Wokingham Local Magazine Issue 11 - December 2022

Italian Affogato

luxurious dessert recipe from Ruchetta Christmas Crackers Where to find the best Christmas Markets in the UK T’is the Season to be Green Bringing zing to your garden Where’s Santa? The Berkshire Mummies Blog Fabulous Flatbreads

tasty alternative

19 Christmas Gifts

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT HOLME GRANGE CRAFT VILLAGE

Shop in style this Christmas for family and friends, at Holme Grange Craft Village, just 2 minutes out of Wokingham Town Centre, where ample free parking, toilet and baby changing facilities and an entrancing range of 19 shops, workshops and converted barns, packed full of independent traders and artisan crafters are ready with a friendly welcome. For party wear there is LaLa’s Boutique, and to look your Christmas best, pop into Gilded Hair and Arissa beauty salon. Blooming Roots have all your festive flowers and decorations, then stock up on Fizz for the main event of Christmas dinner at The Tasting Barn, and stop along the way at the Grange Chocolate Cafe, for a delicious lunch.  Needles and Pins can adjust your Christmas outfit. For Christmas gifts visit Grange Interiors,  Thomas William Jewellery, Berkshire Rugs, Pottery Pals and Little Teddy’s Loft. Have you considered an alternative bespoke design course for a unique Christmas present? Call into Sewisfaction who have courses for all ages, and Enchanting Glass Designs where Gayle will show you around the shop and studio. For the little ones, take a look at Brickies for a world of lego, a world under the water at Aquatic Addiction, and ‘satisfy the thirst for truth’ at Quench Bookshop. Immerse yourself in the mind-body-soul practice of yoga and meditation at Sarvanga Yoga Sanctuary and let’s not forget the most pampered member of the family - yes, pamper your pooch for Christmas at Fairy Tails dog grooming salon.

all

up this year, at Holme Grange Craft Village...

WELCOME...

A TASTE OF REAL DELIVERED

It’s very nearly Christmas, with CHALK restaurant! And, we have lots to celebrate with our Wokingham Local community and readers. We have Show Homes galore in this issue, with favourites such as Glazed Windows and Doors, and L&E Leadwork and Roofing Services, to Join Us Outside and how to put the Zing into your garden this festive season. We take a look around the best Christmas markets here in the UK and I take a midnight Ghost Walk in medieval Chester!

Get your tastebuds tingling with our festive menus, great locally produced food and fabulous restaurants, we have something for everyone, from Bronze turkeys to smoked salmon flatbreads, and Angelo at Ruchetta shares his tips on how to make the perfect Italian Affogato. Stanlake Park and Grasshopper cocktail bar have your celebratory tipples at the ready and CHALK restaurant have everything from your work’s Christmas party, cosy family dinners, Christmas Afternoon Tea, Christmas Day lunch, and if that isn’t enough, they continue with Boxing Day and New Years Day brunches. Has anyone seen Alice? She will be at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for a spectacular ‘Alice in Wonderland’ New Year’s Eve party at CHALK - Book early!

In additon to the partying, we have a Christmas Family Fun Day at Holme Grange Craft Village and ‘Bigger and Better than ever’ Winter Carnival, visits to Santa and to the pantomime - “He’s behind you!’’ I couldn’t resist!

Are you looking for inspiration for fabulous Christmas presents? We have some amazing gift ideas, from Fused Glass courses with Enchanting Glass Designs, Photography and Art, a relaxing Thai massage at the Lazy Frog on Denmark Street, or the very latest tech, including mobile phones, ipads and games consoles from Pratts Pods, I think that is just about all our family and friends catered for, don’t you?

Well, that is a LOT going on and it’s only the start, YES, take a look at what is happening at Bracknell Local - read on ! A massive thank you to all our contributors, supporters, and readers, we couldn’t produce our popular local magazine without you. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas from myself and all our Wokingham ‘with Bracknell’ Local team, see you in the New Year.

Jacqui - info@wokinghamlocal.co.uk or please call me on 07306 146142

If you wish to submit features, please email: info@wokinghamlocal.co.uk. To advertise, call Jacqui on 07306 146142.

Wokingham Local Magazine is published by Local Area Ltd, a company registered in England & Wales number 13415030. Registered office: Markham House, 20 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AH.

