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Valentine's Day Editor-in-Chief Jackie Osborne jackie@localbuzzmagazine.com
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Love food hate waste New learning space officially opens at iCollege A great new learning space known as the 'Pod' has officially opened. It will create six additional places for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disabilities at the Intervention iCollege in Newbury. The West Berkshire Council project to create the Pod cost almost £208,000 and was funded by a Government grant. Children who have and an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) for Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties will benefit from the extra places. They will be able to access support more promptly and within their local area. It will also benefit children who will remain with the iCollege as it will assist with the transition between primary and secondary school. The Pod was a modular build which was delivered in sections over the roof of the current Intervention building. It features a multipurpose classroom with small kitchen area, a group room and a WC. Dominic Boeck, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Education, Children and Young People said: "I'm delighted that we were able to create more spaces at the iCollege. It is an invaluable resource that helps some of our most vulnerable children to achieve their full potential in a supportive educational environment. "We're aiming to be in the top 10% of councils for every key stage and offering innovative learning spaces such as the Pod, will help us to close the attainment gap for vulnerable pupils." Jacquie Davies, Headteacher at the iCollege said: "We are so pleased with the Pod and the space it gives us to accommodate more students. It is vitally important that we are able to help as many children as possible, and the lovely space offered by the Pod will help enormously." 6
Research shows that people in Basingstoke and Deane are throwing away one third of the food they buy. This is the same as throwing £400 into the bin every year. Wasted food is not only a waste of money, but is also a major contributor to climate change. The food we throw away means a waste of all the energy, water and packaging that is used in its production, transportation and storage. The good news is that there a few quick and easy things we can all do to reduce the amount of food we throw away.
Storage heroes There are lots of ways to make your food stay fresher for longer, for example:
• there's not much that can't be frozen until it's needed •
if you have chicken breasts that you're not planning to eat straightaway, they can be cut into strips and frozen, to be defrosted quickly and used in a stir-fry later
a lot of time can be saved by cooking a big dish, then dividing it into smaller portions to freeze for another time.
•
Perfect portions
rice and pasta. The perfect thing for measuring a portion is probably sitting in one of your kitchen cupboards or drawers. A mug or tablespoon can be used to work out just the right amount.
Save time and money Planning meals, keeping the cupboard and fridge stocked with basics, and keeping an eye on the 'best before' and 'use by' dates can take some of the hassle out of shopping. Store cupboard essentials can make it easy to use up leftovers or ingredients that are nearing their 'use by' date. Jars of pasta sauce, tinned tomatoes, flour, Worcestershire sauce, pasta and rice are really useful to have around to turn those odds and ends into a tasty meal.
Recipes and further information Make the most o f your leftovers with some fantastic recipes and If you are confused about the difference between 'best before' and 'use by' labels, visit the Love Food Hate Waste website please access www. lovefoodhatewaste.com
We've all ended up cooking a bit too much food for dinner. It's easily done, especially with
LOCAL BUZZ
Local
Kit Malthouse MP
Issues Reducing plastic landfill
Climate change what you can do?
There is a new group in Newbury helping to deal with plastic waste’ – this is a temporary partial solution by making Ecobricking into a social activity.
If your home isn’t energy efficient, not only will you be wasting money but you will be wasting energy as well, which damages the environment.The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas is releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than the seas, oceans, plants and trees can absorb. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas, which contributes towards climate change.
What is Ecobricking? An Ecobrick is a plastic bottle packed with used plastic to create a reusable building block. Newbury Ecobrickers are working with local organisations to design creative and practical projects using the Ecobricks made. Beginners or experienced Ecobrickers of any age can drop in to the Lock Stock and Barrel in Newbury any Wednesday any time between 3pm and 7pm.
What is required? Take clean and dry plastic, a clean and dry plastic bottle, some scissors and a pushing stick. Advice is available and you can also drop off any Ecobricks made at home (subject to meeting the quality standards). We would also love to help other groups get going.
The Starfish Story by Loren Eisley: One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean so they dont die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”The boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf saying” I made a difference to that one.”
As much as 25% of the carbon dioxide produced in the UK comes from the energy used in the home. Below you will find some handy hints and tips for doing your bit to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions which will save you some money too!
1) Scrap Box is back in Basingstoke!
The charity is now residing at Oakridge Hall where they are seeking donations of unwanted materials which are then used by schools, after school clubs and community groups. For more information, have a look at RCS Services/scrap box website www.rcsservices.org.uk
2) Calculate your carbon footprint Find out how to calculate your carbon footprint online access www.footprint. wwf.org.uk/#/questionnaire
3) Eco-schools
Find out how your school can become an Eco by accessing www.eco-schools. org.uk
Progress on Basingstoke Health Services Following the recent general election, one of my top priorities is to ensure improved access to local health services in North West Hampshire. The general hospital in Basingstoke is under increasing pressure as the local population grows and a solution needs to be found. I am delighted, therefore, that Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust has been given the go-ahead and the funding needed to develop a business plan for a new hospital at Junction 7 of the M3. I have spoken with the Secretary of State for Health and I’m working with neighbouring MPs and the local NHS Trust to drive this forward. In nearby Andover, we have ambitious plans to upgrade the Andover War Memorial Hospital, and work has already begun there to expand the hospice and build a new health centre which will be integrated into the hospital. These projects are vital to people in the community and we’ve got to make sure we can meet growing demand, offer excellent care, and attract and retain quality doctors, nurses and staff. If we get this right, people in Basingstoke and across North West Hampshire can be served properly. I will update you soon on this project.
4) Low carbon loans
We offer Low Carbon Loans to help homeowners and community groups to benefit from low interest finance to make energy saving improvements to their home or community centre. Visit our webpage on Low Carbon loans for more information on the loans access www.basingstoke.gov.uk/energyefficiency-loans
This is 1 kg of plastic - If everyone in West Berkshire turned 1 kilogram of plastic into Ecobricks that would be 150,000kg less plastic in landfill – now that’s a difference!
Kit Malthouse MP and Minister for policing and crime. 7
YW R T N EE E INE NO
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EXPLORE REAL OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES AT OUR CAREER DISCOVERY EVENT! Our free Career Discovery Event is the perfect chance for you to explore your options and opportunities. Meet our experienced tutors and employer partners for the best advice on employment, courses, apprenticeships and training.
