Round & About Magazine: Wantage/Faringdon Edition - January 2020 by Round & About Publications Ltd

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Contents JANUARY 2020 | Vol. 17 | No. 1

5 Disjointed Ramblings

28 Chris Wallace column

6 Ranagri folk highlight

30 Food revolution!

9 Help save the planet!

32 Watchfield solar

14 Liz Bonnin Q&A

35 Classified

17 Education for all

38 Competitions

Local news and charity events

Harwell music fun

Environmental advice

Biologist’s wisdom

Our guide to learning

Our star baker gets fresh!

Delicious green recipes

Westmill people power

Your essential services

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ABOUT US

The monthly magazine delivered to homes by The Royal Mail across Oxon, Berks, Bucks, Hants, Surrey, W Sussex & Wilts

THIS EDITION IS DELIVERED TO ALL 18,411 HOMES IN OX12 & SN7 P ublisher: Chris Savage Editor: Liz Nicholls email: lnicholls@roundandabout.co.uk Production Editor: Karen Neville email: kneville@roundandabout.co.uk Ramblings Editor: Peter Savage Sales Director: Luke Maitland Advertising Manager: Katie Marlow Display Advertising: Steve Warner, Sam Gillespie, Simon Johnson, Jennifer Sanders, Glynn Humphreys, Tara Harris Classified Advertising: Antonio Capuzzimati email: sales@roundandabout.co.uk Accounts: Vicki Charles, Stephen Clapton Production Manager: Michelle Miley email: mmiley@roundandabout.co.uk Design: Angus Scripps, Grace Tracey

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Tel: 01491 837621 enquiries@roundandabout.co.uk www.roundandabout.co.uk February publication date 3rd February 2020 COPY DATE LATEST – 1st of PRECEDING MONTH The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted without prior permission. The publishers cannot accept liability for loss or damage of material submitted to the magazine. LOOSE INSERTS delivered with your copy of Round & About have absolutely nothing to do with the magazine. Our inserts are secured into the magazine with staples. WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OTHERS. Round & About Publications Ltd does not endorse any advertisements published in Round & About Magazine. Please note all phone calls to and from Round & About are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

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RAMBLINGS

Ramblings Local news & events

Promoting your event in Ramblings is FREE I'm pledging, right here, right now, to attempt a Dry January – that's 31 days without alcohol. Even though I've always hated those bossy themed months. Yes: I've changed. I turned 40 last month (in a blur of merriment) and my relationship with alcohol is basically an abusive one.

If you’re holding a charity event, fete, fair or anything of a non-commercial nature email it in by the 1st of the month prior to publication to psavage@roundandabout.co.uk

Max. 150 words. We cannot guarantee all entries will be published.

Liz Nicholls

your RamblER...

f you didn't grow up in a family whose drinking behaviour was only really "normal" around Christmas time, this might seem alien to you. But it's hard to break patterns – jolly ones, too – that you're soaked in. And to concede that the British way of using a depressant drug to cheer yourself up is neither logical nor sustainable. So, without being evangelical about it, I'm doing it & hope the January Blues will be lighter! What happened to Daisy after she gave her baby into the care of the Foundling Hospital? Could there be a more emotive title for a talk than this? John Caldicott will explore Daisy's Story, and the history of Thomas Coram’s Foundling Hospital, the UK’s oldest children’s charity, and the lives of the children. John is Governor of the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children and Secretary of the Old Coram Association and the guest of Wantage and Grove U3A on Tuesday, 7th January. Like most main meetings, this will start at 2pm in Grove Parish Church Hall in Main Street; all welcome. On Friday, 17th January, the U3A will hold a coffee morning at the Beacon at 10.30am. Then, on Tuesday, 21st January, it’s the AGM and special interest group presentations. See our U3A special next month!

Billie has been in touch again about the delights offered this month by those lovely people at Faringdon Regent Cinema. On Wednesday, 8th January, enjoy a matinee screening of The Lion King (PG) at the Regent Cinema in the Corn Exchange; doors 12.30pm for the film at 1pm, tickets £4 in advance, £5 on the door. On Friday, 31st January, you can watch Blinded By The Light (12A) which tells the story of a British Asian teenager in 1987 who learns to live his life, understand his family and find his voice through Bruce Springsteen; 7pm for 7.30pm; £4/£5. Enjoy! January Japes are the order of the day for Faringdon & District U3A who will get together on Thursday, 9th January as we mentioned last month. Next month we’re celebrating all the joys of later-life learning thanks to the University of the Third Age. Meanwhile, check out what this branch are up to at www.faringdondistrictu3a.com/ or call the chairman Margaret Brown on 01367 615 385. From Italy – Filippo Dal’Asta’s Gypsy Jazz are sure to liven up a drab month, which is what we’re here for! They will play on Wednesday, 15th January, 8-10.30pm, at

d...Continued on page 7. R&A | 5

MUS I C

Light & shade

Duncan Chappell of Big Ginger Tom Music tells us why we should book tickets to see Ranagri at Harwell Village Hall on Friday, 17th January

anagri are a contemporary folk/world music band featuring Dónal Rogers (vocals/guitar), Eliza Marshall (flutes/whistles/vocals), Ellie Turner (electric harp/vocals) and Joe Danks (bodhrán/guitar/vocals). We are excited to bring Ranagri back to Harwell Village Hall. We first came across them a couple of years ago at a gig in Coventry and within 48 hours we had them signed up for a date in Harwell. They were a massive hit: their music brought a smile to faces and got people dancing in the aisles. That said, although their music exudes good times and happiness, it has a powerful message and is not

the Lyceum for Lion King, Joe delivers music in healthcare across three hospitals in London and East Anglia, Ellie is an academic at Birmingham City University, where she both teaches and is an active researcher in the field of gesture control and sound specialisation and Donal immerses himself in songwriting, often with other artists. afraid to tackle serious issues such as homelessness and “fake news”. As well as recording and touring as Ranagri the musicians all have “day jobs” and their own side projects. You can find Eliza in the orchestra pit at

For more information about the band please visit www.ranagri. com and about the gig www. biggingertommusic.co.uk. Buy your tickets at www.wegottickets.com, at Bob’s Butchers in Harwell, Mostly Books in Abingdon or by contacting Duncan on 07999 052720.