Wokingham Local Magazine, © 2022, Local Area Ltd. Reprinting any part appearing in this magazine is strictly forbidden except by permission of the publisher. All copyright of images/content remains that of its contributors. Every effort has been made to gain permission to publish copyright material. However, where efforts have been exhausted, we have published based on ‘Fair Use’ to comment factual based material whereby its use is not central or plays a significant part in the entire publication but to act as an aid for historical and educational purposes only. This publication is offered as a limited print run. The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct. However, it cannot take responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

Wokingham Local accepts all advertisements in good faith but is unable to accept any responsibility or liability for any of the services or products provided by advertisers and encourages consumers to make checks before hiring/buying services, such as a vetted service provided by Trading Standards’ ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

LOOKING FOR CHRISTMAS GIFT INSPIRATION, FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING BUT LOVES TO TRY NEW THINGS?

Why not purchase a Gift Voucher for a Fused Glass Class or for your loved one to choose their own bespoke piece of art to be created for them?

At Enchanting Glass Designs, we run regular classes most weekends and courses during the week where people come for some me time whilst having fun creating their own pieces of fused glass art. We have 3 hour classes, all day ones and student learning type courses over 6 weeks for 2 hours each week starting from £70 per class.

Alternatively, we can work with your loved one to create a piece of art just for them if they are feeling less confident about having a go themselves.

We are based at Holme Grange Craft Village and are open 7 days a week where both our shop and studio can be found. We have free parking and with our rural location it’s a great spot to have some much needed time out from the every day strains of life. What’s not to love? You can purchase your gift voucher either from within the shop at Enchanting Glass Designs, Unit 5 Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road, Wokingham. RG40 3AW or you can purchase your Class vouchers online through www.enchanting-glass-designs.co.uk where we will email you a voucher by return or pop it in the post.

Fused Glass

Aesthetic Treatments Performed by Medical Professionals

Thames

ensure

in Berkshire.

treatment is safe,

Give the gift of relaxation this Christmas

If you’re looking for something a little different this year, we may have just the ticket. We have beautiful post-card sized gift vouchers that you can pop easily into a regular sized greeting card for someone special. We also have online ‘electronic’ gift vouchers, where you can load a balance onto a virtual card and email it to them. Our authentic Thai massages have proven to be very popular and are a great way to get relief from the aches and pains, stresses and strains of everyday life. A traditional Thai massage includes a combination of tissue manipulation, acupressure and limb stretches (assisted yoga positions) to work out all that tension. Whether you are completely new to massage, or someone who enjoys one regularly, our massage therapies are well worth a try. Thai massage dates back centuries. Each Thai village had a massage healer who helped relieve the aches and pains of hard-working villagers toiling under peasant society. It’s even recognised by UNESCO as part of our intangible human heritage! You can buy one of our gift cards online at www.thelazyfrog.co.uk, or just pop in to our salon on Denmark Street, Wokingham. However you celebrate, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

OF REAL INDIA

Tandoori Turkey

Ingredients

Recipe serves approx 4 people

• 1.8-2kg whole chicken or 2kg turkey crown (Skin on preferably)

Brine

• 2tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp salt

Tandoori Marinade:

• 1tbsp vegetable oil

• 2-3tbsp natural yoghurt

• 8 cloves of chopped garlic

• 1½ tsp salt, 1½ chilli powder, 1tsp coriander powder, 1tsp cumin powder, 1tsp garam masala, ¼ cup lemon juice, ½ tsp orange food colouring powder, ¼ cup fresh chopped coriander, 3 finely chopped green finger chillies

Garnish

• 2tbsp lemon juice, sprinkle of fresh coriander and fresh chopped green chillies

Method

• Wash the meat - leave to stand for 15mins, pat dry

• Make small incisions in the chicken with a knife

• Pour over the salt and lemon juice

• Cover with foil – keep refrigerated for 1 hour

• Mix the ingredients for the marinade to make a paste

• Take out the chicken, and liberally brush it with the marinade, use fingers to push some into the cuts

• Cover with foil – keep in the fridge for 3 hours or preferably overnight

• Once marinated – put the uncovered chicken in an ovenproof dish

• Put in a preheated oven at 190c/Fan 170c, Gas 5 for 1hr 20 mins.

• Using a meat thermometer, check the temperature (in the thickest part of the chicken –thigh), it should be 165F – 180F.

• Cover chicken on a carving board to rest for 10mins.

• Place on serving plate and garnish with lemon, fresh coriander, and chillies.

Tips:

When you cut into the chicken, the juices should run clear. Don’t be tempted to overcook – it will end up dry! Don’t use Greek yoghurt – it will not be sharp enough. For additional taste – add a small, unpeeled onion or, par cooked pilau rice into the chicken before cooking! Always wash your hands after handling the chicken.

Serve:

With Bombay potatoes & carrots, saag (spinach) curry, and a cooling raita.

Eat and enjoy!

If you are interested in a course or thinking of a gift voucher for a loved one, get in contact.

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.

