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New public artwork inspired by local wildlife species Two new pieces of public artwork have been unveiled, as a result of work by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to encourage developers to include public art in new developments. ‘The Archway’, created by Cornwallbased metal sculptors Thrussells has been installed at Gillies Meadow in Rooksdown and marks the entrance to the Land Trust’s Spinney Trail. Inspired by the Helleborine Orchid, the sculpture offers residents and visitors the
New budget sets out investment for the future
West Berkshire Council's proposed Revenue Budget for 2020/21 sets out clear investment in the future of the district. It includes a council tax increase of 1.99% and a 2% rise in the Adult Social Care (ASC) precept. This will enable the council to deliver the budget with no cuts to services. Ross Mackinnon, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Finance said, "We 6
opportunity to view this rare and local flower from a different perspective. In addition, residents in Harrow Drive, Headley will now be able to enjoy a decorative bench, designed by Andy Quirk and Utopia Forge and made by Hartworks. The bench was designed following consultation with local residents and features hand forged sculptures of Purple Emperor butterflies – a species local to the area. Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships Cllr Simon Bound said: “We are delighted with these two new additions to our public art portfolio. Their design and inspiration come from the natural habitat around the developments, helping to promote the unique and beautiful species in the area. “I would encourage our residents to take the opportunity to get out and explore the art and hope that many people will enjoy them over the coming years.”
never want to increase the tax burden of our residents. However, the increase in Council Tax plus the ASC precept will raise around £4 million of income which means that I can say with confidence that there will be no cuts to services, and that's something to shout about." "We'll be investing heavily in the district wherever it is most needed. For example, in schools, care homes, and tackling homelessness. We will be focussed on the continuously improving the environment and will be investing in measures, such as tree planting, to naturally capture and reduce carbon dioxide. "This budget will not only maintain essential services, but is a massive step forward in ensuring that West Berkshire will continue to be a great place to live, work, visit and learn." The council is proactively looking at
David Wilson Homes Southern built the homes at Gillies Meadow. Sales Director Rob Allen said: “When creating a new community, it’s not only important for us to bring new quality homes to the area, but to also provide new facilities and cultural features for new and existing residents to enjoy. “Thanks to the hard work of the team at Thrussells, residents at Gillies Meadow, now have these amazing and inspirational pieces of art to enjoy for a very long time.” Land Trust Estates Officer Ed Knowles added: “The Spinney is already a very popular spot for a walk for local residents and the community and this new artwork will provide another incentive to get people outside, spending time in green spaces and improving their physical and emotional wellbeing.” The artworks are the latest addition to a vibrant range of public art across the borough. For more information visit www.basingstoke.gov. uk/public-art affordable ways to borrow to ensure that important environmental projects can be taken forward. One idea is a 'climate change bond', which would allow communities to invest in environmental schemes receive a small return on their investment. Key investments outlined in the budget include;
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Over £7.5million invested this year in new schools and expansion to existing schools (including Highwood Copse, Theale Primary and The Willink School)
•
£1.2million in large scale tree planting
Over £10million in improving roads and junctions around the district
•
The Budget proposal will go before the Council's Executive on 13 February and to Full Council on 3 March 2020. LOCAL BUZZ
Local
Issues Council’s green initiative is a breath of fresh air
Laura Farris MP
Kit Malthouse MP
Celebrating the women of West Berkshire
Working urgently to tackle rough sleeping
On Sunday 8th March, the world celebrates the progress and achievements of women on International Women’s Day.
Nobody should have to sleep rough on the streets, and we’re working urgently to solve this problem.
There are particular reasons to feel proud of West Berkshire in this respect. First, we are seeing more and more girls leaving school to develop careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) which have traditionally been male-dominated professions. The environmentally-friendly cooling system uses fresh air from outside the building to manage the room temperature in the council’s IT server room, when the outside temperature rises, the system will use evaporative cooling to help maintain a constant temperature.This initiative will generate a saving of £9,500 per year and is in line with the council’s Climate Emergency declaration which commits to working towards making Basingstoke and Deane a carbon neutral borough by 2030. The sustainable new system, which includes a smaller air-conditioning unit, cost £46,829, funded from the 2019/20 Green Investment Fund. Thanks to the new system, the IT server room can now run at a constant temperature of approximate 20C throughout the year, when the outside air is up to 30C. Electricity consumption is only used to move the cool air into a room via a small fan. Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “The council is committed to taking a leading role in combating climate change working towards achieving its own ambitious carbon reduction targets, as well as working with businesses, partners and residents to achieve a carbon neutral borough by 2030. We are taking steps to reduce our carbon emissions both now and longer term and have set up action groups to look at individual services and our main sources of carbon. Making sure our own equipment is sustainable is one of those areas.“Our decision to invest in an energy-efficient fresh air cooling system for our IT Server Room provides a real electricity saving for the council and helps us to further reduce our carbon footprint.”
I’m really pleased to confirm that North West Hampshire has been given £303,074 of extra government funding to help tackle rough sleeping and support some of the most vulnerable in our community.
At the end of last year, I visited the new National Centre for Computing Education at Park House School and met female former pupils building professional careers in cutting-edge tech firms along the M4 corridor. Second, last month Plan International UK published its report into ‘The State of Girls’ Rights in the UK’, ranking West Berkshire sixth in the overall national index of girls’ outcomes. These results matter. The report showed significant variation across the hundreds of local authority areas and found that the best performers provided girls with high educational attainment, public safety, the best mental health and wellbeing. By contrast the poorest performers were failing to tackle with discrimination and domestic violence from an early age. None of this downplays the challenges facing men and boys which are distinct from, but no less important than, those facing girls. However for too long women’s voices have been underrepresented in law, business, sport and politics. Change is happening but it is incremental. That is why International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to take stock and evaluate our progress and I could not be prouder to represent an area which leads on rights and opportunities for young women.
Laura Farris MP
This is a part of new money, a £112 million pot for councils across England through the government’s Rough Sleeping Initiative, which aims to get people off the streets and into secure accommodation. This scheme is proving to work – since it began in 2018, it has cut the number of rough sleepers by a third in the areas it operates in. We need to spend this money effectively and I’ll be working with both Basingstoke and Deane and Test Valley councils to make sure we’re making a real difference by targeting the underlying causes such as mental health conditions and addiction. We have a lot to do to end rough sleeping, we’re launching the rough sleeping review later this year and it’s an opportunity to look at what more we can practically do to act quickly and save people’s lives.
