The Award Winning Buzz Magazine - Thatcham Issue 27 by Local Buzz Magazine

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ISSUE 27

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contents 4 7 9 10 12 13

Welcome

Community Business Focus Buzz Offers Chinese New Year Fit-Mum Motivation

New Year’s Resolution

14 15 16 22 25 27 28

11fashion

26 global laugh day Editor-in-Chief Jackie Osborne To the Editor: editor@localbuzzmagazine.com

31 33 34 36 37 39

Hosiery Jamie Lawson BuzzConnect What’s On Recipe Derma Roller Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Choosing a Sofa Safety Alarms Property Competitions Garden View

Books, Cinema, Theatre

Food Editor Paul Milverton Website Editor Jenny Summerill Community Editor Waheeda Soomro editor@localbuzzmagazine.com Designer Vanessa Davis studio@localbuzzmagazine.com Creative Media Oliver Cox

We once again welcome a new year that brings with it a message of hope.

Jackie Osborne

dawning of a brand new chapter in our lives that shows us that it is okay to let go of the past and start again. It is a reset button. It is an opportunity to reinvent ourselves but only if we have the strength to keep moving forward. It is one thing to sit down and create a long list of New Year’s resolutions, and it’s another to have the self-discipline to follow through with them.

Instead of worrying about tomorrow or wondering how you are going to stick with it all year. Just take one small step today in the right direction. As the ancient sage Lao-Tzu reminds us, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Don’t waste any more time preparing — Just start walking and create the life you were meant to live! We are grateful for everyone that helps and supports Buzz to walk with the local community to make our region a better place to live and do business!

What are you willing to do differently this year? What are you willing to sacrifice so that you can finally live the life that you have always imagined? This year instead of sitting down and coming up with a massive list of resolutions or covering your wall with a visualization map — come up with one thing that you are willing to do and then just do it. You don’t need to prepare. You don’t need to buy anything else to make it happen. Just do one thing.

I wish you all a happy, prosperous, positive and proactive 2016!

Editor-in-Chief jackie@localbuzzmagazine.com

Travel Jane Zollo Copywriter Carlie Cohen Accounts Julia Payen accounts@localbuzzmagazine.com

launch

2013 magazine publishers’ awards

To promote your event: events@localbuzzmagazine.com Contact: PO Box 6248, Thatcham Berkshire RG19 9HW Your complimentary copy or where sold £2. Thank you for the continued encouragement from our advertisers, supporters and the local community.

for a daily dose of buzz

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16 buzz connect

BU ZZ

Contributors Kathy Jones

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Although every effort has been taken in compiling the contents, the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions or information supplied by the advertisers.

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Do you have any news that you would like to share? We’d love to hear from you. . . editor@localbuzzmagazine.com

YOUR Community. YOUR voice.

exciting year. . .

st By David Conque

www.thatchamvision.net

2016 is promising to be an exciting year for Thatcham Vision.

Chamber update Thatcham Parking Costs The District Council has recent research showing the relatively low footfall (visits) to our wonderful town centre. Many believe that may be partly due to the cost of parking, which diverts some visitors to free out of town shopping facilities. We do not ask the Council to run their parking at a loss like some other Berkshire Authorities do, but equally we are concerned that a profit of nearly 500% created by their parking charges are excessive and unfair to our community.

fter spending a long time planning and finalising our goals, we are reaching the stage when we can start to put them into action. We are, after all, a group of local volunteers who have banded together to work in the best interests of the town, so it will be sensational to see our plans now come to fruition. We have identified 65 separate actions covering all areas of life in the town, which all started from the big community survey we ran. They include ideas such as social events on the Broadway, playground shelters and a senior citizen’s group. If you want to read more, then just head over to our website.

If you’re thinking that this all sounds a good idea, then we’d love for you to get involved! We are now forming the Actions Teams that will be responsible for carrying out these tasks to make Thatcham a better place to live, but we need more people. If you are passionate about a particular local topic or have a skill that we could use, then get in touch through www. thatchamvision.net or call Tessa Hall on 01635 863592. Our teams cover all areas of local life and would be delighted to hear from you. Let’s make 2016 a great year for Thatcham.

Our town centre needs help to thrive, not hindrance. We hope the Council take this opportunity to help local traders and visitors, by reducing the parking charges and show their support to the Thatcham community.

Thatcham Chamber of Commerce c/o WestBerks Properties Ltd 56B The Broadway Thatcham RG19 3HP 01635871087 . 07768 233004

Jeremy Cottam Chairman of Thatcham Chamber of Commerce & Director of WestBerks Properties Ltd

Thatcham Vision is calling for more volunteers to help with community projects. For more information www.thatchamvision.net and residents are encouraged to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

thatchamvision

Thatcham Vision

Buzz helps West Berkshire Mencap

NEWBURY SPRING FESTIVAl May 2016 In May a host of international musicians from the classical, jazz and world-music fields will descend upon Newbury for the 38th Newbury Spring Festival.

We are delighted to have helped raise money for the West Berkshire Mencap at the Market Square in Newbury. Thanks to all that bought the Mencap 2016 calendar and also to the lovely people that donated to the charity. ©operaomina.co.uk

Mencap are a specialist charity which provides support, care, advice and guidance to people with a learning disability and their families and carers. The Mencap calendar was created with the help of local amateur and professional photographers that kindly sent us pictures of local scenes.

ifty concerts and performances will take place at venues in and around Newbury from 7th to 21st May. The opening night is an exciting programme of Elgar and Vaughan Williams played by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Wilson. Not to be missed and returning to the festival after his star performance at the BBC Last Night of the Proms is the world’s most exciting young pianist Benjamin Grosvenor.

SALE TICKETS GO ON CH R A ON 1ST M

go to formation .uk For more in festival.org ng ri sp ry bu www.new

Other highlights include one of the UK’s finest jazz singers and BBC Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal performing with her trio and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra will perform some of the Great American Songbook.

things I didn’t know before I read Buzz magazine

2016 is the year of the monkey. People born in the year of the monkey are fast learners and crafty opportunists.

1 in 10 people stick to their new year’s resolutions.

24th January is Global Belly Laugh Day.

Being hunched over your phone can cause permanent spine damage.

Most designers recommend a plain colour for your main sofa.

lindsey’s top tip

Have a crime free New Year

Also returning on the final day are the Hand to Mouth Theatre to give a puppet show for the whole family.

l Don’t advertise what you got

for Christmas – dispose of all packing carefully! l Property-mark presents &

valuables with your postcode, house number or name, then register them at www.immobilise.com l Shopping in the January

sales? Don’t leave your bag unattended. Keep your purse safe in an internal pocket.

Deputy Supt Lindsey Finch Local Policing Commander West Berkshire

Rainer Hersch

don’t miss the next Issue. . .

TO SHARE YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS CONTACT EDITOR@LOCALBUZZMAGAZINE.COM

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in the stands 1st MARCH

Go to localbuzzmagazine.com for more updates on your local area 5

Would you like your Christmas PC set up professionally?

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Visit our website today to apply for a new job locally. If you have a position that you would like to advertise, please contact us asap.

Prices starting from as little as £40.00 n Is your PC or Mac misbehaving? n Would you like it to

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“A high proportion of consumers place very little personal importance to the occasion,” states the UK Retail Occasions 2013 report, “with the majority believing it to be a waste of money.”

Big business Valentine V

alentine’s Day ranks behind Halloween, Mothers’ Day, Easter and Christmas in the UK’s £40bn ‘gifting market’, but retailers are going all out to cash in.

A journey of discovery everyday Our term-time nursery for babies to 5 year-olds Highly regarded reputation for outdoor learning

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Although cards, flowers and chocolates remain the top sellers (they are sold in great volume) throw in dinner, a few trinkets, maybe a weekend away, and Valentine’s Day takings are expected to exceed £1.3bn, says the British Retail Consortium. The spending is led by generous - or panicking - men. It was estimated last year that British men would fork out £622m between them, compared to the £354m spent by women, overall, a 10 per cent increase on the previous year, and an average of £119 each. What are your views on this? Do you think Valentine is a waste of money? Go to our page and share your comments - localbuzzmagazine.com and click on the Valentine’s banner on our home page.

