Wokingham Local Magazine Issue 15 May 2023

EMBLEM, THE APPLE GURU AND PRATTS PODS

THE OFFICIAL LOGO

for King Charles III’s coronation, to feature in street parties, social media and souvenirs, was inspired by King Charles’s love of the planet, nature, and his deep concern for the natural world, and was created by former Apple design guru, Sir Jony Ive, who is more usually associated with sleek tech designs of Apple gadgets such as iMacs and iPods. The logo features a rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock - emblems from across the United Kingdom which form the shape of the St Edward’s crown used in the coronation. The floral design highlights the “optimism of spring” and reflects the King’s love of nature.

Sir Jony Ive has designed some of Apple’s most iconic products over the years and was a key influence on the firm’s simplistic design. Here in Wokingham, on Elms Walk in the centre of town, Pratts Pods Ltd (a well established independent business) sell and repair a whole range of Apple products from the very latest gadget to pre-loved, certified and refurbished tech you can rely onwith ‘rock solid guarantees’.

I'm a baby, family and brand photographer covering Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and surrounds

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WELCOME...

...to a very special ‘Coronation’ edition of our magazine. The Emblem, the Apple Guru and Pratts Pods set us on our way as we say ‘’Three Cheers’’ to Their Majesties and our Wokingham Local businesses and communities celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6th.

We have delicious food and Royal recipes, fit for a King, whether that is to celebrate the Big Lunch, street parties, or barbeques in our gardens with family and friends - we have it all covered. If you are not in a mind to cook yourself, then Bombay Story Indian Kitchen invites you to the perfect ‘spicy’ street party on Peach Place on May 7th, so sit back, relax and order a cocktail. Then why not nip round to Dessert Maid (down the walkway from Waitrose) for all your delicious ice-creams and sweet treats!

‘God Save the King’ echoes as we narate events for the Coronation weekend over five pages of fabulous Royal features, and we showcase the very best of our own local businesses alongside. From high end tailors, Becker Bespoke, to the most unique and bespoke pieces of jewellery created by Goldmith Tom Murray at Thomas William Jewellery, based at Holme Grange craft village.

I spend 5 minutes with Sheona of Sewisfaction, also based at Holme Grange craft village, and the shop owners and crafters welcome everyone to their Coronation ‘Party in the Paddock’ on Monday the 8th of May.

Primelase and the Lazy Frog assist us with beauty and relaxation all the way through the celebrations, and we have a great insight into our care sector, with Walfinch Independent Home Living. Then, as always, our leading interior designers, architects, tradespeople and businesses provide us with their products and services for all our needs and requirements. We welcome new businesses to the magazine, Holtham + Newman Architects, Lush Lofts, Green Fern for mortgages and financial advice, together with our firm favourites which are now almost household names. Some of these are represented with their logo’s on the front and back covers of this issue, in appreciation of their support.

From all the team at Wokingham Local, enjoy the bank holiday, the celebrations, the food and drink and (hopefully) the sunshine!

To contribute, feature or advertise contact...

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, © 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

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:

renewable energy solar panels

What are the benefits?

- Cut your electricity bills

- Reduce your carbon footprint

- Receive payments for extra energy you generate

How do solar panels work?

A solar PV panel consists of many cells made from layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When light shines on this material, a flow of electricity is created.

The cells don’t need direct sunlight to work and can even work on cloudy days. However, the stronger the sunshine, the more electricity generated. Solar PV systems are made up of several panels, with each panel generating around 355W of energy in strong sunlight. Typical systems contain around 10 panels and generate direct current (DC) electricity. Because the electricity used for household appliances is alternating current (AC), an inverter is installed along with the system to convert DC electricity to AC. This electricity can be used throughout your home, or exported to the grid.

Are solar panels right for me?

Do you have enough space? Space is a key consideration. The average system size is around 3.5kWp and this will typically take up around 20m2 roof area.

An unshaded, South facing roof is ideal for maximum electrical output. East or West facing roofs could still be considered, but North facing roofs are not recommended. A system facing East or

West will yield around 15-20% less energy than one facing directly South.

Shaded roofs. Any nearby buildings, trees or chimneys could shade your roof and have a negative impact on the performance of your system.

Finding an unshaded spot is best, however sometimes shading is unavoidable. Some solar PV systems can minimise the impact of shading using ‘optimisers’. If you don’t have shading, the use of optimisers is not necessary or beneficial, other than the increased monitoring opportunities they offer –they won’t generate more energy.

Do I need permission to install a solar PV system?

Solar PV panels are considered ‘permitted developments’ and often don’t require planning permission. However, exceptions apply and it’s

Solar electricity panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity that you can use in your home. By installing solar panels, you can generate your own renewable electricity.

best to check with your local planning office for guidance. If you live in a listed building, conservation area or national park, additional restrictions may apply.

If you’re planning to install a solar PV system in your home, you must register it with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The DNO is the company responsible for bringing electricity to your home. Usually, your installer will register the device for you.

Thinking of installing solar panels?

Use the Energy Saving Trust’s solar energy calculator to get a better idea of the benefits you may see from installing a solar PV system. www.pvfitcalculator.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Benefits of solar electricity

Cut your electricity bills

Sunlight is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation, your electricity costs will be reduced. Find out how much you could save by using the Solar Energy Calculator.

Cut your carbon footprint

Solar electricity is low carbon, renewable energy. A typical home solar PV system could save around one tonne of carbon per year, depending on where you live in the UK.

Getting the most out of your solar PV system

Reduce your electricity use

During daylight hours, you’ll be generating

electricity even on cloudy days, but if you’re using more power around your home than your panels are generating, or during the evening when your panels are not generating any electricity, you’ll be supplementing this by importing electricity from the grid.

Reducing your electricity use can help lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re claiming a Smart Export Guarantee tariff, you’ll receive a payment for every unit of electricity you export. Remember to turn devices off and avoid standby.

Use more electricity during the day

As your solar PV system will be working at its peak during daylight hours, it’s a good idea to run your electrical appliances such as your washing machine, dishwasher, and iron during the day. If you’re at home, then this may be easier to do, but if you are away during the day, you could try setting timers for your dishwasher and washing machine.

Combine with other renewable systems

You can combine solar PV with other renewable technologies such as heat pumps or solar hot water systems. These technologies work well with each other, as solar PV could help power a heat pump, for example, or several of these systems could feed into a thermal store.

For more information on costs and savings visit https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/

“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, Chimney repairs 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. We now offer solar panel installations, please get in touch for all the benefits of installing solar to your property.

Holtham+Newman Architects are a RIBA Chartered Architects practice based in Berkshire. We take a client-centred approach to every project and are committed to providing excellent design and planning services. Co-founded by David Holtham and Lucy Newman, both RIBA Chartered Architects, Holtham+Newman is a partnership with over 45 years’ experience in architecture and design across London and the Thames Valley.

