Village Eye Magazine July 2020

VILLAGE

Issue 90 July 2020 reaching 11,500 households

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the area’s favourite Lifestyle Magazine

2019

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THE FUN GOES ON AT JUBILEE!

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IT’S A MAN THING UNCOVERED A NEW TALENT?

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L I V E C O M E D Y | L I V E T H E AT R E | L I V E M U S I C Newbury Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 7NZ Friday 24th – Saturday 25th July 2020

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Horrible Histories books are published by Scholastic Ltd. Horrible Histories is a trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under authorisation. All rights reserved.

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IT’S A MAN THING 12

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What the men-folk have been up to!

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4. Community news Who do you know in our Community News round-up?

6. Work It Out Are you working out more than usual? Sue Port of Mortimer Physiotherapy gives us tips on how to do it safely.

8. DIY Dyeing Own up, who’s dyed their own hair recently? Our columnist, Lucy, tells her tale!

32. On The Box With cinemas currently closed, Rob Barnes brings us his thoughts on the best of TV, YouTube and Netflix.

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THE FUN GOES ON AT JUBIL EE

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KEEPIN G IT LOCAL KEEPIN G IT LOCAL : News | Trades : News | Trades & Services | Leisure & Service s | Leisure | Health & Beauty | Health & Beauty | Homes | Enterta | Homes inment | Enterta inment 1

Hellen Shaw Jackie Stuart Lindsey Barker June Keepax Lucy Cherry Jack Worboys

Rob Barnes Jordan Curtis Mark Penston Chris Evans Beckie Edwards

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

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One thing we have noticed here at Village Eye HQ is the absence of fairs, fetes and festivals, which is such a shame. As we start to have restrictions lifted, some social events are

Helle n & the Team xx

With a hi ghly rega rded rep learning utatio , Jubi le e p ro vides the n and experts discover in outd y an very d be p la st y fo m ix of lear oor 3 month r babies and ch ni s to 5 ye ildren ag ng, ars of ag ed e.

2019

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 great July!

July 2020

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We have a fantastic competition in this month’s issue of Village Eye. You can win a beginners Waterski or Wakeboard course at local centre CJM Ski and Wake. The prize will be valid for 12 months, when we hope social distancing will be a thing of the past! Why not give it a try? After all, you’ve got to be in it to win it!

Of course, all of our Trades and Services are continuing to trade, and most of our local shops have re-opened now. We’re keeping everything crossed for a wider re-opening of hairdressers, gyms and pubs this month, so please support them (and us) as we all bounce back.

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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, URL’s and telephone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. Registered Address: Butlers Lands Farm, Mortimer, RG7 2AG

22-28. Trades & Services Electrician? Roofer? Windows?

Whatever you are looking for, check here first! All of our advertisers are following PHE guidelines and wearing PPE when necessary.

starting to make it onto our pages again. One of these you will see opposite - the Ultimate Drive-in Car Park Party at Newbury Racecourse!

It looks fantastic!

• Set in 60 ac re s, with priv and a w ate woodlands , garden orking s farm • A high ly experie nced an d caring • Expert team s in outd oo r le ar ning, w ith Forest Sc hool sess • Freshl ions y prep ar ed food • Fundin g av ai la ble • Establ ished sinc e 1977 Conv en ie nt ly sit Newbury uated in Padw orth, Reading and Basin central betwee n gstoke.

16. Shop Local We celebrate our local business owners who are adapting, reinventing and diversifying to be there for our local community as restrictions are slowly eased.

Contents

uly is here and, if we’re to believe what the weather forecasters tell us, the sunshine is set to stay - yippee! And what perfect timing.

Our cover sponsor this month is Jubilee Day Nursery, our leading local day nursery with a love and focus on outdoor learning. The sunshine always helps, but the children at the nursery will explore the outdoors in all weathers - with all the appropriate clothing of course! Turn to pages 10-11 to read more.

Issue 90

12. Calling all Men! While some men on furlough are binge watching Netflix, others are going all-out of the fitness front!

J

July

34. Win a Beginners Water Ski or Wakeboard Course CJM Waterski and Wake in Pingewood have a fantastic prize up for grabs, so if you like to UK Southern be out on the Business Awards water, check it out!

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DON’T BE A FIRESTARTER: PLEE FROM LOCAL BRIGADE

Love from the Rainbow!

Dear Village Eye,

ld Common has The Rainbow Nursery in Burghfie we really but n dow lock been very busy during nd, so we talked atte ldn’t cou who e ryon eve sed mis different rainbow about it and we decided to make a be together. all ldn’t cou we picture for each day ows with all our In total we decorated seven wind ad hope for spre to was This ork. artw ul wonderf the NHS and everyone who was ill and to thankMummies and all key workers including our own to us and we Daddies. The weather was very kind fun in our Rainbow spent a lot of happy times having friends and hope our all sing Village, but we are mis a very special we can all be reunited soon. We read to make one ided dec and de” Insi ck “Stu d book, calle songs new nt lear We p. kee to each to take home all about the and a dance to help us understand coronavirus. e, please feel When you are on your daily exercisScout Hut on the at ows wind our at look to free Hollybush Lane.

Our local fire service is urging residents to take extra care outdoors in these challenging times.

With some more hot weather on the horizon and people spending more time outdoors, the fire service has been taking to social media to remind us of some key safety guidelines to avoid a repeat of the fires we have seen in recent weeks in both Burghfield and Mortimer woods. The fire in Burghfield used 1,000 litres of water to

put out the fire started by a cigarette which meant that the crews had to pull 100 metres of hose reel through the woods to tackle it.

The guidelines are very simple: extinguish cigarettes properly and don’t throw them on the ground - the risk of fire is especially high in the recent spell of dry weather.

Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland because sunlight shining through glass can start fires, too. If you see a fire, always call 999.

Keep Safe everyone, Love from all at the Rainbow x

RUB-A-DUB SCRUB When local man, Jonathan Kempson, received a harsh anonymous letter from a neighbour criticising him for washing his car during lockdown, he decided to turn the situation into a positive by organising a one-day charity car wash.

Having already promised some of his other neighbours that he’d clean their cars too, the family decided to turn their pledge into a positive event to raise money for the NHS.

Businesses

Friends and neighbours booked appointments and a total of 15 cars were washed throughout the day by Jonathan and his neighbour Tim O’Sullivan, socially distanced, of course! The car wash was free, but people were asked to donate to NHS Charities Together and, with a generous charity match top-up from financial giant, Delloitte, a total of £605 was raised on the day.

WEST BERKSHIRE TRANSPORT REFUND...

In response to the current directive from the government that schools remain closed for Term 5 and closed to certain year groups in Term 6, West Berkshire Council have taken the decision to offer a refund for these terms to those who have bought a farepayer seat on home to school transport.