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RAMBLINGS

á ...Continued from page 5.

Zelda’s Jazz Room in the Comrades Club, OX12 8DJ. Filippo was the rhythm guitarist in Lollo Meier’s band last year and is a fantastic player in his own right. So he is coming to play for Jazz In Wantage with his own band, allowing ZJR to usher in their 30th year with some of the continent’s finest exponents of the style invented by Django Reinhart and Stephan Grappelli. You’ll find a licensed bar, fish & chip supper from the Penguin (£4; order by 8pm) on-site parking, raffle, comfortable Club Room, and warm welcome. Tickets on the door £12. If you have any questions please phone 01235 765648 or email dave@dave-moorwood.co.uk

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Are you working on a gorgeous snowy scene? Stanford Art Group invite you to take your own work to Stanford in the Vale Village Hall on Monday, 13th January, 7.30-9.30pm, to work on your own project (snow scenes) with help from others. Non-members, £5 members £2. Becoming Dementia Friendly is the topic of an interesting talk by Dementia Friends Champion Jennifer Cowling on Thursday, 16th January. This is one of a series of health talks organised jointly by the Newbury Street and Church Street Patient Participation Groups and it starts at 7pm at The October Club, 1-3 The Cloisters, Wantage, OX12 8AQ (behind St Peter & St Paul's Church). Admission is free. On Monday, 20th January, the RSPB Vale of White Horse Local Group will meet in Didcot Civic Hall at 7.45pm for a talk entitled Birds & Wildlife of Namibia by Dr Graham Lenton. The talk will focus on the game and birds of the area. On Sunday, 19th January, there will be a coach outing to WWT Slimbridge (which is lovely!). For more details please call 01235 771716. Visit www.rspb-vwh.org.uk

Our December pantomimes special is behind you (hohohoho!) But the panto season romps into the new year, including Faringdon Dramatic Society’s annual highlight: Aladdin by Peter Webster. There are six shows at Faringdon Junior School, on Saturday 25th January 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Sunday 26th January 2.30pm, Friday 31st January 7.30pm and Saturday 1st February 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Doors open 30minutes before curtain up. Buy your tickets at www.faringdondramatic.org.uk or Stay Grounded in Faringdon Market Place; £10 adults, £5 for under-16s.

Ever wondered how a Guide Dog is trained to help a visually impaired person? Wantage Library will host a Guide Dogs drop-in session on Saturday, 25th January, 10am to 1pm. There will be fun activities for you to try, including reading Braille, finding out what it is like to be visually impaired and a few furry visitors for you to meet! This free session is for adults and children of all ages – donations towards the Guide Dogs would be welcome. There's no need to book – just drop in and enjoy the good vibes.

d...Continued on page 11.

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E N VI RO N M E N T

Go green!

If we each make small changes to our lives we can collectively make a huge impact to protect our planet for future generations. Here are some positive ideas…

ere we are, at the dawn of a new year, a new decade. Recent news has delivered bleak news. We all know – thanks to Greta Thunberg et al – our species must take action now to mitigate the damage wreaked upon our planet. We believe positivity is the only way toward change so consider these tips inspirational rather than guiltinducing. Some might seem like common sense (especially to those who’ve always been frugal) but together we can make a huge difference.

Tree’s company

Scientists have found billions more trees could remove two thirds of all the carbon dioxide created by humans. The Woodland Trust is working hard to protect the 1,064 ancient woods threatened by development in the UK. Buy saplings to plant yourself or donate at www.woodlandtrust.org. uk. Also plant bee-friendly plants and wildflowers. Aim to use only naturally derived products and fertilisers and keep lawns real rather than paving.

Your council cares!

Garden compost bins will reduce your household waste. Ensure you utilise food waste, green waste and recycling schemes in your area – they vary greatly but all local authorities are under pressure to hit targets so you might be surprised. Do check online what can and can’t be recycled to reduce landfill, e.g. Christmas trees. Reusing, and buying

less packaging in the first place is still the best way to lessen your carbon footprint. Monitor and aim to reduce your levels over time.

Shower power

Just 2.5% of the world’s water is freshwater (the rest being saltwater) and most of it is frozen or deep underground so we can’t afford to waste a drop. According to the Environment Agency, we could run short of water within the next 25 years. We’re not asking you to be stinky, but shortening your shower will save 10 litres per minute. Look for a water-saving shower head. An average fiveminute shower uses 40% less water than a bath. R&A | 9

ENV I RON ME N T

Feeling flush

Using the small button on your loo saves half the water. Or fit a low-cost water saver in your cistern. Perhaps surprisingly, dishwashers use far less water and energy than washing up. Run taps slowly & less frequently and get a water butt if you can.