From small alterations and renovations to home extensions and new builds, our practice has extensive knowledge and experience of the entire design and construction process.

We are always fully committed to realising our clients’ vision, often going above and beyond their expectations.

Depending on the scale of your project, Holtham+Newman can offer a full and comprehensive Architectural service, from initial feasibility studies to completion on site. This includes outlining scheme design options for your consideration, without limitation on the number of ideas produced. We will meet with you at regular intervals and offer flexible times that fit in with your own work/life schedule.

“Lucy has worked tirelessly for our company throughout this challenging project, liaising and dealing with an incredibly difficult planning authority. Her professionalism throughout the process has been exemplary and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her services.”

Holtham+Newman Client, Berkshire

“Being complete novices with getting any building work done, David has been a great help. He’s always very professional and friendly, and from his first visit, we were amazed at how much time and effort he’s put in in producing our plans. By regularly visiting us and providing valuable ideas, we were able to work together to adjust our plans until we reached our ideal layout.”

Holtham+Newman Client, Berkshire

We pride ourselves on being design led and client focused. Please contact us today to start your home improvement journey.

David Holtham: 07971 316499

Lucy Newman: 07971 316 497

www.hnarchitects.co.uk

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Interior designer Victoria Willson explains to Wokingham Local how when working with her clients she likes to pay attention to the way spaces in their homes makes them feel.

Lighting

Gone are the days of turning on the ‘big light’. We are now using a combination of various light sources in a space including cosy table lamps, funky floor lamps and practical task lighting. Lighting can transform the mood and atmosphere in a room and helps us to use our spaces better. I always try to include at least 3 different lighting options into my designs to give my clients the flexibility to change the mood of their room.

Texture

Texture adds depth and dimension to a room. Without texture a room will feel flat. Layering a variety of materials can help to add texture and create a welcoming and warm atmosphere. I love to mix natural materials such as wood and stone with cosy rugs and sheer curtains, this combination can be both calming and energising simultaneously.

“I like to focus on enduring materials and design pieces with permanence and plants, lots of plants!’’she says. “These are a few of the fundamentals I have included in all of my designs in 2023 so far.

https://www.victoriawillsoninteriors.com

Curves

I’m such a big fan of curves in a space. A room is typically dominated by straight lines and angles. I’m seeing more and more curves in interior design in the form of lighting, doorways and furniture. I’ve recently included a curved sofa in a client’s living room design which creates a more soft and less formal look. In front of the sofa we’ve placed a round coffee table which gives you more room than a square or rectangular table. You can’t help but relax in a space with curved edges.’’

www.enchanting-glass-designs.co.uk

gayle@enchanting-glass-designs.co.uk

T:

Unit 5 Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road, Wokingham RG40 3AW

HERE ARE OUR NEW CORONATION DESIGN COASTERS HAND PAINTED AND FUSED IN OUR KILNS HERE ON SITE AT HOLME GRANGE CRAFT VILLAGE. How about keeping a momento of the occasion whilst having something practical to use?

Victoria Willson - Interior Designer

How to style your home like you’ve hired an Interior Designer.

If there’s anything the last few years have taught us, it’s that our homes are our safe spaces, our sanctuary, and the backdrop to our family lives. They provide us with the perfect place to entertain family and friends and allow us to enjoy life’s special moments. Which is why many of us want to make our homes as comforting as we can.

“Our personalities very much reflect the style we choose in our homes. Matching our homes to our character will make them feel unique and special. People need somewhere where they can unwind and feel comfortable away from

the stresses of everyday life.” says Kim, who is founder of Wokingham-based KDH Interiors. “I want my clients to feel connected to their surroundings so it’s all about choosing the right colours, patterns and textures to emulate their own style. It’s amazing how textiles, furniture, wallpaper, paint can really give a space personality”.

Easy when you know how, but not everyone has the ability to extend their personal style into their homes. Here Kim shares her secrets to help us all create a happy home filled with the things we love.

5 top tips from interior designer Kimberley Holloway

MIX & MATCH

By using several different types of textiles, prints and textures in a room is an easy way to add warmth whilst reflecting your personality. Consider your space and what it’s being used for, what type of materials and metals might work? Choose colours that best represent your personality, that make you feel good. As a starting point, look in your wardrobe and pick out the colours, patterns and fabrics that make you feel good?

STYLE

Decide on whether you want the walls or windows to be your focal point. Fabrics are the best way to add layers of amazing textures and tones to a room, you can mix up lots of different small prints within the same space with a neutral backdrop. Or you can go bold with a vibrant wallpaper and accents of corresponding plain textiles. Create a monochromatic style by choosing one colour and painting it in different shades throughout a room. When it comes to bright colours, pick one or two walls to paint and keep the rest in a neutral shade. Or go all out and colour drench the room using one tone everywhere. There are no limits to what can be achieved in the world of interiors!

STATEMENT PIECES

A refresh might just need the addition of that one statement piece. For instance, a new lampshade, rug, art, curtains or blinds, cushions, or a big central piece such as an ottoman might just be that singular item which transforms your room. By changing that one item it’ll give you greater confidence to change more elements over time. If you’re feeling nervous, start small.

BESPOKE

When creating your ideal interior space one big mistake many people make is deciding on their window treatments last and choosing shop bought. It’s a huge mistake to make because soft furnishings make a huge impact on a room.

Having your window treatments made by a professional is an investment you won’t regret.

Bespoke soft furnishings that correctly suit the intended space can really be that finishing touch to bring it all together. Work with someone you trust to help you create your ideal look that reflects your personality. At KDH Interiors we help guide you through the various styles, colours and patterns, trims and looks that suit your personality and room.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Are you a curtains or blinds type of client, or both? It’s not uncommon to have both at a window and a layered window is a great way to get lots to texture and colour into a room. Full length curtains positioned close to the ceiling are the pinnacle of luxury and almost any trim can be added to create a luxurious finish. Curtains are also a great way to make your room feel larger. They add a spotlight to your windows and will keep the cold out in the winter and can be used to stop the glare of the sun in the summer.

When it comes to blinds, roman blinds are a great solution for windows such as bathrooms and bedrooms that don’t have space to allow for full length curtains. Roman blinds can also be used when layering a window and be positioned behind a pair of curtains. Add trims for a truly bespoke item, they work so well on blinds and provide that added texture or colour.

personality, so don’t be afraid to put your own stamp on it. Be confident in your own sense of style because no one knows you, and your home, better than yourself.

For more information contact Kim at KDH Interiors kim@kdhinteriors.co.uk or 07968 102014. I can also be found on Instagram or Facebook at @kdh_interiors.

THERAPYCISE

What could happen today if you improved just 1% in terms of your mental performance?

How would your life be different if you became more aware of tools that you could be using right now that allow you to be at your absolute best when it counts?