To qualify for this refund they are requesting that you complete a refund form on their website before 17 July 2020. https://info.westberks.gov. uk/article/36932

The whole event had a real community feel and it brought neighbours together, some who had never met before. The couple’s daughters, aged 9 and 11, also helped with the jet washing and made a sign too. They told us: “We turned this very negative thing into something so good.”

What a great outcome!

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PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

If you’d like to talk to us about restarting your business with our help, please call 0118 933 3311 for a chat

THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING. WELCOME TO FAUX-LANDO AIRLINES !

When coronavirus scuppered the Florida holiday planned for her husband’s birthday, local lady, Jen Bramwell, got her creative hat on and started planning to recreate the trip to Orlando at home.

She started off with just one idea - recreating Volcano Bay - but then it started snowballing and she thought, ‘Why stop there?’

She said, “I probably went a little overboard compared to what most people would do.”

When husband, Chris, arrived home, a suitcase and plane ticket were waiting outside with a ‘Welcome to Mortimer International Airport’ banner over the front door. Walking into his house he ‘boarded the plane’ and was given a meal on a tiny tray with different compartments while watching movies on a tiny screen.

They had pancakes first thing the next day, followed by a trip to ‘Walmart’ in their garage, which had American candy and other items stacked on the shelves.

The house was transformed into a ‘McBramwells’ drive-thru where Chris ordered cheeseburgers at one window then moved to the next window to pay and got his meal in his car.

The couple took a trip to Disney after that. Jen donned a Snow White costume and they rode virtual reality roller coasters and took green screen pictures on a flying carpet.

They visited the fictional Diagon Alley from Harry Potter in their courtyard, and used an online recipe to make butter beer at ‘The Leaky Cauldron’ pub.

On Sunday they went to the waterpark Volcano Bay, complete with banner and a cocktail menu, which they enjoyed in the hot tub.

Jen told us, ”After that, we had to fly home, sadly, so we watched a couple of movies on the flight home and ate food on the trays again - a nice finish off to the weekend!”

STUDENTS, THIS IS YOUR SUMMER OF OPPORTUNITY! Calling local teenagers aged 16-18! Turn your summer of disappointment into a summer of opportunity by signing up with NCS (National Citizen Service) via its online Stay Connected hub to help plug a temporary gap in volunteers.

The NCS is partnering with charity shops for the first phase of its One Million Hours of Doing Good campaign, which will encourage those aged 16-18 to transform their “summer of disappointment” through volunteering as charity shops start reopening their doors.

The charity sector has been badly hit by the COVID-19 outbreak, with shops in the UK losing around £3.4 million in sales a day, as well as decreased donations and a diminished volunteer base as they begin their reopening. Up to half of original charity volunteers may be unable to return immediately, due to shielding, public transport struggles and feeling unable to leave the house during the pandemic.

Can our young people save the day? Visit: https://wearencs.com/keep-doing-good to get involved.

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The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all.

Whether you are now working from home, home schooling, self-shielding, or still driving to work and enjoying no traffic-we are all doing things differently.

As we struggle to embrace the new ‘normal’, some of us may be finding the changes are giving us aches and pains we weren’t expecting….

WE CAN WORK IT OUT

BY SUE PORT

Are you out walking/running more?

Enjoying our beautiful countryside by foot rather than rushing through it by car? Don’t let your activity cause you aches and pains! If you are a runner, make sure you do some calf and thigh stretches to avoid straining muscles.

It’s best to walk/jog for 5 minutes or so to warm up and then stop and do some controlled stretching before attacking your run. If you have a favourite route through the lanes, try to avoid running on an uneven camber, which can cause leg and back pain. Mix it up a bit, run your route the opposite way, or on the pavement on the other side of the road to avoid constant uneven impact. Have a good stretch when you return home to help prevent aching the next day.

Walkers think about stretching before and after your walk to help keep joints and muscles flexible. When you are out for your walk, exaggerate swinging your arms to keep your back moving and relax your shoulders and arms.

If you are more house - bound, whether self-shielding, home schooling or just not of an athletic nature, make every day activities into a gentle workout.

Going up stairs? Make it count! Keep your knee over your toes on the step and push up through your leg, with as little help from the bannisters as you can manage, making your thigh muscles do the work. On the way down, step down SLOWLY, knee over toes again, making your muscles do the work rather than gravity.

When you get up or sit down on the chair/sofa, use it as an exercise. Plant your feet shoulder width apart, keep your knees over your toes and pointing straight forward, then push up through

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your legs, trying not to use your hands.

Do the reverse when sitting down.

Control the movement and use your muscles to sit slowly, that way you’re doing a squat rather than collapsing in a heap! Just using sitting to standing as an exercise can help keep your muscles strong without the need of donning lycra and trainers!

Are you now working from home or home-schooling? Finding sitting working/teaching at the dining room table is giving you back or neck pain?

Getting achy after a Zoom chat with friends? Watch your posture! Try to make sure you have your screen at a good height (ideally it should be at eye level), sit on a firm chair with support in the small of your back, and try to keep your shoulders relaxed. The bigger the screen the better you will sit! If you’re using a phone for video calls try to prop it up in front of you so you’re not hunching over it. And most important of all, get up and move regularly! Stretch up and backwards, rotate from side to side, and take some deep breaths to expand your lungs.

Keeping moving avoiding sprains and strains will help us all get through these ‘coronacoaster’(thanks Village Eye for the new word!) times! But if you are suffering with aches and pains that won’t settle, let us know! We are still here and now offer video and telephone consultations to try to solve problems remotely in the first instance.

With the slight lifting of lockdown, face to face appointments are now possible for those struggling with pain. It feels strange to be working in PPE (my ‘mask face’ is my new norm!), but it won’t stop you getting the best treatment and advice we can offer!

SUE x

ONLINE & VIDEO CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE NOW

Physiotherapy practice MUSCLE/TENDON STRAIN?

BACK OR NECK PAIN?

POST OPERATIVE REHABILITATION?

SPORTS INJURIES?

ESTABLISHED FOR 15 YEARS, YOUR LOCAL PRIVATE PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC. NOW ACCEPTING NHS REFERRALS (NHS REFERRALS ACCEPTED FROM WEST BERKSHIRE GPs)

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Tel: 0118 933 3896 Text: 07951 840643

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

* NHS referrals are accepted from all West Berkshire GPs - just ask!

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KEEPING IT LOCAL This months cover sponsor.

