Wokingham Local Magazine Issue 13 March 2023

“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.

WELCOME...

Innovation creates value, is a term I heard recently and I have to say that I totally agree. We are extremely fortunate to be surrounded by innovative businesses, extraordinary entreprenuers, and a wealth of opportunity right here in Wokingham, which can only result in adding value to us all. I am proud to be promoting our small, independent, diverse and inclusive Wokingham local businesses with their fantastic products and services, which are available to us right here on our doorstep.

And so to our March issue, full of ‘Innovation’ starting with Quentela Accounting on our front cover, and a few tips from Joed as to how you can be Tax ‘savvy’... see the centre pages for more on that. I spend 5 minutes with Neil Stead of Steady Consulting, and I chat with Kasia and Gina of Primelase, and Rory at Pratts Pods has some amazing savings on his mobile phone and tech products. Highly acclaimed and popular local restaurant CHALK, and recently opened Grasshopper bar are on the back cover, for all your upcoming celebrations, parties and dining out, they have it all covered. And, if you are in the mood for a relaxing evening in then look no further than Bombay Story Indian Kitchen, who have done all the hard work for you - Just pick up the phone and place your order! Our ‘Home Interiors Special’ features ClickStyle whom we welcome as a brand new local business - ClickStyle, who have the most amazing range of stylish and contemporary products for our homes, and are making a fantastic impact on the market with their luxurious and stylish signature pieces and discerning collections. We love our nature, and the outdoors here at WL, and we have an array of very interesting articles in this issue, from birds of prey to getting ouside in the fresh air with ‘Life’s Little Bugs’ and Dr Amir Khan, there is plenty in this issue

So put your feet up, and enjoy all that is Wokingham and Local!

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.

Wokingham Local Magazine, © 2023, 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

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.

OPEN MORNING - 18 MARCH

We are an ‘excellent’ rated independent, co-educational boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18, nestling in 230 acres of outstanding Berkshire countryside.

Come and discover a community where you can flourish. Providing a challenging academic curriculum, we also offer co-curricular opportunities for sport, art, music, drama and adventurous training. We help every pupil to fulfil their potential and develop the confidence, values

and skills needed to make a positive difference to the world.

Book your place: www.pangbourne.com/visit. Alternatively, our Admissions Team is available to answer your questions. email: admissions@pangbourne.com or tel: 0118 976 7415

A community where you can flourish

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A SCHOOL OPEN DAY

Open Days are essential when it comes to choosing the right school for your child. They give you a flavour of what goes on, and provide an opportunity to look beyond the gloss of the website and the dry facts of the inspection report!

It is always helpful to come prepared, especially if you are attending various events. This will make life easier when it comes to making a short list, as you will be able to reflect back on the pros and cons of each of the schools.

Our top tips for making the most of your visit are:

l Attend the event as a family. It’s important that both you and your child attend if possible, as each person will notice different things and have a different set of criteria when it comes to what is important to them.

l Come with a list of questions. You will usually have the opportunity to speak with the current pupils and they will (hopefully) give you a true insight into what life is like at that school. Ask them about their routines, experiences and aspirations for the future. If current parents are on-hand to answer your questions, so much the better!

l Attend the Head’s presentation. The Head is the figurehead of the school and should clearly represent the schools ethos and culture. Ask yourself, do they align with your own values?

l Create a wish list. What are you looking for in a school? Consider giving each criteria a ranking during your visit so that you can easily compare schools. Criteria might include: standard of sports facilities, quality of pastoral care, and range of cocurricular activities.

l Look beyond academics. We all know that academic results are important when choosing a school but it’s also important to look beyond the classroom and consider the wider offering. Questions you might like to ask are: How do you promote personal development? How do you support mental wellbeing? How do you prepare young adults for life beyond education?

Be mindful that Open Mornings are there to impress, so if you like the look of the school it is a good idea to arrange a follow-up visit during a ‘normal’ school day. This will give you a real sense of the school environment and reassure you that the Open Morning experience has been a true reflection of the school.

Pangbourne College is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11-18 in West Berkshire.

Our next Open Morning is on Saturday 18 March. Booking is essential: www.pangbourne.com/visit

Who is Mobility Your Way, and what products and services do you provide?

Mobility Your Way was formed with the vision of opening mobility showrooms in vibrant communities and offering our services, advice and products to help improve peoples’ lives. The Managing Director, Edward, is passionate about delivering the highest possible quality of customer service and this is something he passes on to his team. Our product range is ever-growing and adapting so we can provide you choice and options at great prices.

We have mobility showrooms in:  Desborough, Market Harborough, Rugby, Bury St Edmunds, Wokingham and Peterborough.

Our showrooms provide

• A dedicated Customer Care Team on hand to help you

• 100’s of great solutions and products available

• Free home visits available

• Friendly, knowledgeable staff who understand your needs

• A dedicated aftercare service including servicing and repairs

• A hire service (pre-booking advised as is dependent on availability)

• Motability Contracts

• A specialist rehabilitation service available for more complex needs and disabilities.

The best thing to do is come and take a look at what we have on offer to help improve your mobility and independence.

Jacqui Priestley caught up with Edward Howes, the owner and MD, and Dolly (Showroom Manager) of Mobility Your Way recently and this is what they had to say...

What made you establish a showroom in Wokingham?

We are an expanding business and are always on the lookout for the next opportunity and when Caring Comes First became available we were keen to become part of the Wokingham community and continue to deliver great service for people in need.

Do you have a particular Unique Selling Point?

There are many options for sourcing products to help when your physical mobility starts to flag or you experience ill health. It’s not something any of us look forward to or welcome and we understand that. It is important to speak to knowledgeable people, and our colleagues have a combined knowledge of over 30 years’ experience in the mobility industry. Together we can help you navigate the choices you may need to make in a world of mobility solutions that may be quite alien to you and your loved ones. It’s so important to retain independence, but as safely as possible and that’s what we want for you too. Too many people buy cheaply online and regret it so we want to help you avoid this.

Tell us about the training that your staff undertake to be sure they are providing great advice and service

All of our staff undergo rigorous product training and refresher courses in house and with suppliers so we’re able to offer the best and most up to date products, advice and service.

Can you offer home visits?

Yes of course, we’ll come to you in your home to make life easier as it’s very important you try before you buy on things like scooters and wheelchairs. We will make sure you’re properly assessed and measured for whatever you need and that you’re happy with the quality. We can if needed come to your home for any mobility product, from walkers to riser recliner chairs, and don’t forget we do stairlift surveys too.

Do you work with Care-homes, and Chiropodists which cater for people with mobility difficulties?

Yes we work with local care-homes, chiropodists and podiatrists to offer our wider and deeper fitting shoes. We have an instore fitting service and close relationships with Cosyfeet and DB Shoes who are our top footwear suppliers.

What do like best about being located in Wokingham?

We love the supportive business community and our customers. We have lots of regular customers that we really get to know and enjoy helping when they need us most.

What is your ambition for ‘Mobility Your Way’ in the future?

We’d like to eventually sell some of the more frequently purchased products on-line to help our customers and save them the trip to the shop and to expand our home-visits capabilities so we see more people in the comfort of their own homes.

From myself and all the Team at Wokingham Local, we wish you all the best for the future.

GRAND RE-LAUNCH DAY

TUESDAY 25TH APRIL 9AM-5PM

SCOOTERS l RISE AND RECLINING CHAIRS

ONE

POWERCHAIRS l BEDS l WHEELCHAIRS AND ROLLATORS WIDE FITTING SHOES AND SLIPPERS

We always recommend trying before buying, that’s why we offer free no obligation demonstrations in the comfort of your own home.