One of the things I love about writing articles for brilliant magazines such as Wokingham Local is the opportunity to share some amazing tools and tips, that I know can help someone the moment that they read it. Another reason is that it gives

me a chance to flex those mental muscles that are used for writing and logical thought. Flexing these amazing components in the brain is a good thing to do for everyone from time to time and this nicely links with what I would like to talk with you about today.

If you have ever read any of my written content before, watched me speak at an event, maybe Wokingham Local’s Cocktail Chat social networking, or watched some of my many videos that I have produced over the years, you will know I like talking about software and hardware. Just like a phone or a computer has hardware and software, the space between the ears is very similar. I see the brain as the hardware like your latest phone or computer model. I also see the mind as being like the software like your IOS operating system (Apple user) or the latest Windows update (Microsoft user). Now unlike your phone

or computer, we cannot just swap our brain for another brain when we feel like it. We as humans cannot just wake up one day, have a browse online and order your new brain to be delivered to you next day delivery on Amazon Prime, maybe in the future but not quite yet. What we can do however, is upgrade and update our operating systems i.e., our mind and this can allow us to operate at a higher level, have an increased level of life satisfaction and overall be happier.

How does that sound for you?

I haven’t got enough time today to go through all the sensational upgrades that are available, but I would like to motivate you to do an audit of your life including your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Since the start of the year, how have you been behaving and what actions have you been taking? Have your thoughts been mainly positive, rational, and optimal or have those negative automatic thoughts been forcing their way in? How have you been waking up and feeling on a daily basis? These are all questions that can be asked when you give you mental toolkit a little dusting off and see what improvements can be made. I would like to leave you with a little quote today that will throw some fuel on the fire inside your mind. I’m not going to say who said these words as to be honest, quotes get changed over time and adapted and tweaked but trust me when I say, I absolutely love it hence me sharing it with you today…

Take some time today to have a little mental dust off and audit of that amazing machine we call our mind. Play with it, give it some awareness, write down your insights and then pick one area to work on. Keep it simple, focus on progress and I’m sure with the Summer just around the corner, you too can achieve greatness, in the areas that you consider important.

Keep stoking - Chris

Chris Hunt | Therapycise Mental Performance Psychologist www.therapycise.co.uk |

“There comes a certain moment in everyone’s life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when one seizes it, will fulfil their mission - a mission for which one is uniquely qualified. In that moment, one finds greatness. It is one’s finest hour.”

In celebration of Coronation Big Lunches taking place over the Coronation weekend, Their Majesties have shared a recipe for a Coronation QuicheA deep quiche with a crisp, light pastry case and delicate flavours of Spinach, Broad Beans and fresh Tarragon. Eat hot or cold with a green salad and boiled new potatoes - perfect for a Coronation Big Lunch!

Coronation Quiche

Ingredients:

Pastry

125g plain flour

Pinch of salt

25g cold butter, diced

25g lard

2 tablespoons milk

Or 1 x 250g block of readymade shortcrust pastry

For the filling

125ml milk

175ml double cream

2 medium eggs

1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon, Salt and pepper

100g grated cheddar cheese,

180g cooked spinach, lightly chopped

60g cooked broad beans or soya beans

Method:

You will need: 1 x 20cm Flan Tin. Serves 6

To make the pastry

Sieve the flour and salt into a bowl; add the fats and rub the mixture together using your finger tips until you get a sandy, breadcrumb-like texture. Add the milk a little at a time and bring the ingredients together into a dough. Cover and allow to rest in the fridge for 30-45 minutes.

Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the pastry to a circle a little larger than the top of the tin and approximately 5mm thick. Line the tin with the pastry, taking care not to have any holes or the mixture could leak. Cover and rest for a further 30 minutes in the fridge. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper, add baking beans and bake blind for 15 minutes, before removing the greaseproof paper and baking beans. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C.

The filling

Beat together the milk, cream, eggs, herbs and seasoning. Scatter 1/2 of the grated cheese in the blind-baked base, top with the chopped spinach and beans and herbs, then pour over the liquid mixture. If required gently give the mixture a delicate stir to ensure the filling is evenly dispersed but be careful not to damage the pastry case. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Place into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until set and lightly golden.

Wagyu

Try this Wagyu beef recipe when you’re craving something tender and insanely delicious. It’s so luxurious and flavourful, you’ll feel like royalty!

Wagyu beef is arguably one of the finest meats in the world, with some incredible marbling that makes it melt in your mouth with every bite.

HOW TO COOK WAGYU BEEF

Interestingly, Wagyu Beef Fat is unlike other beef fats in that it is low in mono-unsaturates, which means that cooking your roasties around the joint can almost be guilt free ! There are a couple of basic rules to bear in mind with Wagyu – it does definitely benefit from being brought to room temperature before you cook it, and also from resting afterwards. At least 20 minutes resting time is recommended, and 30 minutes for a large joint – it might seem

excessive but it really is worth it. The meat relaxes when it is away from the heat and the juiciness and tenderness is enhanced.

Bring a heavy based pan to a decent temperature, say about 20 minutes at 210 degrees C to sear the meat on all sides before turning it down and cooking at about 180 degrees C for 30 minutes per kg for a rare result, increasing that time for medium. There is no need to use foil for the roast –but you might like to season it with a little salt and pepper before you begin the cooking process.

Enjoy every mouth watering bite!

Stefan’s Butchers has been at the heart of Wokingham for many years, being a modern interpretation of a traditional High Street butchers, sourcing its produce locally, sustainably and responsibly.

It is now under new management of Charlie Costard who is a familiar face as has worked at Stefan’s for several years and now takes over as the proud owner and butcher along with his experienced team. Charlie welcomes customers, old and new, and is ‘as passionate about food as you are’.

Call in to Stefan’s Butchers at no 4 Denmark Street in the centre of Wokingham for inspiration as to what cut of meat to choose, and Charlie can offer advice as to the best way to cook it, and even recommend something you may have not tried before - maybe Wagyu?

Charlie aims to source only local free range meat from British farms meaning the journey from farm to plate is both sustainable and environmentally aware.

Stefan’s vast range of sausages are handmade on site, from traditional to unusual classics and are all gluten and dairy free. The wide selection of meats are available to be prepared ‘anyway you like it’, so if you like leaner pork chops, larger sirloin steaks or butterflied and marinated legs of lamb, just ask for it. There are ‘pies to die for’ for a perfect bank holiday picnic and ‘new’ beef kebabs, sausages, chicken, steak, burgers and more for a very special ‘Coronation’ barbeque.

ORDERS ARE NOW BEING TAKEN FOR THE CORONATION WEEKEND

Open Tues to Sat, Charlie looks forward to welcoming you to Stefan’s Butchers and your advance orders can be placed here - 0118 9794981 info@stefansbutchers.com

A real celebration!

