Eye Magazine Earley, Lower Earley & Surrounds: July 2021 by Village Eye Magazines

July 2021 reaching 18,000 households

Priceless!

eye

The area’s favourite monthly magazine

SATURDAY

Sunday

17th & 18th July, Dinton Pastures

MeetinlgleBBJCor’sdan Miche

WIN A SEVEN COURSE TASTING MENU FOR TWO AT

GLOBAL Business Awards

Winner Most Outstanding Regional Lifestyle Magazine

2019

BlueSky

page 16

THINKING

THE AREA’S FAVOURITE LOCAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE

EACH MONTH WE DELIVER DOOR TO DOOR TO 18,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES IN:

RECEPTION, YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2 RECEPTION, YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER

VISIT US FOR A PERSONAL TOUR TO FIND OUT WHAT MAKES OUR PRE-PREP YEARS SO UNIQUE. Individual family tours available for those wishing to join in September 2021.

ENQUIRE ONLINE AT:

www.crosfields.com/admissions/admissions-enquiry

Find out more at www.CROSFIELDS.com or contact our Registrar on 2 07761 494 293 or 0118 9879902 or email registrar@crosfields.com

8 GLOBAL Business Awards

Winner Most Outstanding Regional Lifestyle Magazine

2019

L’Ortolan... 7

Win a Seven Course Meal for Two!

/villageeyemagazines

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

7. Win a Seven Course Tasting Menu at L’Ortolan! We have teamed up with Reading’s Michelin star restaurant, L’Ortolan, to give you the chance to win a seven course taster menu for two and a glass of fizz on arrival! Bon Appetit! 8. Eye on Celebrity We caught up with Michelle Jordan from BBC Radio Berkshire who gave us the low down on her interesting route into radio. 10. Bug’s Beauty Our regular beauty columnist, Amelia (better known as ‘Bug’) tells us everything we need to know about teeth whitening this month. So take some tips and get smiling with confidence!

18-25. Pink Pages & Property Find your local trusted trades within our Pink Pages. If you’re an electrician, a roofer, a windows installer or providing any other trade to our local community, get listed! Give our friendly team a call on 0118 933 33 11. 28. School’s Out for Summer! If you’re starting to think about what to do with the kids in the summer holidays, look no further.

We are delighted to bring this new edition of Eye magazine to 18,000 new homes across the region after a long wait for lock down restrictions to be eased enough to get this magazine through your letterbox! As some readers may know, we are locally based and have been publishing our magazine in Burghfield, Mortimer, Theale, Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross and surrounding villages for ten years - 100 issues in and we are now delighted to be bringing the same quality content to this new area - your area every month.

keep it local!

eye

Gold Member

PINKTOMATO

Our cover sponsor this month is Marvellous Festival who, are delighted to be bringing their ultimate tribute festival to Dinton Pastures later in the month. Who wants to go ‘Out Out”? We’d like to extend a big thank you to our readers, our advertisers and our contributors. Please do mention Eye Magazine when contacting our advertisers - we are all about keeping it local! Have a fantastic July!

Helle n & the Team x

eye

The area’s favourite monthly magazine

SATURDAY

Sunday

lds

We are endeavouring to get to know more local businesses and local community groups and charities so that we can help them get their stories out to the local area, so if that’s you, please do get in touch.

Whether it’s about featuring, advertising, competitions or community news, we’d love to hear from you!

househo

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

A massive ‘HELLO!” to our new readers in Earley, Lower Earley, Shinfield, Riseley, Ryeish Green and Swallowfield who will be getting their Eye magazine for the very first time!

18,000

34. Youth Fitness Uncovered Local trainer, Steve Shreeve, gives us insight into the best way to approach fitness for those aged 16+ who are just starting to hit the gym.

Hello July!

July 2021 reaching

12. Bluesky Thinking Bluesky has been part of the Lower Earley business community for over twenty years, assisting individuals and businesses with their financial needs. Meet the team and find out more on page 12 right now.

16. Marvellous Festivals The original - and still the best - tribute festival will be coming to Dinton 17th & 18th July, Pastures Dinton later this Pastures month and what a line-up they have this year. Take a look at page 16 to find out more.

Priceless!

What’s inside

17 & 18 th July, Dinton Pastures th

MeetingBBC’s Michelle Jordan

WIN A COURSE SEVEN TASTING MENU FOR TWO AT

GLOBAL Business Awards

Winner Most Outstanding Regional Lifestyle Magazine

2021

BlueSky THINKI

page 16

THE AREA ’S FAVO

EACH MONTH

LOWER

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

WE DELIVE

URITE LOCA

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

THE SHINFIELD ARMS SAME AMAZING PLACE, NEW NAME! The decision to rename the 16th Century ‘Black Boy’ pub in Shinfield was a controversial one among locals and continues to be debated on social media pages even now. Going forward, the pub will be known as The Shinfield Arms following a public vote. Greene King Pub Partners managing director Wayne Shurvinton said, “…from the research we carried out it was clear that there was a perception today that the old name was linked with racism, which is why we knew we had to take this step if we wanted to continue on our journey to become a truly anti-racist organisation.” One thing that remains unchanged is the outstanding beer garden, great food and service which is why customers have been flocking back since restrictions were eased in April. Cheers everyone!

Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice

Be there when it matters If you’re passionate about care, join our friendly team and enjoy great benefits

GREEN PARK DAY NURSERY CELEBRATES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY Children at Green Park Day Nursery had great fun celebrating World Environment Day inJune following the news that the nursery has become ‘Climate Positive’, which means they are saving more greenhouse gas emissions than they generate.

to creating a recycling centre and researching sea pollution, the preschoolers were immersed in really exciting learning experiences. The team pledged to go meat-free for the day, as well as turn off lights and taps to save resources wherever possible.

The nursery has also earned a prestigious ‘Green Flag’, the highest accolade in the internationally-recognised Eco-Schools programme, which is awarded for exceptional environmental awareness and conservation practices. From composting and planting vegetables

Green Park Day Nursery Manager, Mandy Cooper explained, “We had a brilliant time celebrating World Environment Day and reminding ourselves of the small steps we can take every day to do our bit in helping the planet for future generations to come.”

LOCAL RADIO, RG2 CELEBRATES SECOND BIRTHDAY

Did you know that there is a community radio station based in RG2? Named RG2 - for obvious reasons - this vibrant online radio station is on a mission to inform, engage and empower the afro-Caribbean community. The station was launched in May 2019 and features a wide range of music including Afrobeats, Gospel, Soca, Soul and Reggae, along with lots of chat on a range of subjects with live radio shows every day. If you haven’t tuned in before, why not give it a listen now? You can find the station at www.rg2radio.com

Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and in Scotland (SCO39578). Ref. No. 07290. © Sue Ryder. June 2021.

08/06/2021 14:57hello@villageeye.co.uk To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email

07290 - Duchess of Kent Nurse Recruitment Ad 105x148.indd 1

eye

VOLUNTEERS

Community News

MAKE A CLEAN SWEEP

Well done to the members of the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh who have been assisting in the community with spring tidying work at Camp Mohawk. Camp Mohawk is a multi-functional day centre for children with special needs, set in 5 acres of beautiful countryside, just outside Wargrave, that many families across the area benefit from. Throughout the year the centre provides a range of activities, facilities and natural space to encourage children with a variety of special needs to play, socialise and learn in a secure and caring environment. Working alongside Camp Mohawk's Jemma Fisher and Tony Player, the Rotary Club members made a real difference with their tidying and maintenance of the extensive grounds. If you’d like to volunteer or find out more about Rotary, send an email to rotaryreadingme@ gmail.com. The Rotary Club is meeting online until the Coronavirus pandemic precautions permit them to meet physically, but in ‘normal times’ they meet on a Tuesday evening in Winnersh. There are currently around 50 members, both male and female. The club was chartered in 1989 and is one of 7 clubs in the Reading area undertaking many fund raising and social events, as well as providing direct support for local organisations and schools. Why not become part of something special in your local community?

