At Bickerton House and Parsons Grange, Care UK’s ‘Good-rated’ care homes in Berkshire, we deliver award-winning care to older people who are living with dementia.
Everything we do is focused on supporting your loved one to enjoy a wonderful quality of life – an approach we call ‘Fulfilling lives’.
Our experienced colleagues learn all they can about your loved one, tailoring every aspect of their care and lifestyle to their unique needs and interests. We’re trained in the latest dementia care approaches, thanks to our partnership with the Association for Dementia Studies at Worcester University. A Dementia Coach supports our team to deliver high-quality care.
Residents who are living with dementia are supported to continue to enjoy lifelong hobbies and make new friends. Reminiscence-themed activities, from music
sessions to quizzes, help to spark happy memories, while dancing, exercise classes, yoga and gardening support residents to stay fit and active.
Bickerton House care home and Parsons Grange care home are designed to the latest dementia standards, with signage, colour schemes, soft furnishings and floor coverings all chosen to create a calm and accessible home from home. We also have our own café, hair salon, cinema, bar and beautiful, landscaped gardens, enabling all residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.
To find out more about dementia care at Bickerton House care home and Parsons Grange care home call 0330 162 0186 or visit careuk.com/berkshire
a family man doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care.
your
with you to a place you can call home.
over 40
Exclusive menswear & setting the trend
Ruchetta Italian Trattoria Meet Owner Angelo
Carnival Hub
Have you visited the library yet?
Elevate Your Interiors
Jessica Cox talks Design
Five Minutes With: Sophie Sews
50 Shades of Green Stunning gardens
29 Gardens With Purpose Getting winter-ready
34 The Tower of London History explored
Introductions This issue of Wokingham ‘with Bracknell’ Local is all about introducing our local businesses, old and new, to our local communities and readers, and we start by welcoming new businesses: Thames Valley Aesthetics; Alexander Carpets & Rugs; Sophie Sews, who also features in our 5 minutes with interview; Forester Tree Care Ltd; DAC Mobility Services; Shutter Spec Security and Seekers Travel. What an eclectic, diverse and extremely talented group of local businesses!
We went ‘out and about’ during the last few weeks, and I have to say it was a personal pleasure of mine to spend a little time with Angelo at Ruchetta Italian restaurant on Rose Street in the centre of Wokingham, and he talks about his passions in our interview. Then, just over the road with Jayne and Anna at Anthony Blay menswear, (who really do have the best sense of homour) so it really is worth taking a walk down Rose Street - Great foodGreat Fashion, and all together a classic example of more Wokingham Local talent.
A Great Read - Our magazine is renown for its original features and interesting articles and this issue is no different.
We have 50 Shades of Green, Jessica Cox Design with how to ‘Elivate Your Interiors’, Join Us Outside, Yeoman Guards at the Tower of London, Legoland and Dawali Celebrations with Bombay Indian Kitchen and the Spicy Chef.
All this before we look towards Christmas and the Winter Carnival, festivities at Brucan pubs and the headline of Christmas Special edition - CHALK on Broad Street. We are all looking forward to that! Would you like to join us?
Thames Valley Aesthetics is an accredited clinic that specialises in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. We can help you achieve the look you want with dermal filler and Aesthetic treatments in Berkshire. All of our practitioners are medically trained and certified and will ensure your treatment is safe, effective and as painless as possible.
We offer free no-obligation consultations for every treatment. We are here to give you all the information and advice you need so you can make the right decision for you. Our team will provide you with natural but noticeable results that will revitalise your face and restore your confidence.
OUR TREATMENTS INCLUDE:
Anti-wrinkle injections | Dermal fillers - lips, cheek, tear trough, chin, nasolabial lines & marionettes
Skin boosters such as Profhilo or Revive | Skin lesion removal - cyst, skin tags, moles (subject to assessment)
Heavy sweating - hands or armpits | Botulinum toxin for migraines | Skin care, acne, rosacea
“Simon Thorpe is a surgically trained prescribing clinician with over 20 years experience.’’
Contact us at Thames Valley Aesthetics to book your consultation for dermal fillers and Aesthetic Treatments in Berkshire, Windsor or Wokingham.
“I am delighted with the results of my recent Botox with Simon. Simon is a conscientious man who takes his duties seriously and with a friendly and pleasant manner I had no hesitation in recommending him to my daughter - who also had Botox - the effects were seen the next day! He also offered her good advice with skin care treatment. His medical knowledge is very useful. For anyone young or old I recommend you see Simon for treatment”. Claire | July 2022 | Wokingham
Simon Thorpe MSc,PGDip l PGCert Independent Prescribing l Advanced Aesthetics Practitioner and Director 07852300203 | simon@thamesvalleyaesthetics.uk | www.thamesvalleyaesthetics.uk
While the convenience of online shopping has been something of game-changer in recent times, you can’t beat shopping the good old bricks and mortar way, and the doors of the recently refurbished menswear fashion shop on Rose Street in the town centre of Wokingham, are well and truly open.
For many years Anthony Blay have been the exclusive formal menswear retail and suit hire shop for stylish men of Wokingham and the wider Berkshire area, and now with their designer and casual range of stylish fashionable mens retail clothing, their customer base now extends throughout the South of England.
With that in mind, here are the latest in the range on offer at Anthony Blay that any stylish man should add to their list the next time they’re in the Wokingham area. There is ample free parking to the rear of the shop, which enhances the shopping experience with no time pressures.
From Jayne, the owner, and her team who remember your name and offer sound style advice, to being able to try items on for size, feel, materials, browse collections at a glance and arrange alterations on the spot, a trip to Anthony Blay menswear shop is incomparable. Plus, becoming a loyal client of a local store can bring additional perks such as sale previews, extra discounts and being bumped up the waiting list for the next designer must-have, which includes a wide retail range of jeans, chinos, shorts, shirts, t-shirts, socks, pants and beltsshowing ‘’young ones are setting the trend!’’