D i g i t a l D i g i t a l newbury college Da i grikt e a lt i n g M M a r k e t i n g M a r k e t i n g Strategies focused
16:00 - 20:00 THU 06 FEB 2020
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Hampshire PO1 3TT 1st Sun and 29th Mon 12pm - 6pm
What's on in February The Bear Theatre Royal Winchester 21 - 23 Jewry Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 8SB 1st Sat 1:30pm - 4pm 2nd Sun 10:30am - 1:30pm The story of a little girl who befriends a mischievous polar bear, this playful, funny and heart-warming tale is one of imagination and growing up. For more information please access www.theatreroyalwinchester. co.uk/whats-on/raymondbriggs-bear
Calligraphy Workshop Valentine's Special Chawton House, Alton Hampshire, GU34 1SJ 13th Thu 10:30am 14:30pm Looking to create a unique card this Valentine's day? Why not learn the skill of modern calligraphy? There will be plenty of one-to-one time during the group workshop. The cost of the workshop is £65. Each attendee will be given a basic starter kit and learning resources to take home. Hot drinks and a light lunch will be provided. Book online
Experience the romance of Valentine's Day with breathtaking views and delightful treats in the intimate surroundings of The Clouds Café. The Valentines High Tea Experience includes a selection of tempting sweet and savoury bites, accompanied by unlimited tea or coffee. For that extra special touch, upgrade with a bottle of prosecco or champagne. For more information access www. spinnakertower.co.uk/events/ event/valentines-high-tea
please access www.chawtonhouse.arttickets.org.uk February Half Term at the Tower Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth Hampshire PO1 3TT 15th Sat to 23rd Sun 10:30am - 14:30pm This half term, discover Emirates Spinnaker Tower with the family. Children can explore the Tower, dive into their very own Spinnaker Passport, learn about towers around the world and discover some of the amazing features of our view. For bookings access https:// www.spinnakertower.co.uk/ events/event/february-halfterm/ Brahms' Double Concerto The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading Berkshire, RG1 7UA 23rd Sun 7:30pm -9:30pm
Family Activity Day at the West Berkshire Museum Shaw House Church Road Newbury, RG14 2DR 19th Wed 10am - 3:30pm Signs of Spring – one of the first signs of Spring is new leaves. In this craft, using porcelain pens decorate a ceramic tealight holder in the shape of a leaf. Then see if you can see any signs of Spring in Shaw Houses gardens. A new house trail will also be available. Dress for mess, although aprons will be provided. You are welcome to bring
your own apron. No need to book, just turn up. For more information www. westberkshireheritage.org Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Waltham Road Twyford Reading RG10 0BN 8th Sat 2pm Stanlake Park vineyard tours are friendly, unpretentious and fun! Discover the history of one of the oldest wineries in England, learn how wine is made and taste generous samples of our award-winning English wines. No prior knowledge is required! Please note that this is a public tour and that all tour guests must be at least 18 years old. For buy your ticket please visit this www.stanlakepark.com Sausage and Cider Fest The Broadway Winchester SO23 9GH 8th Sat 12pm - 23pm Enjoy an amazing day filled full of cider, beer, live music, fun and of course a great array of sausages from around the world. Please visit www. sausageandciderfest.co.uk/ for more information!
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Rich in harmony and tenderness, Brahms' Double Concerto is a highlight of the 2019-2020 classical season in Reading. Pre-concert talk 6.30pm. The Hexagon Auditorium (Free) Valentine's High Tea Experience Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth,
WHAT'S ON Some details may be subject to change so please check before you book
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5 Steps for using
Step out
of the Old and Leap into the New! Modern society is proliferated by emerging ideas associated with reform and change, particularly with regard to gender equality. Such reform and change is often seen to impact traditional concepts like courtship and marriage. Emerging ideas would suggest that initiating dating and engagement are no longer confined to the control of men, but rather women hold the freedom to initiate also. Was the traditional Irish folklore of women proposing to men on 29th February of each leap year exceptionally forward thinking, or does this remain a foreign and strange concept in our contemporary society? This folklore and unique tradition is thought to date back to the 5th century in Ireland, after St. Brigid denounced the restrictions posed onto women to St. Patrick. She believed that women were forced to wait too long for men to ask for their hand in marriage, and rather women should be able to propose also. In response to this, St Patrick appeased Brigid by granting women the right to propose on one day of the year, every four years, 29th February of each leap year. Whilst this is light-hearted tale and one often joked about each leap year, one must question Abbie Cooper Davis Columnist abbie@localbuzzmagazine.com
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whether such a folklore was strangely forward thinking for its time, and whether age old traditions should be repudiated and turned over in our current society. Not simply proposals, but all traditions, like taking one’s husband’s surname and ideas about household labour. Conversely, does the breakdown of such traditions threaten romance and values, does such contemporary ideas remove the notion of fairy-tale and magic associated with proposals? This leap year why not take some time on your morning commute or your coffee break to consider which traditions hold sentiment for you, and whether you seek to take matters into your own hands and change any these. Ladies, this is your year, if there is that special someone who does not seem to be getting the hint, grasp this rare day and pop the question yourself! And if perhaps proposing to your boyfriend still seems too radical, why not simply consider what traditions you subliminally follow and if there are any you wish to step away from this year.
research to advertise your product Whether your business is B2B or B2C, by implementing digital and print advertisements correctly, you’ll be able to successfully grow your presence and ultimately foster more conversions and sales. Now more than ever, advertisements with a planned strategy allow your company to have more visibility throughout a much wider audience. However, if your ads aren’t well thought out, you most likely won’t get the outcome you’re hoping for. Whether it be the design, channel or messaging elements, every aspect of the advertisement needs to be taken into consideration for it to work in your favour. To determine the best ways to create and implement your strategy, you should look at researching the market first so you can get most out of your campaigns. Take a look at these 5 steps into your own marketing strategy to help your company get the advertising results you’re looking for:
1.
Determine your target audience. Knowing who you want to see your product is the first step in creating an advertising strategy This is key to the success of your investment Discover media habits of target customers
2.
Look for a strong and well stablished medium with a large circulation Check in on the competition
3. 4. 5.
See what your competitors are doing and have a strategy in place – check the process Decide on an advertising medium source print or digital media Schedule your advertisements appropriately always budget for a campaign rather than having a single exposure
If you need help with your marketing planning, please do talk to us on 01635 200 006. Happy marketing!
For more, check out my video, Eliminating 90% of Heart Disease Risk on Nutritionfacts.org.