WHAT WOULD YOU CALL IT?

As the new community centre on School Green in Shinfield reaches the final stages of construction, it’s time to give it a name! Shinfield Parish Council is asking local residents for their opinion on the short list of names and there has been much discussion of the suggestions on the local Facebook page. The new community centre will provide a large space for activities and events, a new café, meeting rooms, library facilities, a bespoke children’s space, and an enclosed garden area.

DOCTOR BOCTOR SAYS A FOND FAREWELL

he recent announcement from the Brookfield Group Practice that Dr Jenny Boctor would be retiring after ten years of tending to the local community’s ailments was met with a raft of good luck messages and an outpouring of good wishes. Dr. Jenny’s message said, “It’s been a real pleasure and honour to be able to work at Brookside for the past ten years! I have enjoyed working alongside such a friendly and

supportive team and getting to know patients over that time. It is hard to be leaving! However, we are excited to be going on our next adventure as a family, as we head out to the Middle East this summer. I will miss both the patients and staff team very much!” Good luck Doctor Boctor and thank you for your compassion and care over the last ten years.

To get involved and cast your vote, visit: www.shinfieldparish.gov.uk

DON’T MISS OUT! FOLLOW US NOW5

What can we

order you in for

PRELOVED VEHICLES SOURCED TO ORDER

Whether you already know what you’re looking for or need some guidance, call us for a chat about your requirements and we’ll do our best to help:

0118 933 2338

sales@spratleys.co.uk

Service | MOT | Repairs | Car Sales 6

www.spratleys.co.uk

60/62 Victoria Road | Mortimer | RG7 3SG

WIN

A SEVEN COURSE TASTING MENU FOR TWO & A GLASS OF FIZZ ON ARRIVAL

MENU GOURMAND

L’Ortolan

ver thought about relaxing in stylish and comfortable surroundings and enjoying exquisite contemporary French cuisine, exceptional service and a warm welcome?

In addition to their regular fine dining experience, L’Ortolan are also offering their Menu Gourmand, a seven or ten course lunch/ dinner which promises to take your taste buds on an amazing culinary journey!

As proud holders of one Michelin star and three AA rosettes, L’Ortolan is also in the Top 20 on the Sunday Times Best UK Restaurants list!

Dining at L’Ortolan costs less than you’d expect too. With mains from their A la Carte menu starting at just £16, and desserts from £14, check out all of their menus at www.lortolan.com

Finally, after five long months, the time has come for L’Ortolan to open their doors and welcome their guests once more. Offering some of the most delectable dishes & wines in the area, the fine dining house of legends keeps impressing all that dine within with creativity and delight. Despite his young age, the Head Chef keeps on proving his impressive cooking skills time & time again. L’Ortolan’s James Greatorex creates delightful combinations by bringing together the seasons freshest ingredients, from Cornish Crab, Jersey Royale potatoes, freshest Gariguette Strawberries as well as finishing on various herbs directly from their very own garden.

eye Win!

Village Eye and L’Ortolan have teamed up to give one lucky reader the chance of winning a voucher for two (with a glass of fizz) to experience their Menu Gourmand. Entry to the competition is free and remember, one of you WILL WIN! Please see the entry details below. £79 per person for seven courses £139 with Sommelier’s 5 Glass Wine Selection £194 with Sommelier’s 5 Glass Fine Wine Selection

HOW TO ENTER

Our magnificent Menu Gourmand 7 or 10 course Lunch & Dinner promises to take your taste buds on a culinary journey like no other. Prepare to be amazed...

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply go to

villageeye.co.uk click the competition tab and answer the following question:

L’Ortolan’s Seven Course Tasting Menu is called:

Please call 0118 988 8500 or email info@lortolan.com to make a reservation www.lortolan.com

a: Menu Gourmand b: Menu Gordon c: Menu Gorgeous Entries must be made by midnight on Saturday 31st July. The winner will be notified on Monday 2nd August. Full terms & conditions at www.villageeye.co.uk

L’Ortolan, Church Lane, Shinfield, Reading, RG2 9BY

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

ichelle Jordan’s voice has graced our local airwaves for more than a decade now, first on the much-loved Heart Radio breakfast show, better known as ‘Matt & Michelle’ and more recently on her BBC Radio Berkshire evening show. But where did Michelle come from and how did she get to be a prime time radio presenter? Believe it or not, Michelle started her working life as a residential social worker for adults with learning difficulties. At the time, she lived over in Bedfordshire. It was a stressful but rewarding job and when it started to get too much, Michelle ‘just decided’ to try a career in radio. She always had the radio on in the car and loved the laughs and the banter that the presenters and production team had, so she decided that if she was going to make a career change that radio would be a good choice. Michelle told us, “I didn’t have any ambition to be a presenter. I had no training or production skills, but I thought I would try to get in the door as an administrator.” So she wrote to the radio station asking for volunteer posts. Five letters later (!) Michelle finally got a phone call from the

manager of Chiltern Radio. He asked her when she was going to stop writing in. Her answer was simple “When you reply and invite me in for a chat”. With that, she was invited in for a coffee and a chat - followed by the offer of a job! Michelle’s first role in radio was at Chiltern Radio as member of the weekend ‘Black Thunder Crew’. The team drove around the local area in mega branded Vauxhall Fronteras visiting shopping centres to do promotional work with occasional live links back to the studio. Michelle was still a full time social worker at this point and she juggled both jobs for two years until her boss called her into the office to talk about a trial as the travel presenter for breakfast and drive. The Black Thunder Crew work had shown just how easily Michelle could strike up a rapport with listeners and becoming ‘Travel Babs’ (Babs is her nickname) doing traffic and travel every fifteen minutes showed that all over again. They even had ‘Travel Babs’ pens and T-shirts made which were given away to listeners! Eventually, her bosses at the station asked her to co-host the regular Breakfast Show with Gaz Wesley, so Michelle was finally able to leave her job in social care and take a permanent role at the radio station,

although she did take a pay cut to do it. So there she was, presenting the breakfast show for five years with no qualifications in radio or production whatsoever! Michelle told us, “I felt like a fraud, but you know what they say, ‘Fake it ‘til you make it!’ ” Five years on and Chiltern Radio became Heart Radio, having been bought by Global, and they asked Michelle to come to Reading to breathe new life into the Breakfast Show there, presenting alongside Matt Brown from Fox FM. So in 2010, ‘Matt and Michelle’ was born and despite Michelle’s protests that she will never do a breakfast show again due to the horrific 04:15am starts, it really was a hugely popular show and when its end was announced in May 2019 there was a public outcry. Michelle told us,”Being made redundant in the public eye really was awful. It was a horrible time.” But when one door closes, another one opens and Michelle was snapped up by the BBC, presenting shows on BBC Radio Wiltshire, BBC Radio Oxford and, a hugely popular regular week night show at BBC Radio Berkshire which is celebrating its second birthday this month.

eye

e e l l l e e h h c c i i M M MJJicohroerdlldaeann Jordan Celebrity

And, of course, those who already listen regularly will know that Eye magazine’s editor, Hellen, has a regular slot on Michelle’s Thursday night show called ‘Eye on the Weekend: Out Out Guide’. Hellen gives listeners an overview of activities and events taking place across Berkshire over the coming weekend and it’s been a real hit with audiences. Michelle told us, “It’s rather ironic that I’m working at the BBC.

eye on the weekend:

Going

Out Out

guide

THURSDAY EVENINGS BBC BERKSHIRE

eye

Years ago, I was asked in to have a chat with ‘BBC Three Counties Radio’ and was told that I couldn’t work for the BBC because I didn’t have a degree in the right area. It just goes to show how things change. Right now, I’m involved in the BBC New Talent scheme. The BBC are now actively seeking fresh, emerging talent, regardless of background, education, accent…all the things that may have previously held people back. The BBC used to be known for being stuffy but those days are definitely gone. I ate cat food on my show last week!” So what’s next for Michelle? She’s certainly in a happy place right now but when we pressed her, she revealed,”I wouldn’t mind a cheeky little mid-morning radio show, or drive-time would be nice!” Let’s see what the future holds! Happy ‘workivarsay’ and good luck, Michelle!