At Anthony Blay on Rose Street we stock all the latest must-have clothes and accessories, this week, and every week. As the Exclusive menswear shop in Wokingham our casual retail range means that -
From shirts, t-shirt, chinos and jeans, belts, socks and pants, to David Aster designer bracelets and more. All readily available to purchase off the shelf, in several colours and sizes to suit all our trendy young ones. Call in, we are open Monday to Saturday, please check the website for full information www.anthonyblay.co.uk
Meet Angelo at Ruchetta, Italian Trattoria on Rose Street in the town centre of Wokingham.
Jacqui Priestley, owner and editor of Wokingham Local magazine, had the absolute pleasure to meet up with Angelo at Ruchetta restaurant recently over a delicious cup of cappuccino, when he talked about his love of family and friends, food, his restaurant of 20 years, Ruchetta on Rose Street, and his delightful customers.
When you first meet Angelo I have to say you are taken in immediately by his genuine warmth, his lovely smile, charming Italian accent, and the
entrepreneurial spirit that has meant Ruchetta has thrived as a fantastic family friendly trattoria now for more than 20 years at the same place on Rose Street in Wokingham. That in itself, when you consider Angelo is the head chef and also interchanges his duties as a popular front of house host, is quite something of an accomplishment. Of course, he has a fabulous team behind him, who between them serve authentic traditional Italian dishes, in a down to earth way, with many specials of the day using local sustainable ingredients.
Angelo explained how mussels are in or out of season, and when is the best time to buy lobster, also how to work a menu that can change on daily basis depending on what is sourced locally. His menu items have several links to our UK shores for delicious seafood in particular.
And what of the restaurant itself? Ruchetta, from the outside looks compact, boutique, and traditional – which it is, all of that. However, there is so much more - once inside there is actually room for 45 covers in an evening session, as the restaurant itself does go quite a way back, with a combination of more open rooms, cosy corners and a very airy, light conservatory space at the rear, so it really does open up to gatherings of family and friends, alongside intimate dinners and small celebratory parties.
Talking of party vibes, I asked Angelo what his plans for the festive season are, and really to no surprise, he explained that the restaurant does not really change at all. There will be excellent and varied food, great wines, a relaxed and very happy dining experience for all customers, whether they are his regulars or newly introduced to Ruchetta, and they will all be made to feel very welcome, and
not rushed in any way, as there is no time limit at all to the length of time at the table. There is one cover per evening, so sit back, relax, and order another bottle of delicious wine, cocktail or espresso.
So, what of Christmas Day? Angelo will be taking the day off to enjoy it with his beloved family – and why not, as that is his first true passion! Just a note though, before we reach the festive season, should you wish to join Angelo and his guests at Ruchetta for an amazing wine tasting evening then please do contact him direct for full details and to book this special ocassion. Indeed, advance booking is recommended for any evening, and particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, to avoid disappointment.
For the most amazing, authentic Italian food, and for a family friendly evening to remember, contact Angelo…
Bring the children along to start their passion for reading, plus it’s the perfect place for older children to study and revise in peace and quiet, away from distractions, in a cool modern setting, condusive to learning and there are plenty of computers to use.
Then for the ‘not so tech savy’ Pratts Pods will be assiting every Tuesday afternoon between 2 and 4pm with your queries and technical needs, and it is absolutely free of charge.
Don’t forget - on your way out, pick up a Free copy of Wokingham Local magazine, for all your local articles and events, interesting features and fabulous insights and interviews.
A view of the fresh new library at Carnival Hub, Wokingham
Membership of a nationwide carpet buying group assures the customer of keen pricing without compromising on quality or choice, and all flooring is laid by personable, expert fitters. By working with you and offering honest, impartial advice, they will go out of their way to ensure you receive the perfect result, whatever your budget.
They have an excellent selection of flooring carefully chosen on merit, and over 400 rugs in stock. In addition they are agents for the internationally renowned Louis de Poortere rug manufacturer and all rugs are price matched to the Internet so you can benefit from expert help and advice whilst knowing you are paying only the keenest price.
Free parking is available right outside the shop, or home visits with samples can easily be arranged. Nick’s hours are more limited these days, but he is contactable on his mobile between 7am and 5pm week days and private appointments are available in the shop whenever required.
Opening times:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 10.30am to 2.00pm. Saturday 10.30am to 4.00pm
www.alexandercarpets.co.uk
“Highly recommend Nick and Alexander Carpets! A great range range of high quality options, and Nick is very knowledgeable and helpful. Nick was able to fit us in quickly, meaning we had carpets for Christmas which was fantastic. His fitter and carpenter were also excellent. Overall great value and service, much better than the corporate carpet companies. We will definitely use them again.’’
91 Bean Oak Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1RJ
Our homes are filled with all different kinds of textiles – to help make our day to day living as comfortable as possible. From the sheets you sleep in, to the sofas you sit on and even the towels you grab after your shower! Being clever with the types of textiles you choose and what you add into your home can elevate your interiors and add an extra level of comfort – especially important at this time of year as the weather gets cooler…
Some tips to help choose the right textiles for your space:
Rugs can be used all round the home, the obvious place being in the living room – where a large piece in a colour to suit your scheme can help tie all the other pieces together. Modern rugs come in a wide range of materials – some which withstand a lot of wear and tear and are extremely stain repellent (ideal for busy households).
If putting on top of a hard floor, choose a deeper pile for extra comfort, and flatweaves work best on carpet. When choosing rugs for a living room, always go for the biggest size possible for the room, ideally to have the feet of the sofas and armchairs all sat on top of it. Rugs can also be introduced into bedrooms – a lovely sheepskin by the bed to make cold mornings a bit more bearable, or a round piece to sit under an armchair always works really well. And don’t forget the hallways, utility rooms and even bathrooms – a cotton rug that can go in the washing machine is ideal in these spaces - there will be pieces to suit all environments!
