23 minute read
Five Minutes With
Ben, Craig & David at CHALK restaurant Broad St, Wokingham
WL: Can you tell us a little bit about how you came together and about why you decided on ‘Chalk’? C: We’ve all worked together previously at stages throughout our careers. We work well together in our respective areas, and we finally got fed up working hard for others and set up Chalk because we wanted to work hard for ourselves instead.
WL: And why Wokingham? C: Wokingham suits our business model and what we’re trying to achieve. We’re looking to offer a quality product (food, drinks and great customer service) and we felt Wokingham, being a lively and vibrant Town at the heart of the Community would be an ideal place for us to have our first restaurant.
WL: How challenging has the past year been? C: Very challenging. The last year has really tested us all in every way possible. Personally, collectively as a team and as a business. We really have had everything thrown at us. I think what’s helped us pull through is our experience and working with people (our team and suppliers) who we trust and who we’ve forged even stronger relationships with.
WL: What do you think you have learned in the past year that you will take with you into the future? C: VTo follow your dreams no matter what and to believe in yourself and more importantly in those who you trust.
WL: What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given? C: There’s no one piece of advice or silver bullet. Personally what I feel has worked for me has been to confide in those close to me who I trust and use them as sounding boards and take a variety of views and opinions and try find the best solutions and answers.
WL: Who are your role models and how have they infl uenced you? C: Th ose family members and friends who are closest to me have been my role models
WL: What one ingredient can you not live without? C: Salt
WL: What are your biggest passions outside food and drink? C: Family and friends
WL: If you could choose anyone from today or any point in history , who would be your ideal dinner guest? C: Nelson Mandela
ITS TIME TO GET...
FESTIVE!
Looking for the perfect place to celebrate in Wokingham this Christmas? Join us ‘on Broad St’ for a CHALK Christmas.
Chalk Restaurant, Bar & Winter Courtyard
Get together with friends, family, work colleagues and make this a Christmas and New Year to savour. Small personal get togethers, from private dining to a formal corporate soirée all under one roof, or on our winter courtyard if that is what tickles your fancy? ‘Festive Lunches and Dinners’ Are available throughout December for 2 persons or more. Are you looking for a glamorous venue for your offi ce party or arranging a get together with family or friends? Then why not book our fantastic lunches and dinners and start the holiday season in style – an indulgent afternoon and evening of eating and drinking awaits.
Festive Five Course Menu
Enjoy a glass of NV Pommery Brut Royal champagne upon arrival. Champagne & Three Course Menu: Lunch £26.95 | Dinner £32.95 Champagne & Five Course Menu: Lunch £32.95 | Dinner £39.95
Christmas Wine Tasting
Sunday 5th & 12th of December A fun Sunday night discovering the unique styles of wines - and how they compare - with an expert to guide you. Learn how to choose the best wines to pair with your Christmas meal at Chalk Restaurant. Come along to our festive tasting, from rich white wines to warming reds and some very indulgent sweet wines to round off your Christmas desserts. A perfect night to get you in the mood for Christmas and a great way to spend a Sunday evening with your loved ones and friends! All the wines tasted on the evening are available at retails price, this is a great chance to treat yourself and your loved ones to some special wines this Christmas! • Welcome cocktail on arrival at 6pm • Tutored tastings of 18 wines led by our Guest Speaker • Selection of cheeses, charcuterie board & mince pies Priced at £19.95 per person
Think of this as the ultimate Christmas gift to yourself Christmas Day Lunch
Saturday 25th of December Christmas is a time to relax and enjoy yourself so why slave over the stove all day when you can let us take the weight off your feet and ensure you have a great Christmas Day lunch at Chalk Restaurant. Enjoy Christmas Day with your family and friends for a relaxed stress-free lunch. Join us for a glass of Champagne and Canapés, followed by our magnifi cent fi ve-course set Christmas Day lunch menu (full details of which are available on our website) and tea, coffee with petit fours. • Canapés and Champagne on arrival • Five-course Lunch • Infusion Tea, Coffee, Petit Fours & Mince Pies (Bookings available at 12.00pm, 12.30pm, 3.00pm and 3.30pm) Priced at £89.95 per person & £44.95 per child under 12 years of age