You can listen to Michelle Jordan Mon-Thurs on BBC Radio Berkshire from 18:00-22:00

DON’T MISS OUT! FOLLOW US9 NOW

Teeth ng Whiteni Now that we can finally see each other without a mask (at a two metre distance of course) many of us may have become mouth conscious. We all know that brushing and flossing every day is the best way to keep your mouth healthy. Still, if you feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you are not alone and there are so many ways to get back your pearly whites! So how does teeth whitening actually work? Teeth have an outer layer, otherwise known as enamel; over time it is worn away or stained by things like sugary drinks, red wine or tobacco products causing the teeth to appear more yellowish. The most common chemical found in whitening products is Hydrogen peroxide; this essentially breaks down the stains on your teeth. But over bleaching can lead to sensitivity and gum problems so it’s vital that you speak to your dentist and do it safely.

Cost friendly & Quick

Teeth whitening strips are super easy and are quite gentle on your gums. All you do is place them on your teeth and leave them for 15-30 minutes, and then you take them out, brush your teeth and you should start to see results after 3-4 uses.

Teeth whitening won’t work on everybody so I would recommend speaking to your dentist before you do anything, most practices do offer teeth whitening professionally, but it comes at a higher cost than the other methods but is worth it for your confidence.

A more efficient way… There are many brands that offer at home whitening pens or trays for your teeth that are accompanied with an LED light to speed up the process. The idea is that you fill the tray with the peroxide based gel and let sit in your mouth for however long is recommended.

Over-the-counter strip products, such as Crest Whitestrips, are not too bad, but they usually only whiten the front 6 teeth. In the UK, over-the-counter products should contain no more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, while the legal, safe limit for application by professional dentists is 16%. My advice is to always do your research, check peroxide percentages. Any higher than 16% (there are some UK sites offering products as high as 35%) and you risk causing damage to your gums! Always follow instructions and if the product you’re looking at offers you a permanent ‘quick fix’, the chances are, the high chemical levels may do you more harm than good.

Here are a couple of options to help you smile confidently again…

Bug x

To get in touch, email me at amelia@villageeye.co.uk

Bug’s Beauty

eye! Win

WIN A FAMILY COACHING SESSION FOR 4

Riseley Tennis Club is a sociable and family friendly club supporting members from Reading, Basingstoke & Wokingham, with members ranging in all ages. Hosting regular club events on four flood-lit hard courts and licensed clubhouse, you can play all year round! They also provide fantastic LTA registered coaches and a range of tournaments to keep you on your A-game! So join today, you will be serving aces and making friends in no time. We have a family coaching session (for four people) to give away to one lucky reader. If you fancy winning this sporty prize, why not enter our competition this month. Remember, real local people win all of our competitions and that this time, the winner could be you. Good Luck!

ENTER NOW! visit

www.villageeye.co.uk

www.riseleytennisclub.co.uk

click the competition tab and answer the following question: Riseley Tennis Club has how many floodlit courts? a: 2 b: 3 c: 4

07940 785472

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

Thinking A huge hello from us! Bluesky are proud to have been part of the Lower Earley business community for over 20 years, assisting individuals and businesses with their financial planning needs. We are delighted that Village Eye has chosen to start distributing their fantastic publication within the wider Earley area. We have been regular columnists in the RG7 version of Village Eye for more than 10 years and have seen Village Eye blossom into the essential publication that it is today. 20 years is a long time in financial services and during that time there have been many changes and improvements to our profession to make it what it is today. During that time Bluesky has also undergone a number of changes but the ownership and our office has been constant – as has our mission, which is to provide well-thought out, top quality financial advice and planning support to our clients. In an age where many of us are told to think that ‘bigger means better’ we are proud to have remained a small and friendly firm that puts the forging of long term relationships at the heart

of what we do. With four Chartered Financial Planners and a team of nine support staff we are dedicated in our mission to provide the highest levels of advice and support. We have four core values at Bluesky – pride, simplicity, client service and peace of mind and these inform everything that we do. We are proud that our clients think so highly of us – as evidenced by our annual client satisfaction survey and online reviews (Google and Vouched For). We look forward to writing a regular column in this new edition of the Eye and we hope that over the coming months our articles will engage and inform you. Everything ‘Bluesky’ starts with a chat and if you would like to find out more about our services and, importantly, tell us about your situation and where you want to get to, we would be delighted to see if we could assist. We wish Village Eye every success in its new ‘patch’ and here’s to the next 20 years!

Meet your team of Chartered Financial Planners

12 12

Mark Penston

Rob Starling

Mark set up Bluesky over 20 years ago and is a co-director. He is a financial planning and divorce specialist.

Rob is a co-director. He is also a financial planning and divorce specialist with an expertise in pensions.

Jeremy Jackson With 7 years of financial planning experience at Bluesky, Jeremy is a financial planning specialist and our Investment Committee chairman.

Mike Thompson The most recent addition to the team, Mike is another of our financial planning specialists with a great knowledge of pensions.

Financial Planning

Retirement Planning

It is perhaps true to say that very few people approach Bluesky with the express purpose of wanting a financial plan. However, all of our clients end up with one! In fact, most people come to see us because they have a pension ‘problem’, an investment ‘problem’ or an inheritance tax ‘problem’. So why is the production of a financial plan nearly always likely to be the answer whatever the ‘problem’? In simple terms, would you start a car journey without knowing where you wanted to go and what you wanted to do once you get there? No!

Retirement is perhaps the biggest transition that most of us will face in our lifetime. At this point we give up the comfort and security of a regular income in order to live off the pensions and investments that we have accumulated throughout our life. It should also be a time to be excited and to look forward to new challenges, new adventures, perhaps learning new skills and spending time with love ones.

Financial planning has the potential to be transformational and lifechanging. At its core, it answers a very simple but very big question - ‘do I have enough?’ Financial planning addresses this in a comprehensive, engaging way which means that you end up being able to make decisions with confidence. Can I afford to retire? Can I give money to my children? Do I need to save more? Whatever they are, all of your questions are answered.

Necessarily, pensions are usually the largest piece of the retirement planning puzzle and over the years they have become increasingly complicated. However, pensions also come with many advantages that other more mainstream investments don’t and there are now opportunities as to how you draw your income which give you a great deal of flexibility. We are experts in the field of retirement planning and have many years’ experience of helping people transition into this important period of their lives. We can help you to identify the opportunities that retirement presents.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Many people under appreciate the fact that they have fallen into an area which they previously thought was only relevant to the super wealthy. However, if you own property in the south of England then it is very likely that this issue could affect you or your family at some point. Most of us are happy to pay our fair share of taxes, however, inheritance tax is widely considered to be an optional tax in the sense that there are a number of ways that it can be mitigated. This area is very complex and overlaps with many other areas of an individual‘s financial plan. Working with Bluesky, we will help to identify your current and future liability to inheritance tax and then build an effective long-term strategy for making sure that as much of your wealth is passed on to your loved ones as possible whilst ensuring that you can live a comfortable lifestyle during your retirement.