Using curtains and blinds in your home are not only practical for blocking out the light when needed, but they also offer additional thermal properties to keep the heat in (and the cold out) especially when thicker, thermal interliner is used. Curtains can also elevate a room and even make the
Meet Wokingham Local’s feature article Interior Designer –Jessica Cox, of Jessica Cox Design Ltd YOUR INTERIORSceilings feel taller – the trick here is to put the track or pole as close to the ceiling as possible, and to extend the pole past the window so that the curtains can pull right back off it when open – creating the feeling of a bigger opening. Curtains can be an investment, so I would advise keeping the materials neutral or in a colour/ pattern that is more subtle – that way the rest of the room can be redecorated without needing to change the curtains or blinds. There are so many different types of fabrics and poles and heading styles to consider, it’s always best to consult with a professional if you can – to ensure you get the perfect treatments for your space.
Cushions and throws can often be overlooked –but these are the details that can help an interior space come to life! Soft furnishings will bring the element of warmth to any living space and will help to complement the bigger items like the sofas, beds and window treatments. In an almost infinite option of colours, materials and textures – there will be cushions to suit every scheme. I like to use a mix of fabrics when arranging cushions, velvet and linen work well as a pair and cotton and something really textured like a boucle or wool sit so nicely together. If you can have your cushions made bespoke – this is when the whole scheme feels very polished – you can tie in the other colours and fabrics found in the space as well as having different fronts, backs and even piping. Then add in a few big throws to work with the cushions, perfect to curl up in at the end of the day and you’ve created a cosy, welcoming environment with a few key pieces!
WL: When did you know you wanted to become a business owner and entrepreneur?
SW: It was quite by accident. I’ve always loved interiors, and I went on a curtain-making course after finishing my Interior Design BTEC. I then started making curtains and blinds for friends and family, and the business grew from there.
WL: How did you get the idea for your business?
SW: During my childhood, I spent every spare moment endlessly redecorating and reorganising my bedroom, and I thrived in the creative subjects at school! Art, Drama and Textiles became my passions. As I mentioned, I went on to do a National Diploma in Interior Design before setting my sights on interior design for the residential market. Fabrics are a real passion of mine, so I naturally specialised in curtains, blinds and cushions.
Starting from my dining room table making my curtains, I quickly progressed to client orders and then making for other designers.
After having my second daughter, I realised my real passion was not just for the actual sewing but the design. The product knowledge of which pole will fit where, the fabric colours, designs and textures and putting it together.
WL: How do you come up with new ideas for your business?
SW: Bouncing ideas off of friends, family and colleagues and sharing their ideas creates excellent opportunities to add new elements to the business.
WL: What motivates you?
SW: My biggest motivation is helping people make their homes beautiful! I love what I do.
painted before them. Since 2012, I have been lucky enough to have had a front-row seat in homes all over Surrey, Berkshire and beyond - big houses, small houses, flats, bungalows and mansions! I have gained so much experience from every window I’ve hung a blind on to every sofa I’ve designed a cushion for. But I have had some help along the way.
WL: What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
SW: Never put all your eggs in one basket.
WL: Who is your biggest inspiration?
SW: My biggest inspiration is Interior Designer Kelly Hoppen, one of the world’s most celebrated and sought-after interior designers. Kelly’s everevolving style, defined by a subtle fusion of clean lines and neutral tones and intuitively balanced with an opulent warmth, has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards and accolades, including a CBE for services to interior design in 2009.
SW: I love the woodland areas where I walk my dogs. Wokingham has that winning combination of the best of urban and rural life right on its doorstep. I also really like Holme Grange Craft Village, there is always something new to discover there, and it’s so important to support independent traders.
WL: What do you do to relax?
SW: I always like to be busy; when I have a moment to relax, I enjoy walking my dogs, Laurie and Hallie.
WL: What is your future ambition? SW: To keep doing what I love and grow Sophie Sews!
We are a family-owned business based in the South of England. We provide end-to-end top class tree services to residential and commercial customers across Berkshire, Surrey and surrounding areas. The high quality of the work we do is backed up with fully compliant working practices and a well-trained and experienced team.
• Pruning • Pollarding • Planting
• Crown Reductions & Thinning
Crown Lifting
• Hedge Trimming • Hedge Removal
• Tree Felling • Tree Stump Removal
WHY CHOOSE US?
We are professional tree care specialists, providing a safe, quick and reliable service, and we have competitive rates.
“Great services, very professional approach, quick in their job, they also cleaned up everything. I was provided with information for every single step of the process.’’ MS
“For every tree felled or medium to large stump removal we complete, we offer a tree and replanting Free of Charge from a Tree Charity we support’’ (subject to availability)
To celebrate 50 years spent in gardens around the world, Alan Titchmarsh counted down his 50 favourite shades of green, visiting stunning locations in Britain for ITV last month, and here are just a few of them.
Travel to the depths of the rainforest inside the Palm House, at Kew Gardens, where the air is heavy and dense with lush vegetation. Wander through and you’ll discover rainforest treasures like the oldest pot plant in the world or the disease-fighting periwinkle. Many plants in this collection are endangered in the wild, some even extinct. Others – like the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), or cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao) – are a source of huge value to societies around the world for the fruit, timber, spices or medicine they produce.
Highgrove is the private residence of TRH The Princes of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and since 1980 when the Prince of Wales first arrived, he has devoted much of his time and energy to transforming the incredible gardens. They comprise of a varied collection of landscapes, from the genteel Sundial Garden to the unstructured beauty of the Wildflower Meadow. For traditional Cotswold flora, look to the Cottage Garden where English traditional style meets the colours of Tibet.
Palm House sunset
Kew Gardens
These unusual nuances create an exceptional and ethereal environment, and one you aren’t sure to forget.