Free Entitlement available for eligible 2,3 and 4 year-olds Contact us to request a prospectus or book a showround Contact Sian on: 01189 834018 info@jubileegems.co.uk Ark House, School Road, Padworth, Berkshire, RG7 4JA www.jubileegems.co.uk

BUSINESS FOCUS

Most of us have been in a situation at some time or another when we have said, or done something we wish we hadn’t!

In the middle of a row with a member of staff they resign should I accept it?

n the heat of the moment people can’t always be trusted to say what they mean.

My advice would be to give the employee time to calm down and then ask them to confirm if they actually intended to resign. Even if they still resign talk about what happened, find out how serious an issue it is and identify if any action should be taken to resolve the situation, prevent it from escalating and/or happening again.

If an employee resigns in the middle of a row with you and you accept their resignation it could leave you vulnerable to complaints of unfair treatment or even constructive dismissal. If they resign during a row with another member of staff accepting their resignation may look like you are ‘taking sides’ and you could still be vulnerable to complaints of unfair treatment and constructive dismissal.

employee must be clear that they want to resign so it’s always good practice to ask people to put their resignations in writing. If you can’t resolve things amicably and or your employee still intends to resign seek advice from an HR practitioner or Legal advisor.

People can of course resign verbally but both you and the

01635 728 728 . info@peopleessentials.co.uk www.peopleessentials.co.uk . For more tips and information on Human Resources, visit Michelle’s page at localbuzzmagazine.com - Ask the Expert.

By Michelle Bailey

MEDIA

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CHINESE

 NEW YEAR 8th February

Year of the The Monkey’s Personality: Quick-Witted, Intelligent. . .

eople born in a year of the Monkey are witty, intelligent, and have a magnetic personality. Personality traits, like mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness, make them very naughty. Monkeys are masters of practical jokes, because they like playing most of the time. Though they don’t have any bad intentions, their pranks sometimes hurt the feelings of others. Those born in a year of the Monkey are fast learners and crafty opportunists. They have many interests and need partners who are capable of stimulating them. While some like the eccentric nature of Monkeys, some don’t trust their sly, restless, and inquisitive nature. Although they are clever and creative, monkeys can’t always exhibit their talent properly. Monkeys like to take challenges and they prefer urban life to rural.

Good Health for Monkeys

sually monkeys are very healthy creatures, partly due to

The monkey ranks ninth of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. Each year is related to an animal sign according to a 12-year-cycle. Years of the Monkey include 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, and 2028.

monkey

their active lifestyles, and wanting to experience the flavours of life. If they do experience illness, it is usually of the nervous or circulatory system. People born in a year of the Monkey might have to spend more time doing their daily jobs. Therefore Monkeys need to remember to take a break to save their energy during their busy schedules. Since Monkeys usually do more outdoor activities, they should to pay attention to safety while traveling or driving.

The Best Jobs or Career for Monkeys

hen it comes to careers, Monkeys do work very hard. They can adapt to different working environments. Good career choices for monkeys are accounting and banking, science, engineering, stock market trading, air traffic control, film directing, jewellery and salesmanship.

How to Build Relationships with Monkeys

n relationships Monkeys are not very quick in settling down, as they tend to be promiscuous and are easily bored. However, once Monkeys get a perfect partner, they commit to him/her in every possible way. Since Monkeys love to talk and are sociable, they can be communicated with easily.

lucky colours White, Blue and Gold

lucky colours 4 and 9

lucky flowers Chrysanthemum and Crape-myrtle

years of birth 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028. . .

Top for Exercise Tips Postpartum

Shakira Akabusi www.stronglikemum.com T: @shakiraakabusi I: @shakira.akabusi www.facebook.com/shakiraakabusifitness

The Breastfeeding Myth

Pelvic Floor Exercises

y first tip is to expel the myth that exercise negatively affects breastmilk. I have described this in more detail via the postpartum fitness guide on my website but simply put, exercise has no impact on breast milk supply. Exercising to exhaustion may have a slight effect on the content of a motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk but this will be replenished within 90 minutes and has no proven harmful affects for the baby.

elvic Floor work can be started immediately after labour and is crucial to building a strong core and laying a good foundation for future workouts. I would advise any mother to get started on this as soon as you feel comfortable whether a few hours or days into your postpartum journey.

Get Creative

y home is my gym and it has everything I need! A chair for example can become a great place for elevated press ups, or a broom a great bar to jump over. Once my son was strong enough to support his head we started working out together. His body weight became my dumbbell and as he grew my strength improved! More mum and baby workouts available via my website and Instagram.

Free Birds Montessori School â&#x20AC;&#x153;Montessori is an education for independence, preparing not just for school, but for life.â&#x20AC;? Maria Montessori

Free Birds Montessori School is a brand new setting that follows the AMI Montessori Educational System for children aged two and half to six years. The Montessori Prepared Environment is one that has been tailored to support the young child and community.

Please call or email us to arrange a visit. The Burdwood Community Centre, Wheelers Green Way, Thatcham RG19 4YA

T: 07540 486586 freebirdsmontessori@gmail.com www.freebirdsmontessori.co.uk free.birds.montessori.school 12

The prepared environment provides the freedom for children to self-construct so they may function as part of a society where both adults and children collaborate together to create a peaceful world. The setting has a spacious hall with purposely-organised areas for the following Montessori activities: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Maths, and Culture.

Did you know that people have been making (and breaking) New Year’s Resolutions for more than 4,000 years? Some historians believe that the practice dates back to the Babylonians. Their New Year began in springtime, with a festival dedicated to the rebirth of the sun god, Marduk.

Give yourself rewards along the way

Sticking to

New Year’s

Resolutions T

he Babylonians believed that making promises to the gods would help them start their New Year off on a positive note. The Romans kept the tradition up, although they changed the date of the New Year to January 1st. These days, New Year’s Resolutions tend to focus on selfimprovement, whether it’s eating healthier, quitting smoking, or getting a new job. Millions of us make a resolution each year, but only 1 in 10 people stick to it. If your resolve is already wavering, here are a few tips to help you stay strong:

Write it down

Have a plan A goal isn’t enough; you need to know how you’re going to get there. Resolving to exercise more? How many times a week are you going to work out? What combination of exercise are you planning to do? Do you need to get anything in place to help you achieve your goal, such as a new tyre for your bike?

There are usually more ways than one to reach a goal. You don’t have to join a gym to get fit, for example; you could take up a dance class, or try karate.

Keep track of your progress Create a spreadsheet, download an app, or just celebrate each small success on Facebook.

Give yourself rewards along the way Break your goal into smaller ones So you want to lose two stone by your summer holiday. How many pounds do you want to lose this fortnight?

Writing down a goal and reviewing it regularly improves your chances of success by up to 95%! Involve other people. Tell people what your aim is, and ask them to help. Will your partner join you on your healthy eating mission? Do you know someone who fancies going jogging with you?

Make it pleasurable

Remind yourself why you’re doing it Do you want to make more money so that you can buy a house? Do you want to be healthier so that you can watch your kids grow up?

Save the money you’d normally spend on cigarettes or chocolate and treat yourself with it at each small milestone.

Get back on the wagon We’re only human, so we all slip up sometimes. One fry-up doesn’t mean you also have to skip the gym. Think about why you slipped and consider how you can stop it happening again.

Good lu ck! 15 13

SENT AD - NOT Forms of stockings by men HEAR were BYworn WED in Henry VIII’s and Elizabeth I’s reign KEEP THIS and right through until the end of the eighteenth century.

Hosiery commonly includes tights, stockings, knees highs and hold ups. A wide variety of colours and designs are available.

he thickness of such items is usually referred to by denier which is the form of measurement used to describe the mass density of the fibre. Materials used include nylon, lace, silk and various forms of yarn. Generally the lower the denier the sheerer the material and therefore the more fragile the product is, however some now have added properties such as ladder resist to reduce the risk of damage. Other additions to bring benefits include Control Top, other elements of Shapewear, gloss finishes and added support. There are also special versions as part of maternity wear, designs especially for weddings, flight socks and products which aim to combine the best of stockings and tights such as suspender tights. Nylon tights weren’t invented until the twentieth century, but Ancient Greek slaves and the Romans wore forms of hosiery as did the Chinese and Japanese hundreds of years ago. 14

Hosiery Forms of stockings were worn by men in Henry VIII’s and Elizabeth I’s reign and right through until the end of the eighteenth century when long trousers with socks became the norm.