How to Eliminate 90 Percent of Heart Disease Risk Medical myths and dogmas die hard. For example, we used to think that heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure were inevitable consequences of aging. These are now bygone notions, refuted by massive data. Yet, other longstanding myths about our number one killer, heart disease, persist. For example, many still think that major risk factors, like cholesterol, account for a minority of risk and that many people have heart attacks with no risk factors at all. There are rare genetic conditions that give people high cholesterol no matter what they eat, but most people with atherosclerosis acquire it by what they put in their mouths. The INTERHEART study showed that for men and women in all areas of the world, nine potentially modifiable factors like diet, exercise, and smoking, accounted for over 90 percent of the proportion of the risk of having a heart attack. This has been confirmed in prospective studies like the Harvard Health Professionals Follow-Up, which showed that healthy lifestyle choices are
associated with a 90 percent drop in risk for men and a 92 percent drop for women. How does this compare to drugs? Why change our diet, lose weight and start exercising if we can just pop some pills? Pharmacological therapies, including cholesterol lowering statin drugs and blood pressure pills, typically only reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 20 percent to 30 percent, versus the 90 percent from lifestyle changes. Even on drugs, 70 to 80 percent of heart attacks still occur. One of the great things about the Harvard Health Professionals Follow-Up is that they also looked at the effect of lifestyle changes on people already on medications.
DATE SYRUP Makes: about 11/2 CUPS Difficulty: easy “Green Light” sweeteners are a little hard to come by. Date sugar, which is simply dried, pulverized dates, can be used as a whole-food, granulated sugar, and blackstrap molasses is a good choice for a healthy liquid sweetener, but it has a strong flavor. Here’s a date syrup you can use as a healthy sweetener. Ingredients:
Even those on cholesterol and blood pressure lowering drugs may be able to get a further 78 percent drop in risk by eating and living healthfully. So, the choice isn’t diet or drugs.
• • •
This means that cardiovascular medications “should be used as an adjunct to, not just a replacement for, healthy lifestyle practices.”
Method:
1 cup pitted dates 1 cup boiling water 1 teaspoon blended peeled lemon or lemon juice
1. Combine the dates and hot water in a heatproof bowl and set aside for 1 hour to soften the dates. 2. Transfer the dates and water to high-speed blender. Dr. Michael Greger M.D. FACLM
Local Buzz is delighted to welcome Dr. Michael Greger, a physician, author and professional speaker on public health issues to share his blogs in every issue. His latest books: How Not to Die, the How Not to Die Cookbook, and How Not to Diet all became instant New York Times Best Sellers. 100% of all proceeds he has ever received from his books, DVDs and speaking engagements have always and will always be donated to charity.
3. Add the lemon and blend until smooth. 4. Transfer to a glass jar or other airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. 5. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 weeks.
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Matching
Wine with Food It can sound quite a task, but, with a little practise, matching or pairing different foods with certain wine styles can be very enjoyable and rewarding. For example, it is normally (but not always) the main content of a dish that determines the wine style match. Sometimes the sauce of a dish can be more powerfully-flavoured then the main item (such as in the case of chicken, for example). When the wine is chosen, it should match the more dominantly-flavoured sauce in this case. A red meat usually calls for a full-bodied red-wine. For white meats, fish and seafood, white wines are regular and popular choices. That said, it really is ‘each to their own’ and there are no rules written in stone that state a particular wine is a ‘must’ with various cuisines of the world. For a new quest I searched for a company that has an appealing and exciting range of wines and will offer advice (if required) about matching wine with food. The Vintage Roots Company has something for all palates – and food pairings. This company’s ranges of organic and biodynamic productions are quite exceptional. Alpamanta Natal, from Argentina, I found to be a smoothly-textured red Merlot, with a powerful, superb flavour. A great pairing for lamb, pasta and cheeses. Pratello Lugana I rate as a splendid white wine from Italy. Matching impressively with fish cuisine, this production is very popular, too. Wild Thing Sauvignon Blanc has been produced to raise awareness and funds in aid of the Born Free Foundation, which works worldwide to save animal lives, stop suffering, rescue individuals and protect species that include elephants, lions, tigers, gorillas and bears, plus ocean creatures etc. Wild Thing Spanish white wine I found very appealing . Fresh and with good fruit flavours, this dry production pairs exceptionally well with numerous dishes, including seafood. I found the Vintage Roots range of wines to be of highquality and have excellent presentation. I received very good, knowledgeable advice about wine and food matching, including for champagne, sparkling and dessert wines. The company has great pride in providing customer satisfaction. As always, enjoy!
Trevor Langley Wine Appreciator 14 12
With Valentine's Day coming up, we bringing sweet treats and indulgent entrees to celebrate the most romantic day of the year!
t velve Red cially ffi is o e's Day ntin a V le essert d
Red Velvet Cake Red Velvet cake is the pride of bakers and with reason. Imbued with an alluring deep red hue, a fine grain and an abiding moistness, it’s one of the glories of the pastry kitchen. Combine that with the sweet tang of cream cheese frosting and it’s far too tempting to ignore.
ine
FO D The best way to show your love? A romantic meal for two.
Pretzels They are so fun to make with a couple and equally as delicious to eat afterwards! Plus, you probably already have all the ingredients on hand at home! Eat a fancy steak dinn er right at ho me
Fruit Fondue Skip a fancy feast altogether and celebrate Valentine's Day with fondue for two. The more dippers, the merrier.
Sea Food Risotto Sea Food for your sweet Valentine! This risotto is 100% creamy goodness.
Steak Meal
Everyone LOVES steak, but your Valentine will be even more impressed when you serve up these epic hasselback potatoes and garlicky spinach.
Vegetable
Sangria This PomegranatePersimmon Sangria is a delicious option for getting cozy on your next date night in.
Spaghetti
ous ted, delici this eleva ect rf e p e th dish is e rse to serv main cou e! n o e m al so that speci
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Valentine' Learn about St. Valentine's Day origins, how it's celebrated, why we say "wear your heart on your sleeve," ...
Valentine’s Day is celebrated every February 14 as couples across the globe honour their spouses, partners and sweethearts. Hundreds of years of traditions and customs have made it into the holiday that we observe today. Here are nine interesting facts about the holiday dedicated to love.
Origins to a Bloody Pagan Festival Some trace Valentine’s Day origins to a Christian effort to replace a pagan fertility festival that has been dated as far back as the 6th century B.C.. During the festival of Lupercalia, Roman priests would sacrifice goats and dogs and use their blood-soaked hides to slap women on the streets, as a fertility blessing. According to legend, women
Text here ...
would later put their names in an urn and be selected to be paired with a man for a year.
Letters Addressed to 'Juliet' Every year, thousands of romantics send letters addressed to Verona, Italy to “Juliet,” the subject of the timeless romantic tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” The city marks the location of the Shakespearean tale, and the letters that reach the city are dutifully answered by a team of volunteers from the Juliet Club. Each year, on Valentine's Day, the club awards the "Cara Giulietta" ("Dear Juliet") prize to the author of the most touching love letter.