As Creative Mojo franchisees, we see first hand how activities of any kind have positive impacts on care home residents. We offer all-inclusive art and craft activities for the elderly, adults with learning and physical disabilities and mental health concerns, specialising in working with people with dementia in Care Homes and within wider community groups.

Our activity sessions are not only fun, interactive, beneficial, therapeutic and stimulating. They are person centered, user friendly and are adapted to suit service users of all abilities, and fit within social prescribing, wellbeing and mindfulness criteria, helping towards improving mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of the participants. We don’t “just paint”, we engage the residents, get them chatting about the themes we are doing, they have choices of colours, art mediums and projects. We supply reference photos to give inspiration and everything else that is needed to complete each project. It is so inspiring to see how residents look forward to each visit and to see their reactions once the artwork is put together and displayed in their care home at the end of each activity. My favourite reaction being “who painted that?”

We invite care homes, dementia cafes and community groups to get in touch if they would like to book a session with us. If you have a family member or loved one in a care home and would like to sponsor a session for the residents, we have gift certificates.

Be who you want to be at Bickerton House and Parsons Grange

At

Care

UK’s

Bickerton House care home in Bracknell and Parsons Grange care home in Shinfield, you can continue to be who you’ve always been, or who you want to be, while receiving award-winning care and attention in a place you can call home.

We treat everyone as individuals so that you can take your life with you on your journey into care. You’ll be supported to continue much-loved interests, to rediscover long lost hobbies or to try something new, as well as making new friends.

It’s all about lifestyle

At Bickerton House and Parsons Grange our teams are passionate about supporting you to enjoy a fulfilling life, full of meaningful experiences.

When you join us, we’ll learn all about your personality, your interests and preferences so we can create a fully personalised lifestyle plan to support you to live life in the way you want.

We organise an array of daily activities, such as exercise classes, pet therapy and gardening, as well as events, entertainment, outings and treasured one-to-one time. Then there are our strong ties with local groups, charities and schools so residents feel connected to local life.

Recently, residents at Bickerton House have been enjoying some cuddles with Fudge the therapy dog, whilst friends and family of the residents at Parsons Grange were treated to a fantastic choir concert where everyone sang beautifully.

Everything under one roof

Bickerton House and Parsons Grange are purpose-built care homes where every luxury has been thought of. There’s a coffee shop, hair salon, cinema, bar, and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Trust us to care

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 8,000 families across the country trust us to care for their older loved one.

To find out more about Bickerton House and Parsons Grange, please call 0330 162 0186.

Bickerton House care home

Warfield Road, Bracknell RG12 2JA careuk.com/bickerton-house

Parsons Grange care home

Westall Street, Reading RG2 9AU careuk.com/parsons-grange

Be who you’ve always been... a champion

The Jolly Dollies is a Social Network founded by widows for widows who are looking to regain a social life through friendship and organised social events. We have over 100 groups around the country all helping widows regain a social life through friendship and understanding.

Often after the loss of our partner in life it is very difficult to know where to start when we are trying to return to social situations. Yvonne Vann, experienced this herself when she lost her husband in 2007. After his death she found social situations very difficult. So, in an attempt to help other widows in similar situations to build lasting friendships with those who are able to relate, Yvonne founded The Jolly Dollies or the JDs as they are affectionately known as, in 2013. Our groups have wonderful volunteer coordinators who are the heartbeat of this organisation. We have a great website which is constantly updated. We also run a Travel Club where we organise holidays globally for our members only. There is a group in Wokingham and we are trying to grow it so that more widows can find camaraderie and friendship with others that understand. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact us on contact@thejollydollies.com or take a look at the website www.thejollydollies.com

“It’s a big step to join and one I haven’t regretted for a minute since my husband died in 2014. None of us want to be in this exclusive club but to be with ladies who totally understand if you want to cry or even have a laugh you are not judged at all!” A Sussex JD

“Best thing I ever did” ..... I said this after I joined and so have many other JDs too. So true and maybe should be the JDs motto!”

A Milton Keynes

JD

Yvonne Vann, Founder

Lovely JD’s in their T-shirts

JD Holiday to Seville 2022

RACING INTO THE ROYAL BOROUGH WITH THE UK’S FIRST LEGO® FERRARI BUILD AND RACE ATTRACTION AT LEGOLAND® WINDSOR RESORT

LEGOLAND Windsor and Ferrari team-up to announce the UK’s first LEGO Ferrari Build and Race attraction due to open this summer 2023. Featuring three interactive zones, young racers will get the chance to build, test and digitally scan their own LEGO Ferrari car to race on world-famous racetrack Pista di Fiorano. An exclusive life-size LEGO Ferrari model will also be revealed when the attraction opens to guests .

LEGOLAND Windsor and Ferrari, setting the standard for excellence within the automotive and luxury world, have teamed up to launch the UK’s first LEGO Ferrari Build and Race attraction. Featuring a life-size LEGO Ferrari model developed by the LEGO Group, this is the ultimate Build and Race experience – putting the guests in the driver’s seat.

LEGO Ferrari Build and Race features three interactive zones; Build and Race, Ferrari LEGO model, and a DUPLO® build zone. Young racers can make their way through the “garage” to the “racetrack,” to build, test, and digitally scan their own LEGO Ferrari onto the interactive racetrack. Guests will experience Ferrari fun facts, race history, racing gear and awards, before racing other cars for the fastest race lap on the worldfamous Pista di Fiorano Circuit! A DUPLO® build zone will also offer younger guests the chance to drive their imagination and design their own creation out of bigger bricks, at the Ferrari Build and Race attraction.

“We’re extremely excited about this unique and full throttle partnership. Welcoming Ferrari to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is a big moment for us –I’m looking forward to testing the drive and creativity of all our guests at the new Ferrari Build and Race attraction this Summer!” Helen Bull.

For more information on LEGO Ferrari Build and Race or to book a guest experience pre-book online at www.legoland.co.uk. Children under 0.9 metres get free entry to LEGOLAND.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

‘Discovering the film making magic’ with ‘Potterhead’ Madison Priestley age 13 years.

Harry Potter (as I am sure we all know by now?) is a film series based on the eponymous novels by J. K. Rowling. The series is produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and consists of eight fantasy films, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and culminating with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

“You can step on to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series. Discover the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall and explore the Forbidden Forest, all before boarding the original Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾ and wandering down Diagon Alley. Located at the Studios in Leavesden, Watford, where all eight films were produced, the Studio Tour showcases the British talent, imagination and artistry that went into making the impossible a reality on screen. Visitors will relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who brought the Harry Potter film series to life. ‘’ is how ‘Visit London’ describes the walk through, self guided tour, and I have to agree with that sentiment. It does sum it up.

So, what did Madison think?

I could see from our arrival at Watford Junction train and bus station, where we boarded the HP shuttle to the studios that excitement was

mounting and the anticipation of what was about to be experienced was thrilling - a very good start!

Upon arrival, the building is impressive, with a grand exterior and even grander entrance hall which leads to a cafe and seating area, (complete with giant overhead dragon) whilst you wait for your tour time to commence. Madison regailed

me with talk of ‘Dementors’ who she explained are evil creatures which feed off happiness and eat your soul. I didn’t really have any response to that! She later informs me that the dragon is a Ukraniain Ironbelly dragon, but at this point she could really tell me anything and I would be non the wiser. I thought it was a dinosaur, but she said ‘’not to be silly, they are extinct!’’