Kit Malthouse MP and Minister for policing and crime. 7
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Bob Green
The South Devon Explorer Saturday 6th June 2020 The South Devon Explorer offers an exceptional day out travelling by train from stations in Berkshire to Plymouth in South Devon. We travel along the famous ‘sea wall’ from Dawlish to Teignmouth and over the South Devon banks through Totnes. The special train will be hauled from Bristol to Plymouth and back by steam locomotive No.6233 Duchess of Sutherland. Join us from Newbury to visit Plymouth. There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner silver served at your seat. First Class 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. Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Fares Premier First Standard
Adult £269 £169 £115
Junior £185 £107 £75
Family £816 £499 £343
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’s standard conditions of booking and travel apply. See website or brochures for details.
For more information including approximate timings please visit railwaytouring.net or phone 01553 661 500 The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JN 8
23 EST. 1997
What's on in March
day out at the Look Out Discovery Centre in Berkshire this winter and enjoy the Forces and Magnets show. This fun interactive show offers the chance to learn about the forces we use daily. So be ready to push, pull, squeeze and jump! The Look Out’s shows are a great way to encourage children to engage with science. They are designed for children of primary school age. An extra charge applies in addition to your entry fee. Just buy tickets at reception on the day of your visit. Please see www. bracknell-forest.gov. ukto confirm details before travelling.
information access www. twhas.org.uk
Plague, Pus and Pills Exhibition
Basildon Park National Trust, Lower Basildon, Reading Berkshire RG8 9NR March 2020 until 23rd December 2020 Mon - Sun 10am to 4pm Get the children out and about in the fresh air in the beautiful surroundings of Basildon Park. Children will love to run about and play on all the features along the ways such as the wooden xylophone, sensory room and more. There will be additional play features added during the year. For more information please access www.nationaltrust.org. uk/basildon-park
New light on Wallingford's southern suburb a TWHAS talk St Mary’s Church,Wallingford Wed 11th - 7:45am - 8pm Tim Allen's (Oxford Archaeology) topic will be `New light on Wallingford's southern suburb: excavations at the former Police Station, Reading Road' at this talk. Excavations in advance of redevelopment have revealed settlement of the late Saxon and Norman periods outside the south gate of the defended burh. Tickets £4. For more
Flint House, 52 High Street Wallingford, Oxfrodshire OX10 0DB Tue 3rd 10am - 3pm It traces the fascinating history of Wallingford’s hospitals, caring for the sick in the town from medieval times to the present day
Willis family of Wallingford artists and artisans Exhibitions
Flint House, 52 High Street Wallingford, Oxfrodshire OX10 0DB, Tue 3rd March until 28 November 2020 Tue - Fri 2pm to 5pm Sat 10:30am to 5pm The Willis family came to Wallingford from Hagbourne in the early 19th century living and working in High Street and what is now The Dolphin public house. An industrious Quaker family, all of their six sons had artisan or professional careers.
Forces and Magnets Show at The Look Out Discovery Centre Open January 2020 until March 15th -Saturday and Sunday 1am - 12noon - 2pm and 3:15pm (weekends and during Bracknell Forest school holiday). Treat the children to a fun
WHAT'S ON Some details may be subject to change so please check before you book
Animal - World Art Journeys at Reading Museum
Sir John Madejski Art Gallery Reading Museum Open until April 18th 10am - 4:00pm A free exhibition to appeal to all ages! Fit in a family outing to Reading Museum before 18th April 2020 and enjoy images of a wide variety of creatures, from lions to lobsters and dragons to donkeys.Visitors can look forward to travelling through time and around the globe as they discover this wonderful free exhibition. For more information access www. readingmuseum.org.uk
Wilko Johnson and special guest John Otway Town Hall, Victoria Square Birmingham B3 3DQ Fri 8th May - 7:30pm Following a remarkable recovery from a diagnosis of terminal cancer, Wilko
Johnson the original Dr Feelgood guitarist, actor (Game of Thrones character Ser ilyn Payne) and all round national treasure has enjoyed a rousing return to the live arena, including a number 1 album with Roger Daltrey (Going Back Home), a sold out show at The Royal Albert Hall to mark his 70th birthday and, most recently, the release of Blow Your Mind, his first album of new material in decades. Access www.thsh.co.uk/event/ wilko-johnson-specialguest-john-otway
Wedding Showcase
Shaw House Church Road Newbury RG14 2DR Sun 15th March 12am - 3pm
Join us and see the venue first hand, set for a beautiful wedding. The Shaw House Wedding Team will be on hand to answer any questions you have, plus you can meet our suppliers in person. Bubbles, entertainment and canapes available throughout the event. Please access www. eventbrite.co.uk/o/shawhouse-wedding
Spring Special Guided Tours
Highclere Castle, Highclere Park, Newbury RG20 9RN Tue 3rd - 10:30am - 5pm The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon are opening their beautiful home in March and April 2020, where you can experience a unique and special guided tour of Highclere Castle for a limited number of visitors.
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Why do we need
? s e e b
Bees are vital to a healthy environment and healthy economy. They are also simply beautiful and fascinating little insects. But what makes them so special? We need bees. We may take them and other pollinators like butterflies and hoverflies for granted - but they are vital for stable, healthy food supplies. They are key to the varied, colourful and nutritious diets we need and have come to expect.
Bees are perfectly adapted to pollinate, helping plants grow, breed and produce food. They do so by transferring pollen between flowering plants and so keep the cycle of life turning. The vast majority of plants we need
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for food rely on pollination, especially by bees from almonds, vanilla and apples to squashes. Bees also pollinate around 80% of wildflowers in Europe, so our countryside would be far less interesting and beautiful without them. But bees are in trouble. There is a growing public and political concern at bee decline across the world. This decline is caused by a combination of stresses - from loss of their habitat and food sources to exposure to pesticides and the effects of climate change. More than ever before, we need to recognise the importance of bees to nature and to our lives. And we need to turn that into action to ensure they don't just survive but thrive.
For more on these topics, visit NutritionFacts.org and search for the following videos: Is Fish “Brain Food” for Older Adults?, Is Fish Oil Just Snake Oil?, and Fish Consumption and Suicide.
Dr. Michael Greger M.D. FACLM
Are there any benefits to
Fish Oil?
In the landmark Global Burden of Disease study, researchers compiled the top 20 causes of death and disability. Number one on the list was high blood pressure, two and three was smoke and pollution and the fourth leading cause of loss of life and health was not eating enough fruit. Lack of exercise was number 10, followed by too much sodium, not enough nuts and seeds, not enough whole grains and then not enough vegetables. Number 18 on the top 20 list was not getting enough long-chain omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA found in seafood, due to their purported protective effect against heart disease. Even years ago when the study was published, researchers were questioning the benefits of these fish fats, as more and more randomized controlled trials put them to the test and they failed.