Situated in the heart of the Wokingham Town Centre, on Broad St, CHALK Restaurant is a magical place to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

This winter, we invite you to come and have a truly wonderful experience, with delightful food and drink, and enjoy service with a smile from our friendly and relaxed team that is CHALK restaurant at its best, with a whole host of special things happening just for you.

We’ve taken away the stress from organising your Christmas party, with exclusive use and private dining options, for your festive lunches and dinners, alongside restaurant bookings with a seasonal menu prepared especially by our executive head chef. This truly is the ideal family Christmas treat or a fantastic festive excuse to get together with friends and colleagues, starting from the 26th of November, onwards...

There’s nothing quite as British as dedicating an afternoon to indulging in finger sized sandwiches and miniature cakes, all accompanied by your choice of coffee or tea, or maybe a Christmas tipple? Yes, the CHALK Christmas Afternoon Tea!

Christmas Day without the hard work.Let us take the weight off your feet andallow you to unwind with your loved ones -enjoy our magnificent four-course menuwith all your favourite trimmingsfollowed by tea, coffee & mince pies.Or maybe a Boxing Day Brunch with us,to round off your Christmas?

The CHALK Wine Club was created to celebrate community, to toast to our shared love for good food, good wine, and good company, and what a treat we have at CHALK in our special Christmas tasting to round-off the year. Perfectly timed to whet your appetite and provide inspiration for the festive season, our tasting features wines that we think would be ideal for the Christmas dinner table.

Sit back, relax and take in the atmosphere while the little ones are entertained in our wonderful setting. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at CHALK this December 2022 as our Storyteller tells his festive tales for little ones. Do book this early, to avoid disappointment!

Late December we have “G and T time’’ Yes, Gin tasting & afternoon tea, combining those two quintessentially British classics. A fantastic idea for a Christmas present for your loved one!

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

CHALK will be going down the rabbit hole fora tea party to end all tea parties! Step intoanother world of madness and intrigue withcocktails in tea pots, live entertainment, quirkyfood and canapés, a swing band and evenmagic from the Mad Hatter himself!A New Years Eve party like no other!

Happy New Year!

Hello 2023, Wokingham is waking up to a New Year and what better way to welcome it in, and start as you mean to go on! Join us at CHALK on the 1ST January 2023 for New Year’s Day Brunch.

To book any one of our festive dining experiences please call us direct on 01189 798 805 or email usenquiries@chalkrestaurants.com www.chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU

Christmas

Beef Wellington

The ultimate indulgence...

Ingredients

Beef fillet 1 kg, English mustard 30 g, Chestnut mushrooms 700 g, Chestnuts 100 g, Fresh thyme 10 g, 8 slices of Parma ham, 1 sheet of puff pastry, 1 egg, Olive oil, Salt & Pepper

Method

Beef Wellington has to be the ultimate indulgence during your Christmas dinner. Start with the beef fillet, and the important thing is to sear it first. Season your fillet with salt and pepper, then take a hot pan, pour some olive oil and place the beef into the pan and fry the beef until it is nicely coloured.

Take the beef out of the pan and place on the plate. Then, slightly brush your beef with English mustard, as this gives a bit of a heat. While the beef fillet is resting, prepare the filling. Take 700 g of chestnut mushrooms and place them into the blender, and add a chopped clove of garlic. Season with salt and pepper and blitz. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without chestnuts, so next add 100 g of chestnuts to the mushrooms and blitz again.

Once the mixture is finally chopped, cook it in a hot dry pan. This removes the water from the mushrooms and intensifies the flavor. Add 10 g of fresh thyme. When all the liquid is dried off, remove the filling from the pan and leave to cool.

Next, start assembling the Wellington. Stage one is wrapping the beef fillet. Place the kitchen film over the board. Put 8 slices of Parma ham on the kitchen film. Add a little touch of pepper.

Then, spread your mushroom filling over the Parma ham. Use the back of the spoon to spread it nice and thinly. Then, lay the beef on top and very carefully fold that over. Wrap the beef nicely and carefully. Push and roll it nice and tight. The tighter it is the more perfect the shape. Then, place the beef into the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.

Once it is set, it is ready for the final wrap. Place your kitchen film on the board and put the puff pastry on to it. Put your beef in the center and very carefully roll the puff pastry over the beef until two edges meet. Trim off the excess pastry and twist the ends together to ensure that the beef is completely sealed in its pastry case. To give the pastry a golden-brown color when it bakes, brush it with an egg yolk. Sprinkle some salt over the pastry, to ensure it becomes lovely and crispy.

Bake in the oven at 200 degrees for around 35 minutes. When ready, let your Wellington rest for 10 minutes. There you go – the best Christmas Beef Wellington, ever. Serve with: green beans, brussell sprouts with chestnuts, carrot puree, crispy roast potatoes, and gravy – or red wine jus? Well, it is Christmas!