KEEPING IT LOCAL : News | Trades & Servic es | Leisure | : News | Trades Health & Services | Leisure | Health & Beauty | Homes | Enterta inment & Beauty | Homes | Entertainment

Why advertise your business with us: • Unrivalled large distribution & readership in our wide delivery area for mags & flyers • Great value for money • People read our magazines from cover to cover • Our magazine is trusted, along with our comprehensive local business directories • Each issue of Village Eye magazine is kept for an average of two months • Hand delivered by us to all areas • Interesting articles, features and local community news • Free in-house advert design

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HAIR? OWN UP, WHO’S BEEN DYEING THEIR OWN

This is the time of year when we would normally be talking about getting beach ready - whether we are heading to Bognor or Bali. But these are not normal times. Families are suffering unimaginable loss and talking about beauty regimes is, let’s face it, a bit trite.

But it’s often the little rituals that get us through and help us cope. Putting on a hair mask or painting your nails may be seen as mindless, but it is also mindful in that it focuses your attention for just a few minutes away from the corona crisis.

So with salons closed we have been turning to lockdown DIY beauty fixes. And what’s our main obsession? Our hair!

At-home colour A month into lockdown, my mother, missing her six -weekly salon colour, grabbed a box dye from the supermarket to cover her grey. But after remembering a decade-ago disaster when she’d turned her blonde hair red, we agreed via FaceTime to proceed with caution. She booked a free online consultation with Josh Wood, a top-London hair salon and home colour brand.

“He recommended products from the company but there was absolutely no pressure to buy.“Later I ordered them, and the result was so much better than I imagined. I can honestly say that although highlights will always be a job for the experts, I will be doing root touch-ups myself post-lockdown.”So, get some expert advice before deciding which box colour to buy.

As Josh Wood says: “When dying your hair at home it’s very important to make sure you are aware of what your original colour is, the colour you are colouring, the colour you want to be, and roughly an idea of how grey you are. This will help make sure you are not going to dark or ending up with a root colour that is lighter than the body of your hair.”

It really did look like my mother had been to the salon. Her hair was shiny and free of grey and her highlights were brighter and glossy. This service is quick, easy and bespoke so, if you’re tearing your hair out over the state of your colour it’s worth checking out.

At the time of writing we don’t know when salons will open but the men and women who pamper and beautify us run vital local businesses that will need our support post-pandemic. I hate to mention Christmas but perhaps we should all buy salon goodies or vouchers to give as gifts this year to help them get back on their feet. #keepitlocal In the meantime, here’s my pick of some of the best home beauty treatments which will see you through....

Waxing

I’m not going to lie to you… At-home waxing is a risky business. I bought this waxing kit late in lockdown largely out of boredom but it’s great!

It’s suitable for the face, legs, bikini line, underarms and is not horrifically painful. This kit comes with four bags of wax and everything that you need to get going. £37.99 Amazon

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Nails:

For those of you who are addicted to your gel/acrylic nails this time will have done your nails a world of good. If you are a nail biter/picker step away from the at-home gel kits (they’re not as high-quality as salon gels and don’t last very long) and focus on getting your own nails healthy and strong. Apply cuticle oil liberally and often, you may even find you grow to like your natural nails. Essie at Boots - £8.99

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

Spot dots:

Apply these hydrocolloid patches to spots overnight and by the morning they’re largely gone.

Miracle product and not expensive.

My new must-have product. £5.99 Amazon

Lucy x

Mini Face Razors:

Tame unruly eyebrows with these mini razors. £3.98 Ebay

Eyebrow tint: Eyelure Dybrow

Don’t leave on for too long – brows can go VERY dark £7.50 Boots

For more info about Josh Wood and to see his full range, visit www.joshwoodcolour. com

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If you’re a supermarket hoarder with food cupboards overflowing you could always turn to a larder-lockdown beauty regime. Coconut oil for your hair, Sugar and honey for a body scrub; and, this one for the very adventurous – gravy granules and water for home fake-tan…!

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THE FUN GOES ON AT JUBILEE! Jubilee Day Nursery, in Padworth, was one of a handful of settings which remained open in West Berkshire during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The nursery had been a hub throughout the pandemic, supporting the local community by providing childcare for key/critical worker children. This included NHS workers, police, dentists, doctors at local GP practices and those working at AWE. The nursery staff and children adapted tremendously to the change and continued to enjoy their indoor and outdoor activities, as well as their woodland walks, Forest School sessions, gardening and Cosmic Yoga.

And the fun didn’t stop there.... the staff still managed to throw a memorable week of VE Day celebrations

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to commemorate the 75th anniversary. In true Jubilee fashion, the nursery was transformed with red, white and blue flags, while staff and children could be seen dancing and playing old fashioned games in their 1940’s clothes.

A special tea party was also held on 8th May, with traditional food served by the nursery’s very own chef. An old tractor even made a special appearance at the tea party, much to the children’s delight!

Throughout the ‘lockdown’ period, the staff and children at Jubilee remained in contact with their friends at home; sharing plenty of photos, messages and funny videos to lift everyone’s spirits.

Following Government advice, Jubilee Day Nursery and it’s termtime sister nursery, Jubilee Gems reopened to all children on Monday 1st June. Children of non-key workers are now able to re-join the settings should parents require.

Jubilee’s core principle will continue to be the safety and wellbeing of its children and staff, and will remain agile and adjust through this period of recovery.

The management team will be happy to help and answers any questions you may have. Jubilee looks forward to welcoming you and your little ones back to the nurseries once again!

Give your child a truly unique experience..

Jubilee Day Nursery remains a childcare hub for the community

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Jubilee Gems is a small and friendly, term-time day nursery with a passion for outdoor learning and play. The nursery is set in 60 acres of woodland and farmland in Padworth, West Berkshire, conveniently located between Reading, Newbury and Basingstoke.

Jubilee Day Nursery is a well-established and highly regarded private day nursery set in 60 acres of West Berkshire countryside.

From three months to five years of age, babies and children are part of a unique experience centred around an ethos of ‘learning by doing’, inside and out, each and every day. Children are free to discover, imagine and – crucially – to play, which is the most important way in which a child can learn in the early years.

From three months to five years of age, babies and children are able to explore and be inspired by the nursery’s unique environment and fantastic outdoor learning opportunities.

The nursery is open from 7.30am-6.00pm Monday to Friday and offers a range of flexible sessions to suit your needs.

With a strong focus on ‘learning by doing’, and many years of childcare experience, you can feel confident that your child will get the best possible start to prepare them for the years ahead.

The nursery is open from 7.30am-6.00pm Monday to Friday all-year-round (excluding one week at Christmas and Bank Holidays), and offers a variety of sessions to suit your needs.