Box of Chocolates The Valentine’s Day tradition of giving a box of candy was started in the 19th century by Richard Cadbury, a scion
of a British chocolate manufacturing family. With a new technique recently established at the company to create more varieties of chocolate, Cadbury pounced on the opportunity to sell the chocolates as part of the beloved holiday.
's Day First Valentine Was Written From a Prison History’s first valentine was written in perhaps one of the most unromantic places conceivable: a prison. Charles, Duke of Orleans wrote the love letter to his second wife at the age of 21 while captured at the Battle of Agincourt. As a prisoner for more than 20 years, he would never see his valentine’s reaction to the poem he penned to her in the early 15th century.
Vinegar Valentines’ Discouraged Suitors During the Victoria Era, those who didn’t want the attention of certain suitors would anonymously send “vinegar valentines." According to Smithsonian, these cards, also called penny dreadful, were the antithesis of customary valentines, comically insulting and rejecting unwanted admirers. They were later used to target suffragettes in the late 19th and early 20th century.
The idea of using a kiss to sign off on valentines also has a long history, according to the Washington Post. The use of “X” came to represent Christianity, or the cross, in the Middle Ages. During the same time, the symbol was used to sign off on documents. After marking with an X, the writer would often kiss the mark as a sign of their oath. As the gesture grew among kings and commoners to certify books, letters and paperwork, these records were described as having been “sealed with a kiss.”
‘Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve’ The term “wearing your heart on your sleeve” may have origins in picking a valentine. Smithsonian reports that during the Middle Ages, men would draw the names of women who they would be coupled with for the upcoming year while attending a Roman festival honouring Juno. After choosing, the men wore the names on their sleeves to show their bond during the festivities.
Sweethearts’ Candies Started Out as Lozenges The iconic chalky heart-shaped candies that have been passed out lovingly every Valentine’s Day started out as lozenges. According to the Food Business News, pharmacist and inventor Oliver Chase created a machine that would quickly create the lozenges before switching to using the machine to create candy—later known as Necco
Wafers. Chase’s brother came up with the idea to print messages on the candy in 1866, and the candies got their heart shape in 1901, appealing specifically to Valentine’s Day sweethearts. In 2019, the Sweetheart brand of conversation hearts was suspended for a year as the candy’s new owner, Spangler Candy Co., needed time to make a supply of the hearts for Valentine’s.
Cupid Began as a Greek God The chubby baby with wings and a bow and arrow that we call Cupid has been associated with Valentine’s Day for centuries. However, before he was renamed Cupid, he was known to the ancient Greeks as Eros, the god of love. Eros, the son of Greek goddess Aphrodite, would use two sets of arrows—one for love and another for hate—to play with the emotions of his targets. It wasn’t until stories of his mischief were told by Romans that he adopted the childlike appearance that we recognize today.
How ‘X’ Came to Mean ‘Kiss’
15
The idea of using a kiss to sign off How
We are a family run business. We are dedicated to sourcing fresh, local and seasonal ingredients to devise creative menus offering traditional pub classics, combined with inventive international dishes.
01256 761896
Kitchen Opening Hours
Mon - Fri 12:00 - 14:00 18:00 - 21:00 Saturday 12:00 - 21:00 Sunday 12:00 - 17:30 Bar Opening Hours Mon - Fri 12:00 - 15:00 17:30 - 23:00 Saturday 12:00 - 23:00 Sunday 12:00 - 19:00
www.oldhousenewnham.uk
Newnham Green, Hook RG27 9AH
AN ENGLISH COUNTRY PUB SERVING DELICIOUS DELICIOUS
Thai Cuisine
What better place to celebrate with your family, friends or colleagues than at The Fox Inn?
Serving exceptional and authentic Thai cuisine to either dine in or take-away. The Fox Inn and Thai kitchen is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Hungerford Lane, Tangley, Andover SP11 0RU
www.foxinntangley.co.uk 16
01264 730276
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09/12/2019 19:52
17
Colour me
Beaut
As promised in the last issue , this month we’re looking at creating a concept board to bring the colours, texture and style of your scheme to life. Many people confuse a concept board with a sample board. So what’s the difference I hear you ask?
The Concept Board The concept board is the critical starting point for the creative process of a new design/scheme. It is the visual representation of style, mood, colours, and textures that are to be used in a scheme – made up of carefully selected images to represent the overall feeling and final look.
The concept is so useful at the early stages of a project as a guide to where the scheme is headed. Don’t ever discard it because it acts as a key reference tool throughout the life of a scheme/project! Particularly when faced with so many products/finishes which can become overwhelming … When working with a client we were at the point of designing the kitchen 18
Avalon Retreat reception.
and they started making choices for a country-house styled kitchen … so far removed from the original concept board. I paused … took out the original concept board and laid it on top of all the catalogues. The client looked at the board, then looked at me and said “it’s not right is it? Vicky, you choose because we trust you ….” When I first presented the concept board the client had said “you get us, you understand exactly where we want to go” and that’s what they really trusted – they trusted the concept and the process. The concept is the footprint for the scheme. Getting it down at the beginning means you can
reference it when you start making purchase choices.
The Sample Board A sample board shows actual furniture, accessories, lighting, wallpaper, fabric, paint, finishes, hardware etc to be used in the final design. Simplistically put … it’s a pictorial shopping list! Say we were going for a blue wall paint, the concept board would show what hue we were aiming for, whereas the sample board would have a sample of the exact colour, code, brand and finish of the paint so there’s no room for error or doubt.
How do I put my concept board together I hear you cry? High-touch/low-tech … rip out magazine/catalogue images & stick them in a scrap book/A2 or A3 board or High-tech/low-touch … Instagram, Pinterest, Houzz, on-line magazines on PowerPoint, PDF, Keynote or Illustrator.
utiful!
Colour, texture and style
It’s February – month of love with Valentine’s day in the middle and we want you to fall in love with your home too!
Donnington bedroom
Vicky Tallon is the talent behind Tallon Perry Interiors - designing interiors for private individuals and small businesses.
What images should I choose?