Festive Meats

We re-homed to Squires Garden Centre, Heathlands Rd in 2021 where we are open 7 days a week. There is plenty of free parking plus take advantage of all the other fantastic produce available in the food hall. It’s our second Christmas in Wokingham and we will again be stocking free range Bronze turkeys from a 5th generation farmer in Faversham. The birds are slow to mature and game hung for an unbeatable flavour. Whole birds, crowns and rolled breast! Alongside the birds we will have our incredible grass fed dry aged beef, free range pork joints, beef wellingtons, pigs in blankets, sausage meat and even homemade gravy! Plus lots lots more! We’ve even got you covered for Boxing Day with smoked and unsmoked gammons.

WELCOME...

...to issue 2 of Bracknell Local, and what an absolutely fabulous mix of festive Celebrations?

We have more Show Homes headed up by Sophie Sews, Ansley Brown Interiors and then Amber Rose of Carrington Interiors, who divulges how she will be spending Christmas day, and talks about her passion for her chosen career. They are certainly ‘living it up’ at Care UK’s Bickerton House where the party is about to get started, as we spend 5 minutes with deputy manager Emma Wilson, who talks about her passion for caring, and making a difference to someone’s day.

The team at Mulberry House Vets help us take care of our pets over Christmas, with some great advice, and Crowthorne Health and Wellness Centre and Primelase are here to look after us with pampering and beauty treatments.

So, have you heard the news? Take a look at BNA Plumbing and Heating... this is hot off the press! Are you interested in Home Grown Energy? Well, who isn’t?

Have a chat with Benn, and he will tell you all about it! That will be sure to warm you up this festive season.

3 Sophie Sews

Carrington Interiors

Focus on your strenths

ATR Removals & Storage

Ansley Brown Interiors

BNA Plumbing & Heating

Home Grown Energy

Crowthorne Health & Wellness

South Hill Park Panto

PrimeLase

Mulberry House Vets Keeping your pets happy

Five Minutes With: Emma Wilson - Bickerton House

Care UK

WL: What inspired you to become an interior designer? Talk to us about the journey from starting out to becoming a multi-disciplinary interior design studio.

AR: From about the age of eight I loved watching changing rooms and every interior design or garden show there was! After university I was lucky enough to get a job straight away in the commercial sector. I stayed within commercial for around 10 years, but really wanted to work on private properties and within a sector that was more personal. Swapping sectors would mean taking quite a pay cut, so I stayed in commercial until I decided to start my own business in the residential sector. Now the business has been running for a couple of years and from my previous experience I am very diverse within most areas of design and build.

WL: Were you artistic as a child?

AR: 100% yes! I loved painting, photography, drawing, anything artsy. For the younger generation out there, who are possibly worried about grades etc. Don’t be. My highest grades were in art and graphics. Maths, english and science were below average, but

Jacqui Priestley, owner, and editor of Wokingham Local catches up with Amber Rose Carrington, entrepreneur and owner of Carrington Interiors, a residential and commercial interior design company based in the South of England.

“FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS AND YOU CAN’T GO WRONG”

I knew what I was good at, so I carried on studying art & design through college, got amazing results, and was accepted into all my university choices. Focus on your strengths and you can’t go wrong.

WL: Tell us about a project or two from your portfolio that you’re most proud of and why?

AR: My Addlestone project is really exciting, and I can’t wait to share it with you all. It is my first project where the company has created the concept design, taken it through to purchasing, installation and with the additional project management, making it a far smoother journey for my client. It’s also the first project where we have been filming behind the scenes, so keep an eye out for the feature video.

WL: What’s your most recent work been?

AR: We are working on a project in Eastleigh. We have created 2D Plans to be submitted for planning. Once approved we will start designing the interiors of these spaces. We are also going to be creating our very first garden room, complete with a hot tub!

WL: What is your own personal favourite design style?

AR: This is such a hard question. I think for me, it’s more about the emotion that comes from a design. And I believe any emotion can be created with the right colour palette.

WL: What do you do to relax when you are not interior designing?

AR: Reading! When I get the chance, I love a good book. I also enjoy sitting and watching a movie.

WL: What do you like most about Wokingham?

AR: Although Wokingham has modernised, it still has that homely welcoming vibe, especially at Christmas time!

WL: What will you be doing for Christmas Day?

AR: Enjoying a nice lay in, eating lots of chocolate, watching rubbish TV and spending time with my partner.

WL: What does the future hold for Carrington Interior Design, what is your ambition?

AR: I would love to expand and hire a few designers. I also aim to open a shop, where clients can visit and discuss their upcoming projects.