For more information please contact: Jubilee Day Nursery - 0118 970 1600 www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk Jubilee Gems - 0118 983 4018 www.jubileegems.co.uk To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk

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G N I H T N A IT’S A M

? to in ) an m r u yo r (o u yo ed rn tu ’ n What has the forced ‘staycatio

Men of the area unite in the knowledge that no matter what the last few months have thrown at you, things have changed. You have changed... Or have you? Maybe the version of you which has emerged during lockdown is actually representative of your true self. Perhaps you were always destined to be a DIY King, time just didn’t permit. Your inner desire to become a social media mega star has somehow worked its way to the forefront of your ambitions or maybe you miraculously turned from couch potato to fitness guru as quick as it took Dominic Cummings to complete a roundtrip to Barnard Castle.

Whatever the enforced ‘staycation’ has turned you into, embrace the change. This, it turns out, might have been you all along. Recognise any of these traits?

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DIY King

Online Megastar

Forget putting up the odd shelf or fitting a new lampshade... The DIY antics of our men-folk have definitely taken on a whole new meaning recently. As quick as Boris told the nation to stay home, but not stay at home in the early spring, the desire to suddenly erect bars, sheds, pergolas, refit kitchens, bathrooms and generally work their way through the home snag list became a lockdown prority. DIY activities have seen a huge surge in the UK. In March, online sales of DIY and home improvement products grew by almost 50% of the same period from the year before.

Are you secretly a natural born entertainer? One thing is for sure, with all this extra time on your hands lately, the endless hours have provided the perfect opportunity to perfect the latest Tik Tok Dance, gaining thousands of views. Some of you will have also taken to the visual social airwaves to entertain folks with quizzes, conundrums and challenges (all with the aim of making others lives a little brighter.

If this is you, we thank you. We really do.

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

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Couch Potato to FItness Guru

Your family stand in awe as you oil up your biceps at the end of the day and wind down with some stretches. You are da man.

Oh yes! A driven man needs a target and what better target to set than to get in shape for summer?

It’s true, you may have always preferred the telly to the gym, but come on, you were working like a dog then.

Homeschool Headmaster

If we’re doing it, we’re doing it properly! Sound familiar?

Headmaster Dad is not going to let the side down. From the minute he heard the term ‘home schooling’, he was researching online resources, curriculums and teaching methods. This is his chance to get his kids ahead of the rest! Up and dressed for breakfast, school uniform on and ready to start learning at 9am, the kids are sat at the table and Headmaster Dad has it all in hand. Working through until 3pm, whether it be geography, PE or home economics, it will be a full school day for these kids, like it or not! Demon Headmaster and Miss Trunchball have nothing on this guy.

Your friends and family stand in amazement, nevertheless, as they watch you slowly emerge from the cocoon of the sitting room, leaving your body imprint on the sofa and put on your lycra. Slowly at first, like Rocky Balboa, you begin with a solid Joe Wicks every morning, building up to Mr Motivator in the afternoon and then reach that peak of training with a home gym session in the evening.

Re-discovering your Inner Child

Furloughed? That means play time, right? There’s money coming in, there’s no stressful daily commute or reports to hand in, so let’s play! It might be elaborate set-ups in the house or garden - think skate ramps or home made water parks - or just constant prank playing. Is this you?

Bingewatcher

If you have made the lockdown leap of casual television watching ‘of an evening’ to competitive Netflix bingeing day and night then this one’s for you. You have your list of Netflix recommendations and you are going to watch them come hell or high water. The clock is ticking.

Bring beer and snacks!

Dad of the year

So, you are now officially Dad of the year, having come up with a selection of creative ways to entertain the kids. After recreating the full set of Ninja Warrior UK in the garden, you then decided that your children would very much like them to spend a full day at Chessingtonon-Theale. You went about

transforming your sitting room into Loggers Leap by placing your cherubs into a wheelbarrow in front of the TV with a download of the word’s best rollercoasters.

You shook the barrow, squirted a waterpistol at the appropriate moments and generally made sure that their confinement was, at the very least memorable and entertaining. Well done dad!

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Lockdown and the Great Stock Market Crash of 2020

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

Sadly, for some of us, ‘lockdown’ will be marked by the loss of a loved one.

But for the majority these strange weeks will be remembered for chatting with friends and family on Zoom, teaching the kids and quiet walks.

For an unlucky few, it will also be remembered as the time we lost our nerve and cashed-in our investments at the bottom of one of the worst stock market falls in decades, only to then see markets recover rapidly during April and May (almost) back to where they started the year.

Just 10 weeks ago it all looked so grim. Global stock markets were in freefall and we were warned that it could take a decade for the economy to recover.

Zoom & Socially Distanced Face to Face appointments available

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.’

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After the event, it is natural to reflect on how we felt at the time. For some, it was too much and we sold our investments - only to miss out on the subsequent rebound. For those that took no action and remained invested, we are almost back to 1st January values.

One of the key reasons people choose to work with us is because we act as a critical thinking partner.

We help our clients avoid making shortterm decisions based on emotions which could cost them dearly over the long term.

A Bluesky client has their own individual financial plan which takes into account their attitude to risk and also their ability to take risk. Every good financial plan should set enough cash aside to prevent the need to sell assets at rock-bottom prices when markets fall. Sometimes the best course of action is to do nothing, especially when markets are acting so irrationally.

We enjoy a privileged role as our clients place great trust in us. In return, we provide peace of mind, certainty and direction.

We also act as an honest sounding board when these types of negative events occur and our emotions are getting the better of us.

Could you benefit from an honest, collaborative relationship that puts you at the heart of the conversation and gives you complete peace of mind?

We’d love to hear from you.

Jeremy

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

Powers of Attorney In these uncertain times of COVID 19, you may be unable to manage your own affairs as you would normally, either because you cannot go out, or receive visitors, or you are unwell. How might someone else be able to help you with financial or medical matters?

The answer is a registered Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), and it can be made at any time if you have mental capacity. It is called an LPA because it continues to be effective if you lose mental capacity.

It allows you to choose up to 4 people (attorneys) to act for you. They should be people you trust, who have suitable skills. They could be relatives, friends or professionals.

There are two types of LPA, one for property and financial affairs and one for health and welfare matters.

An LPA is made by completing a form which is then signed by you, a certificate provider and the attorneys. The certificate provider could be the lawyer who draws up the LPA for you, or someone who has known you for at least

two years, or a medical professional.

The LPA must then be registered by the Office of the Public Guardian, which takes several weeks.

We recommend making a general power of attorney for use while the LPA is being registered.

If you already have an LPA, check that is registered.

Once registered, if you have mental capacity, you can instruct your attorney to deal with your property and financial affairs as you wish. If you lack capacity, the attorney would make decisions in your best interests. The health & welfare LPA can only be used if you cannot make your own decisions.

If you have an EPA it remains valid for property & finance decisions. You may wish to make a health and welfare LPA to sit alongside your EPA.

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

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

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@villageeyemag

15

HERE ARE 5 REASONS WHY KEEPING IT LOCAL MATTERS, NOW MORE THAN EVER.