Victorian times It took until Victorian times and a relaxation of morals before fashionable hosiery for women began to be seen. Until then it had been considered uncouth for women’s legs to be on display. The invention of nylon by Du Pont in the 1930’s made stockings more affordable and therefore more accessible.

World War II Supplies became scarce during World War II as nylon and silk were requisitioned for the war effort. A black market developed and American GI’s who had what were referred to as ‘nylons’, found themselves popular with British Ladies. Some women took to staining their legs with gravy

browning and drawing seams up the back. Demand for stockings soared again after the war.

Lycra The next major development was the discovery of Lycra in 1959 which led to stretchiness becoming a feature of hosiery. It was in the 1960’s that the popularity of stockings waned and sales of tights or pantyhose as they were known then rose dramatically. This was due to the fashion for mini skirts. If stockings were worn with these skirts, inevitably the tops were visible and thus tights were deemed more practical. Today for many, hosiery is no longer just an accessory or practical undergarment; it’s a fashion or a mood statement! So why not buy some of the ever-sexy fishnets or seamed stockings, or tights in jewelled colours or with cool prints to give your wardrobe an instant autumn makeover.

Love the new single!

Lucy Ambache presents the Evening Breeze, Sunday to Thursday 7 - 10pm. To hear a selection of her interviews, go to thebreeze.com.

Thank you for playing it. It’s surreal to hear it on the radio but a thrill. What percentage of interview time do people spend talking about Ed Sheeran? About 80%! He’s quite instrumental in the whole thing so I’m actually quite happy to talk about him. You’ve got a tinge of the red hair as well. Did he sign you because you had similar hair? I expect so. It was in the contract! (laughs) Ed says amazing stuff about you including “the first person I had to sign was Jamie”. That’s very nice of him, isn’t it? No pressure though! No not at all. When someone believes in you that much, there isn’t a lot of pressure in fairness. He just winds you up and lets you go! Is Ed a nice guy? Yeah. He’s pretty much exactly as you imagine him to be.

Jamie Lawson Ed Sheeran One Direction and hair!

Let’s talk about you. The album is called ‘Jamie Lawson’. Is the single an accurate taster of the album? Yeah in a way, musically, it’s like that song expanded. It’s acoustic based and relatively gentle but there’s drums and a horn section, along with a Hammond (organ). So I wanted to make a warm, spacious, loving, big hug of a record. That was my plan. You went on tour with One Direction. Did their fans take to you? Yeah – strangely. I was apprehensive thinking they maybe wouldn’t but they’ve been really receptive, warm and loving. After my show, before One Direction came on, I was doing meet and greets, and the queue got longer and longer every night. It’s been brilliant! Do you think you’ll get a queue length the same as Harry Styles soon? No! Probably not. I’m not quite as young and pretty as Harry. What’s it like on tour with the boys? Is it “lads lads lads, banter banter banter”? I think they’re probably too busy. Harry came over on the first night and said hello and thank you. So that’s been quite cool.

amie Lawson is the first signing to Ed Sheeran’s record label ‘Gingerbread Records’ and has already had a huge worldwide hit with his single ‘Wasn’t Expecting That’ and brought out his self-titled album ‘Jamie Lawson’ in October. Lucy Ambache from the Evening Breeze caught up with him to talk about Ed, touring with One Direction and hair.

I do a feature on the show called ‘Naughty At 7.40’ - do you have any terrible housemate or even showbiz stories? I’m the least rock and roll person I’ve ever met! I’m not very wild. Are you more about herbal teas and an early night? Probably (laughs). A night in front of Nashville on TV – that’s my ideal. 13

NOVEMBER 2015

BuzzConnect inaugural event generates successful outcome!

DONNINGTON GROVE HOTEL

n excellent evening with Sir John Madejski brought the community together at the Donnington Grove Hotel. Sir John shared with many local businesses his story, which, to many, was certainly a surprise to learn that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The King of Readingâ&#x20AC;? has had a remarkable and varied business career. He supported the BuzzConnect initiative and encouraged local businesses to join this amazing opportunity.

Above: Sir John Madejski and Buzz Editor-in-Chief Jackie Osborne

Graham Hill and Sir John Madejski

Emily Murphy (IKEA), Sir John Madejski and Johanna Heuren (IKEA)

Above l - r : Emily Ness (Ross Brooke), Michelle Bailey (People Essentials), Tracey Miller (Bigger Brighter Bolder), Andrew Egan (Charles Lucas & Marshall), Jackie Osborne (Buzz Magazine), Peter Cooke (Dudleigh Films), Sir John Madejski, Peter Wakefield (Loving Monday), Abigail Brown (Openingz), Graham Hill (Verbatim), Janet Duffield (West Berkshire Council), Steve Brown (Rosemary Bookkeeping)

Mireille Farrow, Sir John Madejksi and Timothy Gwyn-Jones (Donnington Grove Hotel)

Abigail Brown and Sir John Madejski

If you are a local businesses that wants to succeed, grow and achieve your target, please contact the BuzzConnect team to learn how to become involved.

Please call 01635 200006 or email info@buzz-connect.co.uk An engaging evening with lots of local businesses attending to hear about BuzzConnect.

info@buzz-connect.co.uk . www.buzz-connect.co.uk . 01635 200006

What is

BuzzConnect? B

uzzConnect supports businesses in West Berkshire and North Hampshire and the directors, business leaders and entrepreneurs who run them. Our aim is to build a stronger business community by providing members with opportunities to connect, collaborate, develop and support each other. We believe that real growth in the local economy will only be achieved by local businesses supporting each other.

l Access support advice and guidance from

We do this by providing organisations of all sizes with the opportunity to:

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not just business networking - although networking is DATE A RE GU LA R ARY: part of what FO R YO UR DI we do. ng ki or tw ne Free ursday event - 3rd Th at the of the month Donnington Grove Hotel pm 5.30pm - 7.00

l Develop mutually supportive

relationships.

l Build a local supply chain.

WORKSHOP DATES

JANUARY DROP-IN CLINIC FOR ADVICE ON EMPLOYMENT MATTERS Fri 8th 9:00 - 12:00 (Fri 5th February) West Berkshire Council Newbury RG14 5LD People Essentials

local businesses and business experts.

l Enhance knowledge and skills by attending

learning activities and events.

localbuzzmagazine.com

westberks.gov.uk

biggerbrighterbolder.co.uk

peopleessentials.co.uk

l Share knowledge and experience

with other businesses and business leaders.

Go to www.buzz-connect.co.uk to see our events, workshops and for further information on joining BuzzConnect.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Mon 18th 9:00 - 12:00 Council Offers Committee Room, 1 Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD Loving Monday

WORKSHOPS DATES

IMPROVE YOUR INTERVIEWING AND ASSESSMENT SKILLS TO MAKE BETTER HIRES Thu 14th 8:00-9:30 Frankfurt Room, Regency Park Hotel Thatcham RG18 3RP Openingz

B UZZ C ONNECT P ARTNERS

FEBRUARY GAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITY TO RECRUIT Thu 11th 8:00 - 9:30 Regency Park Hotel, Frankfurt Room Bowling Green Road, Thatcham RG18 3RP Openingz GETTING LEADERSHIP TO WORK EMPLOYEE VOICE Wed 17th 8:30 - 10:30

www.buzz-connect.co.uk

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Newbury College Newbury RG14 7TD People Essentials THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BOOKKEEPING AND ACCOUNTANCY Tue 23rd 10:00 - 11:00 Ross Brooke Ltd Newbury RG14 1QL Ross Brooke Ltd ADVERTISING HOW TO ENGAGE WITH THE AUDIENCE? Thu 25th 10:00 - 12:00 West Berkshire Council Newbury, RG14 5LD Buzz Magazine and Dudleigh Films

verbatim-cc.co.uk

ross-brooke.co.uk

lovingmonday.co.uk

BUZZCONNECT

How many of your employees have returned to work with the New Year’s resolution ‘get a new job’. Can you afford to lose them? WWW.PEOPLEESSENTIALS.CO.UK