Boxing Day Brunch
Sunday 26th of December On Sunday 26th December 2021, after the excitement of Christmas Day, why not unwind with a Boxing Day Brunch at Chalk Restaurant. Enjoy culinary indulgence with a spectacular brunch. This is your time to relax with your loved ones as there’s no need to worry about cooking or washing up. Let us take care of everything, so you can spend quality time together. • Arrival Drink of your choice • Brunch Menu (full details available on our website) • Infusion Tea, Coffee & Pastry Basket Bookings available at 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm Priced at £29.95 per person
Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party
“The honour would be entirely mine if you would attend my little party” Jay Gatsby Immerse yourself in one of the greatest stories of the 20th Century. It’s the roaring twenties – an era of bootleg liquor, red hot jazz and hedonistic pleasures. Jay Gatsby has invited you to one of his infamous parties and that’s not an invite you want to turn down. Indulge with your friends for one night of extravagant celebration including live performances, a 1920’s inspired live musicians, DJs spinning electro swing and many more amazing, breath-taking, pop up surprises that will captivate your attention. • Champagne and Canapés on arrival • Five-course Menu • Entertainment; Champagne Lady, Gatsby Burlesque & Magician • Evening Party; Guest DJ & Saxophonist • Midnight Club Sandwich & Count Down Champagne There are two sitting options, at 6pm, 6.30pm, 8.30pm and 9pm, giving you the option of pit-stopping for dinner before heading on, or making this your base for the rest of the evening and dancing the night away until 3am. Early Seating - Dinner and Magician Only - Ticket at £49.95 Late Seating - Dinner, Entertainment and Party Ticket at £99.95
To book any one of our fabulous events please contact our team on 01189 798805 or email enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com and we will be delighted to discuss the menu options available along with your seating requirements. Full terms and conditions can be viewed on our website www.chalkrestaurants.com
BUCKLER’S PARK
A development built with families in mind
Buckler’s Park is a new community boasting a stunning collection of apartments and family homes in the beautiful village of Crowthorne.
The development comprises one and two-bed apartments, and two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, situated alongside a 100-acre country park, with amenities including a village shop, a pub, a community centre and a neighbourhood centre all coming soon.
Crowthorne off ers quaint village living with a focus on enjoying the outdoors, while also providing great transport links to London and nearby towns including Wokingham and Bracknell, making for great family days out. The Buckler’s Park development is led by sister companies CALA Homes and Legal & General Homes, with a focus on delivering a development that puts family living at the forefront.
Alison Deakin, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes and Legal & General Homes says: “Buckler’s Park was planned with healthy living in mind, which is exactly what residents will find. The picturesque setting of Crowthorne and the natural open spaces around the development encourage residents to appreciate nature and be active. This is conveyed within the homes too. Open plan interiors are designed for flexible living, and allow for plenty of natural light. The homes have been carefully crafted to provide a template for modern family living, where there is room for every family-member to not just co-exist, but to live and thrive together.
“The local children’s play areas and nearby schools make it exceptionally well placed for families. All homes are turfed, so another great space for children to play is ready to go from the moment you move in. Those with pets can enjoy the green neighbourhood and plenty of great dog walking routes.
“There is already real sense of community at Buckler’s Park, and this is set to continue as the new amenities are completed over time. “
The highest quality of specification is provided to buyers at Buckler’s Park, with technologies and finishes which make for eff ortless living. In the heart of any family home, the kitchen, residents can enjoy brand new appliances including an integrated BOSCH dishwasher, fridge/ freezer and washer/dryer. Kitchens are thoughtfully designed to the highest quality, looking sleek and ultramodern, and selected homes also off er a utility room, which is handy for extra space in a busy family home where storage is key.