Consumption of fish and fish oil wasn’t only hyped for cardiovascular protection, though. Omega-3s have also been touted to treat depression. However, after taking into account all the negative results that went unpublished, there appears to be no benefit for major depression or for preventing suicide.
What about omega-3s for the prevention of cognitive decline or dementia? The available randomized controlled trials show no benefit for cognitive function with omega-3 supplementation in studies lasting from 6 to 40 months among healthy older adults. It may sometimes even make things worse. “Higher current fish consumption predicted worse performance on several cognitive speed constructs. Greater fish consumption in childhood predicted slower perceptual speed and simple/choice reaction time.” This may be due to neurotoxic contaminants, such as mercury, in fishes. We’ve known that the developing brain is particularly sensitive to the damaging effects of mercury, but maybe the aging brain is as well.
Portobellos & Greens on Toast
• 1/3 cup non-dairy milk
As much as I love mushrooms, they are seldom a main dish for me. Portobellos are the exception because they're so hearty and satisfying. This open-faced knikfe-and-fork sandwich makes a quick and easy lunch or dinner entrée.
• 4 slices salt-free 100% whole
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
This recipe was adapted from the How Not to Die cookbook
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
• 8-12 ounces portobello caps thinly sliced
• 3 spring onions minced • 6 cups chopped spinach or chard • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon salt-free stone-ground mustard
grain bread
instead of portobellos. Likewise, you can use other greens instead of spinach or chard.
Instructions 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of water in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the portobellos and stir-fry until softened. Add the spring onions, spinach and stir for 1-2 minutes to wilt the greens. Add the thyme, paprika and black pepper. 2. Keep warm while you toast the bread. Once the bread is toasted, cut the slices in half and arrange them on plates. Top with the portobellos and greens mixture and sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot.
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. Variation: Add 1 cup of cooked beans. If you prefer, try shiitakes 11
Prosecco a joy There are many producers of sparkling and aromatic prosecco wine. For this quest I searched for a company that produces a range of high-quality prosecco wines with impressive bottle presentations. Bottega has a very interesting history, both during the 20th century and into the 21st century. The eye-catching bottles and a great number of the wines are award-winning. The bottles are created by artisan crafts' people and are really distinguishable. From their prosecco range I found the following. Bottega Poeti Prosecco (DOC) is fresh, fragrant and has a floral bouquet. This wine is a very popular, dry production and favoured by many.
of life
Bottega Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore (DOCG) Extra Dry is another poets’ wine which is also very popular. Having a brilliant straw-yellow colour, this fresh and fragrant wine graces many dining occasions regularly.
Bottega Prosecco (DOC) Biologico Extra Dry is often chosen and has many devotees. This organic production is, again, a brilliant straw-yellow colour. Very fine, fresh, fruity and delicate is how I would describe this, much sought-after, prosecco.
Bottega Prosecco (DOC) Fundum I found to be a splendid dry production, that has plenty of fruits to please. The mouthfeel and palate
sensation is fresh, with a good finish.
Gold Poeti Prosecco (DOC) Is a further very classy production from Bottega. Fresh, aromatic this wine comes in a magnificent gold-coloured bottle. Again, a fruity bouquet prevails, which leads, enticingly, to the wonderful mouthfeel. The palate is treated to a sensation that is pleasant and memorable. The glamour of the bottle presentation adds to the pleasures of this production, which is extremely popular for special occasions and also makes a really wonderful gift. Prosecco wines, having a persistent and fine perlage, are perfect for apĂŠritifs and excellent to pair with starters, fish, seafood and white meats. Prosecco and other wines, including grappa and liqueurs, along with a range of other products, are all made with much knowledge, love and devotion, so the finished Bottega productions are of the highest quality and quite exceptional.
Trevor Langley Wine Appreciator
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Simple Salmon Dinner This one-pan dinner screams spring! Consider making Mum a delicious salmon pan-fried dinner cooked quickly in the oven with the roast vegetables and all! This dinner only requires 20 minutes to cook in the oven and in no time will be ready to enjoy!
ine
Cream of Mushroom Chicken Following the creamy dinners trend, why not make Mum Cream of Mushroom Chicken for Mother's Day? You could serve it on a bed of rice but pasta might make this a more comforting meal that Mum can indulge in.
FOOD Mums definitely deserve to be spoiled more than one day but when the day is all about them, is extra special. Let Mum put her feet up on Mother’s day and cook her up a delicious meal that will impress her.
Baked Blueberry Pancake For a quick breakfast, make the pancake while fixing supper the night before, then cut it into circles. The next morning, top them with butter and berries!
Chicken Spinach Lasagna Spinach Ricotta Pasta This may look like a brunch dish but why not serve it for dinner too. Many brunch meal ideas can make an excellent light dinner choice and even serve as a side dish. This spinach ricotta pasta is light and full of flavor, Mum will enjoy this!
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu A French classic like Cordon Bleu can be an exhausting delicious meal to make. This may just be why so many people choose to order this specialty at restaurants instead of making it at home. However, this recipe shows you how you can make it at home with simpler methods and fewer calories, Mum will love this!
Lasagna always makes me think about family meals and quality time spent together. Hence why this Chicken Spinach Lasagna would be an excellent choice to serve Mum on her special day! Traditional lasagna is made with ground beef or pork and a red tomato sauce. This chicken and spinach lasagna offer the same comforting flavour but with a healthier twist.
Strawberry Shortcake This sunny strawberry shortcake brings back memories of family summers on the farm.
Spiced Carrot Cake Love it with lots of spice. The pumpkin pie spice is a perfect shortcut, but you could use a custom blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
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Spinach and
Ricotta Lasag
14
gne
A creamy vegetarian version of this supper classic Serves 6-8 Preparation time 45minutes Cooking time 30 minutes
Ingredients Pack of lasagne sheets 125g Mozzarella, sliced 30g Parmesan
For the tomato sauce
• • • • • • • • •
Olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 150ml red wine 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 1 tsp sugar 2 tbsp Worcester sauce 2 tbsp tomato purée Bunch fresh basil, chopped
For the creamy spinach and ricotta sauce • 375g spinach • Knob of butter • 500g ricotta • 250g mascarpone • 4 medium free-range egg yolks • Grated zest 1 lemon • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg • 40g parmesan, grated
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C
fan/gas 6. Heat the oil in a medium pan, then fry the onion for 6-8 minutes until soft.
the garlic and fry for a further 2. Add minute. Pour in the red wine; turn up the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce the liquid by half.