New Year, new job F

or most it isn’t just a case of New Year New Job. Most people leave their jobs because they are unhappy with one of the following; l Poor relationship with

Manager

l No opportunity to

improve or progress

l Work life balance

If you’re honest you’ll probably know when someone is disengaged at work. You may notice their timekeeping isn’t as good as it used to be. Perhaps they have started arriving a little bit late, maybe they are not

You can stem the tide of New Year resignations by simply taking some time to talk with your people.

taking as much care with their work, making a few more mistakes or missing a few deadlines. We all know it’s cheaper to keep customers than find new ones and the same principle applies to your staff. If those employees liked (or even ‘loved’) their job and were proud of what they did would they still be thinking of leaving? My advice is to stop trying to convince yourself you don’t want these ‘poor performers’ working for you and do something to stop them going. You can stem the tide of New Year resignations by simply taking some time to talk with your people. Ask

them if they are happy at work; how well they get on with you, their manager and colleagues; find out what they do and don’t enjoy about their jobs and working for your organisation. It’s good to talk and a conversation not only shows you care it also gives you the chance to take some actions that bring about better performance and encourage employees to stay. What’s more scary – asking your people how they feel or watching them leave and seeing the impact it has on your customers and profits?

BUZZCONNECT

As a chartered and certified accountant I often have to defend the reasons why I believe people should seek advice and representation from a qualified accountant. WWW.ROSS-BROOKE.CO.UK

The importance of using a Qualified Accountant U

nlike a doctor or solicitor, anyone can call themselves an accountant and it would be impossible to know the level of their knowledge, training and experience. If the accountant gets something wrong, it will be their client who gets in trouble and this can result in HMRC imposing fines and penalties.

l Learn about and maintain

Only by using a qualified accountant registered with a professional body such as the ICAEW or ACCA can people be certain they are receiving advice from a professional who must:

l Have professional

impeccable standards in ethics and professional conduct.

l Comply with ongoing

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in order to ensure their knowledge and skills are kept up to date in an ever changing environment.

indemnity insurance if they offer services to the public providing an additional layer of protection.

This training and the continuing support from their professional bodies means people can rely upon the advice provided by such a person.

Only by using a qualified accountant registered with a professional body such as the ICAEW or ACCA can people be certain they are receiving advice from a professional.

With the continued development and use of cloud computing packages people have access to an even greater number of qualified accountants as geographical proximity is no longer a necessity. Emily Ness FCCA ACA

l Have received at least

three years training with an approved training organisation.

l Have sat and passed a

wide range of exams encompassing accounting, taxation, audit and financial management to name just a few.

BUZZCONNECT

Michelle Bailey of People Essentials asked me how important I thought staff engagement was to the success of my business. WWW.VERBATIM-CC.CO.UK

Successful business A

Staff engagement is important to the success of my customers and business.

s the owner of an award winning telephone reception service representing over 600 companies we really work hard to have engaged staff. Our ethos is about relationships, politeness, professionalism, treating each other with respect with a dose of good old fashioned manners. We want everyone who deals with our company to go away with the feeling “Wow what a nice bunch of guys they are “. Verbatim can only be successful if everyone upholds these values.

Here are some of the things we do to keep our employees engaged;

The more I thought about Michelle’s question the more I realised how important it is to continuously strive for “Staff Engagement”. Consistent outstanding service on the phone can only come from engaged employees.

l Keep the office clean and

Michelle recently conducted a staff survey which revealed that over 80% of my staff are engaged and committed to the company compared to the UK national average of 49%. I was delighted with the results.

l We recently took

the team for a night out to communicate performance plans combined with a meal and a few drinks.

l Encourage people to

provide solutions to problems they raise.

l Have fun and frolics from

time to time in and out of the office. in good condition.

l Say “Thank You” for doing

a good job - showcase achievements publicly on our website.

l Give temporary loans to

staff - we have always done this and get it back tenfold in attitude and commitment.

l Do the unexpected for

colleagues who fall seriously ill - cancer hits 1 in 3 people we love and know. In our small firm we have had four cases in twenty years- all recovered thankfully.

As managers and owners we sometimes forget to treat our employees as human beings. When we do, guess what, our customers feel valued and made to feel welcome too. So the answer to Michelle’s question is yes. Staff engagement is important to the success of my customers and business.

BUZZCONNECT

What action do you take when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to recruit for your business?

WWW.OPENINGZ.COM

Recruitment matters R

easons will vary of course, from growth to customer demands; to loss of staff seeking new opportunities or even moving within your business that then leaves a gap elsewhere. Deciding how to proceed will have a direct impact on your business. It can be tempting to simply re-issue the old Job Description but we recommend taking the time to review exactly what is needed before moving forward. Taking time to ensure a well thought out, structured process takes place will pay off, and will lead to better recruitment decisions. Your options will include addressing; l Would an internal hire

suit? This often boosts morale and sends a message to your organisation that there are opportunities for advancement.

l Will the new position

require full or part time hours?

Defining the exact job role will involve some analysis alongside internal discussions with current staff, but once a firm picture has been drawn up, the all-important attraction phase can begin. We are aware though through the latest reports that employers are finding it increasingly difficult to attract high quality staff. Activities such as your developing your employer brand, writing an effective job advertisement (that includes the relevant information to attract and stand out from your competition) and of course choosing the right channels will all play a crucial part, in getting to the desired result of a successful hiring decision.

Workshops that will cover the stages of a comprehensive Recruitment Process will be held through 2016 to offer advice and support, as we appreciate the above can be quite daunting! The planning and definition of what is required is the crucial place to start! (Visit our Buzz Connect website for details & dates).

. . . choosing the right channels will all play a crucial part, in getting to the desired result of a successful hiring decision.

l Is it time to add fresh

skills & knowledge to key areas? Then an external hire can likely offer new skills & expertise that will enhance your organisation.

BuzzConnect Monthly Networking event at the Donnington Grove Hotel

events@localbuzzmagazine.com

The 2016 PROM DAY Prom Fairs

3rd Thursday of the Month a date for your diary!

Next events - Thursday 21st Jan & 18th Feb

Linking the Landscape: Thatcham Wassail Local Wildlife Trust sat 16 Jan

Don’t miss! Add to your diary now!

Reading Thames Valley Flower Club mon 25 jan

Sun 31 Jan

Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane

every fourth Monday thereafter The Calcot Centre, High view, Calcot, Reading RG31 4XD

Sun 7 Feb

14:00 - 15:00

10:30 - 13:00

Donations welcome.

Visitors £5.00

Come a wassailing with us at Thatcham Community Orchard as we bless the orchards and chase away the evil spirits to make sure the fruit flows freely from the trees in the coming year.

The demonstrator will be Jane Haas theme “Green Fingers” WATCH Jane make some fantastic arrangements.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Swindon Donnington Grove Country Club, Newbury Everything you need for your school prom! FREE ENTRY. 30+ Exhibitors. Hair & make-up demo's, catwalk shows, prom transport, exclusive discounts & MORE! contact@promday.co.uk or visit us on facebook/twitter @promdayonline www.promday.co.uk

Thatcham Bird Walk LOCAL WILDLIFE TRUST sun 3 Jan

www.bbowt.org.uk / ndc@bbowt.org.uk 01635 874 381

Family Fun: Garden Birds local wildlife trust sun 17 Jan

Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane

14:00 – 16:00

Drop in throughout the afternoon to learn all about the birds you’ll find in your garden at this time of year. Make a bird feeder to take home. No need to book.

FREE. Donations welcome Join bird enthusiast Graeme for a walk around the Nature Discovery Centre and Reedbeds. Find out more about the wonderful birds that visit as this time of year.