Home heating

Turn radiators off or down in less-used or unused rooms. It sounds obvious but popping a jumper on or snuggling under a warmer duvet might mean you don’t need the heating on. Turning down your thermostat by just one degree can save up to £80 a year. Home boiler heating is responsible for nearly 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Bright sparks

You can save electricity – and about £30 a year off your energy bills – just by remembering not to leave your appliances on standby (and more by unplugging). Don’t leave devices charging unnecessarily. Switch to energy-efficient LED lightbulbs and save about £40 per year.

People power

Switch to renewable electricity and green gas at home and reduce your carbon footprint and bills. Leading providers include Bulb, Octopus Energy and Ecotricity. The average home can stop 1.5 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Install a Smart Meter too – get inspired at www.uswitch.com

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produce 50% more emissions, and a flight to say China or Australia double that.

Web wise

Forget the big search engines and instead switch to Ecosia which commits 80% of its profits to supporting reforestation projects. To date, it’s helped to plant more than 70 million trees.

Shopping savvy

Shop responsibly to significantly reduce your output. And “punish” big supermarkets for their inaction! Look for local suppliers of milk, bread, fruit and veg, meat, dairy and more. Buy products made or grown in the UK, less wrapped, such as loose veg. Sign up to Freegle and for clothing, join the kids & buy vintage on apps such as Depop.

Waste not

Switch to a disposable safety razor, a bamboo toothbrush, planet-friendly deodorant, bamboo loo roll, soap bars or refillable shampoo and shower gel. Plus Mooncup for women. More zerowaste shops and pop-ups are appearing across the UK: we will keep bringing you news of these locally.

Cleaning up

There are great eco dishwasher and washing machine aids, from brands such as Ecoleaf to soap nuts, household cleaner such as Koh, refillable detergent and more (try Splosh or Smol) and plasticfree cloths and scourers (Ecococonut or Loofah).

Avoid palm oil

Research by Rainforest Rescue shows the equivalent of 300 football fields are destroyed every hour to produce palm oil, which can be found in close to 50% of the packaged products. Visit www.wwf.org.uk for a list of ingredients to avoid.

Drinking problem

Invest in a reusable cup (from R Cup or Stojo) or bottle (Klean Kanteen /Jedz / One Green Bottle).

Food for thought

Every year in the UK we throw away £13 billion worth of food (an average of £500). See our monthly Ramblings for a wealth of gardening clubs to grow your own or share the fruits of others’ labours in various swap sales in your community. Visit www.sustainweb.org, www.ilovefreegle. org and www.theplasticfreehome.com

RAMBLINGS

á ...Continued from page 7.

Another Jazz in Wantage highlight! Dave Moorwood’s Rascals of Rhythm will star with Peter Rudeforth, one of Britain’s finest trumpeters, on Wednesday, 22nd January, at the Lamb Inn in Mill Street, OX12 9AB, 8-10.30pm. Peter is a superb all-round musician who spent many years in Chris Barber’s great band and now freelances and also runs his own outfits. He's welcomed back as an honorary Rascal for another evening. No admission charge – just take part in the raffle to help the group afford special guests from the jazz world. If you'd like to eat book a table by calling 01235 766768.

On Tuesday 28th January Wantage Camera Club welcomes Benedict Brain, photographer, journalist, and until recently editor of Digital Camera Magazine. He met and interviewed some of the world’s greatest photographers, and produced articles on a wide range of photography. Benedict writes a regular column, The Art of Seeing. His illustrated talk, 7.30-10pm, will explore ways of looking at the world from a wide range of approaches, and is more concerned with why an image was taken than how. For a preview of Benedict's work see www.benedictbrain. com. For more information about the club's programme see www.wantagecameraclub.co.uk. Doors open at 7pm at the Methodist Church Hall, OX12 8DA; visitors £3.

Knit and Natter is a cosy get-together at Wantage Library every first Thursday, and every second Saturday, 10am-12pm. Enjoy a knit and natter over a coffee and biscuit – stitchers are also welcome! No need to book, just drop in! For more details, call the library on 01235 762291.

January can be a glum month, as we established at the start of these Ramblings. But keep your spirits up and your weight down by spending time outdoors in good company! Walking in the countryside is proven to be good for both mind and body. Add some walking companions and you have a perfect recipe for wellbeing! Ramblers have two midweek morning walks from Northmoor (7th and 21st) and two weekend rambles from Charlbury (5th) and North Leigh (18th) plus lots of others not too far away. You can go along for free to see if Ramblers is for you. Visit www. ramblers-oxon.org.uk/vwh/walking/walks.html

Hanney History Group starts the year with a talk on the Wilts & Berks Canal by Martin Buckland on Wednesday, 29th January. This was a relative latecomer to the canal network, opening in 1810. It linked the Kennet & Avon Canal near Devizes to Abingdon, passing between Hanney and Grove. Most of the early traffic was coal from Somerset and grain from the Vale of White Horse, both for Abingdon’s breweries. Trade was boosted by carrying materials for the construction of the Great Western Railway in the 1840s,

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S TAR Q&A

Heal

the world

Liz Nicholls asks award-winning presenter and biologist Liz Bonnin about school, the live tour of the BBC’s Planet Earth II this spring and how we can all do our bit.