Divorce TITLE Planning

As well as being financial planning specialists we have also built up 20 years of experience working with divorcing couples and their legal representatives. We are proud to work with a large number of local solicitors and mediators to help couples who are going through a difficult time. Naturally divorce can be extremely stressful and the financial implications of divorce can be a huge factor in causing additional stress – with unanswered questions such as how will our assets be shared? Should I keep the house or get a share of the pensions? Working with you and your legal representatives we can help you understand the financial implications of the divorce and give you some really good guidance and help to empower you to take steps with confidence – both during and after your divorce. Working with you we are able to show you what your financial future might look like once you have divorced and help you with negotiations to get a settlement that works for you.

Make provision for the things you love

(with a little help from us)

For an initial consultation call us on:

0118 987 6655

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

info@blueskyifas.co.uk www.blueskyifas.co.uk

There when it matters Alexandra is a palliative care nurse at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading, where she provides specialist care to people living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. She is sharing her story in the hope of inspiring others to follow a career in palliative care. “When I first joined the team at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice I was working as a nursing assistant. In that role you are usually the first person a patient sees when they come into the hospice and you take care of their physical, psychological and emotional needs, as well as supporting their family. You spend the most time with them and hear all their stories, but you’re also there with them through the crises, the heartaches and sometimes the pain. Now working as a palliative care nurse I provide the same care, but I’m more involved in pain relief, symptom management and helping our patients to be more comfortable. We are a big team at the hospice and we work in partnership to provide all the support people and their families need at a difficult time. It’s a privilege to care for people who are coming to the end of their life. You give a lot, but you receive so much more in return. Even if you work from dusk to dawn and you are exhausted at the end of the day, you’re somehow ‘full’. You see so much love, even if it’s with suffering, and you see compassion and goodness. It’s a lovely place to work, especially for personal growth as you learn so much from your patients and you see life from a different perspective. The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to some changes in the way hospice staff work, but we are all continuing to do everything we can to provide expert and compassionate palliative care despite the challenges caused by the pandemic.” Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, is currently recruiting registered nurses to provide high quality, specialist end-of-life care on its inpatient unit in Reading. For further information on vacancies, please email recruitment@sueryder.org or visit sueryder.org/jobs

First Rate Mechanical editorial

We are a family run, independent and experienced care provider. We support independent living for the elderly and adults with disabilities at home

WE OFFER • Day and night care • Respite care • Holiday accommodation • Emergency care • Dementia care • Home from hospital rehabilitation • Competitive and fair rates • All inclusive social events for our clients and family members

Get in touch for more information:

0118 942 9889 | office@chrysaliscare.org 23c Horseshoe Park, Horseshoe Road, Pangbourne, RG8 7JW www.chrysaliscareathome.org

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

eye siness local bu

First Rate Mechanical Services can help

Keep your

COOL This Summer

any of us have been eager for those long, hot summer days to arrive, but when they do, we remember the downsides - uncomfortably hot days and humid, sticky nights. First Rate Mechanical Services has the solution to our over-heating woes. They have been planning, fitting and maintaining air conditioning systems for over twenty years, so they really know a thing or two about keeping cool. There are many benefits to having air conditioning. If you’ve been sat on the fence, trying to decide whether or not to invest in an air conditioning system for the home or office, consider this: Being in a constant high-temperature can impact your health - dehydration, nausea and even low blood pressure - which can be quite serious. Being hot can also make you tired and we all know that when we’re tired, we’re much less productive. But most importantly - the number one in most people’s book - a proper air con system - will mean that you get a proper night’s sleep. No more tossing and turning and waking up exhausted.

First Rate Mechanical Services’ team of installers, mechanical engineers and service engineers provide a complete package from planning and installation through to regular servicing. And it’s not just homes that the team make cooler. They install air conditioning and ventilation systems in laboratories, offices and retail units, as well as homes! So think again before you dig out the electric fans from the garage or start spraying sheets with cold water before bed this summer (both well-used techniques for staying cool at night). There is clearly another way and there’s no denying that this team really know what they’re doing. And, of course, they need to! All the engineers are f-gas certified and they have all completed mechanical apprenticeships and undergone all the necessary training to be fully competent and qualified in the mechanical sector, too. With First Rate Mechanical Services, you are in safe, experienced hands and you even get a seven year warranty on parts for peace of mind. So whether you have some questions or you need a quote, do get in touch.

Design Installation Service

Pay only 5% VAT on Domestic Installations

The team works right across the South East and beyond, so anyone reading Eye magazine will be on their patch and they are keen to help. • • • • • • • • • • •

•

Air Conditioning Services Domestic & commercial Design, installation, Service 5% VAT on Domestic Installations Fgas registered Fully insured Smart phone control via app Heating & Cooling A*** energy efficiency Up to 7 years warranty Partner installers of Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin & Panasonic air conditioning Free quotations

Keep your cool this summer!

Please call 0118 343 3814 if you would like to discuss a new project including new air conditioner installation, service or repair.

www.firstratemechanicalservices.co.uk

17th & 18th July, Dinton Pastures

t’s now only a few weeks until Marvellous Festival returns (hoorah) to Dinton Pastures Country Park. And, if you haven’t got your tickets yet, they are selling fast, so be quick!

Marvellous News…

Government Even after the on 14th June nt me ce un no an

!!We Can Still Go Ahead !!

TRIBUTES H 13 AMAZING OD H FABULOUS FO LLS H BARS & STA H GLAMPING H CAMPING H 2 STAGES AGE H BIG KIDS VILL CTIVITIES H FREE KIDS A MUSIC H SUPERB LIVE IANT H COVID COMPL

After a year off for reasons beyond everyone’s control, the Marvellous family are chomping at the bit to bring you the country’s longest running, most popular tribute festival - for the 18th time! This year’s Marvellous is set to take place over the weekend of 17th & 18th July and promises no fewer than 13 world-class tribute acts on the main stage, plus the Wokingham Music Club stage featuring a plethora of unsigned local talent. This year you will be right royally entertained by tributes to Queen, Coldplay, ELO, Fleetwood Mac, T-Rex, Ed Sheeran, Tina Turner and more! And, as an extra special treat, prepare to funk it up (a lot) on the Saturday night with Uncle Funk’s Disco Inferno, one of the world’s most explosive party funk bands. Beginning its life in 2003, Marvellous was the first festival of its kind and, to this day, remains the biggest and best. It is fiercely proud of its reputation, offering families the opportunity to experience a full-on festival atmosphere in a safe and

friendly environment. What’s not to like? Kids of all ages will find plenty to do with fabulous fairground rides on tap plus loads of free activities in the Big Kids’ Village - including arts and crafts, games and face-painting..... It’s all going on, and more attractions are yet to be announced. There’s something very special about Marvellous. Each year the festival welcomes groups and families (some have even been coming since the beginning). With prepaid parking at only £5 per car per day, or a short walk from Winnersh Train station, The festival is easily accessible for everyone. With on site bars, food stalls and traders that are very competitively priced, the festival offers both day and weekend tickets, complete with camping and glamping packages. In our experience, the best way to enjoy the full Marvellous experience is to do the whole weekend under canvas! If you’re planning a staycation this summer, then this is the perfect low-cost family getaway (without having to travel too far!) Look forward to seeing you later in July…

FOR TICKETS VISIT

www.marvellousfesitvals.com

16 16

Saturday 17th July

Sunday 18th July

Property of the Month BEARWOOD BEARWOOD PATH PATH WINNERSH WINNERSH

Substantial, Grade 2 listed, 4 bedroom detached Substantial, Grade 2 listed, 4 bedroom detached

£750,000 £750,000 OIEO OIEO eded regre AgA leale SaS

Reading Reading eded regre AgA leale SaS

Reading Reading

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

This delightful property boasts many character features including This delightful property boasts many character features including inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams. Although perfectly habitable inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams. Although perfectly habitable as it is, White Cottage is in need of complete refurbishment and is as it is, White Cottage is in need of complete refurbishment and is priced to reflect the level of improvements required. This charming priced to reflect the level of improvements required. This charming property represents an excellent opportunity to own a unique and property represents an excellent opportunity to own a unique and spacious family home with scope to add value. spacious family home with scope to add value.