£1 per child

www.bbowt.org.uk / ndc@bbowt.org.uk 01635 874 381

Newbury Papercraft Show

Greenham Common Bird Walk local wildlife trust

Newbury Racecourse, Newbury

wed 13 Jan

Greenham and Crookham Common, Thatcham 10:00 - 12:00 Donations welcome. Join enthusiastic birder Graeme Stewart for a monthly stroll around Greenham Common. Greenham Common has a beautiful heathland and woodland landscape with many habitats to explore. www.bbowt.org.uk / ndc@bbowt.org.uk 01635 874 381

sat 23 Jan 10:30 – 16:00

£3 admission including a free goodie bag. Under 16s FREE. This is the show for all papercrafters, stampers and card makers alike! The fun, hands on papercraft show with workshops, stand demonstrations and FREE “Make n Takes” www stampsandmemories.co.uk 01488 658 728

Please contact Brenda on 0118 9431079

Snowdrops Walk 3 Feb – 6 Mar

WELFORD PARK, RG20 8HU 11:00 – 16:00 £6 Adults, £5 concessions and students, £1 4-12 years, under 4s are FREE. This breathtaking sight is enjoyed by thousands of visitors throughout the Winter months. Over many years and generations, it has been tradition to open the grounds during February so that this wonderful spectacle can be viewed by all who want to see it. www.welfordpark.co.uk snowdrops@welfordpark.co.uk 01488 608 691

s rt e g a tiv itin rea ies Exc nd c tivit a ac

6th February - 23rd April Exciting arts and creative activities for everyone in all nine West Berkshire libraries. Advance booking essential for most activities. For details see our LibraryFest brochure online or pick up a copy at your local library.

Newbury Model Railway Show

all your engineering skills to build a boat of your own and test its sea worthiness!

ST Bartholomew’s School, Andover Road, Newbury

www.bbowt.org.uk ndc@bbowt.org.uk 01635 874 381

sat 13 Feb

10:00 – 16:30

wed 17 Feb Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane

Adults £5, Seniors £4.50, Children £2.50 and families £10 (2 adults and 2 children). Tickets are available at Newbury Visitor Information Centre.

11:00 – 13:00 £1 per child

www.newburymrc.co.uk tourism@westberks.gov.uk 01635 30267

Wild at Heart: Hug a Tree Walk Local Wildlife Trust

Recycled Arts – Workshop Sock Puppets local wildlife trust

Why not make a puppet creature of your own design. How wild can you make yours? www.bbowt.org.uk / ndc@bbowt.org.uk 01635 874 381

sun 14 Feb

Junior Play in a Day

Bomb Site Car park, off Bury's Bank road, Bowdown Woods, 2 1/2 miles south-east of Newbury RG19 8DB

New Greenham Arts, 113 Lindenmuth Way, New Greenham Park, Newbury

tues 16 Feb

10:00 – 12:30

10:00

£4 suggested donation

£30 per child. Booking essential.

What better way to start Valentines Day than wrapping up and coming on our walk around the magical Bowdown Woods?

An exciting way to spend one whole day of your half term – Come along and be part of a play created in just one day.

www.bbowt.org.uk ndc@bbowt.org.uk 01635 874 381

www.cornexchangenew.com getinvolved@cornexchangenew.co.uk 0845 5218 218

Silly Science – Who sank the boat? local wildlife trust

My Wild Life: Under the Microscope – Local Wildlife Trust

Nesting Box & Feeder Workshop local wildlife trust thu 18 Feb Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane 10:00 – 11:00, 11:30 – 12:30, 14:00 – 15:00

wed 17 Feb

£10 per nest box

Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane

New Greenham Arts, 113 Lindenmuth Way, New Greenham Park, Newbury

10:00 – 11:00, 11:30 – 12:30, 14:00 – 15:00

10:00 – 13:00

£4 per child

FREE

The friendly boffins from Science Oxford are at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre to help you learn all about floating and sinking. In this exciting hands-on-workshop you’ll use

What can you see under the microscope? After a visit to the My Wild Life Exhibition at the West Berkshire Museum, this is an opportunity to see things really close-up.

Come along to the Nature Discovery Centre to learn how to nurture the birds that visit your garden. Make bird feeders to attract and sustain your visitors and a nesting box to provide the perfect home for nesting birds this Spring.

tues 16 Feb

www.westberks.gov.uk museum@westberks.gov.uk / 01635 519 562

FREE

Upload your events FREE to www.localbuzzmagazine.com

Some details may be subject to change so please check www.localbuzzmagazine.com before you book or travel for an event. ://entertainment.askbuzz.co.uk

www.bbowt.org.uk / ndc@bbowt.org.uk 01635 874 381

SUN IN THE WOOD A S H M O R E

G R E E N

2 courses for ÂŁ12

Monday - Thursday Choose a delicious starter and a main course from the sample menu Please call 01635 42377 today to book your table. www.thesuninthewood.co.uk info@thesuninthewood.co.uk

The home of America in the heart of Newbury BooBars smokehouse deli, the home of authentic American BBQ. All our meats are slow cooked over wood for for up to 15 hours for that smokey BBQ melt in the mouth taste. All our sauces and slaw are lovingly prepared fresh on site every day by our master chefs.

5 Market Place, Newbury 01635 226856 www.facebook.com/boobarsbbq

Recipe by Gert Pienaar Head Chef at Blandy’s

What you will need

The dish is also available to order off the menu at Blandy’s if anyone wants to experience it without having to make it!

Homemade vegetable stock Mushroom puree Short grain Arborio rice

To book www.blandysbistro.co.uk

1 shallot finely diced White wine Selection wild and cultivated mushrooms. We use chestnut, king oysters, shimeji, pied blue, black trumpets and Chanterelle Grated parmesan cheese Chopped chives Chopped spring onion Rocket leave for garnish

Method Vegetable stock 1 onion roughly chopped, 3 carrots peeled and split in quarters, 2 sticks celery washed and chopped, 1 leek (whites and light greens only) split washed and chopped, 3 cloves garlic and 5 sprigs of thyme. All goes into a pan with 6lt of water and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Pass and keep hot.

Mushroom puree 500g button mushrooms 500g chestnut mushrooms Sprig of thyme Wash chestnut and button mushrooms. Fry in a heavy base pan with a sprig of thyme and seasoning, till nice and golden brown. Add double cream and reduce till thick. Blitz in food processor till smooth and check seasoning. Chef tip. . . there will be more than enough to make a lovely soup with the leftovers, just add some milk or vegetable stock till the right consistency.

Risotto Gently sauté off the shallots in a heavy base pan until soft. Add 2 cups of rice, seasoning and fry for another minute, turning the gas to a high heat. Cover the rice with white wine and start a timer for 12 minutes.

Blandy’s at Inglewood Keep on stirring till the wine has reduced to nearly nothing. Add the hot vegetable stock one or two ladles at a time when needed and stir the rice frequently to prevent it sticking and not cooking evenly.

Visit the NEW REVAMPED

Indigo Bay!

When ready add your mushroom puree and warm through. Remove the risotto from the heat and some butter, chives, spring onion and as much parmesan as you like! Vigorously stir it all together to form and nice creamy sauce. If it becomes too thick add a small ladle of vegetable stock to bring it all back. Plate, top with mushrooms, add more parmesan and enjoy.

Book for your table now and have a drink on us. 01635 35000 www.indigobayrestaurant.co.uk 54-55 Bartholomew St, Newbury RG14 5QA

Global Belly Laugh Day takes place on 24th January. Its aim is to celebrate the gift of laughter.

Global Belly

hee!

Laug h

Day W

hilst there are many different languages spoken throughout the world, laughter can be said to be a universal language. It also has no boundaries: it happens somewhere 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and across all continents. The day was created by Laughter-Yoga Teacher Elaine Helle in 2005. She says it’s a chance to celebrate with the people in your life past and present, who laugh with you and help you laugh and smile and also to remember the strange, funny, ‘now I can laugh at it’ moments. One of the main features of the day is the Belly Laugh, Bounce Around The World. All are encouraged to smile, throw their arms in the air and laugh out loud at 1:24pm local time so as to literally send laughter around the world. Laughing is of course mostly about having fun, but there are health benefits too. Research shows that a good laugh can: lower blood pressure, boost our immune system, reduce some stress hormones, increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood, provide a work out for the diaphragm, abdomen, respiratory system, legs, face and back and increase alertness, creativity, memory, learning and our positive emotions. Even so-called fake laughter

can bring these health benefits and this is the principle on which laughter yoga relies. Plus of course many of us find that laughter is infectious and laughter yoga usually takes place in groups to make the most of this. The Global Belly Laugh Day symbol consists of a smiling sun with 7 rays and 1 and 24 dimples. There is also an associated laughing oath which was written by Diana Loomans and Karen Kolberg, it reads: I do solemnly swear from this day forward, To grease my giggling gears each day, And to wear a grin on my face for no reason at all! I promise to tap my funny bone often, With children, family, friends, colleagues and clients, And to laugh at least fifteen times per day.