Bees, Herbs and more can be found with Fortnum & Mason’s ‘The Roof at Piccadilly’ Positioned as they are in the heart of the capital, the rooftop offers extraordinary views across London. But that’s not all that can be found on top of 181 Piccadilly. ‘’There is a real need to improve the quality of the air that we breathe in London. This is why in 2018, we installed 200m² of moss and wildflower panels on the roof, to improve air quality and carbon removal around our Piccadilly store. Since 2008, we’ve also kept our own bees in rooftop hives, grown our own herbs and vegetables in our sky-high allotments.’’ Alan’s favourite flower? A very vigorous English rose named Rose Constance Spry with fully double, rich, rose pink flowers that can be 12cm across. The roses are borne on nodding stems in summer and are deliciously myrrh-scented. As it has an arching habit it can be grown as a climber up to 4m tall and is especially good for growing up a pillar. However it can also be pruned as a beautiful shrub.
Continued on page 25
Highgrove bees
Highgrove
Fortnum & Mason’s ‘The Roof at Picadilly’
You don’t have a tonne of money for marketing so you cobble together some social media and tell everyone you know.
A few of those people visit early on and are pleasantly surprised by your cocktail range and service.
They think it’s nice and they go about their day as normal.
orYou manage to attract a bunch of people in from the street with a bold yet sophisticated entrance. This place is buzzing, it’s got a vibe that’s infectious.
Every touch point is an experience. The comfy bar stools, the cool brass detailing and the lighting is on point.
They take a snap or 5 and post on socials immediately.
“You HAVE to see this new bar in town!”
“AND their cocktail list and service is incredible!”
That kind of marketing is Free and Powerful
I have a huge passion for making hospitality and leisure businesses a success. There is nothing I love more than seeing them thrive. When I work with clients I get to the root of their business and their story. Right away I look at where we can make the most impact with their budget in mind.
This is why I focus on creating experiences. I figure out what feelings your customers should have when they see you across the street or step through your door. People now more than ever want a reason to leave their home. Give them a reason to ditch their takeaway app or their makeshift gym. Give them an experience!
There are so many aspects to consider when you want to open a new bar or refurb your restaurant. You may be strapped for time and want to make the most impact with your budget. I deep dive intothe functions of your business and figure out what the main areas of focus are. My aim is always to bring you more attention, more customers and more money in the bank.
If you’re ready to invest in your Interior Design then I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch by email or phone to book in a free consultation call.
Lauren Roberts - LR Interiors
Introductions - A good friend of of mine, and supporter of our magazine, Lauren Roberts, commercial interior designer and owner of LR Interiors headlines our very first Bracknell Local magazine with ‘Attract a Crowd with Statement Interior Design’, a thought provoking article! We welcome new businesses: BNA Plumbing; Moss End Garden Village and Robyn’s Nest Cafe; Coral Reef Waterpark and ATR Removals, alongside an informative article by Stefan of JSJ Smart Homes. Whilst ‘out and about’ we visit Crowthorne Village where the local community definitely support their independent shops and traders, and as always we recieve ‘service with a smile’ from our tech team at Pratts Pods Ltd.
We are really looking forward to meeting more Bracknell Local businesses in our Christmas Special edition. Would you like to feature or advertise?
2 LR Interiors
Invest in your interior design
5 BNA Plumbing & Heating
6 Moss End Garden Village Redefining ideas
8 What is a Smart Home? JSJ Smart Home Ltd
10 Village Life - Crowthorne Introducing Crowthorne
12 Bracknell and Wokingham College
13 Coral Reef Waterworld
14 ATR Removals & Storage
15 Service with a Smile Pratts Pods
At Moss End Garden Village, we have redefined the idea of a local garden centre. We host a community of local independent retailers offering an extensive range of unique products, combined with fun activities for all the family, great facilities, and a whole range of food and drink, including Robyn’s Nest cafe and Italian cuisine from il cortile deli, where you can eat in or take away.
Moss End Garden Village, not only houses a fabulous garden centre, for all your indoor and outdoor garden products, but is now well on the way to becoming the premier location for your home, garden, food, pet, craft and leisure needs, and for a fun day out for all the family, look no further.
With the addition of some more exciting new businesses: including Feathers & Fur Falconry centre, home to 23 birds of prey; Aqua Tubs for your hot tub needs; Garden Trends, offering a wide range of outdoor furniture, kitchen and BBQ ideas; The Jungle Reptiles, home to exotic creatures and Moo Music Bracknell offering music and sensory sessions for babies, toddlers and young children.
Plus, who could resist a visit to Cryptic Cabin gaming shop, whether you are young or not so young - this is a must see!
There is so much more to see, and the garden village is open 7days a week, has public toilets and disabled facilities, ample free parking and holds events throughout the year.
For
www.mossendgardenvillage.co.uk
shops please
Imagine you’re coming home on a wet and windy autumn evening. Your clothes are soaked, so you turn on the boiler from your smartphone to have a hot shower the second you get in. Your partner is getting home in a few minutes, and they’ve had an awful day at work, so you put on their favorite playlist, turn up the heating in the living room, and record a message which will play over the speakers when they enter. The postman rang the doorbell earlier, which triggered the automated greeting you recorded telling him to leave your package next door. You’ll have to stop off there first, but after that it’s another cosy night in your fully-automated smart home.
A smart home allows you to remotely control appliances throughout your house using a smartphone or any other device connected to the network. There is no defined set of requirements; the features of any smart home are fully customizable, from security alarms, heating, lighting, electrical appliances, to multimedia systems in every room.
Smart homes were once thought to be the preserve of the gadget-obsessed ultra-rich. They conjured science fiction images of simulated home assistants but manifested as a clapper light switch and speakers in two rooms. Since the advent of wireless broadband and smartphones, however, the installation of connected devices has become more
cost effective. If full scale home automation used to mean spending millions taking apart your house and putting it back together again, companies like Hive and Nest have now made integrating smart home features possible for only a few hundred pounds.
Whether they are designing a new house or retrofitting smart home features into their existing home, most people see their smart home as a way of improving energy efficiency or the security of the property. But controlling your heating and your lights remotely is just the start. Your house could turn the lights and the TV on and off to mimic occupancy while you’re away on holiday. An alert on your phone could tell you that one of the motion sensors has detected a movement on the property. You could trigger the alarm, close the shutters, even use panic buttons connected to other devices in the home, if you think something is amiss. The only limit to what is possible is your imagination.