Once through the ‘Hall of Portraits’ we are invited to take a seat in the cinema for a quick introduction to the few of us who are not totally familiar with the story ( maybe that was just me?) and a little backstory as to how the young Harry Potter, and his friends practically grew up at WB’s studios over the 10 years of film making - quite interesting, we both agree.

Once ‘on tour’ Madison was very impressed with the Great Hall which is where we visit first. Serving as the backdrop to some of the film series’ most iconic scenes such as the Yule Ball and the Battle of Hogwarts, the Great Hall was first built for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2000 and was used as a key set for six more films. It is a great place to start the tour, and you get a feeling of being drawn in to the world of HP and Hogwarts.

From here there are many interesting sets and props and some splendid photo opportunites with broomsticks to engage with which Madison is very eager to participate in, and is delighted with

the experience. At this point, I have to say that the attention and interaction with her by the staff (who call themselves ‘InterActors’) is terrific. She is totally engrosed.

The Forbidden Forest is next on the tour, first seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone - apparently. Madison seems to be expecting to be scared by something jumping out at her at some point (or yet again, maybe that’s just me?) but although we see Aragog the spider, and Buckbeat, the griffin, and other creatures lurking in the forest, there is (sadly) no scary fright. On we go!

Now, according to the official WB Studio Tour website ‘’The Hogwarts Express locomotive transported hundreds of students from Platform 9 ¾ to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Most of the scenes that take place on Platform 9 ¾ were actually shot on location at King’s Cross Station in London, however, during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, part of the station platform was recreated on a soundstage at Leavesden, complete with the track and the train.’’ Well, it was an impactful sight to behold, we both agreed.

We continue on to a courtyard, where Madison explains that the house (4 Privet Drive) is where HP lived prior to going to Wizard school, and the ‘greenhouse’ is where the Mandrakes (which scream) are born and grow up (?) and various other

sights, including the Night Bus, were documented for my continued education of HP, by a very knowledgeable Potterhead, I am beginning to appreciate. I am also informed that I should not bother to queue up for ‘Butter Beer’ as it is not an alcoholic beverage... that’s a shame!

Lined by towering marble pillars, the grand banking hall of Gringotts Bank, is next on the tour. Run by goblins, it is decorated with three magnificent crystal chandeliers and finished with real brass leaf. Inkwells, quills, ledgers and piles of galleons, sickles and knuts complete the goblin tellers’ desks as seen on screen. Once through the banking hall of Gringotts, we enter the depths of the Lestrange Vault used to store the treasures of Bellatrix Lestrange including the Sword of Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup, one of Voldemort’s many Horcruxes, so my HP expert tells me, as she reaches for the sword. She ‘’loves swords’’ it seems, as she is again immersed in the fantasy of the world of wizardry.

We continue thorugh Diagon Alley (which is a favourite of mine) and passing many props and exhibits which are really interesting, we make our way to Hogwarts Castle exhibit, which is the grand finale. Again, Madison is quite mesmerised, and I have to agree, this is quite an incredible display. Hogwarts is based on Alnwick Castle, in Northumberland, which stood in for the famed wizarding school in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The castle is one of many real-life locations used in the HP films. I wonder if I will be persuaded to take my ‘Potterhead’ to Northumberland when it reopens this month?

The final verdict - Madison gave the tour 9.5 out of 10, and the only thing which would have made it perfect, would have been some kind of amusement ride, it would seem. Perhaps a ride on the ‘magical cart’ operated by the goblins in Gringotts bank? Well, you never know?

by Jacqui Priestley

This new and exciting travel company is pleased to offer you a selection of Day Excursions and UK Short Breaks

Picking up from a point near you

l Coastal Tours

l Theatres

l Gardens

l Lunch Drives

l Christmas Markets

l Historic Houses

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

RING FOR THE KING

Throughout the country plans are being made to Ring for the King at the Coronation of King Charles III on 6 May 2023. For hundreds of years church bells have rung out, not only to call communities to worship, but also to celebrate special occasions, in remembrance of others and to signify special events. They are part of the soundscape of the UK. In June 2022 we all celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee with the sound of bells.

Following the announcement of King Charles’ Coronation, the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers has initiated an appeal to recruit more ringers so they are trained in time to Ring for the King, and they say that bell ringing is an activity like no other – a unique mix of physical exercise with mental agility that is a deep part of our history but still practiced and evolving today. Ringers learn at different ages and come from many different walks of life, and it is a lot more difficult than it looks!

Bellringing is taught, not in a classroom or lecture hall, but in the Belfry of Church towers, as a handson practical exercise for the body, the mind and the spirit. You might have to access the Belfry via a

spiral staircase, or even a ladder, so some flexibility is required. If you’re interested in learning to ring, the first stage is to visit a bell tower, watch a practice, see some ringing, meet the team and ask any questions. Most bellringing teams love having visitors and will be pleased to make you welcome. If you’d then like to learn, someone from the team will help you get started with handling lessons. The Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) can help you find a friendly band who can teach you how to ring.

Bell ringing for fitness - You’ve heard of workouts with dumbbells, now try church bells! Bells are the largest and loudest instrument in the world. But they are also the perfect way to get gentle physical exercise and increase active living for people who are looking for alternatives to conventional sport.

If you’re interested in learning to Ring for the King…

If you would like to know more about what is involved in learning to ring you can contact your nearest Church with bells (the contact details for the Tower Captain are usually on the Church’s website) or visit www.ringfortheking.org

As part of our 3 part series on the run up to the coronation of King Charles III, we look at the ‘Ring for the King’ initiative.

RED KITE & HAWKS

by Sadie Shepherd, Feathers and

Falconry Centre

More and more we are seeing the green of rolling field and woodland replaced by housing and urbanisation across our countryside the adaptations of our Birds of Prey to survive these changes along side us, is amazing, not only are they existing but thriving.

The largest of these is the Red Kite, once offered protection by the King due to their skills at cleaning the streets, man turned on the Kite and by the end of the 19th Century every bird in England and Scotland had been shot, trapped or poisoned with a handful remaining in Wales.

Today after one of the most successful reintroductions of all time, started in the 1990’s, the Red Kite is now an almost too familiar sight in Berkshire, easily recognisable with graceful flight, forked tail and high-pitched call.

Many people enjoy seeing the Kite swoop with amazing agility to grab food from a garden however feeding can encourage behaviour that has tarnished the love for the Kite, such as snatching food from hands or invertedly encouraging rats to the garden. Kites love worms, slugs, small mammals and carrion and do not need our supplement of sausages or chicken bones.

Photos are from the amazing Andy Critchfield at Hardpoint Photography and Sadie Shepherd’s Phone!!

Fur

Sparrowhawk

In comparison the Sparrowhawk couldn’t be more different. A deadly, focused, high speed predator often seen as a flicker at the edge of the garden leaving behind a silent hedge and a puff of feathers!! With a grey back and orange chest the males are smaller than the brown females, both often seen perched on top of the bird table or fence. The piercing yellow/red eyes are laser focused on their small bird prey, encouraged into gardens by our love for bird feeders, with the females being large enough to tackle pigeons.

Although numbers were decimated in the 50’s due to the pesticide DDT, the current population

has recovered well and is now our second most common raptor, just behind the Common Buzzard.