£850pcm £850pcm

£450,000 £450,000

Enclosed entrance porch Enclosed entrance porch 4 Bedrooms 4 Bedrooms Kitchen / Family room Kitchen / Family room Living / Dining room Living / Dining room En-suite + Family bathroom En-suite + Family bathroom GSH + Double glazing GSH + Double glazing

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Winnersh Winnersh

£310,0003 Church Road, Earley, Reading, Berkshire RG6 1EY £310,000

WANTED WANTED

Enclosed entrance porch Enclosed entrance porch Over 55s living Over 55s living Large lounge/diner Large lounge/diner 2 Bedrooms 2 Bedrooms Double glazing Double glazing Wraparound rear garden Wraparound rear garden

£££’s pcm £££’s pcm

| Registered in England 6970031

Earley, |Reading, Berkshire RG6 1EY | Registered in England 6970031 √T 0118 4 Bedrooms 926 66553|Church F 0118Road, 935 1535 E martyn@martynrussell.co.uk | W www.martynrussell.co.uk √ Fully referenced Tenants √T 0118 4 Bedrooms 926 6655 | F 0118 935 1535 | E martyn@martynrussell.co.uk | W www.martynrussell.co.uk √ Fully referenced Tenants √ Remodelled property 2,3,4 & 5+ Bed √ All viewings accompanied √ Remodelled property 2,3,4 & 5+ Bed √ All viewings accompanied √ Downstairs bedroom & ensuite FAMILY HOMES √ Dedicated Lettings Team √ Downstairs bedroom & ensuite FAMILY HOMES √ Dedicated Lettings Team √ Long lawned garden within the local area for √ Call for a free valuation √ Long lawned garden within the local area for √ Call for a free valuation waiting prospective tenants. √ Double glazing waiting prospective tenants. √ Double glazing √ Good decorative order √ Good decorative order

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

£159,950 £159,950 First floor one bed apartment

First floor one bed apartment Spacious modern kitchen Spacious modern kitchen Gas central heating Gas central heating Attractive Living room Attractive Living room Parking Permit available Parking Permit available Communal garden Communal garden

£850pcm £850pcm √ 1 Bedroom

Winnersh Winnersh

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

1 Bedroom Large living room/second bedroom Large living room/second bedroom Kitchen Kitchen Shower room Shower room Communal gardens Communal gardens Walking distance to Train Station Walking distance to Train Station

0118 0118 926 926 6655 6655

3 Church Road, Earley, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1EY 3 Church Road, Earley, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1EY

www.martynrussell.co.uk www.martynrussell.co.uk

Pink Pages: Trades & Services

eye

DO YOU NEED LEGAL ADVICE?

WE ARE A NICHE LAW FIRM SPECIALISING IN WILLS, INHERITANCE TAX ADVICE, POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND DEEDS OF VARIATION

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU: • Expert advice from an experienced practitioner & technical writer • STEP & SFE qualified solicitor • Appointments in the comfort of your own home or via video conferencing • Evening and weekend appointments available • Friendly and professional service

catherine@legacy-law.co.uk 0118 40 50 131 www.legacy-law.co.uk

FREE*

PROTECTING YOUR LEGACY

COVID-19 - SAFEGUARDING CUSTOMERS & COLLEAGUES

Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order

Bathing a problem? – we can help • Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats • Automatic bidet loos Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote

• Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms • Discounts for over 60s and EX Service personnel • Disabled Facilities Grants • Charity work and grants

01189 111 062

info@ahminstallations.co.uk www.ahminstallations.co.uk *

Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details.

Village 210x148.indd 1

30/11/2020 07:55

To advertise HERE, call 0118 933 3311

The moment you realise your competition is posting on EVERY DIGITAL platform you are.

Stay ahead of the pack and advertise with us

Mag

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

0118 933 3311

Local Companies

B UNCEth us!

BACK wi ))

eye azine

Read. Retained. Trusted.

THE AREA’S FAVOURITE LOCAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE

EACH MONTH WE DELIVER DOOR TO DOOR TO 18,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES IN:

AND 11,500 HOMES & BUSINESSES IN

Pink Pages: Trades & Services

ADVERTISE IN, OR SEND FLYERS OUT WITH THIS MAGAZINE IN AUGUST.

FROM £55

Our two magazines cover 29,500 homes with an estimated readership of 47,000 each month. To find out more please get in touch!

0118 933 3311 hello@villageeye.co.uk

*Dependent on availability and area selected

Call us today!

eye

Contact Toby on 07737 784 244

for a free quotation or email: info@bluebanana.tv

• • •

No Signal? we’ll fix it • Digital Television Aerials • Radio Aerials, (DAB and FM) • Sky HD & Freesat

www.bluebanana.tv

Home cinema systems IRS Systems Hidden cables

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

YOUR LOCAL

Garden Garden Maintenance Garden Buildings Grass Cutting Gutter Clearance Household Decorating Basic plumbing Household Repairs

Fence Maintenance Hedge Cutting Patio Cleaning Small Garden Projects Fully Insured Competitive Rates

07568 570802 or 0118 405 0031 /handyhomesgardens

UPVC & Aluminium: Windows - Doors Conservatories - Fascias - Soffits & Guttering For a friendly, no obligation chat about your windows, please call:

0118 930 5757

Windows & Doors www.tailormadewindows.co.uk Windows & Doors

Registered in England: Tailormade Windows & Doors of Berkshire Ltd. Unit 2 James Lane, Burghfield, RG7 1NB

To advertise HERE, call 0118 933 3311 Windows & Doors - Berkshire

Pink Pages: Trades & Services

Gara Roller Garage Doors Centre Fitting Doors since Roller Garage Doors Centre

✓✓Visit our showroom or request a home visit ✓✓Visit showroom orGarage request a home visit ✓✓We provide our ownour professional engineers Fitting ✓✓We provide our own since professional ✓✓Fully insulated Doors 1995engineers 7 YEAR ✓✓&Fully insulated ✓✓Custom made British built MOTOR Fitting Garage ✓✓Custom made & British built WARRANTY ✓✓Freevisit no obligation quotations ✓✓Visit our showroom or request a home 1995quotations ✓✓Freesince no obligation ✓✓Best Price Doors Guarantee ✓✓We provide our own professional engineers ✓✓Best Price Guarantee ✓✓Free 7 year motor warranty 7 YEAR ✓✓Fully insulated MOTOR ✓Free 7 year warranty ✓✓A huge range✓of styles andmotor colours ✓✓Visit our showroom✓or✓Custom request a home visit WARRANTY made & British built ✓✓Abyhuge range of styles and colours option available ✓✓Police secured design andMOTOR insurance approved ✓✓We provide our own professional engineers ✓✓Police securedWARRANTY by design and insurance approved option a ✓✓Free no obligation quotations info@rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk ✓✓Fully insulated ✓✓Best Price Guarantee info@rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk Fitting Garage Fitting Garage ✓1995 ✓Free 7Since year 1995 motor warranty ✓✓CustomDoors madesince & British built Doors MOTOR ✓A huge range of styles and coloursRoller Garage WARRANTY ✓✓Free no obligation ✓ quotations Doors Centre ✓ ✓ Police secured by design and insurance approved option available Roller Garage Doors Centre Manufactured by S (Part of Access and Security Systems Ltd) ✓✓Best Price Guarantee