Which early experiences or teachers sparked your love of nature? “I grew up in France, in the mountains above Nice. My sister and I were always out in the wood near our house with our two dogs, having adventures with hedgehogs, snakes and spiders. Nature just works its magic if you plonk kids in the middle of it. At school, I was fascinated by little birds, how everything worked inside that perfect little body, which led me to biology. Then I wanted to understand how everything worked in every living system and I had a great chemistry teacher in Ireland who nurtured my passion. A good teacher will do that. I wasn’t very good at physics or maths but I loved school.” Q. Do series such as Planet Earth, and Sir David Attenborough’s latest Seven Worlds, One Planet have an inﬂuence on how we treat our planet? “We’ve reached a tipping point in terms of our impact, and one of the things I’m most astounded by is that petrochemical companies are just seemingly carrying on as if it’s ‘business as usual’. I believe we can make a difference, but need to be aware of the facts. I think series like Planet Earth can both move and inspire people.” 14 | JANUARY 2020

Q. Has ﬁlming Meat: A Threat To Our Planet changed your eating habits? “I already was eating less meat. The show certainly made me think again about how we treat a food that, considering its impact, should be a luxury rather than an everyday staple. I don’t eat red meat and any chicken I eat is free range, high welfare.” Q. How do you feel about Planet Earth II’s live tour? ”It hasn’t quite sunk in that I’ll be involved. So, to be stepping out as part of the tour and getting to see it all on a gigantic screen with a full orchestra as well... I think I’ll be quite emotional.” Q. What is it like working with a national treasure Sir David? “I’ve met Sir David on a few occasions now, and I’ll never forget the first time I saw him about 12 years ago when he was talking at an event. I was a bit starstruck; he was my hero when I was growing up. He went from production work into inventing natural history programming with the BBC. There really is nobody else like him and I doubt there ever will be again. He’s not just a national treasure, but one for the whole world.” ● For Planet Earth II Live in Concert 2020 visit www. planetearth2live.uk and see our competitions.

RAMBLINGS

á ...Continued from page 11.

but this contributed to its decline and it closed in 1901. But because the route passed through open country it was not much filled in, and for the last 40 years locks, bridges and canal lengths have been restored. Past and future restoration will be described and the benefits illustrated. 8pm at the Hanney War Memorial Hall in Brookside, East Hanney and visitors are very welcome. For more information contact Andrew Robertson on 07899 913 281.

Another pantomime now, oh yes it is (sorry)! Stanford Drama Group present Cinders The True Story by David Tristram – a traditional pantomime suitable for all the family. What really happened to Cinderella on the night of the Prince’s Ball? Did Buttons really find a pumpkin which was turned into a golden coach by the "Fairy" Godmother? The truth will amaze you! You may even find you do believe in fairies after all! Performances take place at Stanford in the Vale Village Hall on Thursday, 6th February at 7.30pm, Friday 7th at 7.30pm and Saturday 8th at both 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm for evening performances and 2pm for the matinee. Tickets £8/£6 from Stanford Coffee Shop (nextdoor to Co-op) and there’s a bar at the evening performances. For all enquiries please call 01367 710400. Fresh Air Fridays are coming to Oxfordshire! These are gatherings which take you outside, so you feel good inside! Each month has its own theme, and January’s

is Filling Yourself Up First. Walkers share thoughts and observations about the importance of putting yourself first. This is an opportunity to spend quality time with like-minded people while exploring a theme that supports your personal development and wellbeing. The best part is your first session is completely free. Please register your intention to attend by visiting www.freshairfridays.co.uk Oxfordshire Grandparents' Support Group (OGSC) looks forward to 2020 in which the Campaign to Protect Grandchildren's Rights will become a force for an amendment in the Children Act. This will give grandchildren an automatic human right to see their grandparents. At present an estimated 2million are denied access. OGSG is a supporter of the newly launched campaign and of estranged grandparents across Oxfordshire. They meet every second Tuesday of the month in a Faringdon home setting and our next meeting is on Tuesday, 14th January, 10.30am-1pm. Newcomers always receive a warm welcome with support and understanding over coffee and cake. For further details contact Diana Dunk on 01367 244636, email oxfordshiregsg@gmail.com or text 07979 410998. Attention coding fans! Code Club takes place every other Saturday, 10-11am, at Wantage Library, designed for children who have an interest in computers and coding! If

d...Continued on page 26.

Ku in a variet of sports y

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OFFERING ‘WRAP AROUND CARE’ & FLEXI BOARDING

LEARN • CREATE • EXPLORE WHERE WILL YOUR FUTURE TAKE YOU? Top quality boarding provision from age 7, with superb pastoral care Pick-ups available from Bath Spa Train Station Rated ‘excellent’ in all areas of the latest Inspection Report Over 100 co-curricular activities available Reputation for sport and links with professional clubs Inspirational music, drama and creative arts Outstanding academic results with the vast majority of applicants securing places at their preferred university Scholarships and Bursaries available

Contact admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk or call 01225 734210 for further information www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk An Independent Co-educational Boarding & Day School for pupils aged 9 months - 18 years

E D U C AT I O N

Education Guide d Winter 2020

Find your brave S

uperheroes would probably feature highly for most children if they were asked who they thought was brave. However, bravery comes in all shapes and sizes as this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is out to prove. The week from 3rd to 9th February invites schools, youth groups, organisations and individuals to take part with one goal to “Find Your Brave”. Bravery is about so much more than just fighting evil villains, it can be about fighting your own enemies, sharing worries and not being afraid to ask for help. Perhaps you want to try something new or push yourself outside your comfort zone, build your self confidence, improve your selfesteem and feel good about yourself.

Now in our 6th year of producing our highly regarded education report, we offer the best way of promoting to parents and students in the local area. If you have a message or open day you want to share, use Round & About Magazine to ensure it’s seen.