To learn more about British Birds of Prey, Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre is open Tuesday – Sundays for visits, no booking required. 07812 171709. feathersandfur.co.uk

Red Kite

Red Kite Baby Sparrowhawk

Common Buzzard

Sparrowhawk

Holme Grange Craft Village is a hidden gem in the heart of the countryside, just 2 minutes from Wokingham Town Centre, offering a unique shopping experience. With independent traders and artisan crafters working in a collection of converted barns, visitors can browse in a relaxed environment. Offering a wide range of products, as well as numerous workshops and classes, there is also a fabulous coffee house in an historic barn opening onto a beautiful enclosed courtyard where you can sit and relax while you enjoy your refreshment. With activities to keep the kids entertained and special events running throughout the year, including the ever popular weekend craft markets, and with lots of free carparking, including designated disabled parking and toilet and baby changing facilities

Holme Grange really is a ‘destination’ waiting to be discovered.

Including... Arissa Beauty and Aesthetics, producing the highest quality beauty treatments, and Gilded Hair, offering outstanding hair styling that complements your individual style at their hair salon. For ladies fashion, pop into LaLa’s Boutique, and for clothes alterations Needles and Pins have you all sewn up. Sewisfaction and Pottery Pals have courses for all age groups. Then there is the underwater world of Aquatic Addiction, plus Quench Bookshop, Thomas William Jewellery, R Young Art Gallery, Blooming Roots and Berkshire Rugs. Pop into the Tasting Barn, for wine, beers and gin, and then relax at Sarvanga Yoga Sanctuary. And...

In the Spotlight this issue we have...

BRICKIES CLUB

The Brickies LEGO Play Centre provides budding builders with a truly unique and immersive experience that is designed to promote imagination and creativity for LEGO loving child aged 5 – 11 years old. With a new building theme and Brickies badge each week the play centre provides a fresh and engaging experience every time you visit. Our sessions take place every 45 minutes and last for 90 minutes. Each session starts with a short Mission Briefing inside the atmospheric Mission Control Room where we set the theme of the week and building challenges. Then the creativity begins as we open up the play area to the children that is home to thousands of bricks that are all separated out into colour sets. At the end of the session we reward all our builders with their own highly collectable Brickies badge – there are hundreds

to collect! The Brickies Play Centre is open for both public and private play sessions.

FAIRY TAILS DOG GROOMING SALON

Fairy Tails is an independent dog grooming business run by Sophie who prides herself on giving the best possible care and advice for owners and their pets. From haircuts suited to each individual dog to skin and coat maintenance, as well as striving to groom every dog to perfection.

Call: 01189 776 668 E: sophie@fairytailsgrooming.co.uk

ENCHANTING GLASS DESIGNS

Enchanting Glass Designs is a fantastic fused glass shop and studio. In the shop you will find many different types of glass work including, fused glass jewellery, pictures, art and splashbacks as well as sand blasted work, stunning mirrors and some beautiful art work. In the studio there are many different courses ranging from beginners to advanced classes. Here you can design and make your own beautiful pieces of art with the help of a friendly teacher.

Looking for a special gift for the person who has everything then why not buy them a beautiful unique piece of glass or treat them to a class where they can have a go and make themselves a fantastic piece of glass art.

Call: 07887 241785 www.enchanting-glass-designs.co.uk E: gayle@enchanting-glass-designs.co.uk

THE GRANGE CHOCOLATE CAFE

At The Grange Chocolate Cafe our passion is for attentive and bright customer service, alongside quality foods and delicious cakes, so we hope you join us soon!

Call: 0118 9795125

E: wokinghamchoccafe@gmail.com

For full details of shops, barns and workshops including opening times, visit: Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road, Wokingham RG40 3AW 0118 977 6715 enquiries@holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk https://holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/HolmeGrangeCraftVillage

Plenty of free parking. Toilets, disabled & baby changing facilities all available.

Life’s Little Bugs

and the benefit of outdoor learning

natural surroundings,’ she says

We instinctively know that fresh air and natural open spaces positively affect us. It’s well known that natural light balances hormones, mood, sleep, and diet and offers many other incredible health benefits. Learning through outdoor experiences is extremely important for sensory development.

Our natural environment is a sensory playground waiting to be explored and discovered by little hands, nurturing creativity and building confidence, resilience, and curiosity.

Our bodies naturally relax when we are in nature. We can absorb more information when there is no artificial light, mechanical sounds or noisy chatter in confined spaces.

Tina Stubbs, the founder of Life’s Little Bugs Ltd, explains to Wokingham Local magazine why her work with ‘ Life’s Little Bugs Go Wild’ Outdoors Learning positively affects children.

There is much in nature to explore through touch, smell, sight, and taste. Outdoor play and learning are great ways to stimulate the senses calmly and enjoyably and encourage children to interact and engage with their surroundings under the sky, even in restricted circumstances. For those who struggle in the classroom, being outside can often decrease anxiety levels as they are drawn into making, creating, observing and sharing and using gross and fine motor skills as nature intended. A tree or plant can provide enough to stimulate all the senses by touching a flower’s petals and leaves and smelling the scent. Look at the shapes and colours; some you can taste or get adventurous with potions and perfumes.

Get mucky! Not only does dirt have feel-good chemicals, but it can be a fabulous natural sensory material, like clay or water! Slowly introduce new natural materials and gauge their reaction; we want this to be an enjoyable experience for them. If possible, give a child space to explore, or make an area you are comfortable with for

them to explore independently. You could add some objects for them to find or a spade to dig up treasures. Watching how they interact or what they’re curious about can provide great insight into their personality that may not surface in other environments like a classroom. Children will move around more when outside, supporting better health, balance and coordination. Exercise plays a vital part in mental health, too. A change of environment can help to calm the senses if challenging behaviours arise. Another benefit of outdoor play and learning is space to expend energy, reducing tension and anxiety. Don’t we all breathe better outside as well?

A swing or hammock is a great way to regulate, and digging, pulling or using tools can keep a child engaged. Rolling a heavy log and watering the plants can become almost mindful. Through outdoor learning activities and being in nature, children use judgement and decision-making much more. By developing tactics and strategies, some children discover personal strengths they were unaware of while gaining an understanding of safety rules and being alert to possible dangers when outdoors. Risk-taking challenges, such as using tools or climbing, will build awareness of hazards such as overhanging branches, prickly leaves, or uneven surfaces. They will also build respect for flora and fauna.

It feels less restrictive outdoors and gives a sense of freedom, which may make a child more willing to communicate.

My one piece of advice is always to keep a magnifying glass close!

Tina Stubbs

https://www.lifeslittlebugs.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/lifeslittlebugs

A

dream

Money Motivation with Steven Bartlett

We can all be guilty of procrastination. Putting other less important tasks before the ones we know really matter. From watching TV to scrolling social media and napping –many of us find it easy to create a distraction. That’s why NatWest has teamed up with entrepreneur Steven Bartlett to create a series of motivational videos to help people to take action now to help achieve their goals for tomorrow.

Key tips on taking action

In the series of three videos, The Diary Of A CEO podcast host and the youngest ever ‘Dragon’ on hit TV show Dragons Den, talks through some key tips on taking action to achieve your ambitions in life and business.

What are you waiting for?

EPISODE 1 - GOALS

Stephen talks about money and life goals. “In my experience, the best way to achieve goals is to actually set them in the first place.’’ When Stephen left home at 18 with £50 in his pocket he didn’t have a clue about managing or even earning money. LinkedIn, Google and YouTube became his ‘best friends’ and he found it incredible how much information is available just at our fingertips, by investing the most valuable commodity - Time!

2

TIP 1

Start by making a list of goals, both long and short term.

2 TIP 2

Get some advice. Whatever you want to achieve, financial help is out there, and your bank is a great place to start. Ambition and advice are the key.