One unexpected and welcome outcome of the last few months is the way in which many local small businesses have been able to adapt so that they can keep trading.

We’ve seen cafés become grocers, restaurants develop collection and take-away services almost overnight, shops develop online e-commerce stores, and salon owners becoming YouTube stars as they share their skills and expertise with ever widening and appreciative audiences.

Even during times of crisis, the demand to shop can open up new opportunities in many industries.

At Village Eye we’ve always believed that keeping it local plays a vital role, and no matter what our world will look like in the future we should all carry on supporting local enterprise.

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porting your friends, family, neighbours. The availability and vulnerable, young people of local shops is especially important for the elderly and those without access to , more money that local cou private transport. Plus the nci on supporting local infrastr ls make in rent and rates, the more they can spend ucture and public services.

ESSES N I S U B L L A LOCAL SMRACTER TO ADD CHAND VILLAGEthS ty ter to e ci NS A adds charac at has become p o TOW sh ue iq d th bout by. In a worl ess’s business or

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l busin or drive A small ores, a loca n you walk or town whe dominated by chain sty, adding something increasinglyunique and often quirk ring an alternative air e branding is your High Street, off eded breath of fresh ne to s. h nt ie uc mpan gam differe ores and co , and bringin experience opulated by generic st r a chat into areas p 33 3311 fo

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KEEP IT

LOCAL SHOPPING LOCAL CREATES JOB OPPORTUNITIES & ENCOURAGES ENTREPRENEURS A local business that becomes a success will grow, and as they grow they’ll recruit more staff from the local population. Plus their success will encourage other local businesses to open up to take advantage of the footfall, encouraging other people to take the plunge and become entrepreneurs too!

3

& HELP

REAL LOCAL PEOPLE

GET THE LOCAL ECONOMY GOING AGAIN!

4

YOU GET A GREAT PERSONAL SERVICE

Local business owners are friendly and engaging, they get to know their customers at a personal level and can provide better advice about their products and services.

Local traders value your business more since their survival depends on their good reputation and repeat business.

They can often adapt their products to suit your personal requirements, or source something bespoke for you, which big chains won’t do.

IT’S BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Shopping local means less mileage and petrol costs for you, which helps reduce CO2 emissions. Plus local shops often stock locally sourced goods which not only supports the local economy but also reduces transport times and costs of the goods, which impacts positively on their carbon footprint.

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We know its tempting to default to the big chains or to buy online. But shopping locally is usually just as cost-effective and convenient, plus you are supporting your local community, rather than putting money in nameless and faceless shareholders’ pockets.

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BACK

AN ACTUAL PERSON DOES A LITTLE HAPPY DANCE!

17 17

Not Wired For Sound eyetech Today while so many of us are working from home right now, the chances are we are sharing the space with other family members or living in an apartment complex. Blasting loud music out of speakers is probably a good way to annoy people.

Bluetooth also means that you don’t have to worry about whether you’re using an Apple device, Android, or any other system. If your device can output sound using Bluetooth it will be able to connect to any Bluetooth headphones.

Headphones have gone wireless and noise-cancelling now, which means it’s never been easier to create our own little oasis of sound.

Many headphones offer noise cancellation. Be careful as there is active and passive cancellation.

Active noise cancellation uses a microphone to listen to the noise around you and then tries to cancel it out by playing sound waves into your headphones. This works extremely well but is more expensive. Passive noise cancellation simply involves your headphones blocking out the background noise. They will either cover over your ears or use a tightly fitting earpiece to block sound from getting into your ear canal.

Passive cancellation tends to reduce background noise rather than getting rid of it.

With so many headphones to choose from here are the main features you might want to consider.

To connect headphones to your phone or tablet they need to speak the same language. This language is Bluetooth. Bluetooth is designed to connect devices together over short ranges. There are two main versions of Bluetooth at the moment, version 4 and version 5. For music and audio both give full quality sound. Bluetooth 5 is the newer version with a larger range and better battery life. The range extension should let you walk a couple of rooms away from your player rather than just a few metres.

It has a faster data rate and while that probably won’t make a lot of difference for music, if you have a choice, go for Bluetooth 5.

Headphones come in two styles.

Traditional headphones have an over the head band that connects the two earpieces together and supports the device. Ear buds use two separate wireless speakers that push into your ear. They are usually held in place by the way they fit inside your ear

canal, but some include clips that help them stay in place. Which style you choose is really down to personal preference. Headphones can be more comfortable for longer periods of time and being much bigger. They usually have better quality speakers built into them. Ear buds are lighter and less obtrusive and can be less cumbersome if you move around a lot.

So which headphones should you go for? The choice really comes down to how you plan to use them. If you want to relax and listen to music with the best quality possible, traditional, over ear headphones will be your best choice. You’ll get the best sound production and the best noise cancellation, but your headphones will be bulkier. If you want music while you exercise either in the gym or out in the open, wireless earbuds will be your best choice. Your earbuds will stay in place while you move, they’ll handle sweat and rain, while still giving excellent sound reproduction.

As with all things it comes down to personal choice and personal budget.

So, bear all of these factors in mind and have fun shopping.

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PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

If you’d like to talk to us about restarting your business with our help, please call 0118 933 3311 for a chat

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Service | MOT | Repairs | Car Sales 60/62 Victoria Road | Mortimer | RG7 3SG

*by appointment

19

Paint your own geo-inspired feature wall

If painting your walls feels a little daunting, try a geo mural to ensure perfectly straight lines. Split the wall into three or four graphic shapes and use good decorating tape to get crisp lines, before painting each shape in a pastel colour.

easy style

updates Some clever tricks and quick ways to make your home more beautiful...now!

PAINT YOUR DINING TABLE

Give a wooden table a fresh new look by painting it in a nice sage green.

Sand and prime, then a couple of coats of paint. Once dry, sand lightly between coats and finish with a clear matt varnish. For a wide range of paints & varnishes Contact Dads Shop 0118 933 2014

WOW WITH A PENDANT

Choose a light fitting that will really make a statement in your space, whether it’s over a dining table, in the centre of your living room or even in a hall. If your ceilings are high, you can get away with a large chandelier but if not, go for a style that fans outwards rather than down, to stop it looking overbearing.

eye Homes & Gardens TM

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ADD COLOUR TO YOUR FLOOR Jazz up a plain white bathroom with some punchy floor tiles. You could either tile the whole floor or just a central section in a smaller space.

Contact: Home Ceramics 0118 970 0970

PLUMP FOR SUPER NEW BEDDING New bedlinen will give your bedroom a mini makeover. Try a nice floral pattern on a white background to give a light and bright look. www.amara.com

HIGHLIGHT DECORATIVE DETAILS A painted border will pick out period door frames and skirting boards.