Wellbeing is becoming as much a part of the curriculum as maths and English. Find out how it can help you and your school

Children’s mental health charity Place2Be which provides counselling and mental health support and training in schools, says bravery is all about finding positive ways to deal with things that may be difficult, overcoming physical and mental challenges and looking after yourself. Place2Be launched the first Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to highlight the importance of children and young people’s mental health. Now in its sixth year, they hope to encourage more people than ever to get involved and spread the word.

T R

Would you like to feature in our next education report?

E V D!%

Next Schools Feature: September 2020

To be included contact a member of the sales team.

01491 837621

sales@roundandabout.co.uk www.roundandabout.co.uk R&A | 17

The power of reading

EDUC ATION

Find out how ARCh can help

eading for pleasure can increase self-esteem, reduce symptoms of depression, help build better relationships and reduce anxiety and stress. When immersing yourself in a good book, you can be swept away to a happy world, away from any dilemmas or stresses. Certain books can also help you realise you are not alone, which is often a focus for the healing process; recognising others may be going through similar struggles. But what happens if you can’t read well? Assisted Reading for Children Oxfordshire (ARCh) has over 300 volunteers visiting primary schools twice a week to read with three children for 30 minutes each. Each volunteer has a box of books and games to engage with each child and they endeavour to find the right book to inspire a love of reading. An ARCh session focuses on the child improving their reading skills, but it’s about so much more; it’s about a special relationship helping that child gain confidence and knowing it’s OK to make mistakes.

The children and their adult volunteers benefit from the connection between reading and mental wellbeing. People who read into old age can reduce memory decline and have fewer physical signs of dementia. By sharing the magic of reading with a child, the volunteers can gain empathy and perspective at a time when their own connections may have reduced and a sense of loneliness may have crept in. To share the magic of reading and enhance your wellbeing in 2020 visit www.archoxfordshire. org.uk or call 01869 320380 to find out more. Happy reading!

d Continued... Last year, Place2Be worked with 639 schools in England, Scotland and Wales, reaching 364,080 children and young people and more than 300 schools took part in Mental Health Champions programmes, equipping staff with the skills and confidence to support pupils’ mental health.

Be mindful

The Mental Health Foundation offers The 5 Ways to Wellbeing, a set of actions which have been proven to improve wellbeing, offering a starting point for schools.

Keep learning

Connect Get to know your classmates, it’s a great support network, get together over activities or just tea and a chat. Get active Exercise can be good for your mind as well as your body, whether you cycle, dance, run, swim, jump or walk, it’s a great way to deal with negative thoughts and feelings. 18 | JANUARY 2020

Take time to check in with your thoughts and feelings, you may notice things you’ve missed, try a yoga session or mindfulness, breathing techniques can be a real help especially at exam time. Lifelong learning is the way to keep the brain healthy, the sense of achievement from learning something new can be great for your mood, or try a quiz or a new skill. Give to others Helping others can help reduce your own stress, improve your own emotional wellbeing and even benefit your physical health. ● To find out more about how these charities can help you or your school, visit www. childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk and www.mentalhealth.org.uk

12 July to 8 August 2020

Request a brochure today and discover over 500 courses available to book from 7 January. 01672 892388 | summerschool.co.uk

Open Morning Tuesday 28 January 9.30am-11.30am abingdon.org.uk/prep 01865 391570

Abingdon Prep R&A | 19

EDUC ATION

Banbury Chipping Norton 26

Bicester 24

AYLESBURY

8 36

OXFORD 27 4

15 23

Abingdon 18

11 20

Wallingford 3

Wantage

32 6

14 13

25 38

33 1

28 30

Marlborough 19

5 7 21

READING 37

Newbury 39 10 34 17 29

Bath

Basingstoke

Slough 31

E D U C AT I O N

THAMES VALLEY

d Schools & organisations

Oratory Preparatory School, RG8 7QA, 0118 984 4511

Abingdon Preparatory School, OX13 5NX, 01865 391570

Brightwell cum Sotwell C of E Primary School, OX10 0QH, 01491 837024

Oxford Science Studies Ltd, OX4 1BD, 01865 240637

Hemdean House school, RG4 7SD, 01189 472590

Herries Preparatory School, SL6 9BD, 01628 483350

Caversham Preparatory School, RG4 8JZ, 0118 947 8684

www.oratoryprep.co.uk/ www.abingdon.org.uk/prep/ www.brightwell.oxon.sch.uk/ https://www.oxss.co.uk/ www.hemdeanhouse.co.uk/ www.herries.org.uk www.cavershamschool.com

Summer Fields School, OX2 7EN, 01865 459204

Little Ducklings Day Nursery, RG5 3NA, 0118 430 2822

www.summerﬁ elds.com

10.

Newbury College, RG14 7TD, 01635 845000

www.newbury-college.ac.uk

11.

Abingdon & Witney College, OX14 1GG, 01235 555585

www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk

12.

Abingdon & Witney College, OX28 6NE, 01993 703464

www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk

13.

Cranford House School, OX10 9HT, 01491 651218

14.

Moulsford Boys Prep School, OX10 9HR, 01491 651438

15.

Chandlings, OX1 5ND, 01865 730771

www.littleducklingsdaycare.co.uk

www.cranfordhouse.net www.moulsford.com www.chandlings.org.uk

16.

Puddleduck Nursery, OX10 8BA, 01491 839815

17.

St. Gabriel’s, RG20 9BD, 01635 555680

www.puddleducknursery.com

18.

The Manor Preparatory School, OX13 6LN, 01235 858462

19.