So on Global Belly Laugh Day and every space day ‘have a laugh.’ If you are struggling to find inspiration, why not look through some old photos, watch a funny film or wear some crazy clothes - laugh and the world laughs with you, and its free!

I believe that frequent belly laughter, Cures terminal tightness, cerebral stiffness, And hardening of the attitudes, And that HA HA often leads to AHA! Therefore, I vow, from this day forth, To brighten the day of everyone I meet, And to laugh long and prosper.

24th January Global Belly Laugh Day

t first glance, derma roller appear to be a painful device, but it has in fact become one of the most innovative approaches to skincare treatment in years. Derma rollers are effective for superficial acne scarring, especially when used in conjunction with other non-invasive cosmetic solutions. However, derma rollers require multiple treatments before you see any results. Derma rollers are known to be an effective treatment against aging elements like wrinkles, fine lines and skin stretching. They can help to thicken the skin, smooth facial scars and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The magic lies within the fine needles that penetrate the skin as it is rolled across the surface. The tiny pinpricks help to stimulate collagen and elastin production which aid in plumping the skin in problem areas such as laugh line areas or forehead wrinkles. Derma rollers use needles of different sizes according to your cosmetic needs. Deep scars, wrinkles and stretch marks should utilize a roller containing a 0.5mm needle, whereas daily treatment for nutrient absorption of skincare products should try around a 0.2mm or 0.25. It is important to keep in mind that with extended and persistent use, the results get better and better. Collagen in the skin begins to wrap the facial surface with a fresh layer of radiant and younger looking skin. These results can normally be achieved in as little as 4-6 weeks. Proven to increase chemical absorption up to 1000 times, derma rollers are commonly used along with skincare products such a moisturizers, anti-wrinkle or antiaging creams, or even essential oils. As the holes are put in place, the product is able to penetrate the skin at a deeper level then just surface application causing the results to be more effective and promising. Instead of just sitting

Derma roller Piercing your skin with a bunch of tiny little needles, may not sound appealing at first, but do the cosmetic benefits of the derma roller outweigh the negative? on the surface, skincare products are able to be fully absorbed in multiple layers of skin as opposed to just one. Comcit is the only derma rolling that incorporates oxygen within the facial. This enables the skin to cool down and push specialised serums deep into the dermis to stimulate fibroblasts, which are the cells that help to create collagen. The oxygen also cools the skin after the treatment so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the deep redness that other derma rollers give.

Some may be discouraged by the thought of their facial skin harbouring hundreds of tiny holes, but derma rollers leave the epidermis fully intact. The tiny holes close within just a few hours of application. Within those few hours, the skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lower layers are able produce new collagen structures giving the skin a rejuvenated, younger appearance.

There are various benefits to utilizing a cosmetic breakthrough like derma rollers. Not only do they make it easier for serum absorption- such as the application of an anti-aging cream- but they are also extremely easy to use in the comfort of your own home. Results can be achieved by a simple rolling procedure. There is virtually no pain or permanent damage to the facial skin. They can be used on nearly any part of the body.

l Decreases pore size

DERMA ROLLER BENEFITS: l Evens skin tone l Reduces dark circles l Fades pigmentation marks l Heals stretch marks and acne

scaring l Gives the skin a thicker

youthful feel

l Decreases lines around the mouth

(i.e. smokers lines)

For the ones wanting to achieve maximum result, why not combine derma roller with other treatments such as microdermabrasion, IPL, CACI and jowl lift? Contact Emma from Laurabella for further information on 01635 291211.

Mindfulness with Providing a professional and personalised osteopathic approach to give you pain relief

Do you feel Stressed? Do you have pain or other health problems? l

Mindfulness reduces stress

l Helps

with pain management

l Improves l Reduces

sleep

anxiety

l Improves

happiness

New BegiNNiNgs for spriNg March courses booking now

“I suffered severe sciatic pain in my right leg and lower back making it impossible for me to work. From the first visit, Mel eased my pain and have since made a full recovery.” ANDY

07727 666312 www.melharrisonosteopath.co.uk

to find out more : sheila.bond@livingwellmindfulness.com 01635 873335 n 07990 584078 livingwellmindfulness.com Facebook.com/Living Well Mindfulness

melharrison156@yahoo.com Melanie Harrison Osteopathy @OsteoMel

L aurabella H &B D S ealth

January Offer - £25 Just imagine going into the summer not having to worry about your under arm, bikini or leg hair. Just to prove to you how effective this is we are offering you a chance to try it out. For one under arm to have 3 IPL treatments for £25. This includes your consultation and patch test. Acupuncture We are incredibly happy to welcome Richard Streets to our team. Richard is also an acupuncturist who specialises in pain management including skeletal, muscular and emotional pain. Also works along side a herbalist, to help fertility and hormonal problems.

eauty

Opening Hours

Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm Friday and Saturday 9am to 7pm Sunday 10am to 4pm

Richard trained at the World Renowned College of Integrated Chinese Medicine. He also holds a degree in acupuncture, e and is a member of the British Acupunctur ry Acupuncture Council. introducto offer

an Richard is working at Laurabella consultation ent every Wednesday, from 12 until 9pm. first treatm 0 for only £2 Obviously with these types of issues it is nice to get to know a therapist and build a trusting relationship, so Richard has got an introductory offer, for a consultation and first treatment for £20. Down load our new App, making it easier to make appointments or see You can either call him directly our monthly specials. on: 07460 379997, and talk to him personally or you can book through the Spa on 01635 291211 or online at T: 01635 291211 www.laurabella.co.uk

Strattons Farm, Newbury Road, Kingsclere RG20 4SZ

www.laurabella.co.uk Laurabella Day Spa

Mel Harrison

Text neck I

t is now thought that 75% of the world’s population spend hours daily hunched over looking at their phones, iPads or computer devices. This repetitive position of flexing our head forward is causing havoc through our spines, especially in young people as it may cause permanent damage to their spines as they grow. Did you know that for every inch of forward flexion of the neck, increases the weight of the head on the spine by an extra 10lb!! The typical “Text neck” posture is causing flattening to the spinal curvatures as well as changes to the bony segments, muscles, ligaments and tendons. These postural changes are already causing complaints such as neck, shoulder, back, arm, wrist and hand pain as well as headaches and numbness and tingling in the upper extremity.

Two types of contacts are fit today, Soft and Rigid gas permeable (RGP). Soft lenses are the preferred choice and are designed to be thrown away daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or quarterly. Others can be used for up to 1 year. They’re easy to insert, and fit securely on the eye.

contact Lenses Difficult or easy? When fitting your contact lens bear this in mind. . .

Think about where you are. Stand over a sink (with the plug in) to catch the lens when you inevitably drop it and don’t stand directly under a ceiling light.

Dry your hands. Moisture will make the lens stick to your finger rather than dropping onto the lid plus tap water contains microbes and bacteria that you don’t necessarily want trapped between your contact lens and your eyelid.

It is thought that long term it can cause:

ASK MEL BUZZ OSTEOPATHY EXPERT

l Onset of early arthritis l Spinal degeneration l Disc herniation l Disc compression l Spinal misalignment l Muscle damage l Loss of lung volume capacity l Nerve damage l Gastrointestinal problems

Treat it now, before it’s too late!

Where to look? If it’s your first time using a novelty lens, then you’re probably going to want to look up and away into the top outer corner of your eye, a little like if someone was doing your eyeliner. Regular contact lens wearers learn to look down into the lens when they apply it.