As more people than ever are choosing flexible working or working from home full-time, smart homes are likely to increase in popularity. Piping your conference call through the kitchen speakers while chopping vegetables for dinner might segue into triggering your “do not disturb” profile to hide notifications from work emails after five o’clock.
Our homes have changed from the place where we eat and sleep after the day’s work, to where we work, play, rest, and grow. No matter who the home was built for, it can be made into a palace fit for a king.
At JSJ, we work with you to design, build, and program your own bespoke smart home. JSJ was created by Stefan Knight in 2009, when he upgraded his own two-bed flat in Harlesden with a fully integrated smart home that could be controlled from anywhere in the world. His aim was to bring the smart features of a multi-million-pound penthouse to homes everywhere.
JSJ Smart Homes Ltd
M:0784 683 5320
T: 0203 283 8485
Crowthorne is a village and civil parish in the Bracknell Forest district of southeastern Berkshire. The village is best known for Wellington College, a large co-educational boarding and day independent school, which opened in 1859 as a national monument in honour of the Duke of Wellington.
So, what is so attractive about Crowthorne, and why do people relocate out of larger cities to villages such as Crowthorne? Usually it’s because they are tired of the hustle and bustle of city life; the sheer number of people around them when they walk down the street, the amount of traffic clogging up the roads, the lack of green space and simply put they want a greener, more relaxed lifestyle. Often this decision is triggered by a growing family; new parents wanting to bring up their children in a more rural setting with great schools. According to Michael Hardy, estate agents… With its lovely countryside and outstanding schools, Crowthorne fits the bill for many looking to relocate out of the city. Still within easy commute of London, Crowthorne and its village life make a very attractive prospect for people looking for that change of pace. While Crowthorne station doesn’t offer any direct trains to London, you can still get to Paddington via Reading in less than an hour or Waterloo via Guildford in about 80 minutes. In fact a few years ago, Crowthorne was voted the 2nd best place to live in England and Wales for families in a report by Family Investments.
Crowthorne, a Village Community in a Beautiful Rural Setting The historical village of Crowthorne was only a small hamlet in the early 1800s until Wellington College was opened in 1859 but it grew quickly thereafter.
The village is nestled amongst the nature reserves and sites of special scientific interest at Heath Lake, Wildmoor Heath, Swinley Forest and Edgbarrow Woods. If you are a keen explorer, having such a wealth and choice of parkland with amazing walks, cycle routes and adventure play areas for children on your doorstep means you’ll never be bored!
The village encourages a great sense of community by hosting various regular events, which as well as providing great entertainment and fun for the village, also supports the local tradesmen, retailers, community groups and churches. The annual May Fair being one such event, offers lots of stalls and activities for all the family and is where local organisations and groups come together to support and keep alive that village ethos. I hear it also has a very busy beer tent!
Every other year the Crowthorne Carnival brings the whole village together in celebration as all the pre-schools, schools, youth groups and local businesses show off their creativity with a themed procession of floats through the village; arriving for a huge fair at the Morgan Recreation Ground. With a carnival princess competition, dancing, music displays, stalls and fun fair it is always great fun and a huge success.
For the festive period, the village hosts a special Christmas shopping night when the shops stay open late and offer food and drinks to the locals who turn out in their hundreds.
There are lots of activities with face-painting and hair-braiding in some of the local shops, food stalls and market traders. The local fire crew also display one of their fire engines for children to explore and of course Father Christmas sets up his grotto in the local library!
The high street is a thriving hub of activity with every space it seems taken up by mostly independent traders, some household retail names and an abundance of pubs, coffee shops and takeaways. It is a Village centre and High Street to rival most Towns. There are many signs stating ‘support your local traders’ in shop windows, and with local produce available to buy, from the butchers, among others, there is only one conclusion - it obviously is working.
Looking to start college in September 2023? Bracknell and Wokingham College invites you to attend our upcoming October Open Event on Saturday 15 October. Our college will be open for you to explore between 9:30am and 12:30pm, and will give you the opportunity to:
Discover our wide range of courses and programmes.
Explore our newly renovated campus and fantastic facilities.
Meet our friendly teachers, tutors and student support staff. Meet fellow students.
Speak to our Apprenticeship and Higher Education teams. If you’re still unsure of what to do have a chat with our Careers Advisors and Advice Team about your options.
This is your opportunity to ask as many questions as you like!
We will also have our Adult Education and Career zone, designed to help those looking to return to education (including Higher Education) or needing help into employment. We even have opportunities for you to work with us at the college!
Stop by and speak to our team and see what you can discover. We look forward to seeing you on-campus!
One of the most popular Leisure facilities in the region, it is fun for all the family and shipmates of all ages.
Come on down and see our brand new Splash lagoon, an enjoyable, vibrant interactive water pad.
5 Giant slides, customisable, inclusive and able to be enjoyed alone or with a partner.
Open rain or shine with on-site restaurant, party bookings, with an outdoor pool area and private spa and sauna facilities.
Sufficient parking and gift shop for souvenirs and all your poolside needs!
Walk the plank and dive on in at Coral Reef Waterworld Bracknell!!
All bookings must be booked online via the Everyone Active website.
www.everyoneactive.com/coralreef
Things have changed over the last few years and the time period between exchange and completion has been compressed, sometimes there are only a matter of days to get your home packed up and ready for the ‘big day’...
A professional removal company will give you the expertise and experience required to deliver a quick and efficient service, giving you peace-of-mind and be as stress free as possible, even with the most complex of moves. Professional moving companies, such as ourselves at ATR Removals, invest in specialised lorries, high quality packing materials, storage facilities and have teams of trained skilled staff to save you time and protect your belongings whilst in transit. Moving can be a stressful experience and you may also require storage for days, weeks or months. The most cost effective way to reduce double handing of your possessions is to consider container storage over self storage, a safe, quick and efficient way to store your belongings.