EPISODE 2 - ENTERPRISE How to get your ideas off the ground

2 TIP 1

Be passionate and patient. “Having a passion or an interest in the industry you want to start your business in is essential, because at the begining when it is tough, and the money isn’t good, the passion is the thing that will keep you going,’’ he says.

2 TIP 2

Do your research. “Be influenced by others who are successful in your field... inspiration comes from everywhere - music, twitter, videos, tiktok.. . everything online has the potential to mentor you.’’

2 TIP 3

Seek advice from experts. “Good advice from an expert can give you the confidence to take the first step, and taking action makes you feel good.’’

2 TIP 4

If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. “Don’t worry if it doesn’t happen overnight, failure is just feedback. We have all failed and we learn lessons from it. It’s a lot easier to accept failure when you are so unnegotiable about the outcome that you want to achieve. You don’t need a lot of money to start a business. At the beginnning it’s all about being shrewd with your finances and investing as much as you possibly can back into the business. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Most importantly, have confidence and back yourself. Anyone can start and grow a business, but you just need to do your research, focus on the first step, take action, and go for it with everything you have.

What are you waiting for?

See all 3 episodes with the 3rd installment being ‘Personal finances’ on https://www.natwest.com/ moneymotivation

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As the tax year draws to a close, it’s important to think about your tax situation whether it is for you personally or as a business. Tax planning is essential to make sure you’re maximising any potential allowances and reliefs and saving as much tax as possible. Sometimes, the difficult step is trying to understand how you can save tax or who you can talk to.

By taking advantage of the different tax bands, tax-free allowances and other concessions – and making sure this happens before the year-end – you can, potentially, realise some significant tax savings. We’ve highlighted a few brief ways to take advantage of tax-free allowances available, all aimed at increasing your tax-efficiency during the 22/23 tax year before it ends on the 5th April 2023.

Income Tax:

• If you pay tax at the higher or additional rate of tax you might want to examine the possibilities for making additional pension contributions, helping you to extend your basic rate band. Did you know that for every £2 earned over £100,000 you lose £1 of your tax free allowance, making additional pension contributions potentially can help to retain some of your tax free amount.

• Consider whether income-producing assets should be transferred to your spouse, if your partner is in a lower tax bracket.

Capital Gains Tax:

• The first £12,300 of capital gains are tax free (the annual exempt amount). If you’ve planned relevant disposals that can be split, then think about disposing of some within the current year and some next year to maximise the allowance.

• Look into whether some assets could be transferred to your spouse, to benefit from both partner’s annual exempt amount on subsequent disposal.

Individual Savings Accounts:

• Interest earned from putting your money into an Individual Savings Account (ISA) will be tax free. However, the maximum you can invest in a ISA in any tax year is £20,000. Stocks and shares ISAs also give you benefits, not just in allowing tax-free dividends but also in allowing tax-free capital gains.

Other Considerations:

• If you in a position to be able to take a dividend but you do not take it from your company, it might be worth thinking about declaring a dividend of £2,000, if available, as the first £2K is always tax free.

From April 2023 the following tax rates and allowances will be available:

ARE YOU TAX EFFICIENT?

This is just a summary of some of the changes.

Planning for the tax year-end helps you to stay tax efficient. So, there’s real value in checking that you are maximising the allowances and reliefs available. We do understand that everybody has different circumstances and situations and not everyone is able to take advantage of tax saving measures. As your accountant, we can help you get your numbers in order and advise you on any elements where you might need some help, or have queries.

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www.prattspods.co.uk

WL: Who is Neil Stead ?

NS: I’m a 40 something family fan - it’s the big 50 this year ! I was born in Reading, grew up in Earley and have lived in Woodley for the past 20 years. My wife and I have been married for 25 years and have three kids and a family dog.

WL: What made you want to set up your own business and become an entrepreneur?

NS: Having worked for the John Lewis Partnership for over 30 years, in 2021 I took the decision to explore other avenues that would allow me to put the skills and knowledge I’d gained over many years to use. I’d like to think I could have found another role within another organisation - but I knew I wanted to be in control of my own destiny and decisions. And setting up my own business would give me exactly that - however scary the idea was, I was excited and still am!!!

Five Minutes With:

WL: What is Steady Consulting?

NS: My wealth of corporate experience, linked with my passion to help others excel at what they do, gave me the foundations for my businessSteady Consulting. I hold a very strong belief that an organisation cannot be successful if it does not have clear vision and direction, is not operationally efficient, and does not invest enough time or focus on people – be it customers or employees. You cannot have a high performing, high functioning or highly efficient business if these are not working well – they all play a huge part in driving business success.

It’s with these beliefs that I developed the Steady Consulting proposition – working with business owners to define, develop and deliver an approach that allows them to improve, grow and achieve more.

WL: Do you have a particular niche?

NS: I’m a Management Consultant - the services I provide help small and medium size businesses to solve issues, create value, maximise growth and improve business performance. I use my business skills to provide objective advice and expertise, and help an organisation to develop any specialist skills that it may be lacking.

Jacqui Priestley spends

5 Minutes with Neil Stead, of Steady Consulting

WL: What’s the best single piece of advice you have been given?

NS: Wow - there are so many ! One that always sticks with me and plays a huge part with how I work with my clients is “We have two ears and one mouth - so listen more than you speak”

WL: If you could go back anytime in history, who would you wish to meet, and why?

NS: Might be an obvious one, but it would have to be Winston Churchill - the man who led Britain to victory during the Second World War. How different would our world be today if he wasn’t at the helm?!

WL: What do you do in your spare time?

NS: I enjoy spending time with family & friends, listening to music and being outdoors - be that

walking the dog, working in the garden, growing my own or cooking up a feast on the BBQ !

WL: What do you like best about Wokingham?

NS: The regeneration of the town centre has led to me visiting Wokingham much more frequently. The new shops, places to eat & drink and entertainment has been a great draw. But you still can’t beat an old school pub crawl with my mates too!

WL: What is your ambition for the future?

NS: However cheesy it sounds - happiness. And growing my own business by helping others will play a huge part in me achieving this.

WL: From myself and all the Team at Wokingham Local, we wish you all the best for the future.

“Hi, I’m Neil and I created Steady Consulting with one clear purpose in mind: to help others achieve more, by offering consulting services designed to provide expert guidance and support, that help small and medium sized businesses grow.”

Neil Stead, Founder & Managing Consultant

WHAT IS MCS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

MCS is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme ( full information on gov.uk website).

Background: The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certifies, quality assures and provides consumer protection for microgeneration installations and installers. These consist of small scale renewable electricity technologies such as solar PV, biomass, wind, heat pumps and heat products. On 20 April 2018, the Scheme transferred to the MCS Service Company Limited, and the MCS Charitable Foundation, an important step towards ensuring the sustainability of renewables and energy efficiency consumer markets in the long-term. MCS has certified over a million installations since it was launched in 2007 and has nearly 2,000 currently registered installers. The scheme has played an important part in the growth of the installation of renewables in homes and small businesses in the UK, helping to drive up standards.

The UK domestic renewable energy sector has radically changed since our organisation was formed in 2007. Since then nearly 1.2 million homes have been fitted with renewable energy technology and the cost of installations has dropped by approximately 65%. Whilst hugely positive, these changes have led to some immediate challenges for us and our sector, as the UK Government has amended its renewable energy policies away from consumer incentives.

Established subsidy schemes like the Feed in Tariff (FiT) and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) have either closed (FiT) or have come to an end (RHI) in March 2022. The Smart Export Guarantee will go some way to replacing the FiT (with MCS at its core), but it’s also fair to say that the domestic renewable energy market has fundamentally altered, with Government-backed incentives no longer the key consumer driver they were.