FISH AND CHIP CORONATION CONES

The perfect Coronation street party food! Prep: 10 mins, Cooking: 45 mins

Ingredients (Serves 4):

4 large potatoes, 1 cup vegetable oil for frying, Sea salt (to taste), 2 cod fillets, Salt/pepper (to taste)

1/2 cup Panko crumb, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, whisked, Lemon wedges to serve

Method:

Peel the potatoes and cut lengthways into roughly 1cm slices. Cut each slice into fairly thick chips, rinse in cold water and pat dry with kitchen towel. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan. Carefully lower the chips into the hot oil and fry for 10 minutes, or until cooked through, but not browned. Carefully remove the chips from the pan, set aside to drain on kitchen paper.

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place chips on a baking tray and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.

Meanwhile, cut fish into strips and season well with salt and pepper. Place the flour, whisked eggs and panko crumbs in 3 separate dishes, ready to coat the fish. Start by coating the fish in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then coat the fish in the whisked eggs and finish them off by coating in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure to really press the breadcrumbs on the fish so they get a good crust. Transfer the coated fish strips onto a baking sheet. Let the fish sticks rest while you heat the oil in the deep frying pan. When oil is hot, add the fish strips. Fry for 3 minutes, after which the fish strips should be nicely browned on the underside and can be flipped. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes on the second side. Then remove and let them cool on a few paper towels.

Serve your double cooked chips and fish in paper cones, with a lemon wedge.

CORONATION STREET PARTY

Sunday 7th May, 12-4pm, Peach Place Piazza

Bombay Story will extend its kitchen into Peach Place, to celebrate the King’s Coronation with the Wokingham residents. Our outside kitchen will be serving traditional street food, ‘naanwiches’ and soft drinks for all to enjoy – young and old.

ROYAL RECIPE

Cranachan

Have a go at making your own Cranachan using a recipe shared by the Royal Chefs

Ingredients:

Whisky Cream

375g Cream Cheese,

130g Honey

75ml Whisky

150ml Double Cream (semi-whipped)

For the Oat Crumble:

1g Bicarbonate of Soda

63g Self Raising Flour

60g Caster Sugar

70g Porridge Oats

63g Butter

10g Golden Syrup

6ml Water

Raspberry Sauce

300g Raspberries

30g Sugar

100g Raspberry Puree

1 Lemon (add juice to taste)

Extra raspberries for decoration

Method:

1. Start with the oat crumble, by mixing the flour, oats and sugar together in a bowl.

2. In a pan, gently heat the water, golden syrup and butter until melted and mix in the bicarbonate of soda.

3. Combine this with the dry mix, and spread on a tray and bake at 160° until golden (around 12-15 minutes).

4. While the oat crumble is baking, you can make the whisky cream and raspberry sauce.

5. For the whisky cream, start by beating the cream cheese and honey.

6. Once the mixture is smooth add the whisky and fold in the cream.

7. To make the raspberry sauce, all you need to do is blend together the ingredients.

8. Once all the elements are complete, you can assemble your Cranachan by layering the cream, with generous servings of raspberries, sauce, and oat crumb in-between, repeat until dish is full and top with mint tips. Serve chilled.

This recipe makes enough for 10 individual puddings, or alternatively you can use one large bowl

Individuality is at the heart of what we do

We are an independent family of tailors who have been in the industry since 1908, originally based in the City of London, and now also serving Wokingham and the wider County of Berkshire. Tailoring is in our blood, as it spans over three generations and over 100 years of history. We have clothed not only many City Workers throughout the decades, but also a former British Prime Minister, a member of the Royal Family, High Court Judges and Stars of Stage and Screen. We pride ourselves on using only the finest cloths and quality of workmanship.

Contact us now for all your future requirements, including weddings, award ceremonies, theatre and the opera, funerals, graduations and more. We offer fully bespoke and made to measure services in both men and women’s wear.

“Just received my 5th made to measure suit from Becker Bespoke, swift, faultless, service. Thank you for your time, hospitality & humour. Would highly recommend Jonathan.” Perry.H, Becker

Bespoke Client

“You can take on the world in a good suit.”

Sir Michael Caine

THE CORONATION

The first portrait of King Charles since he took the throne has been revealed.

Painted in oils by artist Alastair Barford, the image depicts His Majesty wearing a blue suit, white shirt, pink tie and pocket square with his hand resting casually in his jacket pocket Though not an official portrait, it is the first commissioned portrait of the King to be unveiled since he became monarch.

From Heir to KingKing Charles III 6th May 2023

King Charles III, formerly known as The Prince of Wales, was born in 1948 and became heir apparent on the accession of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.

In addition to his official and ceremonial duties in the United Kingdom and overseas as The Prince of Wales, His Majesty has taken a keen and active interest in all areas of public life for decades. The King has been instrumental in establishing more than 20 charities over 40 years, including The Prince’s Trust, The Prince’s Foundation and The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund (PWCF).

His Majesty has worked closely with many organisations, publicly supporting a wide variety of causes relating to the environment, rural

communities, the built environment, the arts, healthcare and education.

The Coronation Service

The Coronation of The King and The Queen

Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 2023.

The Service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry. Their Majesties will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘The King’s Procession’.

After the Service, Their Majesties will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’. Their Majesties will be joined in this procession by other Members of the Royal Family.

At Buckingham Palace, The King and The Queen Consort, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will appear on the balcony to conclude the day’s ceremonial events.

Who will be going to the coronation?

The coronation is a state occasion, which means the government controls the guest list, reports the

BBC. As well as the Royal Family, those attending will include the prime minister, representatives from the Houses of Parliament, heads of state, and other royals from around the world. Westminster Abbey’s normal capacity is around 2,200 and it seems likely this will be the maximum number on this occasion.

The Coronation Concert

On Sunday 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC. King Charles has personally commissioned new music and chosen the musical programme for the service.

Twelve newly commissioned pieces of music will be performed, showcasing musical talent from across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth – this will include music from the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber. One of the liturgical sections of the ceremony will be performed in Welsh, in recognition of the King’s long-standing and deeply held relationship and affiliation with Wales. Greek Orthodox music will also feature in the service performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble - a request by the King as a tribute to his late father, Prince Philip. The service will be sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal a gospel choir and others.

The Coronation Big Lunch

The Coronation Big Lunch, at which neighbours and communities are invited to share food and fun together, will take place across the country, also on Sunday 7th May 2023, in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. From a cup of tea with a neighbour to a street party, a Coronation Big Lunch brings the celebrations to your neighbourhood and is a great way to get to know your community a little better. The Coronation Big Lunch will be overseen and organised by the Big Lunch team at the Eden Project. The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery, that brings millions of people together annually to boost community

spirit, reduce loneliness and support charities and good causes. Her Majesty The Queen Consort has been Patron of the Big Lunch since 2013.