There are many reasons to consider a professional moving company; reduce stress, time, overall costs and having been in the industry for nearly 30 years as a family owned and operated business we would always recommend you do your research. Ask friends, family and neighbours for recommendations, check out online reviews, ask for a free quote early in the process and never be worried about asking questions… at ATR Removals, we are here to help you and provide you with a fast and friendly service.
www.prattspods.co.uk
Whatever your needs, Pratts Pods have been fixing electrical devices for over a decade and with great prices, brilliant customer service and guarantees as standard why not let our team take care of your tech repairs today. Do you have an electrical device (laptop, MacBook, Smart phone, tablet, Nintendo Switch or similar) that is worse for wear and in urgent need of a repair? With great quality service and fast turnaround repairs we should be your only click today! Using only the best quality parts, fitted by highly trained technicians whilst offering a 3 month return to base warranty, you can feel rest assured that your devices are in the right hands.
No matter what your needs are our friendly and professional repair engineers are here to help you and set your mind at ease. Contact our friendly team today.
My business is grown mainly through word of mouth, if you have been happy with the service provided please pass on my details to a friend in need.
Trebah, Cornwall is a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. You can discover the magic of this beautiful 26 acre Cornish valley garden, with over four miles of footpaths. Explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms and follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to our very own secluded beach on the Helford River. Trebah offers visitors a year round experience. In spring, Trebah comes alive with a colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias. In summer, the giant gunnera is a must see for young and old. In autumn, Hydrangea Valley casts clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard Pond. In winter, our spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape, whilst plants from the southern hemisphere start to flower.
Rose Constance Spry
Trebah
Hydranga - Trebah
Water - Trebah
“I can’t recommend this firm highly enough. Lewis is an absolute testament to the word ‘Professional’. The job was run with the utmost attention to even the finest of details. Every challenge was discussed, thought through, executed and overcome perfectly. It was an absolute pleasure dealing with L&E Leadwork and Roofing Services and I would encourage anyone in need to employ their services”
“Lewis and his team did the roofing on a large extension in Caversham- Felt and batten, tiling, leadwork. I only have good things to say: His quality of work is of the highest standard. His team are all friendly and polite. They all worked really hard to get the job done ahead of schedule. I would highly recommend L&E Leadwork”
At L&E Leadwork and Roofing Services our main priority is our quality of work. Having an expert in every aspect of roofing within our business, we pride ourselves in providing work of the highest standard.
Whether it be a Pitched Roof, Flat Roof, Leadwork or small repairs, you can be confident in the knowledge that you have the very best specialist to under take your project. With over 15 years worth of knowledge and expertise we are justifiably proud of our reputation.
L&E LEADWORK AND ROOFING SERVICES www.landeleadworkandroofing.co.uk lewis@landeleadworkandroofing.co.uk
862706
‘’We love our job advising and then watching people falling in love with their gardens and connecting with nature... Nicola
Autumn and winter are a great time to tidy up and to really think about how you use your garden, it’s an incredibly important space. But just as significant is getting it ready to enjoy in the Spring. For us, nothing beats witnessing the journey from a frustrated or daunted client to someone who loves spending time in a treasured garden, and this can be achieved over the winter months.
Here are our top tips for giving your garden an easy spruce up through Autumn.
• Place garden pots with seasonal colour in key areas to enjoy close to the house or within your view from inside
• Plant spring bulbs which will attract early pollinators and create colour
• Lift, split and divide perennials and replant
• Weed borders and then mulch to keep weeds at bay all winter
• Cut back spent flowers or leave for insects to overwinter on
• Place water and food out for the birds
• Plant new purchases into warm soil to be watered by seasonal rain
• Check that climbers are tied in, and trellises are secure before winter winds
• Clear up fallen leaves to allow light to the grass
• Aerate your lawn with a garden fork to avoid waterlogging.
As garden designers we evaluate, not only how a garden looks, but how it functions too. We believe in creating beautiful, natural spaces that inspire people
to get outside, but also encourage nature to visit these “Outside Rooms”. Remember that a good garden design will also add value to your property. So, in the Winter you may want to plan a longer term edit to your outside space, which can be put in place for the spring:
Start with how you want to ‘feel’ when you are in your garden, treat the process the same as considering any room inside your house, to do this ask yourself the following:
• Think of the plants, scents, and colours that you love, write a list!
• What to do love about your garden? What do you not love?
• Where did you spend the most time in your garden this summer? And why?
• Does your seating area and furniture work for you?
• Is there room for entertaining, cooking, children playing, storage, pets and, most importantly, relaxing?
• Do you have any enough privacy?
• Do the boundaries of your garden work? These are super important and make a huge difference in how a garden looks.
Next, we consider how much time you want (or have) to spend looking after your garden, so consider:
• Evergreen plants reduce the opportunity for weeds to take hold, therefore less time weeding
• Select cultivars that flower for long periods, less deadheading required
• Choose plants that don’t require loads of attention. This is key when your time is precious
• Make sure plants are suited for the right aspect of your garden, so they thrive and flourish with our mantra of right plant, right place.
Nicola and Viv designed a garden for us that was low maintenance, interesting, abundant with colours and scents, but also had an area for our grandchildren to play. We couldn’t have done it without them! Mr & Mrs Chester, Sunningdale
If you feel a little overwhelmed when thinking about planning a new garden, please get in touch. We offer a free 20 min call to chat about what you are hoping to achieve.
Nicola or Viv at Outside Design nicola@joinusoutside.co.uk viv@joinusoutside.co.uk www.joinusoutside.co.uk
We are based at Hillier Garden Centre, Sunningdale and would love to see you there.
Are suppliers and installers of bespoke made windows, doors and conservatories who pride themselves on quality, offering a vast amount of window and door products from upvc to hardwood to suit all needs and enhance your home. Spread the cost with our finance available from 0% APR. All installations come with a 10 year insurance backed guarantee and the completed installation registered with CERTASS.
