken its toll and one day Ruben begins to lose his hearing. The diagnosis is grim with news that his remaining hearing will deteriorate rapidly, and that only cochlear implants can help him. The only snag is the $40,000 price tag that isn’t covered on insurance. Forced to shelve the band, Ruben’s sponsor checks him into a retreat for recovering addicts run by Joe (Paul Raci), who lost his hearing in the Vietnam war. He can only stay alone, and so he must also say goodbye to Lou. He attempts to integrate with the group, but despite Joe’s best efforts Ruben is determined to raise the funds in a bid to return to his former life, unaware his future couldn’t be more different. Riz Ahmed’s performance is compelling. Right from the arresting Whiplash-esque opening through to his disorientating descent into deafness he invites us into a world through his ears. Voices become muffled and muted, everyday noises attack the senses like microphone feedback. Like a man trapped in his own head, it’s unsettling to watch and hear. So affecting is the way in which we experience the world from his point of view, it’s unsurprising the film won an Oscar for Best Sound Editing. With his life turned upside down you feel for him, and yet his blinkered view of the deaf community who he embraces one minute, and shuns the next leaves you frustrated. But this is life at its most authentic and exactly how it should be portrayed - the messy and unpredictable fallout of a traumatic experience no one can prepare for. One of the most affecting scenes is when Ruben’s implants are activated, and the despairing expression

on his face upon the realisation that his hearing, as he knew it, will never return. Instead he is left to recalibrate his listening to a new frequency. The struggles he then faces to reconnect with his life and his girlfriend lead up to one of the most rewarding endings you’re likely to see in cinema, and one I won’t spoil here. What makes this film so rich and life affirming is the closeness you feel to Ruben’s plight, that you live this journey with him, through his eyes and ears, with all the highs and lows that it brings. It’s a film about acceptance and embracing the unknown, the understanding that often the only way to fix a problem is to fix our own view of it, to challenge our own prejudices and opinions, and dare to take a new path in life. If you’re looking for an immersive experience worth returning to the cinema for, then this is it. Sound of Metal is a must see! 5/5

A GOOD READ: The Squirrels who Squabbled by Jim Field Fun

This picture book was loaned to me by the four-year-old son of a friend, who said it was his favourite book and I should review it – and I can see why. It is autumn and all through the forest creatures are busy storing up the food they need for the winter. All, that is, except one squirrel: Spontaneous Cyril. As usual, he doesn’t bother with that. He imagines he can grab some food at the last minute. Then the last minute arrives and he spies a fat pinecone, full of lovely nuts. It is just what he needs, and he sets off to acquire it. But he isn’t the only one eyeing it up. Plan-Ahead Bruce has also seen it. His store is getting on nicely and this is the perfect pinecone to finish it off. Who will get to it first? With wonderful illustrations and text to match it, this book teaches the value of teamwork to young readers.

By Willow Coby 41

ROHO YOGA

“Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are.” Jason Crandell

Sharon Beardmore, owner of Roho Yoga, spoke to us this week about how she has been reflecting on the events of the last year and how yoga practise could help.

eye Win

Win a course of One to One Yoga Sessions with Roho Yoga To be in with a chance of winning, visit www.villageeye.co.uk and answer the following:

Sharon told us, “The pandemic has left us all feeling in limbo; caught between one stage and another. Our ‘normal’ changed radically and things we took for granted like hugging people and freedom to move around as we pleased were curtailed. People had no choice but to cocoon themselves within their

homes and do what they could to get through it all safely. For a long time the “end” was elusive and we have all been in a space of not knowing. Now it’s opening up, but we don’t really know the outcome, so there are a real mix of emotions: anxiety, hope but also some trepidation and concern. “We need to reframe this as a time of opportunity. We can re-set and dictate what we want life to be like and how we want to be seen; we can rewrite the script. “Time on the yoga mat can give you what you

need. I have seen it give people body confidence, improved flexibility and target specific health issues, both physical and mental. Sometimes it’s just about simply having some time, space and calm for yourself. Yoga is all about making peace with what is.” Sharon teaches Hatha Yoga which incorporates the breath, body and mind and is a slower class than a Vinyasa or Ashtanga class. She offers in-person private classes as well as group yoga sessions. Whatever your goals, Sharon will work with you to achieve those in a safe and structured way.

What kind of Yoga does Sharon practice? a: Bikram b: Yin c: Hatha

Competition closes midnight, Wednesday 30th June. Tcs & Cs apply

To find out more, or to book a one-one Yoga session with Sharon visit www.roho.yoga or call her on: 07900 693448

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