• Step 1: Pick out everything you like - no filtering or prunning •
Step 2: Take all the images you like & group them into themes or genres (country/ contemporary, colourful/ monochrome, maximalist/ minimalist etc)
Valerie Jerome shop
Photography by Adam Carter & Tallon Perry Interiors www. adamcarterphoto.com
• Step 3: Pick out your top 2/3 for each genre •
Step 4: Now pick your top 4 or 5 across all the genres – you may be creating your own unique genre that’s particular to you/ your family or there may be a clear winner/theme
•
Step 5: look at the colours, patterns & textures to see if there’s anything you want to add
1. colour - some people favour a
seasonal colour theme -spring/ summer/autumn/ winter
Have you seen Vicky’s work at Valarie Jerome Optometrist in Northbrook Street, Newbury or Avalon Retreat at the Donnington Grove Hotel?
2. textures - eg soft: wood/fabric/
carpet /linen … hard: concrete/ stone/plaster/plastic/ glass
3. patterns or plains – geometric, floral, herringbone, chenille etc The concept board is the foundation the heart & soul of your scheme. It will give you clarity when you’re blown away by the sea of purchase choices – especially when you have to part with your money! Next month, we’ll look at Hitting the shops - where and what to buy?
Donnington Grove Hotel lounge 19
6
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24/01/2020 13:20
National
MarriageWeek
No matter if you are a newlywed couple or if you have been married for more than a decade, if you don’t put some effort to boost up your marriage life, everything might fall into pieces. The spouses must constantly take care of each other, add more romance than usual, and avoid patterns of mundanity. Constant stress, hectic lifestyle, work overload, boredom, lack of communication and other unpredictable issues can make couples fall apart. In order to avoid that from happening and to have a solid and successful marriage you need to get some work done, and a lot of it. Here are the best tips that you can implement in order to have a successful marriage.
24
Encouraging and equipping couples to invest in their marriage and relationships.
1. Listen to each other
Even though you might have heard about this from every single person alive, but it really brings positive results. When you have some problems, or when you are feeling down due to some work-related problem, you need to sit down, explain each other what is bothering you and simply listen. You don’t need to come up with a solution (at least not at that very second), only by listening to each other will you be able to overcome any obstacles that lie in front of you.
2. “Love” Communication
Words can easily fade out. After a certain period of time the words “I love you” tends to become a mere repetitive action. You should try to show your love in some other form. Express how much you love your partner by doing some things that he or she likes. Since actions speak louder than words, try to communicate in that way. Wash the dishes or iron the clothes before your partner comes home, or wash your partner’s car or make him his favorite meal more often and so on. Observe the physical way in which your partner shows love and communicate in that manner.
Always be by each others side, give support, go out from time to time, keep the intimacy alive and laugh. With all of that combined, success is guaranteed.
3. Compliment each other
What you have and what you have accomplished throughout your marriage is extremely important to cherish unconditionally, but you also need to show it more openly. By acknowledging your partner’s positive attributes every day, you give him/her a clear insight of your true and honest love. When you keep track of what your spouse does, compliment him/her on a job well done, stay positive rather than focusing on the negative stuff instead, you will make your relationship even tighter.
4. Go for an adventure
One of the secret recipes for a successful marriage is trying to make your week, if not the day, utterly interesting and adventurous. Without prior planning go for a spa weekend getaway and make it fun and sensual. For instance, surprise
your partner with an unexpected gift such as sexy lingerie or hot chocolate massage. Or why not go for a trip to France, or do something that will blow your partner’s mind like buying a ticket to see his/her favourite artist. Be unpredictable, and romantic as well, try to reminisce about the past days when you were head over heels about each other. Go for a picnic on a whim, rent a cabin in the woods and just bring a bottle of wine.
5. Don’t take each other for granted
Taking one another for granted is the worst thing that you can do in any relationship. Don’t try to get too comfortable in a relationship, because then you will sleep into an unwanted expectation form. Sometimes, as humans, we can’t avoid getting comfortable with
what is familiar, but if that occurs try not to take one another for granted. Avoid any forms of assumption and pledge respect whatever might happen.
6. Take responsibility
Think about your marriage as an ongoing (or never-ending) project. Once you set your mind to complete the project, you have to dedicate your full care and attention. The same goes with marriage, you have to strive for success, and with that take responsibility for any flaws or mistakes you might have done. When you and your partner have a disagreement or an argument, admit that you have made a mistake, take responsibility, apologize and move on.
ul bedrooms
ona b l & R A O friendly s ud F S R U erv O fo N O R Y cerem r 2020 A M Y ony TR in th e be COUN aut
RN EBO ESS
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to suit all budgets ESS
EBO nies RNE remo ce MA ing d N d O Rd We foo HO ing TEL winn d r a ms o Aw o r d e b l ets tifu udg eau 17 b a ll b suit o t s e age ervic Pack Wed d ly s ding rien f & en cer onal gard Awa P e r se m o n i e ose r & s rd w 0 erb 202 inni ful h n g ffo r auti 17 b New ood e be eau h t tiful y in b ed mon Pac room c e re kag s es t o su it al Pers l bu ona dge l & ts frie ndly New serv for ice 202 0 cere mon y in the bea utifu l he rb & rose Hurstb gar ourne ww Ta wd e n
& friendly service COU
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in the beautiful herb & rose garden
ESSEBORNE MANOR HOTEL Country Manor yours for a day
.essebo rrant, n ear rne-ma nor.co.u k. info tel 012 64 736
1 0E ury SP1 b w e N -man t, near seborne e Tarran s n e r u @ o fo b t Hurs .co.uk. in 44 -manor e n r o b 4 736 4 e s tel 0126 www.es
Wedding ceremonies Award winning food 17 beautiful bedrooms Hurstb Packages to suit ourne ww all budgets T
w.esse arrant, bornenear N manor ewbury .c o SP11 0 .u Personal & friendly service k. info@ ER e ssebor tel 012 ne-man 64 736 or.co.u 444 k New for 2020 - ceremony in the beautiful herb & rose garden
Tel: 01264 736 444 www.esseborne-manor.co.uk
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Tie the Knot at Oakley Hall Hotel
Celebrate the most special day of your life within our beautiful 18th Century Georgian manor house with a romantic country backdrop set within 315 acres of grounds.
Boasting 6 stunning Civil Ceremony & Wedding Breakfast rooms that host up to 160 r Newb guests within the main house, and 350 in the brand new Garden Pavilion. ury SP1 1 0 o@ess ER eborne -mano 6 444 R e c t o rr.cyo.uR k o a d , B a s i n g s t o k e , H a m p s h i r e , R G 2 3 7 E L +44 (0)1256 783 350
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Local Buzz Magazine - February 2020.indd 1
08/01/2020 09:41:41
The CLOTHES SHOP Of Newbury - Est 1985
Your Local independent Congratulations on your engagement! It’s such a special time! Shopping for Wedding Dresses is an exciting and sometimes daunting prospect!
supplier of seasonal clothes Casual and formal wear including coats, hats and lovely accessories Spring and summer wedding outfits now available
Here at Bride To Be in Reading, our experienced team have been helping brides to choose their dream wedding dress for over 30 years now, so you can trust us, we know what we’re doing!