Lantern and Flat Roof Lights, just one of Glazed Windows and Doors specialities
Supplying and installing made to measure lantern and flat roof lights, manufactured from aluminium will slim sightlines, lantern roofs flood your home with natural light. With a choice of self-cleaning glass (grey, blue or clear tints) allowing the lantern and flat roof light to suit any home.
Glazed Windows and Doors Limited are partners with Origin Doors and Windows who are fast becoming the number 1 brand of bifolding doors, patio doors and windows in the UK.
Origin offer a vast number of products that suit any property whether it is a replacement of an existing door or window or a new build extension.
Create your dream home with Glazed Windows and Doors Limitedcall us to arrange a free quotation 0118 405 0186
sales@glazedwindowsanddoors.co.uk
When William the Conqueror built a mighty stone tower at the centre of his London fortress in the 1070s, defeated Londoners must have looked on in awe. Now nearly 1000 years later, the Tower still has the capacity to fascinate and horrify. As protector of the Crown Jewels, home of the Yeomen Warders and its legendary guardians, the pampered ravens, the Tower now attracts over three million visitors a year. Here, the Ceremony of the Keys and other traditions live on, as do the ghost stories and terrible tales of torture and execution. But the Tower also has a richer and more complex history, having been home to a wide array of institutions including the Royal Mint, the Royal Armouries and even a zoo.
Although the Tower wasn’t built as a prison, hundreds of poeple were incarcerated here. The first prisoner of the Tower, Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham
was also the Tower’s first escapee. In 1101 he climbed through one of the White Tower’s windows using a rope smuggled to him in a gallon of wine.
Over 800 years later, on 15 August 1941, Josef Jakobs was the last person to be executed by firing squad at the Tower, having been found guilty of spying for Germany during the Second World War. In between, the Tower has held in custody Scottish Kings and French Dukes, young princes and princesses and lords, ladies and archbishops, alongside common thieves, religious conspirators and even a few politicians.
The young Princess Elizabeth was one of the most famous inmates at the Tower. She was imprisoned by her half-sister Mary I, who in the early days of her reign feared that Elizabeth was plotting against her. Elizabeth arrived at the Tower on 17 March 1554. Legend has it that she entered through Traitors’ Gate, but it is known she walked over a
drawbridge, where some of the more sympathetic guards knelt before her. Held in her mother’s former apartments, Elizabeth was comfortable, but under severe psychological strain. Eventually lack of evidence meant Elizabeth was released into house arrest on 19 May, the anniversary of her mother Anne Boleyn’s execution. In January 1559 she returned under happier circumstances - to prepare for her coronation procession.
One of the most divisive figures in British history. Her love-match with Henry VIII and her subsequent execution at the Tower of London after only three years of marriage have inspired dozens of books and films. Everyone wants to know how she really felt and how and why she became queen: was she a ruthless schemer or was her death simply a tragic consequence of court politics?’ We will never, really, know. And all the portraits of Anne that survive were created during the reign of her daughter, Elizabeth I. The fascination with the life and death of Anne Boleyn lives on. The closest we can get to Anne today is by visiting her final resting place; she is buried in the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London.
The Crown Jewels are the nation’s most precious treasures. Comprising more than 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones, the Crown Jewels are priceless, being of incalculable cultural, historical, and symbolic value. They are part of the Royal Collection, held in trust by the monarch for the nation. Since the 1600s the ‘Crown Jewels’ have been protected at the Tower of London.
Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor times. Nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’, the Yeoman Body of 32 men and women are all drawn from the Armed Forces. Yeoman Warders were originally part of the Yeoman of the Guard –the monarch’s personal, crack bodyguard who traveled with him everywhere. Henry VIII decided that the Tower should be protected by part of the royal
bodyguard. These ‘Yeoman Warders’ were eventually granted the right to wear the splendid red uniform, which today is known as the state dress uniform and is worn on state occasions such as the monarch’s birthday. The more durable everyday dark blue ‘undress’ uniform was introduced in the 19th century.
Today’s Yeoman Warders need to have at least 22 years’ military service. Apart from that, they need to have reached the rank of warrant officer and to have been awarded the long service and good conduct medal.
Picking up from a point near
And many more to choose from
Including our Taxi Service Home/Coach/Home
Scotland - Wales - Southern Ireland
Cotswolds - Norfolk - Yorkshire - Boppard St Anton - Channel Islands
And many other destinations
For further details check out the website, email us or telephone our office for a copy of our brochure.
www.seekerstravel.co.uk
Email - info@seekerstravel.co.uk Telephone - 01252 761047
Halloween has landed at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and the LEGOLAND® team have been hard at work to add the finishing touches to the Brick Or Treat presents Monster Party event launching in October.
Set to be the biggest and best party of all for monsters big and small, the epic celebrations will haunt the full month of October for the very first time to feature ghoulishly good fun and a host of fang-tastic new shows and experiences. There’s supersize, joketelling LEGO® Pumpkin and skeleton heads, LEGO® inspired bats, mini pumpkins and spiders decorating the theme park. In addition to this, five new costume characters including Monster Rocker, Wolf Guy and Square Foot will be on hand to meet guests and pose for selfies around the Resort, giving families plenty of picture-perfect Halloween moments.
www.legoland.co.uk
Holme Grange Craft Village, just 2 minutes from Wokingham Town Centre, with it’s quirky, entrancing range of shops, workshops and converted barns, packed full of independent traders and artisan crafters, where you will receive a warm welcome together with a unique shopping experience - there really is somehing for everyone, so let’s take a peek inside...
October 23, 2022 Sunday and ends with Bhai Dooj on October 27, 2022 Thursday. Lakshmi Puja, the most auspicious of diwali festival days is celebrated as the day of Diwali. Hence, Diwali 2022 falls on Monday, October 24.