Measure an 8-10cm border and use masking tape to create a crisp, straight line. If you do already have colour on the walls, choose a deeper shade.

BRING SOME BLING INTO YOUR KITCHEN

Whether you are fitting a new kitchen or updating your existing one, smart finishing touches will really lift the design.

Try metallic accents on lighting, seating and appliances. You could also apply a bit of bling to plug sockets and drawer trims too.

Embrace a pattern clash A small-scale patterned wallpaper is a great way to add interest to your scheme without making it look too busy. Team it with accessories such as cushions and lampshades featuring larger-scale patterns in different designs.

A new headboard can transform a bedroom in seconds. Opt for a simple velvet finish if you plan to use wallpaper. For added flourish, paint a surrounding border. aspirestore.co.uk

aspirestore.co.uk

HANG DRAMATIC WALLPAPER

Whether it’s the bedroom or living room, a statement wallpaper can instantly take a space from drab to fab.

A bold botanical design like this one will really breathe new life into your interior. Be brave and embrace the pattern with gusto!

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

facebook.com/villageeyemagazine

@villageeyemag

21 20

Keep it local ! Trades & Services Pages. Don’t forget to mention Village Eye when calling!

James W Fisher Property Maintenance

PAINTING & DECORATING With our extensive range of facilities and FREE services, can you afford to go anywhere else for your vehicle maintenance needs?

SERVICING MOT TESTING DIAGNOSTICS MECHANICAL REPAIRS MOT TESTING TRACKING / ALIGNMENT WHILE YOU WAIT TYRES / BATTERIES / EXHAUSTS TYRES ALL MAKES FREE COLLECTION / DELIVERY

AIR CON

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CONTACT JAMES TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION. No job too small:

OFFICE: 01189 831246 Mobile: 07766 646430 Email: info@jwfisher.co.uk www.jameswfisher.co.uk The Forge, Reading Road, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3BL

COVID-19 UPDATE During this period of uncertainty, we will be offering a free of charge collection and delivery service for your vehicle.

Each vehicle will be picked up with the minimum contact.

Keys will be fully sanitised before returning.

Payment can be made via the phone or BACS HYGIENE: Hand sanitiser & disinfection wipes at all stations.

Regueansing and disinfection of all workspaces.

All employees encouraged to follow all hygiene protocols recommended by the World Health Organisation.

All vehicles sanitised upon completion before being returned.

SUPPLIERS We are in daily contact with our suppliers to ensure we can supply and fit to all makes & models. We also have dedicated staff available to pick up and drop off your vehicle.

0118 970 2222 www.mendemmotors.com 4, Stacey Industrial Park, Silchester Rd, Tadley RG26 3PY

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All interior and exterior decorating, carpentry and small building work.

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PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

If you’d like to talk to us about restarting your business with our help, please call 0118 933 3311 for a chat

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hello@villageeye.co.uk www.villageeye.co.uk

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VILLAGE

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Keep it local ! Trades & Services Pages. Don’t forget to mention Village Eye when calling!

MTJ Plastering We’ll get rid of unsightly ceilings & walls

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PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

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HEATING & PLUMBING

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PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

If you’d like to talk to us about restarting your business with our help, please call 0118 933 3311 for a chat

25

Control Services Limited

Control Services Limited

We are local family company of 20 years specialising in the discreet removal of:

Keep it local ! Trades & Services Pages. Don’t forget to mention Village Eye when calling!

We are local family company of 20 years Wasps, Hornets, *Bees,of: Rats, specialising in the discreet removal

Mice, Moles, Woodworm, Ants, Fleas, Flies, Moths, Bed Wasps, Hornets, *Bees, Rats, Mice, Moles, Bugs, Beetles, Cockroaches, Rabbits and more

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We are a Burghfield-based company with 25 years01635 experience of professional 250 852 control & removal of:

Wasps, Hornets, Rats, Mice, Moles,www.control-services.co.uk Woodworm, Ants, Fleas, Flies, * Please be aware Bees should only be treated if really necessary.

Moths, Bed Bugs, Beetles, Cockroaches and more...

07557 737434 BPCA MEMBERS - RSPH CERTIFIED - FULLY INSURED info@control-services.co.uk www.pestcontrolberkshire.com AS FEATURED ON

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CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

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• Digital Television Aerials • Radio Aerials, (DAB and FM) • Sky HD & Freesat

Home cinema systems IRS Systems Hidden cables

• Multiroom systems • Repairs to existing systems, • European satellites • Domestic and Commercial Work undertaken • TVs mounted on walls

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

If you’d like to talk to us about restarting your business with our help, please call 0118 933 3311 for a chat

something Scratched, Broken or Damaged?

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whatever it is, there’s a good chance we can fix it!

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Any kind of wall & floor tiling. Also, Painting & Decorating

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

If you’d like to talk to us about restarting your business with our help, please call 0118 933 3311 for a chat

27

Keep it local ! Trades & Services Pages. Don’t forget to mention Village Eye when calling!

Complete Bathroom & Kitchen Installation An independent family owned and run business with almost 30 years of experience of delivering the highest level of craftmanship for the supply, installation and design of quality kitchens,bathrooms, ensuite bathrooms and wet rooms in North Hampshire and West Berkshire.

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PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

If you’d like to talk to us about restarting your business with our help, please call 0118 933 3311 for a chat

eyes Garden

Blooming fabulous!

BE BRAVE If something is really annoying you in the garden, a shrub that has outgrown its space or a dull Leylandii hedge just get rid of it before you start work. It can be difficult to dig up something that has been there for a while but I bet you won’t even miss it!

QUICK COVER Clothing your boundaries in planting is guaranteed to make your garden feel bigger. To cover a blank space quickly, annual climbers are perfect, such as Cobaea scandens with its beautiful cream or purple flowers.

Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata) is another quick and easy annual climber. For a real talking point, try mixing it with the unusual blooms of perennial Rhodochiton atrosanguineus.

SET YOUR BOUNDARY If your fence or wall is too much of an eyesore to wait for plants to hide it, clad it with trellis, woven willow or a Japanese-style curtain of bamboo, or just jazz it up with a coat of paint. A painted wall can make a dramatic background for planting, adding extra interest through shadow play. In a shady yard with little room for planting, you can still clothe your walls with ivy. Add a table and chairs and a feature plant in a beautiful pot. It will take a year or so for the ivy to cling but, to speed it up, spread the stems along the ground and cover them with soil just so the leaves are exposed when you plant it.

BONE STRUCTURE Trees and hedges are the bones of your garden, so investing in these will instantly make it feel established.

Some nurseries offer instant-impact hedging, ready rootballed and fully formed. Every garden should ideally have one tree, a multi-stem specimen will give more impact quickly. The larger the tree you choose, the more care you will need to give it.