Opening hours : 9.15am – 5pm (Tues to Sat)
0118 957 5115
www. bridetobe.co.uk | info@bridetobe.co.uk
Appointments needed for trying on!
www.theclothesshopnewbury.co.uk 01635 47832 12 Pound Street, Newbury RG14 6AA
Add us on
theclothesshop
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www.donnington-grove.com | 01635 581000 weddings@donnington-grove.com Grove Road | Donnington | Newbury | Berks
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YOUR WEDDING IN 2020 Subject to avaibility. T&C’s apply.
Looking for an authentic Thai? The Greyhound Inn is the perfect place to dine and relax in the comany of family and friends. We take pride in serving exceptional and authentic Thai cuisine, to dine in or take-away. "Serving exceptional Thai cuisine - for lunch and dinner - 7 days a week"
01794 301992
www.greyhoundinnbroughton.co.uk | greyhound@thaiinns.co.uk High Street | Broughton SO20 8AA | Hampshire 28
The Tithe Barn and Grade 1 Listed Manor House of Ufton Court provide the perfect blank canvas for your day. Nestled in the Berkshire-Hampshire border, our grounds create a beautiful backdrop for your day, whatever the season.
Every wedding at Ufton is unique and personal, so we don’t work with set wedding packages. We give you a choice of caterers and don't charge corkage. By choosing Ufton for your wedding, you will also be supporting our children's charity.
0118 983 2099 | weddings@uftoncourt.co.uk www.uftoncourt.co.uk/weddings
Sunday 29th March 2020 11am-3pm 29
The theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2020 will be announced in the Autumn.
National Apprenticeship day National Apprenticeship Week will be held between the 3rd – 7th February 2020. National Apprenticeship Week is an annual week-long celebration of Apprenticeships across England and a chance to share success stories, recognising achievements and the value/importance of Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship employers use the opportunity to promote the success of their apprentices and highlight the huge benefits to other employers, of all sizes, who are thinking of taking on an apprentice.
It is a chance to shout about all that is great about apprentices and their trainers on a national stage.
Apprentices across the country will also be celebrated throughout the week, with engagement and events in schools and colleges. Many current and former apprentices will go back to school to tell their
story, attracting the next generation of apprentices, so they too can fire up their future career. Throughout the 13 years, National Apprenticeship Week has brought together apprenticeship supporters from across the country, with MPs, ambassadors, apprentices, training providers and top employers involved in recognising the value and importance of apprenticeships. For NAW2020 we want even more people to get behind the week, to build on last year’s success, which included:
• Over 1250 events taking place across England;
• NAW2019, National Apprenticeship Week and #BlazeATrail all trending UK wide on Twitter over the course of the Week; • Over 30,000 unique visits to the NAW resource pages on GOV.UK; • And a hugely successful
30
#askanapprentice day with employers, including TUI, Bentley Careers, Siemens UK, AXA Insurance and Cisco all getting involved.
Open 51
weeks of the year
Give your child a unique experience … With a highly regarded reputation and experts in outdoor learning, Jubilee provides the very best mix of learning, discovery and play.
• 3 months to 5 years of age
• 60 acres of gardens, woodlands and a working farm • Forest School learning • Freshly prepared food • Funding available
For more information and to arrange a visit, go to: www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk
0118 970 1600
Rectory Road, Padworth, RG7 4JD
Book in now! o J for February half-term: us... www.jubileejets.co.uk We give children the freedom to play in the natural world. With plenty of exciting activities and experiences on offer, the adventure awaits... • Natural craft
• Arts & crafts
Monday 17th February Friday 21st February
• Sports & games
• Animal experiences
Open 8am-6pm with a range of sessions to suit your needs.
• Den building
• Outdoor cooking
• Wood whittling
• Nature walks
Jubilee Jets
0118 983 4018
info@jubileejets.co.uk
| Operated by Jubilee Gems 31
GET FIT FOR YOUR WEDDING We’re here to help you achieve your goals At Northcroft Leisure Centre, we offer a full gym induction and a bespoke 6 week gym programme to help you to get in shape for your big day. Come down and have a consultation with one of our friendly fitness instructors who will be on hand to help you achieve your fitness goals in preperation for your wedding.
For more information, please contact us today
01635 31199
NORTHCROFT LEISURE CENTRE Northcroft Lane, Newbury RG14 1RS
Managed in Pa nership with your Local Authority
32
It is Pancake day! While you’ve been dreaming of gooey syrup and nutty chocolate pancakes, we’ve been digging up some delicious facts about the day. As it turns out, there is a lot more to Pancake Day than just about sugary delights from breakfast to supper. So, before you stuff yourself with copious quantities of egg, flour and milk mixture, here are a few flipping fun facts about the fantastic day that is Shrovetide…
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6.
On average, we consume two pancakes per person on Pancake Day. As a nation, it means we get through 117 million pancakes in one day!
The first pancake recipe appeared in an English cookbook in the 15th century. Long live the pancake! The largest pancake ever made and flipped measured 15m wide, 2.5cm deep, weighed 3 tonnes and contained a staggering 2 million calories! We dare not think about how many we are going to eat… It is estimated that us British people use a staggering 52 million eggs on Pancake Day – 22 million more than on a regular day.
6.
The largest number of pancakes tossed in the shortest amount of time is 349 tosses in two minutes.
Pancakes were originally invented as a way of using up all the leftover fatty and rich foods before Lent began on Ash Wednesday. The world’s most expensive pancake was made at Opus in Manchester costing a whopping £144! For that you got a taste of edible gold leaf, finest champagne and dosing of wobbly jelly. 35 33
Medically Trained in Harley Street, London Ran by Independent Nurse Prescriber Insured with Hamilton Fraser
Our most popular services: • Lip Augmentation • Dermal Fillers including the Tear Trough Treatment (under eye area) and the Non-Surgical Nose Job • Prescription Only Medications • Alumier MD Medical Grade Skin Treatments and Care
Book online www.gdaesthetics.co.uk georgie@gdaesthetics.co.uk Manor Barn Annexe | Upper Wootton | Hampshire RG26 5TH 34
Call Now!