4. Once it’s in gently close your eye, roll in a complete circle to help the lens settle in and then blink. . . slowly.

07727 666312 www.melharrisonosteopath.co.uk melharrison156@yahoo.com

HTTP://WELLBEING.ASKBUZZ.CO.UK

5. If you’re particularly squeamish,

taking it out can be a little nauseating. Add a few drops of contact solution or regular eye drops to your eye first, which should loosen the lens a little (dry eyes are the hardest to remove lenses from). Push the lens down towards your lower lid with one finger then use your thumb to squeeze it off and away.

6. Is it true that they can slip behind your eye? Yes. The most important thing is not to panic. If it’s stuck far behind your eyelid, try putting a new soft contact lens on the eye and blink. This can help “draw out” the stuck lens to the centre of the eye where it can be easily removed. Get that one stuck and you should visit a doctor.

If you were a little worse for wear at bedtime and actually went to sleep in your lenses then it may have dried out too much to remove in the morning. Rinse your eye with some contact lens solution and then gently massage your closed eyelid until you feel it moving. 29

2016

Buying a new sofa is a significant financial purchase. Here are a few pointers to help with your decision.

Choosing A T New Sofa hink about what size is most suitable. Proportions are important. For example if you have high ceilings a high backed sofa may look better than a low backed style. A huge sofa in a small room can be overbearing and leave little room for other furniture. In some spaces two smaller sofas or a sofa and arm chair combination will be more aesthetically pleasing than one large one. Consider your comfort when deciding on the overall size too. The height and depth of the seat can make a vast difference. When considering shape and style you need to decide whether you want to create a relaxed style or a more formal look. Solid backs and styles such as Chesterfieldsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are neater and more traditional, whereas loose-backed and corner

sofa arrangements are more contemporary. Corner sofas are also ideal for creating a relaxation space within a large open-plan living space and can save space in smaller rooms. Other differences that can help you decide which style you prefer are arm shape: square, rolled, wide or narrow; the overall line of the sofa, straight or curved; and the design of the legs.

Upholstery There are many options in terms of upholstery: fabric or leather, plain or patterned. Think about durability in terms of the fabric

and the look you are trying to create. Even if you decide on leather you will probably still have a choice between natural look, a smoother more even finish, or faux leather instead. Fabrics may be cotton-based, velvet and chenille types or microfibre. Most designers recommend a plain colour for the main sofa and the use of scatter cushions to add a splash of another colour or patterns. Cushions can be changed more easily if you decide the look needs updating in the future. To aid longevity, choose a sturdy frame with good joinery and springs. You can often get a protective coating applied to your new sofa to help protect against spills too. Finally many new sofas have extra features such as recliner options or built in audio. Or you may want a sofa bed. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot to consider, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make a hasty decision as most of us keep our sofas for many years.

Designs of Aldermaston Helping you achieve the lawn youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted.

Phil Adshead runs Supagrass in the Hampshire and West Berks area. He has helped over 1000 customers improve their lawns, and has looked after the greens at two of the top 10 golf courses in the world including Augusta National.

Supply throughout Berkshire, North Hampshire & South Oxfordshire n

Doors

Conservatories

Windows

Porches

Car Ports

Solid Roofs

Soffits Balconies

Fascias Verandas

n Garage doors & conversions

For a FREE lawn assessment and quote with Phil, call 01256 461388 or email rbf@supagrass.co.uk

Moss Control

Weed Killing

Scarification

Aeration

Lawn Mowing

Call Roy Ward or Dermot Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan

01189 820300

email: office@amberwooddesigns.co.uk www.amberwooddesigns.co.uk Youngs Industrial Estate, Paices Hill, Aldermaston RG7 4PW

www.supagrass.co.uk

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Lawn Fertilising

Where quality, professionalism and value count

WiNTER HEalTH CHECkS

PROFESSIONAL AFFORDABLE RELIABLE Call us for an estimate or to make a booking 0118 971 3573 www.pegasusmotorcare.com service@pegasusmotorcare.com Unit 1 Beenham Industrial Area, Grange Lane, Beenham RG7 5PP

WE OFFER l

M.O.T.s for classes 4, 5 & 7 by appointment (Free retest within10 working days)

Servicing and Repairs on all makes and models

Custom/Classic vehicles a speciality

Full Vehicle Diagnostics

Complimentary pick up and collection (within a 10 mile radius from Newbury)

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Around 140 house fires occur every day in the United Kingdom, resulting in nearly 500 deaths and over 11,000 injuries each year. Many of these could be prevented with an early warning system in place - such as a smoke alarm.

Safety Alarms They can detect fire in its early stages and give you a few extra precious minutes to make a safe escape. There are four types:

IONISATION ALARMS The cheapest and are very sensitive to small particles of smoke from fast flaming fires (like paper or wood), but they can be over sensitive near kitchens. They are best fitted on landings.

Optical alarms

Heat alarms

Combined alarms

More effective at detecting large particles of smoke from slow burning fires, such as from foam-filled upholstery and PVC wiring. They are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and the hall.

Insensitive to smoke, but detect an increase in temperature. They only cover a relatively small area, so you may need several in a large room. They are a good choice for a kitchen or garage.

Include an optical and heat alarm which will reduce the occurrence of false alarms and increase the speed of detection. They should be fitted on landings and in bedrooms, living rooms and halls.

ome alarms are interlinked, which means that smoke detected in one room can raise an alarm call elsewhere in the house. Some have a light that comes on when the alarm sounds, which can help you find your way out and also alert people with hearing problems.

Smoke alarms do not detect the presence of carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colourless, odourless, tasteless – but highly poisonous – gas, produced when carbon-based fuels like gas, oil, wood and coal do not burn completely. Around fifty people die each year from CO poisoning.

spot indicator – to wake you when you are asleep and at your most vulnerable.

As a minimum you should fit one alarm on each floor, but the more you have fitted, the more protected you are. Remember – you are twice as likely to die in a house fire where no alarm is fitted.

A CO detector should be fitted in every room containing a fuel burning appliance such as a boiler, cooker or fire. Costing between £15 and £35, a detector should have an audible alarm – not just a colour change or back

In addition to fitting a CO alarm, also make certain you have your gas Prevention appliances and flues is always serviced regularly by a Gas Safe better Registered engineer. than cure!

Please ensure that your alarm complies with British Standard EN50291 and that it gives a warning when it reaches the end of its useful life.

PROPERTY

your local heating oil supplier Keeping Berkshire families warm for over 50 years

We are a local, family run company committed to providing an expert and friendly service to all of our customers. With depots located across the South of England, WP Heating provide standard and emergency heating oil deliveries. To find our more about our range of products and services or to place an order call us on:

Tel: 0808 1683 371

o not resort to using a BBQ or camp stove for indoor heat. Such equipment is designed to be used only outdoors and present significant safety hazards when used in any enclosed or partially enclosed setting. Besides the obvious fire hazard, they can produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO). Remember that you cannot smell or see CO.

If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY. Carbon monoxide can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. If you experience serious symptoms, get medical attention immediately.

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A Reminder to Keep Safe This Winter

The home of building in Berkshire Experts in all types of building works, including new build, conversions, refurbishments, decorating, kitchens and bathrooms for your home or business needs.

We provide a full and comprehensive property management service looking after our clients property investments. We operate on a full 24 hour 7 day a week basis for single properties or mixed portfolios to suit your needs. We comply with the codes of conduct laid down by ARLA and LLEx to ensure a professional service.

We are able to help with: n Full property management n Letting & rent collection n Ground rent collection n Maintenance & repair n Property inspections n Property development

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YEAR

n Rental valuation n Property sitting & security

01635 866446 www.henwickproperties.co.uk garry.kaxe@btconnect.com nicholas.kaxe@btconnect.com

PROPERTY

Generally the year ended on a high for industrial property, a disappointment for the office market and a continuing lack of growth and activity in the retail market. Some 200,000 sq. ft. of industrial space has been let or sold (at the time of writing December has not ended) and just over 100,000 sq. ft. of offices, which is slightly below the annual average. There is just over 7 acres industrial land sold and a further 5 acres pending completion which may happen in 2015.

overview. . .

By Richard Deal

PROPERTY EXPERT From Deal Varney www.dealvarney.co.uk

he retail market saw less activity with one of the more significant lettings being Metro Bank Plc taking premises in Northbrook Street but the new Centre continues to improve with more new lettings, although a concerning number of voids that seem stubborn to let.