In 2020, North India will celebrate Diwali and South India will celebrate Deepavali on the same day. In north India, Diwali is a five day long celebration that commences with Dhanteras on the 13th lunar day of the Krishna paksha of the Indian month of Karthik. It ends with the celebration of Bhai Dooj that falls on the 17th lunar day of the Shukla paksha of the Indian month of Karthik. Both are taken from the Purimnata calendar.
“Diwali illuminates our houses and hearts and preaches the message of friendship and togetherness. Light is the depiction of hope, success, knowledge and fortune and Diwali reinforces our faith in these virtues of life.’’
Big Diwali fairs are held across the country. These fairs are centers of business and many artists and acrobats are seen performing in these events.
Since Diwali is the resemblance of everything that is ‘good’, this festival has been the centre of many mythological stories. Lord Rama returned to Ayodha on this day along with sita and Lakshman after he attained victory over Ravana, the ten headed demon king of Lanka. On this occasion, the local people lit earthen lamps and burst crackers to welcome their King and queen back to the throne.
This day is also celebrated as the union of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu in heaven. In Bengal, this day is celebrated to worship the most powerful Goddess of ‘shakti’ - Devi Kali. In the Jain culture, this day is of utmost importance as Mahavira attained the final ‘nirvana’ on this day. In ancient India, this day was celebrated as the harvest festival. Diwali also marks the death anniversary of Dayanand Saraswati, the ‘hero’ of the Arya Samaj.
Diwali is a fabulous festival with vibrant colours, rangoli patterns, fireworks and lots of sharing food with family and friends. Traditionally the Diwali season was for consuming vegetarian cuisine. So here is my Nav - ratan (nine - gems!), Pilau recipe – why not give it a try!
My Spicy Chef takes you on a culinary journey, offering a wide range of courses from a 1:1 lesson to masterclasses from a passionate teacher.
You can learn the art of making South Asian/Indian cuisine in a friendly, relaxed, and supportive kitchen environment. If you like your food hot or not, with meat or vegetarian, this is an opportunity for you to create a bespoke dish that’s unique to you!
My family background has influenced the flavours and spices used in my cooking, so I hope to share some of this knowledge with you. By the end of a class, you be equipped with the skills and kitchen confidence to replicate your own fiery feast at home.
If you are interested in a course or thinking of a gift voucher for a loved one, get in contact.
• 2 Cups (400g) basmati long grain rice
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large or 2 medium brown onions
• 8 cloves of garlic
• 1 level tablespoon of salt
• 4 cups (approx. 1L) boiling water (always double of the rice quantity)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1tsp coriander seeds
• ½ tsp white cumin seeds
• 2 black cardamoms,
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 medium potato –chopped into cubes
• ½ cup (120g) garden peas
• ½ cup (120g) carrots –chopped into cubes or circular slices
• ½ cup (120g) red peppers –chopped into cubes
• Green food colouring
• A pinch of saffron – soaked in warm milk
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp orange powder food colouring
• Gently wash rice in cold water and cover with water – leave to the side.
• Heat up oil in a large sauté pan.
• Add pilau masala and fry for 1 minute.
• Add sliced onion and fry until brown.
• Add garlic, fry this for 1 minute, taking care that it does not burn.
• Add ½ a cup of water.
• Add the salt and put the lid on.
• Turn the heat down and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the onions and garlic have become mushy and the oil looks like it has separated from the onions (fried).
In the meantime:
• Separately microwave cook the carrots and potatoes. (Approx 4 to 5 minutes with a little water in a covered bowl).
• Once cooked, put each of the vegetables in a separate bowl.
• In the peas, add a few drops green food colouring.
• In the potato add the saffron.
• In the carrots add the orange food colouring.
• In the red peppers add the paprika.
• Add 1 litre of boiling water.
• Add the drained rice.
• Once boiling, put the lid on the pan and turn the heat down to medium.
• When it looks like the water has been absorbed –take the pan off the heat.
• Divide the rice into 8 sections, in each, add the coloured vegetables, alternating the colours, mix gently through.
• Put lid on the pan, turn heat to very low.
• Leave the rice for 10mins, turn the rice section by section, being careful not to mix the colours at this stage.
• Leave the rice for a further 10mins on a low heat.
• Then enjoy the enticing aroma and taste from your pungent pilau – remember to share!
Our quirky farm shop seats 14 guests for a specially curated six course menu with wine pairings.
Tru ed Cornish brie bonbon Simpsons Chalklands Classic NV, Barham, Kent
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Grilled artichokes, crab butter, lovage oil 'Alba Martín', Albariño , Rías Baixas, Spain
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Glazed Middle White pig’s cheek, creamed polenta, crisp kale Sierra Cantabria, Seleccion, Rioja, Spain
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Roast loin and slow cooked shoulder of Shorthorn beef, turnips and tops La Mascota, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
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Sticky to ee fondant, mince pie ice cream, butterscotch Pacenzia Zibibbo, Tenute Orestiadi, Italy
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Barkham Blue cheese, celery, fruit toast Quinta do Crasto, LBV Port, Portugal
6 course menu £60 pp, paired wines an additional £30 pp
Host a truly special Christmas party this year in For bookings, email info@goswellandbirds.co.uk
It really wouldn’t be Christmas without sitting at your local with a cracker hat perched on your head getting rosy cheeked with a goblet of red wine and feasting on a table of exquisite food.
Our Festive Menu is available throughout December and perfect for all those family and friends get togethers.
3 courses, £34 per person
Reservations and pre order required Available at lunch and dinner
Celebrate New Years Eve at your new favourite local with our exquisite 5 course tasting menu with perfectly paired wines.
5 courses - £60
Pairing wines - £30
For bookings and enquiries email info@greyhoundfinchampstead.co.uk
Longwater Road, Finchampstead, Berkshire, RG40 3TS greyhoundfinchampstead.co.uk
Delivering truly authentic Indian food, Bombay Story is a ‘whole new world’ of Indian cooking. Every detail has been considered by our award-winning chefs and experienced management team. We also have an extensive fine wine and drinks menu as we believe our customers deserve the very best.