PLANTS WITH ATTITUDE Tall grasses are the impatient gardener’s secret weapon. Grasses like Miscathus sinensis ‘Malepartus’, Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’will reach 1.5m and more in season. Pair them with fast growing perennials for a long-lasting show. Raise the stakes with beautiful tall annuals, such as sweetly scented tobacco plant Nicotiana sylvestris, feathery cosmos, pretty pastel larkspurs and fabulous sunflowers, in shades from cream to mahogany.

ARE YOU FED UP WITH YOUR TIRED LOOKING GARDEN? OR MAYBE YOU HAVE JUST MOVED AND HAVE AN EMPTY SPOT TO PRETTY UP? HERE ARE SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR YOU...

ALL SUMMER COLOUR Add instant wow to your garden with bright summer bedding, not forgetting the tender perennials that will flower all summer long. Bedding doesn’t have to be brash: enjoy showers of pretty daisies or delicate angel pelargoniums. Nothing lifts a dreary eye like the bold blooms and wonderfully striped leaves of cannas.

Rosebourne are now open with a plethora of fantasic garden stock 7 days a week. Visit www.rosebourne.co.uk for opening times.

TAKE CARE Never be tempted to get instant results by planting garden thugs such as Russian vine or you will soon be battling to contain them. Be cautious, too, of Clematis montana and big rambling roses. They are beautiful but need loads of space. Labels should tell you a plant’s final size!

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NEW for 2020

Too hot for curry?

Summer Indian BBQ Contactless Delivery & Takeaway

As well as continuing to offer a full Indian, English & pizza menu, by popular demand, we have added Buddy’s BBQ Bonanza Boxes to our menu. Now you can taste an Indian summer straight from your own BBQ. Marinated in our chefs’signature spices, these boxes are proving to be a real hit among our customers!

Chicken Tikka .........£6.95 Murgh Nazakat…….£6.95 Tandoori Chicken …£6.95 Sheek Kebabs .........£6.95 Chicken Wings.........£6.95 Lamb Chops.............£7.95 Paneer Tikka............£7.95 Mixed BBQ Box (Mixed of all Above) £30 Enough for 4 People

Ask for more customised options We can also deliver BBQ items cooked +£5

Home BBQ Bonanza Box customer photo

Cooked items also available: Rice, Nan, Vegetables sides or anything else from our main menu. You can collect or we can deliver all together at your preferred BBQ time.

Burghfield

Spices

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PS: Have you tried our NEW Indian Pizzas yet? Ask for details!

Deliveries £20 Min order 30

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Order online or by phone 0118 983 4040 | 0118 983 2059 www.burghfieldspices.co.uk

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Join A Sausage Making Workshop!

Is there a Sausage Lover in your family? If your Sausage Lover would enjoy having-ago at making their very own sausages and getting tips and tricks from the experts at The Mortimer Sausage Co then a Sausage Making Workshop is banging! This also sounds like a great activity for a hen-party or group get-together!

Mortimer-based socially distanced workshops are being planned on various Sundays in the coming months and will run from 10am - 2pm for between 4 and 6 people. At a very reasonable £50, you’ll get hands on sausage-making experience, hints for making at home and ‘appropriate liquid refreshment’.

With unlimited wine, beer and cider on offer during the workshop, you’ll also get to take home some tasters of what you’ve made, 3 packs of sausages from The Mortimer Sausage Co. and a luxury embroided Mortimer Sausage Co. branded apron!

So who’s in? Would-be participants are invited to register their interest by phoning Glyn on 07825 885 848 or email: glyn. charlesworth@icloud.com

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& CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU BACK AS SOON AS WE POSSIBLY CAN. LOVE, JIM & THE GANG X (PLEASE LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES)

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PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

If you’d like to talk to us about restarting your business with our help, please call 0118 933 3311 for a chat

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ON THE with Rob Barnes

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Labelled as the ‘Mad Men of the oil industry’ this Norwegian TV drama tells the captivating story of the people of Stavanger, a small sleepy fishing town whose lives are transformed overnight by the discovery of oil.

Set in 1969 this scandi-tale is refreshing because it doesn’t hide in the shadows and is not based around a mysterious grisly murder. Far from bleak this series is painted in bright, coastal colours bringing this vibrant haven to life and perfectly embeds us in its world.

As bright as a clear blue sky, is the optimism of change promised by the American Oil company Phillips, who look to set-up base. But whilst there are winners, there are losers as local industries struggle, fraying the tight knit families and relationships.

The characterisation is first class, and the costume design and cinematography perfectly evokes the time period and setting. Led by a young cast there are standout performances from Anne Regine Ellingsæter who plays Annie, Amund Harboe as her on-off boyfriend and Bart Edwards as the American oilman at the centre of the culture clash.

Adapted from the Joff Winterhart’s graphic novel you’ll struggle to find a more quintessentially British film than this charming comedy-drama by first time director Simon Bird, from Inbetweeeners and Friday Night Dinner fame.

After her many attempts to cut through, including a trip to the seaside where Daniel is roped into a cringe-inducing fudge making demonstration, a breakthrough finally arrives in the most surprising of circumstances.

This understated and intimate coming of age tale tells the story of Daniel Bangold (Earl Cave, Nick Cave’s son) who finds himself having to spend the summer with his single mum Sue (Monica Dolan) after a holiday trip to visit his dad is cancelled. Daniel is a stereotypical Metalhead teen, with the whole world against him.

Dressed head to toe in black, his long greasy hair hides a sullen face that matches his bleak outlook on life. He splits his time between his room and his one true friend Kye, harbouring far flung aspirations of fronting his own heavy metal band Skull Slayers.

What’s most impressive is Bird’s beautifully balanced handling of the highs and lows that punctuate the serene pace at which the narrative glides along. Yes there are cringeworthy laughs a plenty, most notably from Rob Brydon as the slimey school teacher Douglas who takes Sue out on a date, Tamsin Craig who plays Kye’s ultra zen new age mum, and a cameo from Tim Key who performs a toe-curling fudge making demonstration. But it’s the more suppressed emotions that simmer beneath the surface that give the film a brutal honesty and packs that biggest punch.

Crucially we see life’s struggles through the eyes of both Daniel and his mum Sue who tries desperately to bond with her son despite the constant rebuffs of teenage angst, whilst attempting to find excitement in her own life.

If you’re after a dose of melancholic brit comedy drama with a soundtrack to match (Belle & Sebastian) then this is just for you.

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This is a rare hidden gem of a series that is well acted, simmering with chemistry, and has a narrative brimming with the universal themes of family, romance, and business. Cosy sunday night viewing doesn’t get much better than this.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

If you’d like to talk to us about restarting your business with our help, please call 0118 933 3311 for a chat

The latest entry in Judd Appatow’s long line of offbeat comedies (Anchorman, The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Stepbrothers, Bridesmaids, The Big Sick) The King of Staten Island is his most personal and grown up yet.