Thousands of events are expected to take place in every corner of the United Kingdom this May as people take to their streets, gardens, parks and community spaces to join the Coronation celebrations and mark this historic occasion.

Our very own Holme Grange Craft Village invite you to a Coronation Celebration on Monday the 8th of May.

The Big Help Out

Also on Monday 8th May 2023, members of the public will be invited to take part in The Big Help Out, which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas. Monday, a bank holiday, has been set aside for volunteering. Organised by The Together Coalition and a wide range of partners such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups from across the UK, the big help out aims to highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities.

The palace said in tribute to the King’s public service, the big help out “will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas”. The aim of the day is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the coronation weekend.

‘’God Save the King’’

What is a coronation?

A coronation is the formal investiture of a monarch and their regal powers. It is a grand event in which the monarch is presented with royal ceremonial objects, such as the Crown Jewels. It is where the crown is physically placed on the sovereign’s head, in front of thousands of important guests, reports the Royal Collection Trust. It validates the monarch’s role as the head of the Church of England and commemorates the transfer of their title and powers.

What will happen at the coronation?

The coronation of King Charles and the Queen Consort, Camilla will take place at Westminster Abbey. The service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The service will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry, Buckingham Palace has said. The King and the Queen Consort will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘the King’s Procession’. There are several stages to the service, according to the BBC:

The recognition: While standing beside the 700-year-old Coronation Chair, the monarch is presented to those gathered in the Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The congregation shouts “God Save the King!” and trumpets sound The oath: The sovereign swears to uphold the law and the Church of England

The anointing: The King’s ceremonial robe is removed and he sits in the Coronation Chair. A gold cloth is held over the chair to conceal the King from view. The Archbishop of Canterbury anoints the King’s hands, breast and head with holy oil made according to a secret recipe, but known to contain ambergris, orange flowers, roses, jasmine and cinnamon. The oil created for Charles will not contain any ingredients derived from animals. The investiture: The sovereign is presented with items including the Royal Orb, representing religious and moral authority; the Sceptre, representing power; and the Sovereign’s Sceptre, a rod of gold topped with a white enamelled dove, a symbol of justice and mercy. Finally, the Archbishop places St Edward’s Crown on the King’s head.

The enthronement and homage: The King leaves the Coronation Chair and moves to the throne. Peers kneel before the monarch to pay homage.

The Queen Consort will then be anointed in the same way and crowned.

After the service, they will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘the Coronation Procession’. The King and Queen consort will be joined in this procession by other members of the Royal Family. To conclude the

day’s ceremonial events, the King and the Queen Consort will be accompanied by members of the Royal Family and will appear on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

What are the Crown Jewels?

The Crown Jewels are the most famous of the nation’s treasures. They include over 100 extraordinary items including orbs, sceptres, and crowns. All are closely connected with the status and role of the monarch. The oldest of these is the 12th-century spoon used to anoint the king or queen at the coronation.

Housed at the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels are the most complete collection of royal regalia in the world. They are used at occasions such as the coronation service and the State Opening of Parliament. Part of the Royal Collection, the Crown Jewels are held in trust by the monarch for the nation.

St Edward’s Crown

The crown is composed of a solid gold frame, set with tourmalines, white and yellow topazes, rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, peridot, zircons, spinel, and aquamarines, step-cut and rose-cut and mounted in enamelled gold collets, and with a velvet cap.

St Edward’s Crown is the crown used at the moment of coronation. It was made for Charles II in 1661, as a replacement for the medieval crown which had been melted down in 1649. The original was thought to date back to the eleventh-century royal saint, Edward the Confessor – the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.

The crown was commissioned from the Royal Goldsmith, Robert Vyner, in 1661. Although it is not an exact replica of the medieval design, it follows the original in having four crosses-pattée and four fleurs-de-lis, and two arches.

Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross

The Sovereign’s Sceptre was made for the Coronation of Charles II in 1661 and has been used at every coronation since. The Sceptre

includes the magnificent Cullinan I diamond, the largest colourless cut diamond in the world. In 1911 the Crown Jeweller, Garrard, mounted the diamond in the Sovereign’s Sceptre. The diamond is so large that the Sceptre had to be reinforced to take its weight.

Sovereign’s Orb

The Sovereign’s Orb is a representation of the monarch’s power. It symbolises the Christian world with its cross set on a globe. The gold Orb weighs 1.32kg and is mounted with emeralds, rubies and sapphires surrounded by diamonds and pearls. During the coronation service, the Orb is placed in the right hand of the monarch. It is then placed on the high altar before the moment of crowning.

When “ordinary” just won’t do

Thomas William Jewellery is a local independent jeweller, based at Holme Grange Craft Village, specialising in repair, bespoke and recycling pieces. Wokingham Local caught up with Owner and Goldsmith, Tom Murphy, recently and this is what he had to say..

How did you become a Goldsmith?

My Dad and Grandad were both metalworkers and encouraged me to pursue an apprenticeship. I’m really visual and love sculpture, so metalwork and a creative mind married perfectly to enable me to establish myself.

As an apprentice to a business owner, how did that happen?

A huge amount of hard work and sacrifice! I am extremely passionate about the industry and most importantly the raw skills of a goldsmith. I noticed jewellery shops were becoming very generic, fueled by sales staff. I had a vision of how a modern jewellery shop should look so combined

the reputation I had built up over the years with my ideas, and slowly but surely it began to take shape. I moved from my spare bedroom workshop into a retail unit almost 5 years ago!

What does a Goldsmith actually do?

Everything from a simple solder, melting and remaking unworn jewellery into fashionable pieces to wedding rings and one-off bespoke heirlooms. If you can imagine it then we can make it reality! Goldsmithing is similar to blacksmithing just on a much smaller scale.

Are all Jewellers and Goldsmiths the same?

No, Generally the big retail shops follow a particular

model and use off site goldsmiths. Independent shops are completely unique and some will have on site goldsmiths. Even then, every goldsmith will have a different way of working, ideas and most importantly standard.

It’s vital that you find someone you trust and appreciate the quality of the work they produce. We pride ourselves on our personable service and high quality of workmanship.

What makes you different?

Our passion and standard for sure! We truly believe in an honest, informal approach and we find our customers really appreciate that. We each have a specialist skill set that lends itself to different projects for example design, recycling, gemmology and valuation work. We are a young team but still have over 50 years’ experience between us. Our customers receive the highest standard due to this.

We also have a balanced mix of general items such as chains etc combined with unique one-off pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most enjoyment comes from presenting the customer with any piece we have created. It can be an extremely emotional moment and seeing it surface through the work we produce is immensely satisfying and is why I love what I do!

What does 2023 and beyond hold for TWJ?

Lots of new stock items and we are working hard to build an online shop. We are also excited to bring our skills and energy into the community more. Whether that’s popping up at local events or supporting local schools and charities. It’s important to entwine ourselves with the local area and community as much as possible.