FREE

Roller Garage Doors Centre

FREE FREE

7 YEAR

FREE 7 YEAR T. 0118 981 7300 T. 0118 981 7300

Roller Garage Doors Centre Roller Garage Doors Centre

✓✓Visit our showroom or request a home visit M (Part of Access and Security Systems Ltd) info@rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk ✓✓Free 7 year motor warranty ✓✓We provide our own professional engineers www.rollergaragedoorscentre.co.u ✓✓A huge range of styles and colours ✓✓Fully insulated www.rollergaragedoorscen 7 YEAR Showroom: Unit 7 Bacchus House, Calleva Park, Aldermaston, Berkshire ✓✓Police secured ✓✓Custom made & British built MOTOR by design and insurance approved option available Showroom: Unit 7 Bacchus House, Calleva Park, Aldermast WARRANTYRoller Garage Doors Centre ✓✓Free no obligation quotations info@rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk Manufactured by SWS UK (Part of Access and Security Systems Ltd) ✓✓Best Price Guarantee ✓✓Free 7 year motor warranty www.rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk ✓✓A huge range of styles and colours Roller Garage Doors Centre ✓✓Police secured design and insurance option availableCalleva Showroom: Unit 7Aldermaston, Bacchus House, Calleva Park, Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 8EN Main by Showroom: Unit 7approved Bacchus House, Park, Berkshire, RG7 8EN Manufactured by SWS UK (Part of Access and Security Systems Ltd) info@rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk

FREE

T. 0118 981 7300

T. 0118 981 7300 www.rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk

T.Sue0118 981 7300 Ryder Duchess of Kent Roller Garage Doors Centre

Hospice

www.rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk

Showroom: Unit 7 Bacchus House, Calleva Park, Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 8EN

(Part of Access and Security Systems Ltd)

Manufactured by SWS UK

www.rollergaragedoorscentre.co.uk Can you help us fill a room with love?

Showroom: Unit 7 Bacchus House, Calleva Park, Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 8EN

We all go through loss at some point, and Sue Ryder’s expert care can leave families free to focus on what’s really important at the end of someone’s life – love.

Please donate today: sueryder.org/fillaroom Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and in Scotland (SCO39578). Ref. No. 07306. © Sue Ryder. June 2021.

07306 - Q1 Press Ads_Village_Eye_210x148mm_v2.indd 1

11/06/2021 09:42

18,000 copies, with an estimated 48,000 readers - monthly!

To advertise HERE, call 0118 933 3311

eye

Berkshire Design Build Ltd

& telephone: 07836 751 072

email: davidling007@sky.com | 31 Longworth Avenue, Tilehurst, RG31 5JU

www.trustedtraders.which.co.uk/businesses/berkshire-design-build-ltd

• • • • •

Tree Removal Crown Reduction Crown Lift Tree Thinning Pollarding

• • • •

Tree Felling Hedge Trimming Domestic & Commercial 15 Years Experience

FULLY INSURED AND FULLY QUALIFIED For a FREE quote, please contact us:

0118 304 7214 - 07702 574 542

www.oaklandtreeservices.co.uk - enquiries@oaklandtreeservices.co.uk

Please mention Village Eye when responding to adverts.

Property

Top tips to give your home Kerb Appeal First impressions count, and if you’re planning on selling your home you’ll no doubt have heard a lot about “kerb appeal”. Recent surveys have shown that kerb appeal is a huge factor in a potential buyer’s perceived value of a property, so if you want to get the maximum asking price then it’s something you’ll need to pay attention to. A property’s exterior is usually the first image shown on estate agents’ websites, so the smarter and tidier your home looks from the outside, the more likely potential buyers are to click on the listing and take a closer look. No matter how lovely your home is inside, if it doesn’t look tidy and welcoming on the outside then you may attract fewer viewings. Kerb appeal encompasses everything from the front door to the roof, so here are a few quick, simple and cost-effective ways to improve your home’s exterior, most without breaking the bank:

Add exterior lighting, replace broken light bulbs and paint or replace any flaking or weather-beaten lamp shades. Use a qualified electrician to install new light fittings or add solar powered lights in flower beds or borders, or along the edge of pathways. Spruce up the front door. Give the front door a lick of paint and polish any metal work (letter box, knocker, etc). Or replace the front door altogether if a new paint job won’t work. Make sure the house number or name is prominent. Tidy up paths and driveways. Fix or replace broken paving stones and remove weeds. Jet wash the whole area to clean away dirt, grime and moss. Sweep up stray gravel or refresh with a new layer of gravel. Clean the windows including windowsills and paintwork. This will not only make the property look more attractive but clean windows let natural daylight into the rooms making them feel more welcoming.

Check gutters and roofing. Serious buyers will look closely at the state of the roof and gutters, and a leaky gutter is hard to conceal, especially on a rainy day. If you suspect you have issues then use a professional to check the state of your roof and gutters and invest in any remedial work necessary. Hide wheelie bins! These are now installed in almost every home in the country but they’re not exactly the prettiest of accessories! If they need to be at the front of your property, install a garden store or fence panel to hide them behind to keep things looking neat and tidy. Taking a couple of weekends to tackle these jobs is well worth the investment, both in attracting potential buyers and boosted in the value of your home. Good Luck! For sales & lettings, please contact our Wokingham office:

Tidy the garden, cut the grass, get Phone: 0118 989 9770 rid of weeds, fix any broken fences, Email: wokingham@davidcliff.com gates or brick walls. If your front Web: www.davidcliff.com garden is lacking in colour then some Hang clean curtains or blinds. flowers planted in containers will give Updating your window dressings can it an instant lift (with the added bonus have a surprisingly big impact on the that you can take them with you way your windows look as well as when you move) adding personality to your home. To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 933 3311 or email hello@villageeye.co.uk Follow us to keep updated, locally

Are you thinking of buying or selling? More properties required in:

Earley, Lower Earley, Spencers Wood, Shinfield, Swallowfield Three Mile Cross & surrounding areas. LD SO

LD SO

C ST

g I have been listing and selling local properties for over 40 years. g I live and work self-employed locally in this area. g I am the only person you deal with throughout the sales process. g I pride myself in offering a highly professional & personal service. g All my properties are advertised on Rightmove, Zoopla & OnTheMarket. g All my properties have professional photography, floorplans & virtual tours. g I operate on a ‘No sale - No fee’ basis. I provide a fresh approach to selling, please call me for an informal chat. Gary Bishop Property Marketing Specialist Berkshire & Hampshire

Scan the QR code for more information

Phone: 0118 933 3032 Mobile: 0779 857 5625 Email: gary@castorbay.property LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garybishop Website: castorbay.property/garybishop 25

Successfully transitioned to working from home?

ave you successfully transitioned from working in a rented office space to working from home. Do you want the improved work-life balance to continue post the Coronavirus pandemic? Well it might be time to exercise the break clause in your commercial lease. Before serving the break notice, one must review the provisions of the break clause contained within the lease carefully. You should follow the wording of the Lease exactly. As described by Lord Hoffman in the case of Mannai Investment Company Limited v Eagle Star Assurance Company Limited [1997] UKHL 19, “If the clause had said that the notice had to be on blue paper, it would have been no good serving a notice on pink paper, however clear it might have been that the tenant wanted to terminate the lease”. You should also check when the break date is, who the legal owner of the tenant’s interest is and the Landlord’s identity. It is prudent to obtain official copies from the Land Registry to confirm who the legal owners are

eye Legal

and what their registered addresses are. You should also check whether there are any conditions attached to the right to exercise the break for example, that there must be no rent arrears owed to the landlord at the time of serving the notice. When serving the notice, once again you must follow the service requirements set out in the lease. These will often require you to leave the notice at, or send by registered or recorded delivery post to the last known place or places of abode, or if a limited company then left at or sent to its registered office. You must also ensure that you allow sufficient time for ‘service’ or in other words for the letter to be posted which is 2 days. Ask your Landlord to acknowledge receipt and inform you if they consider the notice to be invalid.