Homes by CALA at Buckler’s Park range from £499,950 to £750,000, and sister company Legal & General Homes off er homes at Buckler’s Park from £326,000 to £840,000. Both companies off er a part exchange service, and selected homes off er the Government Help to Buy Scheme, Stamp Duty paid and legal incentives, in addition to £2,500 John Lewis vouchers.
To find out more about Buckler’s Park, please visit either the CALA website or Legal & General Homes website. Please note that visits are by appointment only.
https://www.cala.co.uk/bucklerspark/ https://www.landghomes.com/bucklerspark/
EBinteriors
At EBinteriors we have a beautiful showroom with products sourced from all over Europe. Our small, friendly and talented team are here to help you. Whether it’s to choose a unique home gift, Christmas decorations or a complete design service, we would be delighted to welcome you to The Enchanted Barn.
Redlake Lane
Opening Times:
Monday - Friday 9:30 - 5:00pm Saturday 9:30 - 1:30pm
Phone: 0118 453 9444 Email: sales@mtmillar.com Website: www.mtmillar.com Visit our showroom: Unit 9, The Old Print Works, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 2QX
FIND YOUR Perfect Home
at Finchwood Park, Wokingham
Finchwood Park is a new development in Finchampstead, set among more than 140 acres of leafy, open space; including a village green, woodland clearings, brooks and a pond. Finchwood Park will offer the best of village life, with all the modern features of a new home. This exciting new development consists of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, meaning people at every stage of their lives have something to choose from. Current available homes priced from £490,000.
Homes
The homes can be purchased through a partexchange scheme and there are also enticing incentives up for grabs with selected homes, such as a £10,000 deposit contribution.
All the homes and amenities are designed to encourage healthy living and wellbeing. This includes allotments where residents can grow their own flowers, fruit and vegetables. The homes themselves have been designed with sustainability in mind, and there are no hidden costs, meaning smart technology like Hive thermostats, flooring and carpets, Bosch kitchen appliances and bi-fold doors are included as standard.
Location
Finchwood Park draws on the heritage and unique character of the local landscape, a woodland setting that has evolved over centuries. Just three miles from the village of Finchampstead and residents will benefit from a wealth of on-site amenities including a new primary school, shops, children’s play areas and trim trails within the green space and within catchment of Bohunt School in Wokingham.
Accessibility
Whether it is the working week or days at leisure, excellent transport links mean you can make the most of your time and enjoy an improved quality of life. For rail links to the capital, two stations are within four miles of Finchwood Park. Wokingham station is where the Waterloo to Reading line meets the North Downs Line with train services into London Waterloo in as little as 70 minutes.
There are also services into London Paddington via Reading in less than 50 minutes. Crowthorne station is on the North Downs Reading to Redhill and Gatwick route, and offers trains into London Waterloo via Guildford in 75 minutes. Strategically located within the M4 and M3 corridor, Finchwood Park is around eight miles from these major road routes, with access to the M25 and wider motorway network. The local area is seeing enhanced road connections with the new Nine Mile Ride Extension. Supporting greener methods of transport has always been an integral part of the Finchwood Park design too, from bringing it into the loop of the bus service network to the network of safe and attractive cycle-ways across the development.
A finish and build quality you will be proud to call home. Contact us today!
ROMANS NEW HOMES newhomes@romans.co.uk 01344 753110 www.romans.co.uk
Christmas Gift Voucher Offer £99.00 £49.50
Purchase by 22nd December 2021 using code MAYGIFT at www.mayinteriors.co.uk. Valid for use any time in 2022.
Before
After
Want to revamp your interiors but not sure where to start?
Our Style Starter Kit takes the guesswork out of creating beautiful rooms by identifying your own unique interiors style personality and giving you the tools to start learning how to decorate like a pro. Get personalised interior design expertise and inspiration to kick start your 2022 home transformation, at the seasonal offer price of £49.50.