3. Add the tomatoes, sugar, Worcester sauce and tomato purée. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Add the basil and season well.
4. Place the spinach in a large pan
with a knob of butter. Cover and cook over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted. It will seem to almost disappear! Drain the cooked spinach in a colander and press to squeeze out any excess water. Roughly chop, then mix with the rest of the creamy sauce ingredients. Taste and season well.
5. Spread a little of the spinach and
ricotta sauce over the base of the baking dish, then cover with slightly overlapping lasagne sheets. Pour over a third of the remaining white sauce, sprinkle over a little of the grated cheese and top with half the tomato sauce.
6. Cover with another layer of lasagne sheets, top with half the remaining white sauce, then all the remaining tomato sauce. Add the final layer of lasagne sheets, then spread with the rest of the white sauce. Scatter with the remaining grated cheese.
7. Top with mozzarella slices and the
grated Parmesan and bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
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LOCAL
Living Life
on the Fruit and Veg! In recent years, the emergence of veganism has swept the nation of its feet. Social media is flooded with effervescent images of delicious vegetables, presented in unique designs and vibrant juices, that boast the benefits of radiant skin, weight loss and optimum energy. Though it seems that when the ordinary consumer plates up an array of vegetables or the juiced concoction of kale and broccoli, it doesn’t seem quite so appetising. The month of March truly is the month associated most closely with food. Eating Disorders Awareness Week, National Pie Week and National Nutrition Week are all combined in the month of March, though in this edition, we are highlighting March as ‘Veggie Month.’ The month to ditch meat and immerse oneself in plates of greenery and of somewhat bland tasting food, which in spite of their lacking in flavour, epitomise health. The initiative of Veggie Month was established by the charity, Animal Aid, a nationwide initiative that actively revokes the consumption and slaughtering of animals. Though this initiative treads the foundations of entirely ethical motivations, millions of people participate in Veggie Month for a variety of reasons.
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Some for the health benefits, some for the ethical purposes behind the diet and others simply for the challenge of avoiding animal products. Going veggie is applauded by healthcare professionals on the basis of numerous effects. Reducing one’s consumption of meat or refraining from animal products entirely, has been scientifically proven to lower the risk of heart-disease, diabetes, and particular cancers. Adding to this, the environmental benefits are equally notable and instrumental as a reason for cutting out meat. The slaughtering of animals is a profound contributor to harmful Co2 emissions and the manufacturing and distribution of vegetables is a far more sustainable process. Ultimately, the reduction of meat in one’s diet and the increase in vegetables is undoubtedly desirable for one’s health. No matter what the reason behind revamping your shopping trolley, why not resist the temptation of that drooling steak and instead, take on the challenge and opt for some veg?
Abbie Cooper Davis Columnist abbie@localbuzzmagazine.com
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Devine Daredevils Charity tandem skydive
Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service is encouraging thrill-seekers to jump from 10,000 feet on Sunday 7th June 2020 and raise funds for local children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families.
Sunday 7th June Ipsden, Oxfordshire
The Devine Daredevils tandem skydive challenge will be taking place in Ipsden, Oxfordshire, just 20 minutes north of Reading. George ‘Torpedo’ Torpey, a Community Fundraiser at Alexander Devine took part last year with his first ever skydive: “It is not something I had previously thought about doing, but when theopportunity came up, it was something I didn’t want to miss out on!
I was way out of my comfort zone but knowing that the money I raised would be helping the amazing children that we support definitely made it all the more worthwhile.” The children’s hospice service covers Berkshire and the neighbouring counties, delivering vital support including Clinical Respite Care, Specialist Play, End-of-life Care and Bereavement Support to families in their own homes and from a new
Snowball Hill Woodlands Park Avenue Maidenhead SL6 3LU
children’s hospice in Maidenhead. Those wanting to take part in the jump will be required to pay just a £50 deposit and raise a minimum of £395 in sponsorship, which could pay for five splash sessions in their hydrotherapy pool and covers the remaining cost of the skydive. To book your place or find out more, please visit our website at www. alexanderdevine.org, email us at fundraising@alexanderdevine.org, or call us on 01628 822 777.
www. alexanderdevine.org 177
The Benefits of
s t e e w S in your Diet!
How to enjoy sweets on a diet? Ever heard of the term “sweet-hater”? Not really, right? It is hard to not fall in love with sweets, puddings and ice-cream. While sweets are loved for their scrumptious flavours, they are notorious for being unhealthy. But here’s the truth – sweets do offer health benefits as well. What benefits, you may wonder? Well let’s find out.
an Immediate 1.Provides Burst of Energy What do you do on days when you feel low? When you don’t have the energy to perform your daily chores? In times like these, we usually go for a cup of strong coffee or tea. But did you know that sweets can be your go-to choice when feeling down? Yes, you read that right! Glucose happens to be the body’s main source of fuel which comes from the breakdown of sugar. Sucrose – common table sugar – consists of fructose and glucose. The body breaks down these molecules and the glucose is transferred 18
to cells and is changed into energy. Without glucose, we won’t have the stamina to perform daily activities. So, on days when you want to boost your energy, look no further than a delicious cupcake or a chocolate bar!
2.
Helps Store Energy for Later Time The sugar you get from sweets can be utilized beyond the sudden boost of energy. Your body doesn’t employ energy all in one go. It utilizes in small quantities. For instance, once your body has used up a certain portion of energy, the rest of it will be stored in your body. This process is called glycogenesis. The commendable aspect of this
process is that it allows your body to function for an extended period of time without eating.
Your Mood Instantly 3. Elevate It comes as no surprise that sweets make us happier. This is one of the many reasons why everyone loves sweets like cupcakes, chocolates, etc. What really happens is that when you consume a form of sweet, it activates the pleasureseeking part of your brain and increases your dopamine level – mood-enhancing feature. In this way, the consumer instantly feels better on the inside and out.
Sweetened 4. Naturally Sweets Come With Added Benefits
Did you know that natural sweet chocolates can enhance your thinking ability? Chocolate bars or candies are a source of natural sugar which provides nutrients like antioxidants and cocoa flavanols. Current researchers have concluded that cocoa flavanols possess the ability to improve a consumer’s cognitive functions despite a person’s cognitive disability. That being said, researchers aren’t able to pin down the exact reason for the cause of better thinking skills. However, they have come to
the conclusion that cocoa flavanols prevent damage to brain cells. To make the most of this cognitive boost, consider eating dark chocolate candies more as they contain an increased level of cocoa flavanols. Don’t be disheartened if you are on a diet. There are plenty of ways you can still have sweets without ruining your body shape or gaining an extra pound or two.