Marlborough College Summer School, SN8 1PA, 01672 892388

20.

Our Lady's Abingdon School, OX14 3PS, 01235 524658

21.

Queen Anne’s School, RG4 6DX, 0118 918 7333

22.

St. Laurence C of E School, OX10 7DX, 01865 858270

23.

Buckland Church of England Primary School, SN7 8RB, 01367 870236

24.

ARCh Oxfordshire, OX26 6AA, 01869 320380

25.

Checkendon Church of England Primary School, RG8 0SR, 01491 680693

26.

Kingham Hill School, OX7 6TH, 01608 658658

27.

NTC – School De Droomtorens, OX1 4NA

28.

The Downs School, RG20 6AD, 01635 270000

29.

Horris Hill, RG20 9DJ, 01635 40594

30.

Pangbourne College, RG8 8LA, 0118 984 2101

31.

St John's Beaumont Preparatory Boys, SL4 2JN, 01784 432428

32.

Little Roos Marlow, SL7 1JW, 01628 476672

33.

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge, RG4 9LN, 0118 972 1500

34.

Mary Hare Primary School, RG19 8XA, 01635 244215

35.

Mary Hare Secondary School, RG14 3BQ, 01635 244215

36.

Dragon School, OX2 6SS, 01865 315400

37.

Practical Philosophy Berkshire, RG1 4HJ, 01628 947 848

www.practicalphilosophyberkshire.org/

38.

Practical Philosophy Berkshire, SL6 6JE, 01628 947 848

www.practicalphilosophyberkshire.org/

39.

Progressive Technology Ltd, RG14 5TS, 01635 500480

40.

Kingswood School, BA1 5RG, 01225 734210

41.

Master Builders Club, info@masterbuildersclub.co.uk

www.stgabriels.co.uk www.manorprep.org www.summerschool.co.uk www.olab.org.uk/open-morning www.qas.org.uk/ www.st-laurence.oxon.sch.uk/ www.bucklandprimaryschool.org.uk www.archoxfordshire.org.uk www.checkendon.oxon.sch.uk www.kinghamhill.org.uk www.dedroomtorens.org.uk/ www.thedownsschool.org.uk/ www.horrishill.com/ www.pangbourne.com/ www.sjbwindsor.uk/ www.littleroosdaynursery.co.uk www.maidenerleghchilternedge.co.uk www.maryhare.org.uk www.maryhare.org.uk www.dragonschool.org

http://progressive-technology.co.uk www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk

R&A | 21

EDUC ATION

Story

competition winners Our younger readers have proved to be a very talented imaginative bunch if the entries for our short story competition are anything to go by. We received a great variety of stories demonstrating there could well be some future David Walliamses and J K Rowlings out there. Well done to all who took part! Here are the winning entries… Keep Dreaming by Bethan Hopton

ethan’s entry charmed us for the way she showed how small random acts of kindness can make all the difference, often in the most unexpected ways and how dreams can come true Sam was cycling down a hill when all of a sudden… ”STOP”. He looked behind him and saw an elderly man next to a road. “Little boy” he croaked “can you be a dear and help me across the road?” Sam flinched at the word “little” but he couldn’t help stopping his bike and going over to help the man. He checked the road to see if there was any traffic. He was used to checking the road as he was twelve. He went out on his own all the time! They walked across the road really slowly because it took ages for Sam to walk whilst carrying all of the man’s heavy bags. Sam checked his watch. He had been helping the man for almost five minutes 22 | JANUARY 2020

and they were barely quarter of the way across the road! Sam sighed as he thought of the football match he had intended to watch when he got home from school. It would be starting any minute! “Did you have a good day at school?” the man asked in a suspiciously high voice. ”I guess,” murmured Sam. Eventually, they got to the end of the road. “Bye,” Sam said and began to climb onto his bike. “Bye,” the old man called after him. When he got home, Sam slumped onto the sofa and switched on the television. He groaned as he looked at the time. He had missed a whole half an hour of the game. “Mum” he called ”can I have a drink?” ”Sure” she answered. The next day at school started normally. Sam met his friends outside the gates and cast a cheeky grin at Ffion, his girlfriend who was d

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R&A | 23

EDUC ATION

standing outside the assembly hall when he got in. Everybody was sat down when the head teacher entered. ”So,” she said, “we have a special guest today and I’ll let them introduce themselves.” She walked off the stage and an elderly man walked on. Sam instantly realised that the man was the same man that he had helped yesterday and smiled at him. “Hello,” the man said, peeling off a mask, “I am Harry Kane.” Sam stared at Harry and gasped. He recognised him! “You will be pleased to know that I have chosen Sam Jeffers to be my mascot at our next game because of his kindness to elderlies.

I disguised myself as an elderly man yesterday, waiting for someone to help me. Many people ignored me but Sam helped me even though he didn’t seem to particularly want to.” Beeep! Sam’s alarm clock was beeping. ”Are you awake?” his mum called from downstairs. “Yes” Sam shouted back. He quickly got changed in the uniform that Harry had told him to wear and jumped in the car. They got to the stadium early so that Harry could go over things with him. Sam gasped “It’s amazing!” “I know” whispered Harry “Good luck!”