A unique Christmas gift for anyone who loves interiors. This service is delivered online, perfect for a style transformation wherever you live. Includes the tools you need to start transforming your interiors like a professional, at your own pace:
● Full style analysis to identify your unique interiors
‘style personality’. ● Bespoke Style Starter Kit including; your personalised master colour palette, ideal furniture style, recommended key materials, and professional styling tips . * Plus bonus personal shopping service - we’ll start off your home transformation by suggesting three unique pieces of furniture for your space, handpicked by us to encapsulate your unique style personality and give you fresh style inspiration.
www.mayinteriors.co.uk (use code MAYGIFT at checkout)
Contact me, Gayle Sparks, to find out more about Enchanting Glass Designs and how I can help create something unique for that extra special Christmas gift, or purchase direct from my shop, at... Unit 5 Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road, Wokingham RG40 3AW Order online at https://enchanting-glass-designs.co.uk/ T: 07887 241785
“I can’t recommend this rm highly enough. Lewis is an absolute testament to the word ‘Professional’. e job was run with the utmost attention to even the nest of details. Every challenge was discussed, thought through, executed and overcome perfectly. It was an absolute pleasure dealing with L&E Leadwork and Roo ng Services and I would encourage anyone in need to employ their services”
“Lewis and his team did the roo ng 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 iendly and polite. ey all worked really hard to get the job done ahead of schedule. I would highly recommend L&E Leadwork”
At L&E Leadwork and Roofing Services our main priority is our quality of work. Having an expert in every aspect of roofing within our business, we pride ourselves in providing work of the highest standard. Whether it be a Pitched Roof, Flat Roof, Leadwork or small repairs, you can be confident in the knowledge that you have the very best specialist to under take your project. With over 15 years worth of knowledge and expertise we are justifiably proud of our reputation.
L&E LEADWORK AND ROOFING SERVICES www.landeleadworkandroofing.co.uk lewis@landeleadworkandroofing.co.uk m:07590762932 t:01344 862706
Who are Mulgari? What do they do?
Allow me to introduce myself and my team.
My name is Darren and I own and run Mulgari, supported by my wife Vicky, our boys Morgan and Austin and garage dog Enzo (our customer satisfaction manager).
Mulgari was born out of the need for a good quality one stop automotive studio style garage experience at a fair and competitive cost. We pride ourselves on unrivalled customer service, depth of knowledge and attention to detail.
We haven’t found anything we can’t do yet, and our services are not limited to cars, so what are you waiting for?
Come and see what you’re missing out on and meet my top class team.
ONE STOP SHOP SERVICING - REPAIRS / DIAGNOSTICS / BRAKES / SUSPENSION / EXHAUSTS DETAILING - PAINT PROTECTION & CORRECTION / TUNING / ACCESSORIES Contact Darren Boorman direct on 0118 932 1670
Driving home for Christmas? Winter motoring tips
Let’s help you to prepare and take care of your vehicle for the festive season and winter weather
1 Ensure all fluid levels such as, engine oil, coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and screen wash are topped up (top tip, do this on a level surface when the vehicle is cold).
2 With help from a friend, colleague, neighbour, check all the lights are operational and regularly clean the lenses.
3 Check your tyres are inflated to the correct manufacturers recommended pressure and that you have a minimum of 3mm tread remaining (this is crucial for winter).
4 Check the condition of your wipers and washers and try to keep the screen and wipers clean, do this at least once a week. (Remember, don’t pull the blades off a frozen screen or operate the wipers until you have de-iced the screen.)
5 Prepare for the worst… it’s worth gathering a small kit to keep in your vehicle for emergencies, a small box which you can fill with goodies such as snacks, bottled water, extra clothing, and blankets in case of an unexpected breakdown.
We will once again be running our free winter health checks which were very popular last year especially with our key workers and vulnerable people. This will require an appointment by calling 0118 932 1670. It only takes 15 mins and there is no obligation to buy anything!
If you present your Wokingham Local magazine when booking your vehicle until the end of 2021 you will receive a complimentary coffee and courtesy wash (T&C’s apply).
P: 01189 321670 E: info@mulgari.com A: Unit 6 Anglo Industrial Park Fishponds Road, Wokingham, RG412AN
Interior antibacterial disinfection treatment - Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses
Don’t delay, repair it today!