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Hitting Shops the
...what and where to buy
It’s March and the hibernation period is over, and our planning is done.
1
In the last two issues we’ve resisted spontaneously hitting the shops. We’ve used our hibernation time to plan our space and design our concept board.
Shop around: price alone should not drive your decision. Check for quality, durability and style. Don’t settle for average or “it’ll do”
2
Armed with these two things we can now look at what we’re going to put in the space. This will stand us in good stead for make the best choice both for our design and our wallet.
Don’t rush: don’t feel pressured to make the wrong choice – take the time you need to decide. Rarely will you lose out when you pause for thought.
3
Do your research: look at a few options to get a sense of what is available but whittle your list down to your top 3 or 4 choices. Too much choice can be overwhelming and stressful.
Once you start looking at the buying choices available it’s easy to be blown away by the sea of choices! So, here are a few tips:
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4
Check reviews and look at who you’re buying from: online shopping has certainly made pricing more attractive and helps with comparing products, but have you looked at local retailers? They may offer a better all-round service/ buying experience …
Pooky Lighting Pooky is all about beautiful, decorative lighting. Lights that look as though they cost a fortune, but don’t. Most of the lighting industry has gone online, Pooky included, but they have a Gloucestershire Warehouse which can be visited by appointment. Their website is crammed full of great products and useful blogs.
B the Lifestyle Shop In essence, Emma B likes keeping things simple. She brings you a selection of simple and modern items. The philosophy behind B is to celebrate a simple lifestyle; providing shoppers with a range of high quality, design-led products lovingly sourced from across the globe.
No 96
There are some great local retailers that you could explore:
Pine & Oak Furniture One of the South’s largest furniture retailers with 5 showrooms, based at Midgham, Newbury, Wallingford, Winchester and Winnersh where you can view furniture and a wide array of accessories. Furniture can be made to measure, in a variety of fabrics and paint finishes. There’s also a sofa workshop in Midgham.
Mik’s Paints & Fabrics Mik's Paints Ltd is a decorating supplier in Newbury stocking a large selection of decorating supplies including paint, fabrics and wallpapers. Their offer professional advice and a friendly tailored service.
Newbury Bathrooms Supplying and installing beautiful bathrooms they offer quality products and a bespoke design service. They are the local agents for Vileroy and Boch and their showroom showcases the latest designs including wet-rooms, spa rooms, cloakrooms and en-suites.
Optiplan Kitchens A manufacturer and retailer of bespoke kitchen furniture designs from the classic to the contemporary. All kitchens are designed and manufactured in their facility in Swindon, Wiltshire where they recycle 90% of the waste material produced. They have a network of 15 showrooms across the country. rtise and experience to give you the best options for your home.
Opened in 2016, No 96 offers a range of complementary home accessories, soft furnishings, and gifts. On warm dry days they put some of the stock out on the front courtyard, and you may even find them painting furniture out there. They try to source unique and quirky items - supporting local artists and crafters and stocking a range of their work.
The Corner Shop With an eye on the seasons, The Corner Shop Woolhampton stocks an everchanging variety of homewares and gifts. Nina and Claire keep their eye on the trends and source individual products which you won’t necessarily find on the high street. There are prices to suit every pocket.
Vicky Tallon is the talent behind Tallon Perry Interiors - designing interiors for private individuals and small businesses. Vicky is happy to take enquiries for new projects and will offer a consultancy service for those of just want a bit of a guiding hand ….
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Eating disorders. Know the first signs?
?
!
Lips
Flips
Hips
Are they obsessive about food?
Is their behaviour changing?
Do they have distorted beliefs about their body size?
Kips
Nips
Skips
Are they often tired or struggling to concentrate?
Do they disappear to the toilet after meals?
Have they started exercising excessively?
If you’re worried someone you care about is showing any signs of an eating disorder – even if they’re not on our list – act quickly and get in touch. We can give you the answers and support you need to help them on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
Don’t delay. Visit beateatingdisorders.org.uk/tips 23
n i r p S 24
g n time! How spring can affect your sense of smell and other facts about the season Spring can start at different times, depending on who you ask. Looking at the astronomical calendar the first day of spring is 20 March. The Phenological method records dates of reoccurring natural phenomena such as flowering. For meteorologists, spring starts on 1 March and runs until 31 May.
Easter Snow Many people say you're more likely to see snow at Easter than at Christmas. This is borne out of statistics to some extent - snow or sleet falls on average 3.9 days in December, compared to 4.2 days in March. However, because Easter is a 'moveable feast', it can also take place in April, which has only 2.3 days of snow or sleet fall. So it depends on exactly when
Easter falls in any given year.
Vernal Equinox The first day of spring, the vernal equinox, has 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
The warmest spring... The warmest spring on record was 2011 with an average daytime temperature of 9.2 °C.
...and the coldest spring Was the spring of 1962, with an average daytime maximum of 5.8 °C.
The wettest spring 1947 saw the wettest spring to date with 331.7 mm of rainfall.
Average temperatures The average temperature for spring is 7.7 °C.
Something in the air? Sense of smell can be more acute in spring as there is usually more moisture in the air. Spring is often associated with the start of the pollen season. However, some pollen types can release as early as January.