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

Offices also at Richmond and Staines www.rowberrymorris.co.uk

As demonstrated, this is a complex exercise so you may wish to instruct a solicitor in order to provide you with advice and serve a valid notice in order to bring your lease to an end.

Need Help With Your Computer Issues? BUSINESS & HOME COMPUTING SPECIALIST

I T

local | reliable | affordable

We Can help with: • PC Issues & Performance • Data Recovery & Backups (Local & Cloud) • PC, Server & Software Support – Remote & Onsite • Hardware & Software Installations, Repairs & Upgrades • Virus, Malware & Ransomware Removal, Protection & Prevention • Project Management, Consultancy & Advice • Network Support (Wireless, Routers, Switches, Cabling)

A S

S E R V I C E

Contact Barnaby at IT As A Service Ltd

• New Equipment Purchases • Homeworking setup • Mobile Device Support

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

0118 997 7300

info@it-aas.co.uk

07766 443311

www.it-aas.co.uk

/itasaserviceltd

@itasaserviceltd

We Cycle Wokingham A7 Advert copy.pdf 1 02/10/2020 14:21:44

My Journey

“I get nervous when cars pass me too close” Carla, Single Mum

HIghways

CMY

Free Trial Class! A place where dreams come true and imagination is everything! Magical dance classes for energetic 2yr olds & over Classes run 6 days a week across the following areas:

Lower Earley Mortimer Burghfield Silchester Bookings now open for new classes in Sept for:

Spencers Wood Shinfield

For times and days for each location, please visit our website, facebook or insta.

To book your free trial class, visit:

/AllStarsTheatreAcademy

www.allstardance.co.uk/registration

WHY

KATE GARRAWAY WISHES HER HUSBAND HAD LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

he heart-breaking impact of Covid-19 has been publicly apparent for journalist Kate Garraway whose husband Derek Draper was diagnosed with the coronavirus in March 2020, and even after a year in hospital, still needs round-the-clock medical care.

An LPA allows you to appoint individuals who you trust, who can assist with your property and financial affairs and/or health and welfare decisions if like Derek you are ever in the position of not being able to give your own instructions.

During an already stressful time, Kate had to juggle the needs of Derek and her children with managing their household’s finances. This was made more difficult as Derek was often the named person on the bills, investments, bank, and insurance policies. Derek didn’t have Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) which would have legally enabled Kate to access the assets in his name. Without an LPA it has been a very complicated and drawn-out process for Kate to gain access to Derek’s key accounts and sort out financial matters. In fact, it is impossible to access investments in someone’s sole name without an LPA.

Like an insurance policy, whilst we all hope an LPA will never be required if the worst happens your loved ones will have the necessary authority to deal with your finances and make decisions about the care you should receive.

In cases when someone has not made an LPA for their property and finances, it is possible to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as their Deputy however, this is far more expensive and lengthy process than putting an LPA in place. It also requires the vulnerable person to have lost their mental capacity and be unable to make decisions for themselves. Whilst in some cases this test of capacity is easily satisfied, in Derek’s case it is borderline because his medical team are still trying to assess the extent Covid-19 has had on his cognitive health.

Image:Shutterstock/Cubankite

Kate has spoken very openly in press interviews about how not having an LPA in place has also caused her worries about Derek’s health. Whilst you may think that Kate as Derek’s wife would be able to make decisions about his health and welfare without the LPA in place, in this case it would be his medical team, added to which Kate does not have a legal right to access Derek’s medical notes due to data protection. It is extremely difficult and only in exceptional circumstances that a Deputyship for Health and Welfare is granted by the Court. All of this could have been avoided if Kate and Derek had appointed each other as their attorneys. As a married couple in their early 50’s they probably hadn’t considered an LPA to be something that they needed, but unfortunately the nature of illness or accidents is that often they occur unexpectedly and at short notice. This is why it is important to plan ahead just in case you need someone else to handle your property and financial affairs and make decisions on your behalf in relation to your health and welfare if you are no longer able to do so due to either a short or long-term incapacity. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney: Property and Finance LPA allows a person to appoint someone to look after their financial affairs. It will come into effect as soon as it is registered which means that the attorney will be able to start making decisions about property and financial affairs straight away if that is the wish of the donor.

With offices in Lower Earley and Henley, the THP Solicitors Wills, Trusts & Estates team can help you create, register or alter Lasting Power of Attorney. Contact solicitor Elizabeth Moffitt today on 01491 570 900 or e.moffitt@thpsolicitors.co.uk and quote ‘Village Eye”.

Health and Welfare LPA gives an attorney the power to make decisions regarding the consent for medical treatment and care. It is not possible to use a health and welfare LPA until the person who made it has lost their mental capacity, through illness or accident, but it should be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used.

With offices in Lower Earley, Reading and Henley-on-Thames, THP Solicitors is an established yet agile law firm, providing our individual and commercial clients with an approachable and responsive legal service that adapts to their requirements.

www.thpsolicitors.co.uk

his su

ids t k e h t h t o wi

Where t

...

days i l o h r e mm

Go Ape, Bracknell Enjoy the classic Go Ape experience and segway adventure at Go Ape Bracknell. You'll have a safety brief before you fly down zip-wires, leap off the Tarzan Swing and tackle obstacles whilst enjoying some seriously beautiful scenery. goape.co.uk/locations/bracknell

Frensham Pond

The wildlife park and gardens plays host to fun, adventure, animals, gardens, play and activities on the banks of the picturesque River Thames. Located on the outskirts of the beautiful village of Pangbourne.

Situated between Farnham and Hindhead on either side of the A287 is the green flag award-winning site of Frensham Great Pond. (Nearest postcode GU10 2QB) This man-made beach stretches along a 13th century lake giving ample opportunity to sunbathe and swim in warm weather. The woodland trails and bridle paths around the pond and common provide plenty of opportunity to enjoy nature! www.waverley.gov.uk

www.bealepark.org.uk

With more than 55 interactive rides and attractions, guests can fly through the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, ride the thrilling rapids with a Viking Fleet, join Lego divers on a magical underwater adventure on Atlantis Submarine Voyage or enjoy the UK’s only Lego Star Wars Miniland Model Display. www.legoland.co.uk

3030

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

National Treasure

eye On Activities

There is something for everyone at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, offering a great day out for all the family! Set in 40 acres on the Hampshire/Berkshire border, the family run farm and adventure park has more than twenty different play zones, a petting zoo, laser tag, giant slides and pedal boats! While much of the attraction is outdoors, there is also an indoor soft play area and a cafe. 4 Kingdoms work on a unique and value for money principle that once you pay, you play all day, with no hidden add-ons for rides. www.4-kingdoms.co.uk

Dinton Pastures

More than 335 acres of parkland open daily throughout the year. There are a variety of habitats including seven lakes, two rivers, and a children's play park. www.dinton-pastures.co.uk

Atomic Trampoline Park in Gillette Way, South Reading, has more than 50 interconnected trampolines, as well as a giant air bag, a traversing wall, a dodge ball court, a junior bounce area and a tumble track. Sessions last an hour and are open to everyone aged six and above. www.redkangaroo.co.uk/parks/reading

The Delta Force Reading paint balling centre is based on top of country hills within a very scenic private estate in Mapledurham. The Reading paint balling centre is one of the largest in the UK and offers six huge paint-ball game zones, such as the epic London Apocalypse with its red London buses and recognisable landmarks. www.paintballgames.co.uk

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

eye

WIN A KIDS SLEEPOVER PARTY!