“MCS, AND THE INDUSTRY IT WORKS WITH, FACE INTERESTING TIMES.’’

Ian Rippin, CEO

So, what does the future look like and what role will MCS play?

The Government announcement in June 2019, affirming its commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a really important step. Domestic energy will play a huge part in achieving this target and that’s why we have set ourselves an equally ambitious goal: To see MCS certified products and installations in every UK home and community.

Achieving this goal won’t be easy but I firmly believe two factors will be central to future success –quality and confidence.

The certification schemes we operate are a mark of quality. Since 2018 that’s even more the case, as we’ve redoubled our commitment to effective compliance and enforcement. We want to make the schemes we operate stronger, fairer and simpler so the quality of the installers and product manufacturers we work with really shines through. We also want to embrace emerging technologies like battery storage so that we can offer assurance across the full spectrum of renewable energy products and services.

Working in this way is how we’ll build consumer confidence. Deciding to invest in renewable energy is a big step for many, made more difficult by

confusing language and complex financial models. As an organisation we want to cut through all of this, which is why we see our central purpose as: ‘Giving people confidence in home-grown energy’. Something ‘home-grown’ is something that matters to people personally – something they can take pride in. That’s exactly the feeling we want to create across the UK as we help more and more people embrace a home-grown energy future. It’s an exciting prospect and one we at MCS are fully committed to making a positive reality.

What we do...

MCS is a standards organisation. We create and maintain standards that allows for the certification of products, installers and their installations. Associated with these standards is the certification scheme, run on behalf of MCS by Certification Bodies who hold UKAS accreditation to ISO 17065. MCS certifies lowcarbon products and installations used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources.

MCS is a mark of quality. Membership of MCS demonstrates adherence to these recognised industry standards; highlighting quality, competency and compliance.

Pasta Pomodoro

WITH ONION, GARLIC, TOMATOES & FRESH BASIL

Ingredients:

Serves 4

5 mins to prepare and 20 mins to cook

300 calories/serving

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 garlic clove, peeled & sliced

325g pack baby

plum tomatoes

500g carton of Passata

Handful of fresh basil leaves chopped

250g spaghetti

Fresh Parmesan to serve Basil leaves to serve

Method:

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan and cook the onion and garlic for 4-5 mins over a medium heat until softened and beginning to golden. Add the baby plum tomatoes and cook for 4-5 mins, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and most have popped. Add the passata and bring to the boil, stirring well, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 mins until reduced and thickened by around a third.

Meanwhile bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the spaghetti for 8-10 mins until tender. Drain well and set aside.

Once the tomato sauce has reduced, season generously and add the fresh basil and stir well. Add the drained pasta and stir to coat in the sauce. Serve in warmed serving bowls with freshly grated Parmesan and extra basil leaves. Buon appetito!

A super quick and tasty dinner that the whole family will enjoy

spring greens

Contain more Vitamin C than an orange!

Add a handful of spring greens to your stir fry to give your meal a vitamin C boost. Containing 180mg per 100g, spring greens contain practically the most vitamin C of any food, only beaten to the top spot by blackcurrants, meaning they provide with a seriously useful amount of vitamin C, to support your immune system, and vitamin K, to build bone strength.

They also contain natural compounds, such as sulforaphane and indoles. A body of evidence

suggests these plant chemicals have a significant anticancer action, and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help protect against heart disease and stroke. To make the most of the nutrients in spring greens, refrigerate them and eat as close to purchase as possible.

They are easy to cook and make a great side dish, or as a tasty meal when paired with almost any other ingredient. Try these delicious recipes, with a Japanese twist...

Spring Green Udon Noodles

Ingredients:

l 2 tsp vegetable oil

l 1 clove garlic, crushed

l A thumb-sized piece ginger, shredded

l 1 red chilli, thinly sliced

l 125g shiitake mushrooms, halved

l ½ tbsp light soy sauce

l 1 tbsp oyster sauce

l 1 litre chicken stock

l 300g vacuum-packed cooked udon noodles

l 200g spring greens, shredded

Method:

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and cook the garlic, ginger and ¾ of the red chilli for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook gently for 5 minutes until beginning to soften then add the oyster and soy sauce and the chicken stock and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add the udon noodles and spring greens and cook for a few minutes to reheat the noodles and wilt the greens.

Spoon into 2 bowls and sprinkle over the remaining chilli, if you like.

Lemon Sole with Miso Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

l 4 small ones lemon sole fillets l 1 tbsp miso

l 2 tbsp butter, softened plus extra for buttering

l 1 lemon, juiced l 200g spring greens, to serve

Method:

Lay the fillets on a buttered baking sheet. Mix the miso, butter and half the lemon juice and spread over the fish. Grill for 5 minutes until cooked through. Slide onto 2 plates, drizzle with the remaining juice and serve with the greens.

Indian-Style Stewed Greens (Sarson Ka Saag)

So Tasty You’ll Strike Your Happy Dance!

by Andrea Hayley-Sankaran

The traditional recipe in India features a good amount of spinach mixed with mustard greens. These are cooked for 30 minutes in a large saucepan with a small amount of water, and a spice mixture of sautéed garlic, ginger, and green chili, for 30 minutes. After the greens are well cooked, they are blended until creamy.

Next, grated onion is cooked separately in ghee (a form of clarified butter). Finally, garam masala (a warm spice mixture featuring some variation of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and anise), and fresh lime juice, are added for flavour.

That’s it folks! These are the stewed greens that are so tasty you’ll strike your happy dance.

But first you have to make it! It will only take you about 20 minutes of prep time, and it’s a great way to eat your greens.

WE NOW DELIVER order FROM US

We are so excited to now be able to offer our customers home delivery! To confirm, it will be our food, straight from our kitchen to your door, in the very safe hands of our delivery teams. Order through our website, available seven days a week. Home delivery starts from 6pm, pre orders available.

Experience the ‘Bombay Story Difference’ from the comfort of your home

SCAN HERE TO ORDER

What is rhubarb? Despite its similar appearance to celery, rhubarb is no relation. These pink thick stalks are classed as a fruit, and actually part of the leafy sorrel, knotweed and buckwheat gang.

How do you cook rhubarb? Rhubarb can be stewed but tends to go all mushy – so why not roast it instead? Wash and chop your rhubarb into finger-sized pieces and pop in an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle generously with sugar, cover with foil and roast on high for 20 minutes. Or try Bear’s ‘Banging’ Rhubarb and Apple Crumble?

What is the rhubarb triangle? It’s not a culinary version of the Bermuda triangle! The rhubarb triangle is an area of West Yorkshire that’s famously been cultivating rhubarb for over 100 years. Mysteriously, debate rages as to the definitive location of the triangle’s apexes – so you’d better pack your compass after all.

When is rhubarb in season? Forced rhubarb (watermelon pink, with pale green leaves) is on the scene from February to April, but maincrop rhubarb (deeper red stalks tinged with green) lasts through April to July.

What is rhubarb good for? Historically, rhubarb has been known as a laxative. But don’t worry, only consuming huge quantities will have you running to the loo. That aside, it’s also full of lutein

RhubarbFruit or Vegetable?

How do I grow rhubarb? If you’re a virgin vegetable grower, rhubarb is hardy and runs riot with little attention. Give yourself a head start with one-yearold plants known as crowns and plant in late autumn to early winter. Rhubarb flowers look pretty, but be brutal and deadhead them as soon as they appear –all they’ll do is weaken your plant.