Murphy - Director, Founder & Goldsmith, Thomas William Jewellery

Grange Craft Village, Wokingham, RG40 3AW

Five Minutes With:

WL: Can you explain what is Sewisfaction?

S: Sewisfaction is an independent sewing and craft studio where we teach classes and workshops for all ages and abilities. Our fully equipped studio has 12 Janome sewing machines and everything students need for a whole range of classes; from complete beginners making their first tote bag, to advanced sewists learning how to make jeans or draft their own patterns. You can also join us for things like crochet, macrame and paper cutting, and we run a lot of popular kids classes and clubs.

WL: Did you enjoy sewing when you were younger, and where did your passion for ‘Sewisfaction’ come from?

S: Yes I’ve loved sewing for as long as I can remember! My Nan was a seamstress and I quite literally grew up at a sewing machine. I’ve always enjoyed helping others to learn, so six years ago I decided to turn my passion into my career and Sewisfaction was born. It was actually my best friend who came up with the name, she summed up the satisfied feeling that comes from sewing something yourself!

do you need to have experience?

S: Anyone can book a class and join us. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, welcoming space. For us we make sure our teachers are not only knowledgable but are keen to share their skills in a fun, positive way.

WL: Do you feel sewing and dressmaking is making a come-back and is it now all the rage?

S: Yes! I think not only have we seen a rise in its

Jacqui Priestley spends 5 Minutes with Sheona, of Sewisfaction

popularity since programs like The Great British Sewing Bee, but people are switching on to the mental health benefits of sewing and crafting. Sewing is like mindfulness, once you’ve started you find your flow state and are completely absorbed.

WL: Why are you based at Holme Grange craft village rather than in a High Street setting?

S: We love being at the craft village with all its personality and being surrounded by other independent businesses. It’s so convenient for our students with ample free parking and a great cafe downstairs.

WL: What do you like best about Holme Grange craft village, and Wokingham?

I love how homely and welcoming the Craft Village feels. It’s got a lot of heart and all us independent businesses support each other. It’s being really close to central Wokingham and yet still feeling like you’re in the countryside.

What is your future ambition for Sewisfaction?

Our plan for the next year is to expand our parties and events and develop our own patterns which we started pre-Covid. And of course we want to continue to deliver brilliant classes and courses to even more people!

For more information, please visit www.sewisfaction.co.uk

Kestrel

STOKES FARM

BINFIELD ROAD RG40 5PR

BOXBELLFIT

First Days children’s charity are very excited to be hosting our second Colour Run on Sunday 14 May 2023, 2pm start at Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road, Reading, RG30 2ND

WE HAVE SPACE FOR NEW MEMBERS!

l Classes to suit all from HIIt, kettlebells, turbobox to strength & conditioning.

l Classes run from as early as 6.15am to 8.15pm

l Open gym available to do your own thing!

l Outdoor training in the Summer months

l Monthly membership (no join up or cancellation fee) or PAYG!

GRAB A FREE TRIAL WEEK VIA OUR WEBSITE TO SEE WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT, OR POP IN FOR A CHAT.

How to create a HEALTHY Happy Workplace

Many of us work at a desk these days, whether in an office, or continuing to work from home after the pandemic. Of course, it would be ideal for us to spend less time at our desks, but this is easier said than done.

If we don’t work, we don’t eat! So how can you work around a desk-based job, to make your work and life feel healthier and happier. While eating healthily, sleeping well and exercising regularly will make us healthier, the working day can still feel long and tiring. Here are my 5 top tips for some little things which make a big difference:

1. Water, water everywhere!

We are 75% water and, if we don’t drink enough, our bodies and minds become sluggish. When we think of dehydration, we tend to think of someone who has been on holiday in the sun, or had a heavy night out drinking and has landed up in hospital on a drip. However, chronic (long-term) dehydration can be a lot more subtle. Without enough water, our tissues become sticky, which makes us stiff,

achy and sluggish, physically and mentally. We can’t concentrate, feel fuzzy and we’re on a go-slow. Then we suddenly realise we haven’t had a drink in ages. To work out how much you need to drink, multiply your body weight in kg by 0.035. If you are still thirsty, it’s fine to drink more up to a maximum of 4 l per day. This will also depend on your activity levels.

So how can we drink more when we’re busy and distracted? Firstly, drink a big glass of water first thing in the morning. We sweat and become dehydrated overnight, so it’s good to refuel. Secondly, line them up! If you know that you have a long Zoom meeting ahead, line up a hot drink, glass of water and perhaps also a bottle of water to top up your glass. Try to limit caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee and chocolate) to two daily, before 2 pm). Too much caffeine makes you pee more, so you can become dehydrated. It can also make you feel more anxious and mess up your sleep if taken too

late in the day. Herbal teas are a great alternative and there are many varieties. A herbal tea bag will usually make two decent mugs of tea. Some of these are also diuretic though (making you pee more), so intersperse with water. If you don’t like plain water, try adding a slice of citrus fruit, a sprig of mint or cucumber. Sparkling water works too and definitely tastes better in a wine glass! Why not celebrate with a glass of healthy bubbly when you’ve met your targets for the morning, or successfully managed a tricky conversation?

2. Give yourself a break

Yes, this is something you need to give yourself; no-one else will do it for you! 45 mins sat at a desk at any one time is plenty. Aim to balance 45 mins’ focused work with a 15-min break, to stretch your legs and rest your brain. If you’re thinking, “I haven’t got time for that”, rest assured that you may even get more done overall, because you gave your mind a break. Make a cup of tea, do a few star jumps or stretches while waiting for the kettle to boil, take a walk in the fresh air and touch a plant.

3. Chew things over

Eating lunch at your desk is a definite no-no most of the time. If you must eat at your desk, make it the exception, not the rule. You won’t taste and appreciate what you’re eating and you won’t digest it well if you are wolfing it down while feeling stressed. Eat outside when the weather is fine and in a different room if not. If you are feeling stressed or frazzled come lunchtime, take a few deep breaths before you start eating. Stress is a fight and flight response which suppresses good digestion, so take time to relax first and give those digestive juices a chance to flow. Digestion actually begins in your mouth while chewing and your stomach will thank you for giving it smaller, more manageable pieces to digest.

4. Motion is lotion

Movement keeps you loose and mobile. If we sit for too long, we soon stiffen up. During your regular breaks, get up and move: walk downstairs to make

a cup of tea; do a few star jumps while the kettle boils, do a couple of stretches or balances; put on a piece of your favourite dance music or an Irish jig and have a wiggle; music brightens your mood too! I actually have a play list for this purpose, called ‘Wiggle and Jiggle’. Worried your office mates will think you’re mad? Why not ask them to join you and be a bit mad together!