Win!

in Vogue and Having been featured award for the Best os ett winning the Muddy Stil ’ve teamed up with the Children’s Business, we who are giving a sleepover le Sleepover Party Peop one lucky reader! party for 4 to football, into unicorns, fairies, Whether your child is ojis, camo or princesses, The wizardry, flamingos, emle now have over 20 themes Sleepover Party peopy’ll come to your house and to choose from! The ortable fold out beds, crisp mf set up camp with co t fluffy throws with matching sof ts, ve du , ets she nalised white nting,fairy lights perso s & a themed cushions, bu me na s est party gu chalk boards with the ay child’s tepee, helium lightbox for the birthd terns, torches, sleep masks lan balloons, tray tables, ew - that’s a lot of stuff! And, and a pillow sweet. Ph they’ll come and take it all when the party is over, ain - perfect! away ag

Enter Now!

production of

Book by Dennis Kelly

Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk

Monday 2nd - Friday 6th August With full theatre show on Saturday*! *restrictions allowing

Emmbrook Village Hall, 10am - 3pm

JOIN OUR CAST!

NO AUDITIONS TO TAKE PART!

Full information at:

https://stageability.class4kids.co.uk/camps Got a Question? Ask Jackie! jackie@berkshire.stageability.co.uk T: 0118 933 3791

To find out more about The Sleepover Party People visit: www.thesleepoverpartypeople.co.uk closing date 31st July, Ts & Cs at www.villageeye.co.uk

Now taking registrations

of winning this birthday To be in with a chance geeye.co.uk, click the treat, visit www.villa w! No terfol En ing question: low the comp tab and answer ople The Sleepover Party Pe mes? the ny ma w ho ve currently ha 20 c: a: 5 b: 10

Fun is an essential ingredient at Green Park Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them. FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

“Excellent nursery. Attentive and caring staff. Lots of activities. Fabulous menu. My 1-year-old son has a blast and I have absolute confidence in the staff and the quality of care to leave him at the nursery full time.” Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk

Please call 0118 931 3115 or email greenpark.nursery@childbase.com Green Park Day Nursery and Preschool, Green Park Business Park, 200 South Oak Way, Lime Square, Green Park, Reading, RG2 6UQ

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU www.childbasepartnership.com

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

eye

MOVIES &TV

with ROB BARNES

A Quiet Place I I The phrase ‘a quiet place’ may well be used to describe our cinemas over the past year or so, but with our emporiums of movie world magnificence gradually reopening, so too are distributors releasing films that have been locked away in the can for extended periods. While the tension-filled A Quiet Place, starring husband and wife team Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, was one of the sleeper hits of 2018, some have queried whether the couple’s desire to protect their family in the face of postapocalyptic monsters who hunt down prey on volume and vibrations, quite had enough for a followup. The fact it does will come as a relief to fans of both. Blunt’s star continues to rise, despite mixed reactions to her portrayal of Mary Poppins, while Krasinski’s ability to work a story from both sides of the camera have him down as one of the most talented and well-positioned writers and producers currently sat at the top table of the movie industry.

As for the story, it follows much the same line as the original, though this time there is the dawning realisation that the monsters they evaded in the first instalment aren’t the only forces who threaten their survival.

Supernova That Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth have embarked on a story that tackles homosexuality, dementia, freedom and adversity, is a nod that perhaps an industry obsessed with superheroes is harbouring a few very special talents in a guise no more elaborate than a t-shirt and pair of chinos. This touching story of two men whose road trip is interrupted and intercepted by everyday things, startling stories and the hovering spectre of dementia, will probably not get the widespread coverage it deserves, but that big screen royalty of the calibre of Tucci and Firth have had the courage and energy to reach outside of himself on new projects is proof enough that Tinseltown isn’t completely lost.

A GOOD READ: Fun

We Wear Underpants by Katie Abey There are many different styles of books for young children, and I know that when mine were both toddlers, one sort of book that was guaranteed to occupy them every time was a spotting book. We Wear Underpants is this type of book, and the illustrations are wonderful. Each page is full of animals wearing … well, the sorts of things that you would NOT expect an animal to wear! From the titular item of underpants to t-shirts, scarves, wellies, and pyjamas. Each page asks the reader to look for a different thing. Counting candy floss on a page with animals wearing t-shirts at the fair. Finding the stripy scarf and deciding which scarf you would want to wear. And who is dreaming while wearing pyjamas. The final page asks, ‘What will you wear today?’ A lovely way to get young children thinking about getting dressed – a task that often seems to be low on the list of priorities for a child that age!

By Willow Coby 33

eye Fitness

Youth Fitness: A Guide for Parents

o, your 16 year old is now old enough to use a gym and has expressed an interest in fitness. Here are some things to consider while guiding them on their fitness journey: Keep it health focused: When young people make good exercise choices, this will enhance their health and longevity for the rest of their years. When they focus on health first, the other things they might want to get from training such as improved self-esteem will come naturally. Someone who I trained from the age of 16 recently said this to me: “Steve, I really value my leg exercises, because I remember you telling me that having the biggest biceps in the world won’t stop me getting arthritis in my knees later in life, and that’s why it’s important to train my legs”. Balance is everything: I saw a “full body” workout that an Instagram Influencer posted to their account a while back. It was so skewed towards exercises that trained the muscles on the front of the body, that if anyone followed that workout for any appreciable length

of time, they would end up with distorted posture and sore shoulders. It’s important for young people to understand that all of the muscles in their body are important, not just the ones they can see in the mirror, or that the media has told them are important. All muscles should be trained equally and in balance. Be wary of split routines: When a young person first ventures into the weights area, they’ll often start training different muscles on each day, training each muscle once a week. That’s what the routines on the internet and magazines show most often. A better approach is to use 2-3 full body workouts per week. When we start resistance training, our body goes through a 6-8 week learning period where it learns to co-ordinate its muscles and nerves more efficiently. By training the whole body each session rather than just part of it, we expose our muscles to the movements it needs to get better at more frequently. This results in faster progress, and it’s also a better technique for sports conditioning.

Young people are exposed to more information than ever before, but establishing the focus on training for health early on will help them to sort the good information from the less useful and set healthy foundations for the rest of their lives.

Steve Shreeve d d d d

Personal PT Online Personal PT in Person Ante and Post Natal Training

Weight Loss/Body Composition Improvement d Sports Specific Training (SST) d Nutrition Advice d General Fitness & Wellness d Basketball Coaching

07881 762644

www.shreevehandf.com / shreevehealthandfitness

PILATES STUDIO PILATES FOR GOLFERS BACKCARE PROFESSIONAL THERAPY REFORMER PILATES

Tel: 07788 151917 www.berkshirepilates.co.uk Group Classes

Private one to one Sessions

Virtual Zoom Sessions

Pre booking is essential

SWEDISH & SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY GP EXERCISE REFERRAL & NUTRITION

www.berkshirepilates.co.uk Berkshire Pilates Studio is based in Shinfield, RG2 9DN

The Village Eye is a privately owned magazine and bought to you by Pinktomato Limited, a local media company. All content within the publication is copyright of Village Eye/Eye Magazine. 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. To feature your business in this publication please call 0118 933 3311

We have tenants waiting for new homes.

Got a property to rent? We can help... 3 Church Road, Earley, Reading, Berkshire RG6 1EY | Registered in England 6970031 T 0118 926 6655 | F 0118 935 1535 | E martyn@martynrussell.co.uk | W www.martynrussell.co.uk

LANDLORDS: Quote Ref: Eyemag to receive a discount

0118 926 6655 3 Church Road, Earley, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1EY

www.martynrussell.co.uk 35

We’ll get a

MOVE on SOLD

we don’t dilly dally

If you are thinking of selling or renting, think pink this summer and get moving quickly. contact our wokingham office: phone: 0118 989 9770 email: wokinham@davidcliff.com visit: davidcliff.com 36Offices also at Mortimer, Binfield and Park Lane, London