Can I eat rhubarb as a vegetable? Yes. Roasted: Raw julienned rhubarb can be added to a garden salad, but several recipes I have found instead suggest roasting chunks of rhubarb on a baking sheet drizzled with honey or sprinkled with sugar for about five minutes, letting them cool and then tossing them in with greens. Rhubarb made into a salsa makes an amazing and delicious accompaniment to chicken.

Please send your rhubarb - or other seasonal fruit or veg recipe, in to us at info@wokinghamlocal.co.uk

BEAR’S BANGING

Rhubarb & Apple Crumble

Recipe by Chris Murray

(Check out Bear’s Breakfast Club on facebook)

Ingredients:

Crumble topping: 250g of muscovado sugar, 165g of ground almonds, 400g of flour, 250g of butter, 80g of flaked almonds, 65g of hazelnuts - nibbed, 1/4 nutmeg - grated

Filling:

1000g of Bramley apple, peeled, cored and diced, 500g of rhubarb - chopped, 160g of brown sugar, 1 vanilla pod (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract), 1 star anise, cinnamon to taste

Method:

For the crumble topping:

To make the crumble topping, rub together the sugar, ground almonds, flour and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl, ensuring any lumps of sugar are broken up. Gradually rub in the butter until the mix resembles breadcrumbs, then stir through the flaked almonds and hazelnuts.

For the filling:

Add the apples, cinnamon, vanilla, star anise and half of the sugar to a wide pan and cook on a low-medium heat, stirring often. When the sugar has dissolved and the apples have lightly softened and caramelised, add the rhubarb and remaining sugar. Cook for a further 2 minutes, or until the rhubarb softens slightly. Spread the mix onto a tray to speed up the cooling.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6

Divide the filling between individual heatproof serving dishes and scatter over the crumble mix to cover. Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the top of the crumble has turned a nice golden-brown colour and the filling is bubbling up nicely. Serve with either a good custard or your favourite ice cream.

Meet Gina and Kasia, your local laser and skin health experts, based in Crowthorne, just on the border with Wokingham. Located within the Crowthorne Health and Wellness Centres. There is a warm welcome and a fresh, bright treatment room.

Gina and Kasia have worked together for 17 years, helping men and women look and feel their best. Drawing on their combined vast experience from the NHS, Harley Street and working alongside industry experts, they bring that expertise to Primelase Berkshire. They are passionate about skincare and keeping up to date with the latest developments, attending conferences and seminars by industry experts. They know what treatments work.

Your Primelase journey starts with a detailed free of charge consultation about your skin, medical health and lifestyle. With a relaxed approach, you are made to feel at ease. You will be offered treatment options to suit your needs and budget.

Specialising in laser hair removal and skin health. We have a range of treatments to treat a variety of skin concerns.

They have a range of treatments to help a variety of skin concerns, such as:

l Acne l Acne scarring l Red facial veins l Sun damage

l Pigmentation l PCOS l Unwanted hair l Folliculitis

l Lines and wrinkles l Skin Tags and Warts

Treatments available

l Laser hair removal

l IPL light facials l Skin Peels

l Hydracleanse l Medical Microdermabrasion -

l Microneedling l Skin boosters

l Professional skincare

l RF microneedling l HIFU l Accor Plasma l Freeze Pen

l Smart Mesol Geneo faciall Dermalux LED

01344 513 603

Kasia Sulej (HDipBT VTCT) 07878 609750

Gina Stokes (NMC ITEC) 07305 072174

99 Pinewood Avenue, Crowthorne, RG45 6RQ

Question - Do you breathe out of your nose or mouth?

Did you know that nasal breathing is your tool to calm your mind, digestive system, and help your body to heal and recover. Yet we often only use half of its power.

Breathing out of the nose is the best way to access calming parasympathetic benefits of breathing. A breath out of the mouth does have a pressure valve like effect to release stress, but nasal breathing is far more powerful.

Next time you’re exercising, or trying to get to sleep, try breathing in and out of your nose. When you feel that urge to breathe out the mouth, concentrate and allow a slow breath (tongue to the roof of the mouth) out of the nose.

The sympathetic system is the fight or flight system and charges you up in times of danger. The parasympathetic system slows you down and helps your body automatically run its day to day jobs of digestion, elimination, sleep cycles and more.

Did you know left nostril breathing accesses this calming system more effectively?

When you need to calm down, when your mind is racing faster than a hurricane, or when you can’t go to sleep, try left nostril breathing.

Simply take your right hand and, with your fingers outstretched, block off your right nostril by putting gentle pressure on it with your right thumb. With a long, slow, deep breath, gently inhale through your left nostril. Then, just as gently, exhale long, slowly and completely, again through the left nostril.

Relax your body as you feel the relaxing, cooling breath bringing new life into your body. Relax even deeper with each exhale as you breathe out all tension, all stress, and all disease.

Here’s an alternative rhythm you can use for left nostril breathing:

Try breathing in through the left nostril as described using different “counts”.

Inhale for 4 beats. Hold the breath for 4 beats. Exhale for 4 beats. How did that feel?

When you need to calm down, when your mind is racing faster than a hurricane, or when you can’t go to sleep, try this...

by Dr Steven Lin

Dr Amir Khan, broadcaster, author and GP, talks about

Why Outdoors is Best.

Alongside his work in the NHS, Dr Khan is vice president of the Wildlife Trusts and a champion of embracing the natural world for better health.

How does being outside do us good? Put simply, we tend to be more active when we are outdoors, which is good for managing blood pressure, sugar levels and our cardiovascular health. There’s also evidence to show that we produce less of the stress hormone cortisol when we are in green spaces.

Why do green spaces make such a difference?

Earthing, or grounding as it’s known, helps give us a connection with nature that can be very beneficial, because we’ve evolved alongside nature. People forget that , before the Industrial Revolution, we were much more connected with the natural world than we are now.

So there really is something in hugging a tree?

Yes, physically touching bark or walking barefoot on grass can stimulate the body to produce serotonin and dopamine - the happy hormones - so it can certainly help with mental health. Appreciating wildlife also works. My garden is geared up to encourage wildlife, and when I used to come home from seeing patients during the pandemic,

just watching the birds, insects and hedgehogs would help with my mental health as it was a very stressful time.

Can nature stimulate other senses?

I’m a big champion of birdsong too. Closing your eyes, tuning everything else out and immersing yourself in the sounds of birds can have a great impact on reducing stress.

Is this similar to a digital detox?

Anyone who works with technology knows the fatigue, tired eyes and headaches that come with staring at a screen for too long. Studies how that going outside to look at plants, bushes and trees is the quickest way to relieve some of the stress. It focusses the mind and makes us more productive. Research also shows that children have better concentration levels after they have spent time outdoors in green spaces.

Does being outdoors impact sleep patterns too?

Definitely, because knowing when to sleep is linked to dark and light. The darkness switches our brain

into thinking it’s time for bed, which is why we feel more tired in winter, when we aren’t exposed to so much daylight. If you’re struggling with sleep, getting outdoors into natural light or sunlight to give you vitamin D, as you can’t get enough from diet alone.

Is there an ideal length of time to be outdoors?

I don’t like to put a number on it. As a clinician and an advocate for going outdoors more, I prefer the message to be ‘anytime spent in nature is better than none’.

Our customers have come to rely on us for being honest and knowledgeable in our field and we have a long list of domestic and commercial clients to show for it. If you want to find out more about what we can do for you, why not take a look at some examples of our work on our website

Whether you need us to remove a single tree, your whole back garden needs an overhaul or you have a commercial property which needs ongoing work, Thames Valley Arborists can help. Please feel free to contact us to book in for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced tree surgeons.