Turning over a new leaf by Elijah Mayers

lijah’s use of description, painting pictures through words made it easy to visualise the story he was telling and again showed the value of being kind and thinking of others Sam was cycling down the hill when all of a sudden, his mother appeared by the roadside with her hands firmly placed on her hips. He knew straight away that something was very wrong. Sam got off the bike and walked sheepishly with his head down towards his mum. Sam’s mother Simone was a stout overweight woman who always wore clothes two sizes too small. Her face was as round and pale as the moon. Her eyes were cold and blue like the sea. Her black hair was long and thin like liquorice running down to her waist. Simone in her high-pitched voice shrieked at Sam to “Get in the house!!!”. Sam made his way into the house and went straight into the living-room. The house was a mess and Dad lay spread out on the sofa fast asleep. Sam’s dad was a skinny man with a potbelly who loved to wear string-vests. He had thick Ginger hair covering his entire body, making him look like an orangutan. As he slept, Sam’s dad snored. In fact, he snored so loudly that the glass of water on the table next to him shook and eventually fell on the floor. Ever since Sam’s dad had been sacked for stealing a pair of pink pyjamas from the warehouse where he worked, all he did was lay around the house snoring like a tractor. 24 | JANUARY 2020

Simone soon followed Sam into the living-room and scream at him “What have you done!!!”. Simone went on to explain that the Headmaster’s office had called her, and they wanted a meeting tomorrow. “I can’t miss work and your dad is useless, so your grandad will have to go with you,” Simone yelled. A wave of fear spread over Sam and that night, he had a horrible nightmare about being told off by the Headmaster. The next day, the doorbell rang as Sam was getting dressed for school. It was his grandad Jonas wearing a bright green suit and a blue tie shimmering in the sun. Sam sighed and let him in. Later at school, the Headmaster’s secretary told them to wait in the Headmaster’s office. Sam was so worried that he started to feel nauseous. A moment later, a tall skinny man entered the room and introduced himself as Mr Pearce the Headmaster. Mr Pearce explained that in the past, Sam had been in trouble a lot of times for bullying. Sam was known for Kicking, punching and pushing the smaller pupils in the school. Recently, Sam has changed his behaviour and now actually helps the other pupils when they hurt themselves. Mr Pearce went on to say how pleased he was that Sam had turned over a new leaf and made himself a better person. Sam nearly fell off his chair when Mr Pearce told him they had awarded him a commendation. When Sam got home, he showed Simone the commendation and she was so pleased that she nearly fainted. From that day on, Sam’s mum stopped shrieking at him and started praising him instead.

“A place with a palpable buzz and vibrancy that gets the balance between giving children the freedom to be themselves, whilst maintaining a focus on traditional values, excellent manners and respect, absolutely spot on.” The Good Schools Guide Review 2019

OPEN MORNINGS 5 FEBRUARY • 6 FEBRUARY • 29 FEBRUARY 2020 Goring Heath, near Reading • RG8 7QA • 0118 984 4511 • c.atkinson@oratoryprep.co.uk • oratoryprep.co.uk

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r s

Member of Solicitors for the Elderly

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R&A | 25

RAMBLIN G S

á ...Continued from page 15.

you are aged between eight and 13 years old, learn how to start coding with some fun programmes such as Scratch and Python. If you are interested in joining Code Club, please call Wantage Library on 01235 762291.

A reminder: Wantage Library offers Computer Help Sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Local volunteers will help beginners to surf the net, send emails, research family history, shop online, make online applications and more. The team also offer Local History Help every Wednesday morning, 9.30am-12pm. Need help researching your family tree? Interested in local history? Volunteers will help you with any questions about family and local history, and point you in the right direction. To book your free session, and for more information, please call Wantage Library on 01235 762291. Family support charity Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire is celebrating 30 years of helping families across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. The charity has supported thousands of vulnerable families with a child under the age of five and are experiencing difficult times. The charity also runs four baby support groups for expectant and new parents and helps serving families at the Armed Forces bases. To volunteer visit www.homestart -southernoxfordshire.org.uk or call 01235 511152.

West Challow Village Hall now benefits from refitted toilets, replacement windows and doors with double glazed units, rewiring and new heaters thanks to a £18,331 grant from funding body FCC Communities Foundation. Mandy Barclay of the West Challow Village Hall Committee is delighted that the project is now in use. She says “This vital facility is going to make a real difference to those who use it, as well as the wider West Challow Community. We are extremely grateful to have FCC Communities Foundation for providing funding as we would not have been able to go ahead without its support”. FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund. West Challow Village Hall was opened on 30th June 1951 by Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman who, of course, lived in nearby Wantage. Thanks to everyone!

Didcot Phoenix Drama Group present their 36th pantomime, the very non-traditional Dracula at Didcot Civic Hall on 24th and 25th January, and also Harwell Village Hall on 1st February. Although a slightly quirky choice, it still has all the traditional pantomime elements you have come to expect – songs, dances, a villain, a dame and plenty of terrible jokes! Think Hotel Transylvania and Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets panto and you are somewhere in the right vicinity! Count Dracula arrives in

d...Continued on page 33.

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A happy, prosperous 2020 to you! Have you made any resolutions?

used to make one or two and then break them so I don’t bother any more. I just resolve to try and look after myself generally, have fun and – most importantly of all – still enjoy my baking!