All the team at Wokingham Local wish you the very best for the future, and we look forward to seeing more of Amber Rose Carrington and Carrington interior design transformations in and around Wokingham.

Palm House sunset

REMOVALS & STORAGE

FRIENDLY CHEERFUL SERVICE

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’...

… ARE YOU READY TO MOVE QUICKLY?

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. Merry Christmas to all our Customers

YOUR SPACE RE-IMAGINED

Welcome to Ansley

From

Whether

Your

know

and buying a new

process, with so many options

it as easy as possible for you to achieve

do it within your budget.

KITCHENS

BATHROOMS

BEDROOMS

GIVING

IN

Michael Ayiotis

Amy Rhiannon Worth

Paul Toulson

Rachel Warrick-Clarke

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE& HAPPY this FESTIVE SEASON

The festive season is a time to get together with friends and family, decorate our homes, indulge in foods and share presents. As part of our family, our pets will usually join in the fun, but it is important to be protect them from potential dangers and stressful situations.

Pets investigate new things with their noses and mouths. There are many foods, plants and objects which can cause great harm and every effort should be made to keep these out of reach. Presents containing foods should never be left under the Christmas tree.

If your pet has eaten or licked any of the following you should phone your vet immediately. If they are closed over the holidays, you will be redirected to their emergency care provider or you can call The Animal Poison Line 24/7 on 01202 509 000.

DANGEROUS FOODS:

l Chocolate contains theobromine which can cause an upset stomach and heart problems.

l Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure.

l Onions and garlic can cause blood cell disorders.

l Artificial sweetener Xylitol found in chewing gum and sugar free treats causes dangerously low blood sugar and death if not treated immediately.

l Cooked bones can splinter and cause damage or obstruction to the stomach or intestines.

TOXIC PLANTS:

Poinsettia, mistletoe, holly and lilies are all poisonous if licked or eaten.

ANTIFREEZE:

This sweet tasting liquid causes kidney failure and can result in death even if only a small amount is licked. Many brands now contain a bittering agent to reduce the likelihood that pets will consume it however you should ensure any spillages are cleaned away immediately.

DECORATIONS AND TOYS:

Tinsel, baubles, beads, ribbons and fairy lights are all very intriguing to play with but can cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Cats love to climb so make sure your Christmas tree is firmly secured.

Nerf gun bullets are particularly attractive to cats and the perfect size to cause a blockage if swallowed so always ensure they are picked up after a game!

BUSY HOME

Lots of people gathering together and more noise can be a worrying time for pets. Always ensure there is a quiet place they can retreat to which has familiar smelling blankets.

Regular ringing of the doorbell can be alarming for some cats and dogs. You could leave a note on the door asking the delivery driver not to press

Many dogs are scared of loud noises like fireworks. Creating a safe, quiet space for them and putting the TV or radio on may help, as can plug-in diffusers like Adaptil, Feliway or Pet Remedy. If your pet becomes very distressed you can ask your vet for medication to help them cope.

Five Minutes With:

WL: What attracted you initially to the care profession, and specifically why Care UK at Bickerton House?

EW: I have worked in care since I was 16. I started my career in a care home and then moved on to different care settings, including hospitals and acute medical wards. I felt the time was right to return to a care home and Bickerton House was a brand-new, purpose-built care home opening nearby. I was also keen to work for Care UK at it has a great reputation and so I applied as a team leader.

WL: What’s the best part of your day?

EW: The best time of the day is whenever I get to chat to residents. I love being out on the floor, interacting and talking to residents. The residents are why we are at work and spending quality time

Jacqui Priestley, owner and editor spends 5 minutes with Emma Wilson –Deputy Manager at Bickerton House care home, in Bracknell.

Emma Wilson of Bickerton House Care Home

with them and seeing them enjoy themselves gives a lovely, fulfilled feeling.

WL: What do residents enjoy most about Christmas?

EW: Residents love the excitement and fun filled activities during the festive period. They enjoy Christmas carols and love it when the local primary schools come in to visit. This year we are hoping to organise an outdoor choir concert and have Wooden Hill Primary School visit to perform their nativity for the residents. The families that can come in and spend time with their loved ones also adds to the excitement. Our professional chefs prepare a variety of delicious festive foods and drinks, which helps to get everyone in the festive spirit.

WL: It is known that you have talented chefs at Bickerton House. What’s on the menu for Christmas Day lunch?

EW: All the traditional festive food! We have turkey and cranberry sauce, vegetables, pigs in blankets and a range of lovely fresh vegetables. We have Christmas pudding and a tipple of everyone’s favorite drinks. We also offer a variety of different foods to ensure there is something to suit everyone’s preferences.