At Thames Valley Arborists we really do love what we do and we believe that our work reflects this passion. As well as being professional, fully qualified and of course insured, we’re also an incredibly friendly bunch.

MAGENTA! Viva

With Pantone releasing their colour of the year as Viva Magenta, we couldn’t wait to explore this colour trend through fabrics, soft furnishings and home accessories!

What is Viva Magenta?

Pantone has described Viva Magenta as a ‘crimson red tone’, making it a warm, rich, deep colour. Colours such as this are perfect for older homes with lots of character. In addition, deep reds can accentuate the colours found in traditional brickwork and wooden beams, creating cosy and dark spaces perfect for a relaxed living room or snug. Pictured above is a gorgeous little reading nook with crimson red box seat cushion and curtains to match. This space encapsulates Panatone’s colour trend perfectly and is also the cosiest little hideaway for any bookworm.

How can I bring Viva Magenta into my home?

As this colour is very bold and striking, we suggest

starting small and adding in more of the colour over time. For example, you could start with a couple of beautiful scatter cushions, such as this gorgeous Elysium Onyx velvet cushion from Voyage Maison, which has the perfect small touch of Viva Magenta. With the added design detail of a pom pom trimming, you can create a unique, vibrant and on trend space in your home in no time at all and without breaking the bank.

Sophie Sews ideas for Viva Magenta…

As many of you may already know, we love bold patterns and colours at Sophie Sews! As Viva Magenta is so rich and striking, we think it would be a beautiful colour to use in a large drawing room, filling each window with floor to ceiling velvet curtains to bring that extra touch of luxury. If your space is on the smaller side, a trim down the lead edge of a curtain or along the bottom of a roman blind, would be the perfect way to add a small touch of Viva Magenta into any room.

Charlotte Stokes

with added WOW factor!

Professional Builder serving Reading, Wokingham & Berkshire

We have a wealth of experience in providing all types of domestic building work, including everything from barn conversions and home extensions, to bespoke walls, driveways and patios and all with an assurance of quality in both our workmanship and services.

Our building services include specialist stone and brick work, plastering, carpentry/joinery, electrics, plumbing and all the skills required for domestic building.

“Steve Goff and his team gave us the home that we had hoped for but with added wow factor. He came in on budget and always worked really closely with us to ensure that we were happy with every aspect of the build. We had a double storey side extension and full width single storey extension at the back which gave us an extra bedroom, large garage and incredible open kitchen, living room with full width sliding doors onto the garden... You would struggle to find a better builder. After having appointed Steve from a neighbours recommendation we were not disappointed and now consider him a friend.’’

How to Dazzle with statement lamps

Good design in your home is about creating a solid foundation of classic furnishing that will last the test of time. Then giving it an irreverent tweak, injecting personality via colour, texture and individual pieces. And statement lamps are your secret weapon when it comes to packing a personality punch. I encourage you to think of the humble table lamp as your new design hero, and here’s how…

Don’t be a wallflower

All too often we can fall into a default position of creating a home that is neutral and easy. When in fact, the thing you loved about that amazing restaurant or gorgeous hotel, was its carefully curated ‘statement pieces’ that draw the eye and elicit murmurs of appreciation. There is no reason why you can’t feel like this in your own home. In fact I insist you must. Buy the swoon-worthy lamp.

Play with proportion

Proportion is everything in design. Having all our furniture at the same height, colour or texture means that there is no tension in a room. We want the eye to be led around a space and to alight upon an interesting corner or vignette. And large statement lamps are the

perfect drama queen for your scheme. Add a beautiful piece of art behind it and a side table with personality and you are on your way to a home you love.

Add accent colours for a touch of flair

Make your lamps work hard. Use them to elevate your scheme. They are the ideal tool to bring a splash of colour or to link colours together to create a cohesive look. Consider what you have in your room already and add contrasting or complementary colours in your lamps to unify your space.

Buy things you love

I mean really love. My mantra is to ‘buy well, buy once’. And buying things you love means that they will have longevity in your home. I like to mix things up a couple of times a year, by ‘shopping’ my home. I switch artwork, lamps and cushions and even rugs between rooms. It makes me feel like my home has had a refresh without the expensive price tag.

Have fun

Our homes are the backdrop to our lives. And as such we want them to not only be comfortable and feel like ‘us’, but we should

did you get it from?’. And this is where lamps are your friend. Life is way too short for drab.

Hannah

I am a local interior Designer based in Henley on Thames. I will help you create a home you and your family love. From guiding you on renovation projects and extensions, to being a trusted expert on hand to help you breathe new life into your rooms, my range of services are designed to meet whatever needs you have.

Visit my website at: hannahdeaninteriors.com Or come and chat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/hannahdeaninteriors/

We are a family run, on-line business and Wokingham born and bred. Our family have lived in our lovely town for generations and generations. A few years back, we had the romantic and crazy idea of renovating a derelict Edwardian property in Finchampstead. With two very young children, a lively Doberman puppy and a few cats in tow, it was a journey, to say the very least and romantic it was not!

When the time came to focus on the hugely exciting part of room interiors, along came the pandemic! With bricks and mortar stores being closed, we really struggled to source quality and exciting products online and identified a gap within the ecommerce market. Sustainability matters to us and we plant a tree for every sale we make. We have already planted over 100 trees and for everyone who signs up to our newsletter via our on-line shop, we will plant an extra tree. Our goal is to plant 500 trees... you up for the challenge?

Choose to Reuse. The Furniture Upcycling Boom.

Eco living, sustainable, recycling and upcycling are now key words heard in most homes. The approach by many is to create an environment whereby lifestyle choices can have an impact on the world around us. Furniture Upcycling is having such a fantastic surge in exposure as we learn it is possible to re-use quality-built furniture, created by craftsmen decades ago. Many pieces of furniture are steeped with family history and are quite often hidden away as the dark brown wood, vintage appearance doesn’t quite fit with the modern home.

We are lucky to have in the UK a vast range of furniture artists cleverly refurbishing these forgotten pieces transforming them into beautiful, stunning usable furniture to be seen and appreciated. Upcycled furniture beautifully created correctly takes time, knowledge, patience, quite often a few chosen words along the way, but time is the major factor. The preparation of furniture for its transformation is key and this time can often be underestimated. Furniture may need a repair or two, veneer stripped back or repaired, dents, scuffs filled and sanded. The studio here is full of gadgets and tools to execute this process.

Choosing the correct paint for the furniture to last can be daunting, but with a thorough consultation with the client, the finish can be discussed whether a rustic or sleek modern look is required. Colour can massively play a big part in the transformation. Some older vintage pieces lean towards plain bolder overall colour, whereas Mid Century Modern styling often leans towards modern geometric lines keeping some of the original wood exposed and treated. Tastes are personal, and this phase can be daunting but listening and managing expectations is a must.

Furniture doesn’t purely have to be only painted. Being a furniture artist allows the creative juices to flow. Exploring decoupage, 3D mouldings, gilding, gold leaf, wood burning finishes are popular too and can take the furniture to a whole new level of transformation. The countless combinations of colour, finishes, new handles etc can transform well-made furniture from drab to fab. What do you own that can be re-loved again?

Beverley Warren - The Lotus Upcycling Studio

CHALK RESTAURANT

31 Broad Street, Wokingham RG40 1AU

enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com

www.chalkrestaurants.com

GRASSHOPPER COCKTAIL & WINE BAR

56-58 Rose Street, Wokingham RG40 1XU

enquiries@grasshopperbar.co.uk

www.grasshopperbar.co.uk