The sunniest spring The sunniest spring was in 1948, in which a total of 558 sunshine hours were recorded. 25
Office: 01256 637 870 On site: 07379 700 762
Greenscaping Ltd are specialists in landscaping services working throughout 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 qualified Free estimates and advice You are entitled to a fourteen day cooling off period
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greenscapetreeandlandscaping@outlook.com The Square, Basing View, ​Basingstoke ​RG21 4EB 26
W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H
Hundreds of women in Berkshire now enjoy the benefits of a new medical-breakthrough treatment for pelvic floor rehabilitation. Is it time you did, too? By Theresa Fleetwood, Founder of Andresa Aesthetics Imagine how much more liberating it would be if you didn’t have to worry about embarrassing leaks or worrying urges all the time.The Emsella could improve your quality of life in just three weeks. Over 40% of women in the UK are currently suffering from some degree of urinary incontinence, where pads, urgent loo dashes and embarrassing leaks are an unwelcome but significant part of life. For these individuals, the bad news is that the problem will only get worse with age and time unless the weakness of the pelvic floor is rectified. Recent reports have brought to light yet again the controversy over the use of vaginal mesh implants to correct pelvic floor weakness and incontinence. The recent safety ban on such implants has now been lifted, much to the outrage of thousands of women who have sustained life-changing injuries from such treatment, leaving them in debilitating, crippling, constant pain from permanent nerve damage, with some unable to walk and many unable to work or have a sexual relationship. In short, their quality of life is now far worse than ever imagined, and the risks were either not discussed or considerably down-played by the consultants and surgeons recommending the surgery.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has finally altered its recommendations to state that surgery should be viewed as a last resort; however, many are angry that it does not go far enough in recognising the devastating impact that this implant surgery has had on many women’s lives. Preferable non-surgical treatment options recommended by NICE now include pelvic floor rehabilitation. The Emsella, a non-invasive physiotherapy-style pelvic floor rehabilitation program can improve your quality of life in just six 28-minute sessions over three weeks.You remain fully clothed throughout this medicalgrade, comfortable treatment which is endorsed by gynaecologists worldwide and is FDA-approved. And it has a success rate of over 95%, with urinary leakage often being completely resolved. During each session, you remain seated on the Emsella chair whilst the muscles of the pelvic floor are stimulated by High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to contract
If you would like to find out more about this unique, life-changing treatment or would like to book a complimentary and confidential consultation, call 01635 800183 or email info@andresa.co.uk . www.andresa.co.uk
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over 11,000 times, restoring neuromuscular control. 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: I cannot believe how much my pelvic floor has improved after the course of Emsella treatment agreed with Theresa. It’s now so much stronger, and I would thoroughly recommend it either as a corrective treatment or, as in my case, a preventative plan. I was starting to get signs that my pelvic floor was not as good as it used to be after two children and then the joys of the menopause. Being sporty, I thought Emsella sounded like a good, non-invasive way to give my pelvic floor an effective workout (11,000 contractions per session) while sitting on a chair reading. Spoke to Theresa and we agreed a course of treatment. Easiest workout ever! I am delighted with the results and noticed even after the first treatment that my Kegel exercises had more strength and responsiveness about them. Bladder control is stronger than before as well. At the end of the course my pelvic floor was definitely stronger. I cannot recommend Emsella highly enough for ladies who already experience those “oops” moments or who wish to keep their pelvic floor in good order as they mature. HW
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Gifts
Mot her's Day
to spoil Mum this
Your mum may say she doesn't expect a gift for Mother's Day, but you know she does. As she always puts you above everything else surprise her and use this as your opportunity to show how special she truly is.
The cutest cards If you’re not the most artistic person investing in a beautiful popup card will make feel like the queen she truly is.
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A beautiful token for a natural beauty Gift the naturally beautiful mum in your life an affordable all-in-one Makeup Kit. It travels easily for on-the-go Mums, looks gorgeous and includes all the basic makeup essentials for the most elegant woman you know.
Connect safely
Make gardening more fun
Mum is always on call, even when driving, so she’ll certainly appreciate the road safety Fast Wireless Car Charger. Easy to install and keeps hands off phones so commuting is much safer.
Flowers and other plants are part of the time-honored Mother’s Day tradition because they grow—much like a mother’s love. This Grow Your Own Herbs Partial Kit is the more modern and delicious answer to plant gifts and
She deserves a stress-free moment If she’s constantly worrying about everyone and everything else, she deserves the gift of time to herself and a relaxing home spa day.
Year Lasting Real Roses We offer an unrivalled level of customisation to your order for Weddings . Baby Showers Valentines . Birthdays Proposals . Anniversaries
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online orders
Wine subscription
will keep her house, patio or porch smelling like a dream. Be sure to tell her that herbs freeze well when she decides to take a long holiday.
Treat your Mum with a monthly subscription that delivers a few bottles — white, red, or rosé — that she will enjoy when having some time off.
Cozy warming slippers Cold feet, warm heart? Not quite. The next time she catches a chill, your mum can stick the slippers in the microwave for instant warmth.
Snuggle-worthy Softs throw makes any space look ready for its magazine close-up and Mum will
love that it’s warm and cozy.
Beautiful silver "Best Mum ever" bracelet The sentiment on the inside of this silver bracelet couldn't be any more true. Give her this sweet adjustable bracelet as a reminder of just how incredible she is. 31
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Treat your mum this Mother’s Day to a glorious Sunday lunch at award-winning pub, the Crown & Garter in the idyllic village of Inkpen.
Mother's Day Starters
Menu sample
Wookey Hole Cheddar and leek tart £9.50 (V) Chicken liver parfait £9.00 (With toasted brioche & a fruit chutney) Main courses Rosemary & garlic roasted saddle of lamb £18.50 (GF) (Roast potatoes, honey roasted carrots & parsnips, red cabbage, greens, rosemary jus) Baked fillet of hake £19.50 (Courgettes, Provençal mussel sauce and crispy breadcrumbs)
Simple, honest food, a drinks list dominated by local breweries and distilleries, and 10 beautifully designed rustic bedrooms, all in a building that dates back to 1640, the Crown & Garter is way beyond the average countryside pub. Set in the idyllic village of Inkpen, West Berkshire, the award-winning pub is part of the Honesty Group, which includes nine coffee shops, a bakery and a cookery school across the Berkshire countryside. The Crown & Garter was born out of a desire from owner Romilla Arber to serve honest
food, so customers know exactly where it comes from and how it’s cooked. Proudly showcasing meat exclusively from local producers, fish from UK coastal waters and rivers, and wine sourced from no further than European borders, dining at the Crown & Garter is food for the soul as well as the stomach.
This is a place that cares about good food, where it comes from and what’s in it. Head Chef Karim Senaini’s menu consists of simple, everyday ingredients, prepared from scratch and cooked well. With a plethora of fantastic producers right on the doorstep, ingredients are seasonal, responsibly sourced and of top quality.
For larger groups, the pub boasts a rustic private dining room, perfect for celebrations and special meals for up to 20 guests, or for an even bigger soirée, the entire pub is available for hire. Set apart from the pub restaurant in the venue’s peaceful courtyard are 10 beautifully-designed bedrooms, combining modern simplicity and comfort. Each room has a super king bed with the highest quality linen to offer the perfect night’s rest.
Great Common Road | Inkpen Common | Hungerford Berkshire RG17 9QR www.crownandgarter.co.uk 34
International Women’s Day is held on March 8th every year. It’s a day when we celebrate the amazing social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women - while also campaigning for greater progress towards gender equality.
Excellent
ways to Celebrate
International Women's Day! Happy International Women’s Day! As you've probably heard, there are plenty of ways to embrace the day, from supporting woman-owned businesses, sending the women in your life International Women’s Day quotes, Happy Women’s Day messages and exchanging International Women’s Day flowers. Day, both in your workplace and on a personal level? Here are great ideas to get you started.