WL: Do you all have a cheeky tipple after all the festivities, a glass of sherry perhaps?

EW: Of course, our residents love a tipple, many enjoy a Baileys or sherry. We will have a vino wine with lunch and the gentlemen may have a beer!

WL: What do enjoy the most about your job?

EW: Making a difference for the residents. Ensuring their quality of life is of a high standard and they can continue to live a happy and fulfilled life here at Bickerton House.

WL: Would you recommend working in care to other people?

EW: I started as a care assistant and worked up to where I am today as deputy manager of Bickerton House. If you are passionate and caring, then care is the place for you. Feeling like you have made a

WL: What’s your ambition for the future?

EW: My ambition is to continue my career in care and to always keep residents the top priority. I’m very proud of our achievements at Bickerton House, including the ‘Best New Care Home’ award at the 2021 Care Home Awards, and gaining a 10 out of 10 score on Carehome.co.uk, the UK’s leading independent care home review site. I hope to continue to provide the very best care.

WL: Lastly, what do you do to relax when you are not working?

EW: I love watching a Netflix series or taking my dog Kobi out for his walks and being in the fresh air.

always been...

Italian Affogato

The most luxurious dessert to whip up when you’re entertaining or want a lastminute sweet treat after dinner. Made with rich vanilla ice cream and espresso coffee, grated dark chocolate, and a cheeky splash of amaretto, the sweet Italian liqueur - delicious! It’s like your after-dinner espresso and dessert all in one!

HOW TO MAKE AN ITALIAN AFFOGATO

Brew an espresso (one per person). Scoop 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a wide glass or bowl and pour over a shot of espresso. Pour 1 tablespoon of liqueur (optional) over the ice cream and grate over a little dark chocolate. Grab a spoon and dig in.

ANGELO’S TOP TIPS

1. Gelato to espresso ratio - use 1 shot of espresso (max 40ml) to 1-2 scoops of ice cream. Don’t use diluted or watered down coffee it should be short and strong. 2. Make sure your gelato is ice coldyour gelato or ice cream should be just soft enough to scoop, don’t leave it sitting for too long or it’ll melt when the hot coffee is poured over.

3. Add liqueur to your affogato (optional) - adding liqueur to your affogato is an amazing way to take it up a notch. Amaretto is perfect, but you could use a nut liqueur such as Nocino (walnut) or Frangelico (hazelnut) but you could also use rum, grappa, Tuaca (a brandy liqueur) or even a coffee based liqueur for an extra coffee kick!

4. Different topping ideas - If you want to add a bit of crunchy texture then chopped hazelnuts or pistachios are delicious on top, you could also sprinkle over some grated chocolate. 5. The best servings glasses to use - a small drinking glass is best for serving this dessert, it should be just big enough to hold the ice cream.

Courtesy of Angelo at Ruchetta Italian trattoria, Rose Street Wokingham

Christmas Crackers

The Great Christmas Market Revival. Where are the best Christmas Markets in the UK?

by Bernadette Fallon

BATH

One of Englands most famous and best-loved Christmas markets, this year Bath celebrates its 20th anniversary with more than 150 chalets showcasing gifts, food and decorations, including lots of local produce. As well as outdoor musical performances, enjoy shoppers carols at Bath Abbey or head to the entertainment stage at New Bond Street. Runs from 24th November to 11th December.

LONDON London’s Christmas markets will be returning this year to the South Bank - with wooden chalets spread out along the River Thames - and Hyde park, where the annual Winter Wonderland offers the UK’s biggest ice rink, fairground attractions and shows alongside more than 100 shopping chalets. You will also find markets at Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Borough, and Christmas carols under the huge Christmas tree every evening in Trafalgar Square. Runs from November until January.

York

London Edinburgh

BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market heralds itself the largest authentic German market outside Germany or Austria - which certainly makes it convenient if you don’t want the hassle of leaving the UK for your authentic Christmas market fix. Taking place on Victoria Square and along New Street, expect lots of Christmas food and drink, traditional decorations and gifts. There’s live music on the square, as well as a Big Wheel and ice rink.

Runs from early November to Christmas.

YORK

The city’s wonderful St Nicholas Fair celebrates 30 years this year, with alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, offering lots of handmade goods from local producers. Drop into the atmospheric 13th century York Minster and catch a carol concert during your visit.

Runs from 17th November to 23rd December.

WINCHESTER

With pretty wooden chalets set out around the stunning medieval cathedral, Winchester’s Christmas market is one of the most popular in the Country. Expect local crafts and artworks, decorations and gifts, food and drinks, as well as a community stage for local carol singers and music performances. Pop into the Cathedral to take in a Christmas service.

Runs from 18th November to 22 December.