Professional quality paintwork repairs at a fraction of traditional body shop costs We are fully mobile, we come to you! To arrange your free estimate call Chris & Lacey Ashdown 07496 375043 email: chris.ashdown@chipsaway.co.uk www.chipsaway.co.uk/chrisashdown
Like and follow our Facebook Page to get £5 off your estimate! www.facebook.com/chipsawaywokingham
REPAIRS FULLY GUARANTEED
Sat 27th Nov Reddam House School Christmas Market 11am - 3pm
Bearwood Rd, Sindlesham, Wokingham RG41 5BG Sun 28th Nov Chance to Dance Stars CIC Christmas Fair 12 - 4pm
At Carnation Hall, Chavey Down Road RG42 7PA details at: c2starschristmasfair.eventbrite.com
Sun 28th Nov Wokingham Winter Carnival, Town Centre
(full information on page 5). Fri 1st Dec Twyford’s Christmas Shopping Evening
Late night shopping with entertainment and Santa, from 6pm to 9pm. Fri 1st Dec Winter Wonderland Crowthorne Village
Live music and refreshments plus late night shopping, starts at 5pm. Sat 2nd Dec Hillside School Barbeque, Santa’s Grotto & Raff le
Rushey Way, Earley RG6 4HQ from 3pm Entry £1. Sat 2nd Dec & Sun 3rd Festival Of Angels
Wokingham Methodist Church and Bradley Centre and cafe, in the Town Centre, with stalls, activities and ‘suprises’ throughout Sat and Sun. Also carol singing in the Market Place. Sun Dec 3rd Woodley’s Winter Extravaganza Annual Christmas Street Fair
With fun and games from 10am at the shopping precinct. There will be a procession as Father Christmas arrives on a reindeer pulled sleigh. Tues Dec 5th Christmas Shopping Evening at Bush Walk Wokingham
Live music with Danny Mountain, glasses of prosecco and 10% discount off purchases from the shops. Sat Dec 9th Christmas Sing-a-Long
A festive sing-a-long with a host of favourite Christmas tunes will be held in Wokingham Town Hall from 12pm, with free entry plus free mulled wine and mince pies.
All details regarding events are correct to the best of our knowledge, but may be subject to change or cancelation, so please confirm with the organisers prior to attending.
You don’t seem to hear very much about Quaker schools but then grandiose self-promotion isn’t very Quakerly.
A little research reveals some interesting facts.
The Obama family sent their daughters to a Quaker school in the US and Sixth Form leavers at UK Quaker schools achieve some of the best academic progress in the country (the measure that UK Government uses to assess schools), with two in the top 0.5% in England. Quaker schools in the UK are open to students of all faiths and none, with the emphasis being on the Quaker values rather than religion. Academic success has to be important in any school, but as Matthew Judd, Head at Leighton Park, identifi es, there is more than one way of achieving this: “A student’s academic development cannot be understood in isolation but must be considered in conjunction with their emotional and physical wellbeing, confi dence, maturity and happiness.” Toby Spence, Head at Sibford School, adds: “Quaker Schools offer a unique pathway... The distinct blend of values encompassing peace, equality, tolerance, social justice, simplicity and stewardship help to frame a community where the individual is known and valued, indeed celebrated for who they are rather than which box society might like to place them in.” Quaker schools seem to imbue gentle, civilised values - where students can develop and grow in a kind and supportive environment - with inspiration to encourage them to play an active role - or ‘Live Adventurously’ as Quakers would term it, all while achieving some of the best academic progress in the country. With Quaker schools not predisposed to shouting about themselves too much, one is left with the distinct feeling that these schools are something of a hidden gem.
Why not visit Leighton Park School and see for yourself how a Quaker education could benefi t your child?
Leighton Park School
Shinfi eld Road, Reading, Berkshire RG2 7ED Tel 0118 987 9608 Email Admissions@leightonpark.com Website: www.leightonpark.com Facebook: @leightonparkschool Twitter: @LPSchool