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UK STE
Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express
RAIL D from
TRIP AY
AM
Saturday 29th February and 28th March 2020
£99
This day trip provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the winter months, with the added bonus of steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a circular steam tour outwards via Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle and Carlisle line. There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. First Class includes morning coffee with a muffin, afternoon tea and coffee with a cake and a biscuit. Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Bob Green
Fares
Adult
Junior
Family
Premier
£259
£175
£781
First
£159
£102
£471
£70
£303
Standard £99
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
The Railway Touring Company Spring Day Trips 2020
The Cotswold Venturer
The Cheshireman
Departs London Paddington, Slough, Reading, Slough and Didcot. Arrives Worcester.
Departs London Euston, Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, and Nuneaton. Arrives Chester.
Saturday 22nd February
The Yorkshireman
Saturday 21st March
Saturday 7th March
The Pennine Blackpool Express
The Cumbrian Coast Express
Departs London Euston, Watford Jnct, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston. Arrives Blackpool.
Departs London Ealing Broadway, St Albans, Luton, Bedford, Kettering and Melton Mowbray. Arrives York.
Saturday 14th March
Saturday 4th April
The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 16th May
Departs London Euston, Watford Jnct, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, Nuneaton, Crewe and Preston. Arrives Carlisle.
The Buxton Spa Express Saturday 30th May
Departs London Ealing Broadway, St. Albans, Luton, Bedford, Kettering and Leicester. Arrives Buxton.
Departs London Euston, Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, Nuneaton, Crewe and Preston. Arrives Carlisle.
23 EST. 1997
For more information please visit railwaytouring.net or phone 01553 661 500 The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JN The Railway Touring Company’s standard conditions of booking and travel apply. See website or brochures for details.
35
Office: 01256 637 870 On site: 07379 700 762
Greenscaping Ltd are specialists in landscaping services working thoroughout Hampshire and the surrounding areas. All our work comes with a guarantee and is never finished before the customer is satisfied. We will work hand in hand with you from design to completion to ensure that you get the finished product you wish for: Fully insured Fully qualifield Free estimates and advice that you are entitled to a fourtheen day cookling of period
www.greenscapingltd.co.uk
greenscapetreeandlandscaping@outlook.com The Square, Basing View, ​Basingstoke ​RG21 4EB
Why Shop Local Personalized Service A small business owner will go the extra mile to make you happy. Local businesses are owned by your neighbours and friends. They care about you and are invested in your community.
in 2020 numbers so you will buy something truly individual.
It supports the arts Small local businesses support creativity! Look for art on display created by local artists. These are oneof-a-kind pieces you won't find anywhere else.
It helps the local economy
Unique Products A national chain will sell hundreds or thousands of identikit products. Local stores sell unique merchandise in smaller
The money you spend in a local business stays within your town and community, thus improving its future.
How? Instead of purchasing items from national
chains, try to purchase things from a business local to your area. Buy a gift or a gift card at a local business in your area and give to a friend, family member or co-worker. This will introduce the company to someone new and allow for the “shop local� mantra to spread. Promote their business! If you like a particular shop or independent restaurant share and like their social media accounts. Spread the word. Give them a great review. Send them a thank you. Say why you love them and let them share your testimonial. Local Buzz supports the success of local businesses. Let's jointly make our area thrive!
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A breakthrough treatment for the 40% of women in the UK suffering from a weak pelvic floor By Theresa Fleetwood, Founder of Andresa Aesthetics
Are you one of the 40% of women in the UK living with the embarrassing, often debilitating, consequences of a weak pelvic floor? Do you: Q. Have embarrassing “Oops” moments when you laugh, cough or sneeze? Q. Leak urine when exercising (especially exercises involving impact)? Q. Get up in the night to urinate?
Q. Make frequent visits to the bathroom to avoid the possibility of an accident? Q. Wear incontinence pads (even if only occasionally) just in case? Q. Curtail your social life for fear of embarrassment?
Q. Avoid intimacy for fear of a leak?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the EMSELLA non-invasive, complete pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment can help you.
The Emsella could improve your quality of life in three weeks The EMSELLA is a breakthrough, life-changing treatment for complete pelvic floor rehabilitation in women, with a success rate of over 95%. It is medical-grade, comfortable and noninvasive (you even remain fully clothed throughout), designed to substantially improve the quality of life for women of any age suffering from any degree of urinary incontinence. Six 28-minute sessions over three weeks are usually all that is required to regain self-confidence and an improved quality of life, with urinary leakage often being completely resolved. An improvement is often noted after just one session, which is then consolidated throughout the course.
The Emsella is FDA-approved and endorsed by highly regarded gynaecologists worldwide During each 28-minute session, the muscles of the pelvic floor contract
If you would like to find out more about this unique treatment or would like to book a consultation, call Andresa Aesthetics Exclusive Skin Health & Laser Clinic 01635 800183 or email info@andresa.co.uk . www.andresa.co.uk
over 11,000 times. Not only that, but the entire pelvic floor musculature is involved, not just the subset that can be exercised with voluntary contractions.
This results in a powerful improvement in muscle tone with every session. And it works – the results really are quite staggering. Here is what some of our ladies have said: This treatment is life changing! After just one week of two treatments I could feel the difference in terms of support in my pelvic area, and after the full six sessions in three weeks I am able to trampoline with my kids without having a small accident. It is so liberating! Carol The real test was having my sister come to stay. We laugh together so much that I usually have many embarrassing oops moments, but not anymore. Since having the three-week course of Emsella treatments I feel I have control again - I cannot recommend this treatment enough. Ann
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Private Healthcare Supporting
Alternatives to gifting house deposits to help loved ones Collectively, parents have given £6.3bn of financial assistance to help their children step on to the property ladder. A substantial figure, it ranks the Bank of Mum and Dad (BOMAD) 11th, if considered as a national mortgage lender. The average contribution now stands at £24,100, an increase of more than £6,000 compared to 2018, research by Legal & General has revealed. However, it seems the Bank of Mum and Dad is running out of money and overly generous parents risk harming their standard of living during retirement. In fact, 15% of the 1,600 participants surveyed admitted to already having to cut back after helping a loved one purchase a property. Fortunately, gifting cash isn’t the only way you can help a loved one step on to the property ladder and other routes to support homeownership should be considered. At Newbury Building Society, our flexible and tailored approach to lending gives us the ability to help parents or grandparents boost their loved-one’s borrowing power without having to dent their personal financial well-being. Joint borrower sole proprietor mortgages, for example, is one such consideration which enables parents to help their child by assisting with their mortgage. Their income is used to improve overall affordability without being named on the title deeds. By doing so, the parent does not have to pay the additional three per cent stamp duty surcharge on a second property as well as capital gains tax when the property is sold. Parents could also remortgage or downsize their own property to release equity to help fund a deposit, if appropriate to do so. In addition, there are several affordable housing schemes available to support homebuyers fulfil their property ambitions with more than 420,000 completions taken place using one or more of the Government’s Help to Buy schemes, such as Help to Buy Equity Loan and Shared Ownership.