EDINBURGH

This year the big Christmas market is back in East Princes Street Garden with plenty of great gifts/crafts, local handmade produce, food and drinks. While you’re there you can also visit SantaLand with rides for people of all ages. Pop along to Santa’s grotto on Castle Street and take in the Christmas light trail at Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.

Runs from 19th November to January 3rd.

Winchester Bath

Birmingham

Bring the Sunshine into your Home

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T’is the season to be green

Bring the zing to your garden this season.

It’s easier than ever to elevate your garden over the next few months –our tips will help maximise your garden now, and will benefit the garden later in the year.

GARDEN TIDY

This is the perfect time to be pottering about in the garden, tidying up in preparation for winter, BUT don’t be too tidy!

Seedheads look incredible covered in frost and provide homes for overwintering insects, that are so beneficial for our gardens. Natural debris of leaves can be swept up off paths and placed under hedges and in corners, providing shelter for many animals hibernating.

Think of the birds, create a feeding, and drink station, positioned in view so you can enjoy views of our feathered friends.

Forage in the garden; spent hydrangea blooms can be dried and used indoors along with gathered dried bracken, seedheads and conifers to create a festive arrangement. Add height with corkscrew hazel sticks or windblown birch branches. Simply adding a few baubles will elevate the foliage to provide drama and shine. Bowls of collected pinecones and conkers look lovely too.

LIGHTING

Now this element really comes into its own particularly during the dark winter months. Your porch can look stunning lit up either side with simple planters to provide colour from November through to spring.

Evergreen structural plants, such as Cornus, look great with string battery operated lights strung around then as do lanterns creating an inviting path to the front door. A specimen tree or arches over a path create a soft welcoming entrance.

PLANTERS

Select a planter that complements your home. Terracotta and timber suit traditional period homes, whereas shiny or sleek designs look better in a contemporary setting. Think big and group planters in groups of 3, this ensures you will make a statement. Now that we are getting cosy indoors, think about your views out.  Bringing a planter close to the house will create a lovely view, ensure its tall enough to see whilst seated and enjoy.

Our go to favourite plants for this time of year are standard lollipop trees or cone shapes to create structure and height. Consider, Holly, Privet or Virburnum. Underplant these with:

• Skimmia in lovely burgundy colours

• Hellebores, plan colours with a long flowering period to see you through the winter

• Training Rosemary, adds fragrance and the soft foliage can drape over the sides of planters

• Trailing Ivy, an easy care evergreen and hardy plant

Use bedding plants to provide pops of colour

• Cyclamen, make sure it’s protected from rain

• Violas • Heathers

Remember to water your plants if they are in a rain shadow, every two weeks to ensure they are kept alive.  Although most plants are dormant they still require water so they do not dry out.

SUSTAINABLE WREATH

Make the most of our natural foliage in woodlands and heaths to collect and gather and make your own wreath. Either using a natural willow frame that can be composted after use or dried out and used again next year. A wire frame will do the same. Pack with damp moss from your lawn and then tie in bundles of foliage. Conifer clippings, holly, dried bracken, rosehips and any evergreen foliage plants provide the base for festive flourishes on top.

From Nicola and Viv the Outside Design team, we would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

WHERE’S SANTA?

It’s that time of year again already! Lots of families are already well into their Christmas planning and Berkshire Mummies has everything you need to make that planning go as smoothly as possible. Head over to berkshiremummies.co.uk to discover lots of helpful Christmas What’s on Guides.

Visiting Santa is such a magical Christmas highlight for children and there are plenty of Santa’s grottos and experiences taking place across the county this year. There are some amazing events taking place in Wokingham starting with Holme Grange Craft Village on Saturday the 26th of November. Santa will be in his Grotto, plus there is live music, Christingle, mulled wine, and much more!

The following day the Wokingham Winter Carnival is on the 27th November and it is promised to be a free, fun day out for the whole family. This year there will be fun-fair rides, street entertainers, food and drink and you will also be able to visit Santa in his grotto.

Cantley House Hotel have some wonderful festive events planned for this year including both Sunday Lunch and Afternoon Teas with Santa where you and your family can enjoy some delicious festive

food followed by a visit to see Santa in his Grottohe will give a gift to each child as well!

Pinewood Bar and Café are hosting a breakfast with Santa towards the end of December. A magical story will be read by one of Santa’s helpers and each child will receive a gift.

For something a little different (and a way to see lots of Santa’s all in one place!), you could head over to Dinton Pastures on the 17th December for the annual Santa Dash This is all in aid of the First Days Children Charity, open to all ages and lots of fun for the whole family.

For more information on what’s going on across Berkshire this festive season please do follow Berkshire Mummies online.