Promote gender diversity in the workplace
Why should businesses care about International Women’s Day?
To create sustainable and healthy economies we must empower women and break down these barriers. No matter what industry you’re in, you can implement policies to fight gender discrimination and encourage diversity in your business.
Recent years have seen a huge increase in the number of businesses around the world celebrating IWD.
Hold an IWD celebration at work
Gender diversity can also help your business resonate with a wider customer base. So what can you do to celebrate International Women’s
shared lunch with women speakers Profile some of your organisation’s amazing women on your website
•
Read these compelling books by women
• Send an email to staff to raise awareness of the day (or share this article) •
Have a film screening on women’s issues
•
Hold a seminar with keynote speeches by women in your industry
•
Share your business & industry’s current statistics on gender diversity.
Read these compelling books by women
There is growing recognition that women’s rights affect us all and that we need to strive for more female representation at all levels of business. Gender diversity in the workplace produces real benefits. Several studies have shown that a gender-diverse workplace is good for financial returns, employee engagement, innovation and reducing turnover.
•
Long-term strategies to foster gender diversity are crucial, but you can also celebrate IWD with events on the day. This will help show your business commitment to inclusion and gender equality. Here are some ideas:
•
Hold an IWD themed morning tea or
Celebrating IWD doesn’t have to involve big political or public gestures… you can do it in your own small personal way just by reading a great book by a female author.
•
Like the Singing Coming off the Drums by Sonia Sanchez
•
Diving into the Wreck by Adrienne Rich
•
The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector
33
Get Motivated. Get Fit
Reinvigorate your fitness routine It's several weeks since New Year's resolution to lose weight and get fit. So, how do you keep motivated?
34
My self-motivation tank is empty! Does your determination and energy to get fit after New Year’s Day seems to run out sooner each year? Do you need to get fit? Do you need to lose weight? Do you know you’ll feel better if you do? It’s so much easier to fall back into old habits than to actively make a difference to our health isn’t it? So how do we stay motivated? Motivation is all in the mind. There is no physical difference between those who get fit and those who get fat. The fit people are just those who manage to leave the house and move their bodies. Clearly, we need to help our mind overcome the inertia currently preventing us moving from the couch.
Get up, get dressed, get out. It sounds simple but getting out of the door is the biggest hurdle. If you can force yourself to go through the motions of getting into your exercise kit, walking to the door and out of the house you're 90% of the way towards exercising. If you're standing outside dressed for exercise it's harder to change your mind and sneak back inside for another slice of cake. Set an alarm to tell you when it's time for your exercise class, run, etc. Make sure you've got workout gear that makes you feel good. Something stylish, comfortable, colourful, or hightech; it doesn’t matter, use whatever works for you. Make the getting
dressed part something to look forward to. Baggy, stained, holey jogging bottoms will put you off the idea of stepping outside. Then just grab your keys, open the door and step outside.
Start slowly It’s important to pace yourself. Just because your neighbour can sprint 5 km in 20 minutes doesn't mean that you have to. Whatever exercise you are doing find a pace that is comfortable while still pushing you. As you exercise more you will gradually increase your exertion. Push yourself too hard at the beginning and exercise will seem exhausting, painful and make it harder to get going the next time. Once you begin to see your performance improving, you'll get excited about beating your personal best and want to prove to yourself just how good you are.
Set a short-term goal The ultimate goal might be to fit into a size 10 dress, or have a perfect six pack with matching biceps, but realistically that's probably more than a few months away. Pick a goal that you can achieve within the next two months. Dropping one dress size, being able to run nonstop for 1 km, being able to do a proper pull-up. Achieving goals is as important as setting them when trying to keep your motivation high. Small successful steps build one on the other until all of a sudden, your ultimate goal is just within reach.
Keep on keeping on. Don't over-think it, just do it! 35
Educational
Fun!! Fun
&
World Storytelling Day 20th March 2020
Once upon a time, a long time ago (well, actually, back in 1991 in Sweden), a Storytelling Day was held. The ethos behind this event caught on around the globe and now we celebrate World Storytelling Day on an international level.
5
The aim of World Storytelling Day is to celebrate the art of oral storytelling, with as many people as possible around the world telling and listening to stories in their own languages on the same day. People taking part can link up with others around the globe who are also contributing xyz – making it a 3 truly12 international festival that creates new friends and promotes positive understanding of cultures around the world!
2 4
5 7
6
1 9
3 8
So, go on, sit down with your friends and loved ones and join the the storytellers on this day of celebrating cultural folklore and the art of oral storytelling! Why not spin a yarn and pass down your stories to the next generation?
2
4
123
xyz
International
Math day 14th March
0
1
9
6 •
We travel the world guided by precise mathematical calculations based on the position of the sun, stars and GPS satellites.
•
We explore the inside of the human body through CT scans and MRI by building images out of numerical data through mathematical algorithms.
•
We discover how human thought works by building AI software that can learn and make decisions through mathematic models.
3 8 7
The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is a worldwide celebration. Each year on March 14th all countries will be invited to participate through activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums and libraries.
A new theme every year Every year there is a new theme to flavour the celebration, spark creativity and bring light to connections between mathematics and all sorts of fields, concepts and ideas. The theme for 2020 is Mathematics is Everywhere 36
4 • Mathematics help plan and manage economic and social systems enabling the move towards a sustainable use of resources.
• We photographed a black hole and continue exploring the edges of the universe with mathematics.
World Book Day is coming on Thursday 5th March with this year’s theme to ‘share a million stories’.
Marked in over 100 countries across the globe, World Book Day is a UNESCO initiative that aims to celebrate both books and reading, especially among younger members of our societies. In the UK and Ireland, National Book Tokens are sent out so that kids can find a book of their very own something to unlock the power of their minds in a way that the increasing prevalence of digital screens may not provide. For what it’s worth, World Book Day falls on the same date every year as St David’s Day.
World Book day National Doodle Day 6th March Every year, a selection of famous faces from the worlds of art, sport and entertainment pick up their pens, paints and pencils to create one off doodles. These doodles are auctioned off to the highest bidder following a 3 day eBay auction. This is your opportunity to take home a truly unique piece of art by a famous celebrity. Whilst also helping to ensure everyone affected by epilepsy has access to the support they require. By doodling and donating, your support will ensure that the 600,000 people living with epilepsy have access to specialist advice, quality healthcare and can live free of stigma, prejudice and discrimination.
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Calling all children! Join us for an eggcellent time this Easter...