5. Respond to stress, don’t react

Have you ever been told to reduce stress and thought, “Easier said than done”? when life throws unexpected curveballs at you, or perhaps you’re simply juggling too many balls. We cannot always control what happens, but we can learn to respond, rather than reacting. This reduces our stress response and makes us more resilient. If you can feel your stress levels rising, take a deep breath in, breathe in again and then breathe out in a long, slow sigh. The double in-breath is something which animals do as a stress reset. The long outbreath encourages your nervous system to come out of fight and flight mode into rest and digest mode. There are many different breathing techniques coming from yoga and similar practices, so try a few different ones, notice how they make you feel and use the ones which work for you.

Plan it, damn it!

Another great way to minimise stress is to work to a fairly strict schedule, even if you set arbitrary time slots for tasks. If something takes longer than you expect, you may need to plan another slot. If you plan the week ahead and allow some flexibility for the unexpected, this means that you prioritise your tasks and goals, rather than firefighting and reacting to other people’s demands and their stress. If someone wants you to do something urgently, ask yourself whether their priorities and yours are the same. If not, make an active decision. Are you going to do it in your time or theirs? If you decide to change your priorities for the day or week, that’s fine; make it a decision though, rather than a reaction.

In summary, you can feel healthier and happier at work by:

1. Keeping hydrated: you may need more water than you think.

2. Giving yourself regular breaks.

3. Taking time to eat.

4. Moving regularly

5. Responding well to stress: use breathing techniques and work to a schedule.

Dr. Sarah Bryan, Ph.D, has been working in the health industry for 20 years and has been helping people out of pain for over 11 years. She specialises in helping active, working women, who have had over five years’ unresolved pain after injury or surgery. She helps them become pain-free for good and field younger, so that they can step up for their loved ones and rediscover the fun in life. She lives with total sight loss and is used to overcoming major challenges!

Do you or someone in your life struggle with pain on a daily basis? Have the doctors done all they can? Contact Dr. Sarah today to find out how to become painfree and transform your life!

Tel: 07949 654779

hello@drsarahbryan.com

https://www.drsarahbryan.com

We’re in our second year since we opened, and we want to say how much we appreciate the welcome and support from everyone in the Wokingham area. Thank you!

It was our dream was to provide a truly authentic Thai massage experience, and the feedback we’ve been getting has been wonderful!

Thai massage dates back centuries & is recognised by UNESCO as part of human heritage.

Why not try it yourself? Book online on our website, message us via social media, or call us on 0118 374 3693

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

Trusted to care.

Bickerton House, Bracknell

Parsons Grange, Shinfield careuk.com/berkshire

Could you make your client’s wishes come true?

The care industry has always had seasons where it is tougher to recruit, like the summer holidays and over Christmas, generally it isn’t too difficult to find passionate and caring people to join our team. However, since Brexit and Covid19, the recruitment landscape has changed hugely in the last two years, and as a result there are many more roles available than people to fill them, so of course it is harder to recruit new people into the care industry, but all is not lost!

We are focused on setting ourselves apart from other care providers and other industries competing for the same workforce by being a reliable, ethical, and responsible employer. Our carers are the backbone of our business, and we pride ourselves on offering all of our team the security to know we are there for them.

We pride ourselves in standing by our Walfinch values of Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork and Fun.

Excellence

Sometimes the care industry can be presented as a low value job, we want to demonstrate just how important a job it is, and how vital a service we all provide is to our community.  From the training we provide, and the opportunities we create for our carers to develop their passions and become experts in subjects that matter to them, we have fostered a culture of joint learning and development, everyone can be involved in the ongoing evolution of our team knowledge.

Integrity

We strive to support our clients as if they were our own parents or grandparents. We know that it is hard to allow others to step in, and our carers have the opportunity to help make our clients feel safe and happy in their own homes. That said, we are all human and things happen, but we strive to always communicate and make constant improvements for the good of our clients and

team. If we make a mistake, we will put our hands up. We are always happy to hear from our team, suggestions are always welcome, particularly where they will help the whole team to work smarter, not harder!

Teamwork

While the majority of our carers are lone workers, our carers are never truly alone, we ensure that everyone has a “buddy” from within the care team, and a member of the office team are at the end of the phone if they need us to support or advice. Our office team work hard to ensure our carers are heard. We know that our carers are our eyes and ears in the field, and we know that some of the best ideas to make improvements come from our carers.  Because we are a young business, there are lots of opportunities for progression and promotion to salaried roles within the team. To get started on this journey, your passion and commitment is all we need to teach you the skills.

Fun

We want to encourage our carers to maximise their clients enjoyment. While our carer’s can only carry out the tasks in their care plans, we encourage our carers to suggest things that they would enjoy, such as fish and chips at the seaside, or visiting a favourite garden for the afternoon. We are happy to support our carers to make their clients wishes come true where possible. Lone working can be lonely at times, so we encourage our team to meet us, and each other many times throughout the year to ensure everyone gets a chance to connect, relax and get to know one another.

If all of this sounds interesting and you would like to get in touch, please call Ghizlane on 01182 290 500, email - reading@walfinch.com or visit our website www.walfinch.com to start your career with Walfinch in Wokingham and Reading.

DISCOVERING LONDON

Gardens, which features a beautiful 18th-century villa, Italian gardens, and a lake. Chiswick is also known for its excellent shopping and dining options. The area is home to several high-end boutiques, as well as many independent shops and markets. The Chiswick High Road is a popular destination for shoppers, with its many cafes, restaurants, and shops.

CANARY WHARF

CHISWICK

Chiswick is an affluent district located in West London, UK. The area is known for its beautiful parks, charming architecture, and excellent shopping and dining options, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Chiswick has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was a small fishing village on the Thames. Today, the area is a bustling urban neighborhood with a unique character and atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Chiswick is its beautiful parks and open spaces. The area is home to several large parks, including Chiswick House and

Canary Wharf is a major business district located in the East End of London, UK. The district is one of the most important financial centers in the world and is home to many of the world’s largest banks, financial institutions, and corporations. Canary Wharf was once a bustling port and industrial area, but it was redeveloped in the 1980s and 1990s into a modern business district. The area is characterized by its sleek, modern architecture, with many of the buildings designed by some of the world’s most famous architects. In addition to its business and financial activities, Canary Wharf is also a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The district is home to several shopping centers, including the famous Canary

Chiswick

Canary Wharf

Wharf Shopping Centre, which features over 200 shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Canary Wharf also has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with many galleries and museums located in the area. The district is also home to several theaters and cinemas, as well as a wide variety of bars and clubs. One of the most popular attractions in Canary Wharf is the iconic One Canada Square building, which was the tallest building in the UK when it was completed in 1991. Visitors can take the lift to the top of the building and enjoy stunning panoramic views of London.