Needless to say, the Bank of Mum and Dad isn’t set to close its doors anytime soon, but parents can rest assured there is more than one way to unlock a loved one’s borrowing potential. If you would like to discuss your mortgage opinions, please contact us or visit us in branch. We provide a tailored and individual service, and we are available for Saturday appointments face-to-face, by telephone or via video call. Visit our Basingstoke, Hungerford, Newbury and Thatcham branches. Call 01635 555777 or visit: www.newbury.co.uk Jane Bosher, Hungerford, Newbury and Thatcham Senior Branch Manager, and Lisa Wedge, Basingstoke Branch Manager. YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies and we will communicate with you in English. We are participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints procedure which we will provide on request. Most complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 7801
40
Newbury Building Society
COLD REALITY?
YOU ARE AT RISK AT ANY AGE If you still don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), unexpected issues can become a nightmare. These are some facts that will make you think and act immediately: 225,000 people will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes. In the future, 1 in 3 people over 65 will develop dementia The youngest diagnosed dementia suffered in the UK is just 23 years of age For more information please access our website.
Call Now! 01635 936 198
www.bowhouseconsultancy.co.uk | info@bowhouseconsultancy.co.uk
REBECCA KINGWELL WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Comprehensive, bespoke, financial advice & planning
I offer specialist advice across all areas of financial planning.
Rebecca Kingwell
My expertise includes planning for retirement, savings, investment planning, estate planning and tax efficiency.
BSc (Hons), DipFA
For further details please contact: T: 01635 869 265 M: 07919 543 684 rebecca.kingwell@sjpp.co.uk www.rebeccakingwell.co.uk Montague Court, 21–25 London Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1JL 41
Get to grips with your pension this year Come and take part in
The new year is a chance to refresh and make plans to improve your retirement prospects. Here are five suggestions to get you started.
Thursday 18th June 2020
10am - 4pm
1. Track down any lost pensions
This is where professional financial advice will really help.
Tracking down a lost pension can be as simple as making sure any old pension providers have a current address for you or alternatively you can get help from the government-backed Pension Tracing Service, either online or by calling 0800 731 0193.
3. Check your State Pension
2. Consider consolidating If you have several pension pots, it may be a good idea to combine them into pot which could:
• Help you to avoid dealing with multiple providers.
• Make it easier to keep track
of your overall savings and estimated income at retirement.
• Open up a greater choice of investments.
• Make it easier to diversify and switch your investments. Bear in mind that some pensions have high exit fees, or include guaranteed annuity rates which may be lost, so it’s important to understand the risks of transferring out of your scheme before proceeding.
You can do this online at www. gov.uk/check-state-pension.
4. See if you can pay in more If you have surplus cash that is not earmarked for other purposes and you haven’t used all your 2019/20 pension allowances, making a one-off pension contribution can be a smart way to benefit from current rates of tax relief and potentially enjoy a higher income when you retire.
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5. Check your investments Asset allocation should be reviewed regularly to ensure it still reflects your attitude to risk and that your retirement fund is appropriately invested and is sufficiently diversified. A financial adviser can rebalance your investment portfolio and get your target asset allocation back on track. They can also help to ensure your financial plan remains appropriate and is on course to achieve its goals.
For a free, no obligation discussion please contact Andy Street at Andrew Street Wealth Management Ltd – mobile: 07767 081051 email: andrew.street@sjpp.co.uk or visit my website at www.andrewstreetwm.co.uk
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LOCAL
Hugging into the workplace Help Buy ISA is it acceptable? Business LPA It can be a real challenge to get onto the property
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Law firms merge to strengthen market position
customers or clients?
ItLeading does raiseHampshire the questionlaw as to whenPhillips physical contact firms You assume that ainterest colleague or Youcannot can earn upis to 2.53% tax-free and then such as hugging acceptable and when it becomes Solicitors and Brain Chase Coles have merged. the Government willbe add 25% free on top of family member will able to gain the relevant unacceptable behaviour. What are thecash boundaries when The combined firm is now known as Phillips what you save providing you and the behalf. property it comes toto physical contact in the workplace? The you law authority make decisions on your Solicitors, Incorporating Brain Coles. regards unwanted physical contact as Chase a violation of a purchase meet the qualifying criteria. You will need Therefore, to protect your business interests, person’s rights. It is therefore important that managers to make an initial deposit of £1,000. After that, you particularly ifaauthority you areGate a sole trader orLondon Based at in our Town in can deposit maximum of £200 month. and figures do notoffices take aadvantage of their self-employed, ought to consider position make you employees feel uncomfortable. Street, or Basingstoke, we believe that ajoining
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law. ourwho Wills and Probate team by Howard Gardener, was among the is employment experienced in advising For advice please contact founders of Phillips Solicitors, said: “There is a calling 01256 854618 or email Help to Buy clients. Gill Brown on 01256 natural and positive cultural fit to both firms sian.lais@phillips-law.co.uk 854605 or email gill. Tobrown@phillips-law.co.uk. out more which is why the idea of afind merger felt call right, Zoë on 01256scale 854623 right from the start. The increased of the or email zoe.baxter@ Atcombined Phillips wefirm haveoffers a modern and forward thinking broader choices for approach, where our legalphillips-law.co.uk experts are committed to our clients.”
giving you the very best advice and exceptional service.
Jon Coles, who was a partner of Brain Chase SERVICES FOR YOU: BUSINESS SERVICES:
Coles, said: “As a combined firm, we now Corporate Law offer even greater strength and depth in our Employment Law Commercial Law services to clients. We are looking forward to continuing to work with our existing clients Wills & Probate Commercial Property as we enter this next exciting stage in the Family Law Employment Law evolution of our firm.” Residential Property
Dispute Resolution
Dispute Resolution
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01256 460830 01256 460830
www.phillips-law.co.uk . legal@phillips-law.co.uk www.phillips-law.co.uk legal@phillips-law.co.uk Phillips Solicitors, Incorporating Brain Chase Coles
Phillips Solicitors Ltd Town Gate - 38 London Street - Basingtoke Town Gate .Hampshire 38 London Street . Basingstoke - RG21 7NY Hampshire . RG21 7NY
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