Newbury Business Park The major core of the Newbury Business Park has been bought by Vengrove who intend to undertake new speculative development of 30,000 sq. ft. building 4100 with work commencing in the New Year and this will lead to the first speculatively built office building in the Newbury market for many years. Overbridge Square has also sold to Praxis who intend to refurbish 10,000 sq. ft. immediately, with a further 10,000 sq. ft. as soon as the first building is let. The office and industrial markets continue the theme of rapidly increasing shortage of supply but demand levels have not been above

Newbury Business Park

Building 4100 Newbury Business Park

average for the past three years. A small shift in demand could cause some difficulty as the supply dwindles. Notable transactions include the letting of Rannoch House on the Business Park in May to Ericsson, taking 11288 sq. ft. and two properties have been sold in Strawberry Hill, Access House for residential use and Strawberry Hill House for conversion to a new combined doctors surgery both totalling over 35,000 sq. ft.

Pool House at Horizon West was let to Global Freight Services taking 22,100 sq ft and 1 Tealgate was sold in May with Benchmark Furniture taking just over 38,000 sq. ft. Another significant letting was Units B & C Beta Centre in Bone Lane, Newbury, where Crookshank Motors took 16,800 sq. ft..

Beta Centre

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ONLY WITH THE BUZZ MAGAZINE

ost of the seed heads that were left over from autumn have now fallen over, disintegrated or been eaten by hungry birds. So as part of anyone’s ‘outdoor housework’ you should cut them down to ground level before the new growth begins to emerge next month. It may be cold outside, but now is the perfect time for planning what to grow this year, from seed of course! Over recent years the popularity of growing your own vegetables has meant that veg seed sales have overtaken those of traditional flowers, but you really can’t beat the satisfaction of plants from seed. Recently we received an interesting story from one of our readers which will make one think how seeds make their way to survival: “The first plants I ever grew were Snap Dragons. I was fifteen, and I found the packet in the back of a drawer (presumably they had been stuck to a box of cereal at some stage). I diligently followed the instructions for sowing and placed them on top of my wardrobe (I’m not quite sure why I did that). What happened next really was a miracle. They germinated! It was hard to believe that the old seed, uneven layer of compost, wardrobe location and over watered soil, produced a rash of new seedlings. It wasn’t long before they had grown to around 2 inches high and bent towards the light, narrowly avoiding the artex ceiling! I potted

GARDEN VIEW

How many seeds have you eaten today? Probably more than you realise. As a nation, we consume tons of them every day and whether they are ground to make our bread, mushed to accompany our chips or sprinkled on our burger bun, seeds play an important role in our diet. . .as well as in our garden!

Seeds of

change them on and they produced the most beautiful range of colours all summer long, and that was the moment I became hooked on gardening. It wasn’t really a surprise that they germinated, as that’s what seeds are designed to do. They can survive in their dormant state for years, and because there are often more seeds per packet than you know what to do with, I always sow just a few more than I need and return the rest to a sealed container in the fridge. Stored like this they keep for years.” So, to finalise this amazing story and to give them the best start in life, most seeds require just a tray of compost and some warmth. Large seeds should be covered over with compost, but small seeds should be left uncovered as they often don’t have enough energy to push new leaves through the soil. Prick out singly once large enough to handle and grow on somewhere frost-free, before gradually hardening off ready for life outdoors. Until next time, happy winter gardening.

Cucumbers You don’t need a greenhouse to grow them as there are indoor types and outdoor varieties available. But it’s worth checking that you have the right type for your garden before you start sowing. You can grow cucumbers in the ground, in growbags and even in containers. Whether you are growing indoor or outdoor types you will need to sow Cucumber seeds in a propagator from early March to April. However, outdoor varieties can also be direct sown outdoors from May to June if necessary.

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8 things you didn’t know about buzz

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Buzz won three prestigious awards, Best Community Magazine, Best Magazine Design and Best website

As per our readers’ request, Buzz has become a bi-monthly publication in 2015

in the stands 1st MARCH

As well as our door-to-door distribution, you can pick up Buzz at various locations across West Berkshire and North Hampshire. Call to enquire

BUZZ SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES

BOOKS

CINEMA

The Soup Cleanse

JANUARY

JOY

BY ANGELA BLATTEIS AND VIVIENNE VELLA

t’s that time of year when many of us feel a bit bloated and start to wish we maybe hadn’t eaten quite so many mince pies. The effects of a few too many glasses of wine and selection boxes, are all too apparent in our hair, skin and energy levels. Detoxes can be a great way to get back on track, but most aren’t exactly pleasurable. Soups are a great way to get a real hit of veggies, providing lots of vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein, with no added ‘junk’. They’re usually low-calorie, so can help with weight loss, as well as helping you to detox and boost your energy.There’s no lecturing, or nagging, just great advice and 50 recipes to choose from.

The Usbourne Healthy Cookbook BY FIONA PATCHETT

rying to get children to eat healthily can be stressful, to say the least. It can feel that the healthier a meal is, and the longer it takes to prepare it, the less chance there is that the kids will eat it. One way to tempt them is to get them involved with the cooking. Kids are far likelier to eat something if they’ve had a hand in making it. There are a few healthy kids’ cookbooks on the market, but one of the best has to be the Usbourne Healthy Cookbook.

1ST JAN

ired of being held back by circumstance or family expectation, Joy Mangano decides to take matters into her own hands and make a new life for herself and her children.

THE DANISH GIRL 1ST JAN

hen a woman asks her husband to stand in for the female model in her painting, a chain of events begins, leading to something drastic and life-changing.

THE REVENANT

15TH JAN

hen Hugh Glass is mauled by a bear and left for dead, he sets out alone into the wilderness to find the man who betrayed him.

RIDE ALONG 2

22ND JAN

he brothers-in-law with the love/hate relationship are back, and this time they’re heading to Miami to take down a drugs baron.

DIRTY GRANDPA

22ND JAN

reppy and uptight Jason is tasked with taking his foulmouthed and grieving grandpa to Florida for Spring Break, but will they make it back in time for Jason’s wedding?

FEBRUARY

DAD’S ARMY

THEATRE

5TH FEB

n Britain’s hour of need, the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard Platoon are on a mission to do the nation proud; the old boys are back.

Forever In Blue Jeans NEWBURY CORN EXCHANGE Friday 29 Jan - 7.45pm Tickets £23 (£21 Concessions)

ne of the greatest parties in town playing the best in country music and rock ‘n’ roll! A perfect feast of entertainment, with superb singers, dancers and musicians.

The Great Gatsby NEWBURY CORN EXCHANGE Tuesday 2 - Wednesday 3 Feb - 7.45pm Tickets £16 (£14 Concessions), £9 School groups

mmersing you in the decadence of America’s ‘Jazz Age’, The Great Gatsby is brought to life in this sizzling new stage adaptation from nationally acclaimed Blackeyed Theatre. Recreating the sights, sounds and feel of America’s ‘Roaring Twenties’ as seen through the eyes of Nick Carraway, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece is a brilliant evocation of a society obsessed with wealth and status.

My Pet Monster and Me NEWBURY CORN EXCHANGE Thursday 18 Feb - 11.30am & 2.30pm Tickets £10.50 (£8.50 Concessions)

oin us down on the farm for adventures with Sophie, and her new friend George, - the most lovable monster in the land! A bighearted tale of friendship told with magical songs, enchanting music and exquisite puppetry. This happy, sad, funny farmyard adventure is especially for little monsters aged 3 - 7, and their grown-ups.

Soul Legends NEWBURY CORN EXCHANGE Saturday 27 Feb - 7.45pm

ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 12TH FEB

hen it looks like Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami, Alvin, Simon and Theodore embark on a mission to stop him. . . otherwise they will inherit a terrible stepbrother!

Tickets £25 (Buy 10 tickets, get 1 free)

rand-new, live on stage, coming to you direct from the USA. . . it’s the music of soul legends Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Barry White, Wilson Pickett, Earth Wind & Fire, Eddie Floyd, Chaka Khan and scores more.

For full details go to our website - www.localbuzzmagazine.com