HACKNEY

Hackney is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood located in the East End of London, UK. The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving

arts scene, and excellent food and drink, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The area has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the medieval period when it was a rural settlement. Today, Hackney is a bustling urban neighborhood with a unique character and atmosphere. Hackney is home to many independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a diverse range of cuisine and products. The area is particularly well-known for its artisanal food and drink, with many specialty coffee shops, bakeries, and craft breweries located throughout the neighborhood. The area is also home to a thriving arts scene, with many galleries, studios, and creative spaces located throughout the neighborhood.

BROADWAY MARKET

Broadway Market is a popular street located in the heart of the Hackney neighborhood in London, UK. The street is known for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent food, and unique independent shops, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The street has a long history dating back to the 19th century when it was a bustling marketplace selling fresh produce and household goods. Today, the street has been transformed into a destination for foodies, with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors serving up delicious and innovative cuisine from around the world. Broadway Market is home to many popular restaurants and cafes, including the

Hackney Hackney

Broadway Market

famous Climpson and Sons coffee shop, which roasts its own coffee on-site, and the popular Italian restaurant, Il Cudega. The street is also home to many independent shops, selling everything from vintage clothing to artisanal chocolates and handmade jewellery.

CLAPTON

Clapton is a district of East London located in the London Borough of Hackney. It is situated approximately 6 miles north-east of central London and is bordered by Stamford Hill to the north, Hackney Downs to the south, Lower Clapton to the east, and Homerton to the west. The area has a rich history and was once known for its breweries and industry, but today it is a diverse and vibrant community with a mix of residential and commercial properties. It has a variety of housing types, including Victorian and Georgian terraces, post-war estates, and new builds. One of the notable features of Clapton is the abundance of green spaces. The area is home

to several parks, including Clapton Common, Millfields Park, and Springfield Park. The River Lea also runs through the area, providing scenic walking and cycling routes. Clapton is a culturally rich area, with a diverse population and a vibrant arts scene. It has a range of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a thriving music scene, with venues such as The Round Chapel and The Clapton Hart hosting regular events.

DAY EXCURSIONS

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

DOOR2DOOR SHORT BREAKS

Including our Taxi Service Home/Coach/Home

Scotland - Wales - Southern Ireland

Cotswolds - Norfolk - Yorkshire - Boppard

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And many other destinations

For further details check out the website, email us or telephone our office for a copy of our brochure.

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

Clapton

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

4th to 26th August 2023

The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade is the spectacular home of the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Tattoo has a proud history, stretching back for almost seven decades. Following the production of ‘Something About a Soldier’ in the Ross Bandstand in 1949, it was decided to create an event which ran alongside the existing Edinburgh Festivals. The official Tattoo was duly created with its first performance in 1950. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s imposing castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most iconic events in Edinburgh’s calendar. Bringing together audiences from across the globe, the Tattoo celebrates the skills and talents of military bands and display teams from across the globe. There are few such moving festival moments, a fact to which any of the over 220,000 people who experience it live in any normal year can attest –

not to mention the further 100 million who watch television broadcasts of the event!

Audiences get into the spirit and stamp and cheer to the sounds of the pipes and drums, clap to the Highland Dancers and watch in awe at some of the daredevil feats of accomplished motorcyclists or intricate marching formations. The sounds of the bands can be heard throughout the city, followed by the cheers of the audience, the roar of military jets flying over the city, and finally the glorious fireworks that colour the night sky.

What makes it special?

The Tattoo is an iconic Edinburgh institution, with music, dance, precision display, and the poignant refrain of the Lone Piper against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates musicians and performers from all around the world and opens Scotland’s arms to welcome spectators from near and far to join in the fun. With changing yearly themes, each Tattoo is different from the previous one. Past themes have included concepts such as Scotland’s homecoming, creativity and nature. The much-anticipated 2023 show will take place from 4 to 26 August, with the theme of this year’s event being “Stories” and includes performers from as far afield as The USA, New Zealand and Mexico.

The Royal Air Force has been confirmed as the lead service, this year. As always the Massed Pipes and Drums will be an essential component, along

with the Tattoo Pipes and Drums and Tattoo Dancers. As well as a major home contingent, Stories will continue to celebrate the history and heritage of Scotland’s global family over the course of the 100-minute programme, but will incorporate its new ethos of greater innovation and creativity that it calls “Performance in a New Light”. The show’s big bangs and fireworks display thunder across Edinburgh each night, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays when the Tattoo holds an extended fireworks display.

The Tattoo traditionally draws to a close with the lone piper playing from the castle ramparts and the massed pipes and drums rallying on the parade ground, before marching off down the High Street.

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WELLY WILDLIFE

April and May are exciting months for wildlife here at Wellington College, as spring brings with it a flurry of activity and new life around the grounds. From bird migration to wildflower blooms, there is plenty to observe and appreciate in the landscape during these months.

Wellington College is immensely blessed with four hundred acres of fantastically varied habitats: parkland, formal gardens, rewilded meadows of wildflowers and grasses, mixed woodland, ponds, lakes, heathland and bog. While we have immaculate lawns, pitches and golf greens, we also have the benefit of sufficient space to leave other areas less intensively managed and more as nature intended, which is essential for biodiversity. The Gardens team leave piles of dead logs in the woodlands, plant wildflower areas and leave some areas of grassland to grow naturally. They manage the grasslands in different ways, with different cutting and leaving times, which develops greater diversity of habitats.

The Wellington College estate continues beyond the ‘perimeter’ fence up to the edge of Little Sandhurst, and part of this unenclosed area

is designated a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ because it is an unusually diverse site comprising mixed woodland, heathland and bog. Lowland heathland and bog are priority habitats for the government’s Biodiversity Action Plan as, sadly, they have decreased respectively by 80% and 94% in the last two hundred years. All this wonderful landscape with its mixture of different habitats supports a huge range of wildlife including one of the most anticipated events in the English wildlife calendar, the arrival of migrant birds. Many species make their way back to the College grounds to join our resident birdlife, including the chiffchaff, sand martin, swallow, and even the rare nightjar. These birds fill the air with their distinctive calls, adding a burst of colour to the skies.

You might have seen our deer and foxes and sometimes local badgers, but as the temperatures start to warm up many animals that have been hibernating during the winter months begin to emerge; this includes hedgehogs, which are a common sight in the gardens. Another animal that emerges in the spring is the protected grass snake, fond of our wetland habitats, but can also be found in dry grassland. During the summer, grass snakes can be spotted basking in the sun near their favourite ponds or swimming in the water.

In addition to the wildlife that can be seen on land, there is also plenty to observe in and around the water during March and April. We have an abundance of amphibians breeding in our ponds, and most, if not possibly all, of the six British reptile species on the SSSI. We also have a tremendous array of invertebrates performing vital roles in all these habitats.

If you would like to learn more please visit the Welly Wildlife website dedicated to the wonderful wildlife at Wellington College https://wellywildlife.org/