6th - 17th April* Open 8am-6pm For children aged 5-11
*excluding bank holidays
Let the adventure begin at:
www.jubileecadets.co.uk Padworth RG7| 0118 970 1300 Operated by Jubilee Gems
.
s.. Join u
...Jubilee Jets is action-packed club for 5 - 11 year olds.
6th - 17th April* Open 8am-6pm *excluding bank holidays 0118 970 1300
Padworth RG7 Operated by Jubilee Gems 38
www.jubileejets.co.uk
BOOK NOW!
Join us for an eggcellent time this Easter.
Local, family run mobility shop in Reading
SUN MOBILITY..............making life easier Our mobility shop stocks a wide range of mobility aids and products from leading branfs including: • • • • • • •
Scooters Power Chairs Stairlifts Manual Wheelchairs Riser chairs Beds & Bathlifts Living & Walking Aids
We offer a "try before you buy" service along with expert friendly advice. If you cannot get to us, we offer home visits and bring the products to you.
0118 931 4999 www.sunmobility.co.uk info@sunmobility.co.uk
Opening times
Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 4pm Sun - Closed
Asda Mall, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, Reading, Berkshire RG6 5TT 40
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Private Healthcare Supporting
41
SAVE THE DATE Thursday 16th April 2020 Join us at our first BuzConnect Quiz Night in aid of Living Paintings Charity!
Night
5.30pm – 8.30pm Donnington Grove Hotel Grove Road Newbury RG14 2LA
We are pleased to invite you to BuzzConnect Quiz Night hosted by Donnington Grove Hotel to raise funds for our local charity, Living Painting.
The quiz will be held on Thursday 16th April at 5.30pm at the Donnington Grove Hotel and will cost £23 per person, which includes a buffet. We are recommending teams of up to 8, so get your friends, colleagues or family together to win a prize and have a bit of fun. Raffle tickets will be sold during the evening to be drawn towards the end of the night. We are delighted to welcome our Quiz Master Garry Poulson.
A BuzzConnect initiative in aid of Living Paintings
Doors will open at 5.30pm in readiness for the quiz to begin at 6.00pm. Please come along and book your table via the BuzzConnect website
www.buzz-connect.co.uk
Join us at David Lloyd Newbury Thursday 18th June 2020 10am - 4pm An opportunity to be grabbed by every local business! You have been given a chance to winadvertising and business services from our BuzzConnect Ambassadors. Follow us: @UKBuzzConnect @UKBuzzConnect BuzzConnect
42
Throughout the day start-ups, entrepreneurs, charities and established businesses will be presenting their 10-minute pitches telling us what they do and why they should win.
Register for a chance to win £££ worth of services to enhance your business
REGISTER
NOW!
Join us today!
Our networking events are rapidly growing and we have added more events that will bring greater opportunities to local businesses to engage, network and promote their products/services.
BuzzConnect
Effective networking If you have come along to one of our events, you will have noticed the warm and welcoming approach that we take. We encourage everyone to get involved and promote what they do. BuzzConnect was created to bring people together and we believe that there should be no exclusions, no long-term contracts and no “performance pressure” such as speaking to the room and giving a 2-minute introduction about your company.
towards our chosen charity. This year we have partnered with Living Paitings Charity. We look forward to welcoming you to our events this year, contact us if you have any questions.
Our monthly networking at Metro Bank is hugely popular and will always be free. However, our evening events have a small charge which covers our immediate costs with proceeds going
BuzzConnect Business networking is evolving and it will continue to grow for years to come. Make sure you join the BuzzConnect Networking Group on Facebook, so you can share your company information for free and be part of a thriving business community.
What are the benefits of joining BuzzConnect?
RAISE your profile.
BUILD
a local network of suppliers and customers.
COLLABORATE
DEVELOP
Monthly BuzzConnect Events . . .
In order to give you a great networking experience and to allow you to plan in advance, here are BuzzConnect events for your diary.
Metro Bank Newbury | Metro Bank Basingstoke 64 - 65 Northbrook St Newbury RG14 1AE
Chiswick House, Unit 1 Festival Way Basingstoke RG21 7LD
Every 1st Thursday of the month 8.30am - 10.00am
Every 2nd Thursday of the month 8.30am - 10.00am
with other local businesses.
business and leadership skills.
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ARE YOU IN CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE? Did you know that without a Lasting Power of Attorney, your ‌ spouse or partner may not be able to deal with your bank account, pensions and make decisions on your health? next of kin will not necessarily get the final say in your care? partner may not be legally allowed to make decisions or withdraw money from your joint account or make decisions on your home? For more information please access our website.
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Common-sense lending for a smooth homebuying experience Our finances are becoming more complicated. From the rise in the number of people who are self-employed to the popularity of having a multiplicity of income sources, the financial habits of consumers are changing. And change brings with it lots of challenges. In 1952, there were just 1.65 million borrowers. Now, there are nearly 11 million mortgages held by owner-occupiers. Before the financial crash in 2008, lenders approved loans which did not require verification to confirm the borrower’s affordability. Now, proof of regular income and assets to repay a loan must be evidenced. As the mortgage market adjusted to the new world postfinancial crisis, the wants and needs of consumers diversified rapidly. What once may have been considered as an ‘unusual’ or ‘risky’ mortgage application – main source of income paid in as Euros, for example – started to become commonplace, and many lenders started to fall behind. There are lenders who automatically assess an applicant’s affordability based on income and expenditure via a computer algorithm. By doing so, viable and responsible customers are unfairly labelled as ‘risky’, and therefore, rejected. This is not so at Newbury Building Society. We don’t believe computers should have the final say when it comes to lending. For us, it’s the personal touch. Call us oldfashioned, but we like to talk to our customers! We think it’s important to understand their unique circumstances to try and help them fulfil their homeownership ambitions. This attitude has helped us support lots of different mortgage cases. From an applicant wanting her pension value to assist affordability, a professional receiving payment from an organisation whilst
in training to many applicants who are self-employed or contracting. We understand a ‘one-size-fits-all’ lending approach is no longer relevant. We believe those with ‘nontraditional’ income streams should no longer be overlooked when looking for a mortgage and buying a home. Our qualified underwriters manually each application holistically based on the customer’s needs. Our lending decisions are made by people, not computers; every application is considered on its own merit. So, our approach to mortgage lending is simple: we use common sense. Ultimately the workforce will continue to evolve, so too will the mortgage market, and we’re moving along with it. If you’d like to talk to a qualified mortgage adviser about your options, contact us today. We offer face-to-face, telephone and video advice mortgage appointments for those who cannot make it to a branch. 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. 7832
Newbury Newbury Building Society Building Society
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Business Directory . Call 01635 200 006 LOCAL
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