Co-written by Appatow and its star Pete Davidson this autobiographical story follows layabout stoner Scott (Davidson) who lives with his mum Margie (Marisa Tomei) on Staten Island. Ever since the death of his firefighter father when he was just a child Scott has lacked all direction.

He spends his days hanging out with childhood sweetheart Kelsey (Bel Powley) and smoking pot with his wayward friends, with little zero ambition or drive other than his passion as an amateur tattoo

artist. Running out of people to practice on, he tattoos an underaged boy, which unwittingly results in a surprise blossoming romance between the boy’s dad Ray (Bill Burr) and Margie. Scott sees Ray as a threat to his cosy life and when his mum asks him to move out and get a job he does all he can to derail the relationship. At rock bottom he finds refuge from the crew at the local fire station, who take him under their wing and slowly help turn his life around.

There is the familiar Appatow freewheeling humour born from his Saturday Night Live days, where a young Pete Davidson also cut his teeth. However there is a noticeable shift toward a more serious tone with a depth of character that cuts deeper than his previous work. This newfound realism

For movie fans who struggle to keep up with the very latest movie releases, this watchalong podcast hosted by myself and Sarah Paul is just the ticket.

received, will always resonate with people in different ways and so a Hitchcock classic is given exactly the same attention as an offbeat rom-com.

We have each compiled a list of our favourite movies past and present across all genres, and each week we randomly select two to watch that are available to view on streaming platforms. On the podcast we get together and give our own reviews and thoughts on both films including facts and behind the scenes trivia, before selecting the next two to watch for the following week.

So far our list has proven very eclectic having reviewed The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, The Croods, City of God, Aliens, Love Actually, Whiplash, Cube, Schindler’s List, Patriot Games, The Dark Knight, Vertigo, Life of Pi, Bumblebee, Coco, Moulin Rouge and Lion. So if you’ve got forty minutes to spare on your commute, whilst doing the housework, or when out for a walk or run then give us a listen and join in, we appreciate all the support we can get.

Not only is it fun to rewatch old favourites but it also opens your eyes to new films you may not otherwise seek out. We are not high-brow cinefiles and it’s our passionate belief that any film, however critically

undoubtedly owes a debt to the real life events of Davidson’s life that the movie is based on - he too grew up on Staten Island and his Dad was a firefighter who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Indeed so close was the subject matter that reportedly some scenes were particularly difficult for Davidson to film. Like life itself rarely are people’s struggles straightforward and neatly tied up in bow, so it is also refreshing that the narrative is not afraid to drift just when we might expect a resolution.

Appatow has little to prove as the modern day master of goofball comedies, but with The King of Staten Island he gives us a life affirming film brimming with heart and soul.

This ten part documentary series charts the rise of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and their attempt to win a record equalling sixth NBA Basketball title. Dubbed ‘The Last Dance’ coach Phil Jackson is given one more season with his team of superstars, led by Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, to make history.

This revealing character study of the most famous sportsman on the planet is told by the man himself, his teammates, coaches and journalists. The series frequently flashes back and forth to tell the story season by season and features interviews with many of the games greats including Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant.

Thanks to the gargantuan all-access ESPN archive this is a documentary packed with dramatic match highlights, iconic game winning moments as well as the behind the scenes stories and more intimate moments as told by the players themselves. As sports documentaries go this is right up there with the very very best, and prime fodder for the ultimate binge watch.

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eye Win

WIN A WATERSKI & WAKEBOARD COURSE! GET THE WHOLE FAMILY AWAY FROM TECHNOLOGY & EXPERIENCING FUN ON THE WATER THIS SUMMER Did you know that the south’s leading Waterski & Wakeboard destination is right here on our doorstep in Pingewood?

Yes! We are lucky enough to have CJM Ski & Wake based at Reading Lake Hotel, bringing quality tuition and coaching - for adults and kids - to the area.

Because of current government guidelines on social distancing, CJM Ski & Wake are currently only able to offer 1-2-1 coaching for improvers or advanced customers. But if you’re new to the sport or would like a refresher, the centre will soon be able to offer its group taster days again which include full coaching, all equipment such as wetsuits and buoyancy aids and three 15 minute sessions on the water.

During the school holidays CJM Ski & Wake would usually hold regular Kids Camps. These are on hold at time of writing, of course, but you can register your interest. Each day - from 10am - 3pm - the children learn to waterski or wakeboard with two sessions each day on the water along with on-land activities and ending with something fun on the water like paddle-boarding or an inflatable ride.

Head Coach is Chris Mullins who is a UKCC Level 3 Waterski and Wakeboard coach, having gained over 10 years’ experience managing ski schools. The centre is equipped to coach all levels of Waterskiing and Wakeboarding, from grass roots beginners to international competitors. As you would expect, all the coaches are fully trained by British Waterski & Wakeboard, and hold current First Aid along with their DBS Checks.

A recent testimonial that Chris has received speak volumes about the tuition he provides: “Chris really helped Noah & Josh improve on the water and get involved in a new sport, with fantastic coaching. All the staff had the patience and knowledge to make the sessions safe & enjoyable.” AD Henvest.

Get in touch with Chris today to find out more!

Tel: 07894 153 395 chris@cjmskiandwake.com

! r NWoATw EnBEte ERSKI/ GINNER

WIN A ER COURSE at CJM WAKEBOARD TAST (Valid for 12 months) uk

night on July 31st.

Competition closes at mid

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

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geeye.co. winning, visit www.villa To be in with a chance of answer the following question: click the comp tab and ke are based at the: CJM Ski & Wa a: Reading Sea Hotel b: Reading River Hotel c: Reading Lake Hotel

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LAFFORD & LEAVEY LTD ARROWHEAD ROAD, THEALE, READING, RG7 4AZ Tel: Reading (0118) 9303333 Fax: (0118) 9323707 Email: lafford.leavey@btconnect.com

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One of the leading window, door and conservatory installers in Berkshire, offering free quotations and advice from a company with a formidable reputation spanning 50 years. Choose from a wide range of products in a style and finish which will suit your budget and needs, we are only a phone call away.

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Golf Membership 7 Day Annual Membership: £700 or £70 per month by direct debit (was £850) 5 Day Annual Membership: £500 or £50 per month by direct debit (was £605) Intermediate 18-30 years old: £415 annual payment (was £499) Playmore golf flexible membership £350 (www.playmore.golf)

Call us on: 0118 933 4000

Wokefield Estate | Goodboys Lane | Mortimer | Reading | Berkshire | RG7 3AE | Telephone: 0118 933 4000

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Full membership benefits, terms and conditions and online booking can be found at: www.devere.co.uk/wokefield-estate/golf