By Berkshire Mummies – A blog for Parents, Grandparents and Carers throughout The Royal County of Berkshire.

Fabulous Flatbreads

A quick and easy Christmas brunch, or a great tasty alternative to a festive take-away, fabulous flatbreads can suit all tastes and go extremely well with many Christmas tipples. Stock up on sauces and dips to go with these fish, meat and vegetable combos.

Smoked trout (or salmon) with radishes, creme freche & herbs. How about a glass of something fizzy or a crisp white wine to go with this? Slow roasted lamb flatbread with a green salad & red onion. It calls out for a good beer or cider don’t you think?

Sweet fig pizza loaded with flavour from goats cheese, parmesan, caramalised onion & rocket. Hmm, which cocktail suits this best?

Grasshopper bar have a great selection to give you ideas for traditional and contemporary cocktails, (have you tried ERNEST HEMINGWAY’S DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON they do have their own selection of sourdough flatbreads on offer, so you don’t even need to make your own!

THE NEW COCKTAIL & WINE BAR

(from the team behind beloved neighbourhood restaurant Chalk on Broad Street, Wokingham) features shareable dishes and a vast selection of wines filled with some amazing value picks and real rarities, timeless cocktails and wide selection of spirits. Moody atmosphere designed by Chalk Team, the 70-seat space features both indoor table seating with wall artwork, vintage mirrors, display wine cabinets and comfortable seating as well as cozy and expansive outdoor seating suitable for winter drinking and dining.

The menu of small plates and sharing dishes includes; signature sourdough flatbreads, slow cooked lamb shoulder with feta, figs and rosemary oil, seasonal British charcuterie and cheese, freshly delivered Oysters every Friday and Saturday are some of the exciting menu items on offer!

To book a table or private party please call us direct on 01189 901 2678 or email us at enquiries@grasshopperbar.co.uk www.grasshopperbar.co.uk

Wokingham Local Business Owners

A date for your diary - Fri 24th Feb 2023 - “Wokingham Local Networking’’ at Grasshopper from 6pm. Tickets will be available in the New Year.

welcome to Chester the ghost city

Steeped in 2000 years of history, and with hundreds of Ghost sightings, Chester can claim to be one of the most haunted cities in Britain.

Ghost tour guides will take you on a night-time journey around the eerie haunts of Chester’s mysterious and murky past, where you will hear spine-chilling tales of ghosts and ghouls. From unexplainable paranormal activity to things that go bump in the night, Chester city centre is home to more than its fair share of eerie tales. The city has often been described as one of the UK’s most haunted, with many of its current shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants said to be plagued by the ghosts of eras gone by.

Chester could certainly be a bit of a harsh place to live during the medieval period, with no less than 32 people executed in the city’s own witch trials and three criminals meeting their end by being ‘pressed’ to death. Safe to say, there was no going back from the sort of dark and rough justice administered in those days. When it comes to witch trials, Chester is perhaps a less well known spot for this gruesome event to have taken place, but we took a look back to the 1650s and 1660s to find out more about the poor unfortunate ‘witches’ who met a grim end after being convicted of practising witchcraft.

Back in the 1600s, Chester was the scene of a number of witch trials following the introduction of the Witchcraft Act 1604. Some 32 executions taking place over a 10-15 year period, 30 of these being women, including Ellen Beech, Anne Thornton and Anne Osboston in 1656. Presiding over the witch trials

in Chester was local power-crazed judge John Bradshaw who lived from 1602-1659.

On a ‘Dark Tour’ of the City with Chester tour guide, David Atkinson who has researched Chester’s more gruesome underbelly for a new tour with a difference in the city, Dark Chester, which combines history with a good dose of dark humour to bring the subject to life. His narative includes tales about parboiled heads on spikes over Eastgate.

David explains: “The height of the witch trial frenzy was the 1650s and 1660s and in Chester during that time 32 people were executed over a 10-15 year period, 30 of whom were women. It was mainly ladies of a certain age who were primary targets and obviously most of them were completely innocent of

any crimes as well. The hanging place was Gallows Hill in Boughton, which is where the black obelisk to protestant martyr George Marsh is located. Religious martyrs were also burnt there during Roman times and there was once a leper colony on that spot. Thousands of years of pretty gruesome events took place there. The ‘witches’ were taken to be hanged and then buried in unmarked graves in a ditch between the graveyard of what is now St Mary’s Creative Space and the perimeter of the castle, the old Norman Motte and Bailey castle, that is. They are buried there, having endured the delightful medieval torture of being pressed to death. St Mary’s Creative Space is an interesting place because it’s not in many people’s tour itineraries. It’s off the beaten track.”

David Atkinson from the Dark Chester Tour

“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”