It’ll be seven years since I took part in the Great British Bake Off and already I have over 30 bookings for this year which is amazing considering all the bakers that have gone through since our series, but also gratifying. Lot of you ask me if I ever get fed up with all I do. I reply that when I feel that way I’ll give up but while I enjoy it all I shall carry on! 2020 is full of fun with the fifth Didcot Food Festival, Street Fair Parade and much more! Of course, I can’t do it all alone… I’m a part of Didcot Events and have tremendous help from the committee. Our chairwoman is Jeanette Howse who founded the Street Fair in 1994 and has masterminded them all. The committee are all volunteers who work so hard purely for the good of the community. I hope new residents to Didcot support us! If you or your group wish to join in email chris@didcotevents.co.uk Now food…if you still have any leftover cooked poultry visit www.bakerchristine.co.uk and try my Curry in a Hurry or Leftover Turkey Pie. The lovely Chicken Caesar wraps use chicken fillets, but you can easily substitute with cooked meat. These are particularly fun to make, perhaps with the children as they love to see the pitta wraps puff up, delicious for a lunchtime snack or quick supper. When I’m visiting various WIs I get great feedback on my recipes and super hints and tips. No one ever knows everything; I learn new things every day so if YOU have any gems or new recipes let me know through my website! Before Bake Off I NEVER created recipes but I do it all the time now and find it SO rewarding. I worked a couple of years ago with a local brewery to develop different dishes using their beers and it was so much fun! My husband loved time as the garage was full of different beers! See you in February, keep warm, be happy!

Christine XX

SU STA I N A B I L I T Y

Beyond the daily grind Simon Collison explains more about his Didcot-based business Foodylicious which provides excellent coﬀee-related products that don’t cost the earth

nvironmental and sustainability are on everyone’s minds. This is especially applicable given the focus on plastics and the damage they cause to our planet. Here at Foodylicious, based in Didcot, we have been leading edge in bringing to market exceptional coffee related products that also take account of the environment.

technology means that roast and ground coffee can be diffused in a cup and you don’t need a filter machine or cafetière to make the perfect cup. No mess, and a delicious coffee, made as easily and quickly as a cup of tea. Once finished, the bags and sachets can be composted – enriching the earth rather than polluting it!

We’re proud stockists of Peter Larsen’s “compostable” Nespresso compatible coffee pods – previous winner of the Which magazine Best Buy. We also sell new “compostable” coffee bags which are plastic-free and can be used just like a tea bag. New

At Foodylicious we attend more than 30 food & drink events across the UK. Our stand is environmentally friendly, from the recycled stand to the compostable sampling cups we use, along with biodegradable bags and of course the products themselves. We have a number of new products launching in 2020, including an award-winning iced coffee and much more. Why not find out where we’ll be on our website and come along? Visit www.foodylicious.co.uk and follow us on Facebook @Foodylicious.uk and Instagram @foodyliciousuk to stay in the loop about all our sustainable products and unmissable competitions and offers! LEADING BRANDS AT GREAT PRICES FREE LOCAL DELIVERY OLD BED / MATTRESS DISPOSAL SERVICE AVAILABLE

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www.elitebedsandmattressesdirect.co.uk R&A | 29

RECI P ES

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

Vive la

revolution! We share two exclusive recipes from Ollie Hunter’s brand new sustainable cookbook with two copies up for grabs

Ä Chicken breast tagine

with locally dried fruit

Method:

reheat the oven to 180°C fan/200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Mix all the spices together and set aside. Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tbsp of the spice mix. Add a few glugs of oil to an ovenproof saucepan and place over a medium heat. Quickly fry the chicken breasts – just to sear the outside on both sides – then remove from the pan and leave to one side.

Win!... We have two copies of Ollie Hunter’s book to give away. Visit www.roundandabout. co.uk to enter

Add some more oil to the same pan and then sauté the diced onion, garlic, coriander stalks and chilli until soft. Once soft, stir in the rest of the spice mix and cook for a few minutes. Add the wine, cider or water to deglaze the pan. Add the tomatoes and molasses and give it a little stir. Simmer for 10 minutes to reduce the sauce.

Add the drained beans or pulses and dried fruit, stir and season with salt. Nestle each seared chicken breast into the sauce, then add 100 ml/31/3 fl oz/1/3 cup cold water and transfer to the oven to cook for between 30 and 35 minutes. Serve the tagine scattered with fresh coriander leaves and perhaps some edible flowers, with dollops of yogurt and some spelt or couscous.

30 | JANUARY 2020

• •

•

1 tbsp ground cumin 1 tbsp ground coriander 1 tbsp ground turmeric 1 tbsp paprika Two raw chicken breasts Oil of your choice, for frying One onion, diced Six garlic cloves, diced A handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), with stalks diced and leaves left whole One red chilli, diced 100 ml/31/3 fl oz or 1/3 cup red wine, water or even cider (hard cider) 1 x 400g/14oz can of chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp apple molasses, or use whatever molasses is locally produced 1 x 400g/14oz cooked beans or pulses – cannellini beans are delicious Handful of local dried fruits such as prunes, damsons or apricots, pitted Salt

To serve • Dollops of plain yogurt • Grains such as spelt or couscous, cooked

Prep: 25 minutes Cooking: 35 minutes Serves: Two

R ECIPES

Ingredients: • 100g/3½ oz/½ cup dried red split lentils or split peas • Oil with a high smoking point such as rapeseed or sunflower, for frying • One onion, diced • Chunk of fresh ginger, diced • Six garlic cloves, diced • Handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), stalks diced and leaves left whole • One red chilli, diced • One cinnamon stick • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 1 tsp black mustard seeds • Four fresh tomatoes, chopped (or ½ x 400g/14oz can of tomatoes) • Four beetroot stalks and leaves, thinly sliced (save the beetroot for another meal) • Salt • Dollops of plain yogurt, to serve

Beetroot leaf dhal

ne of the great things about eating from root to fruit is the added variety of flavours and textures available to us. For example, sage flowers have the subtle taste of sage but are a little more floral than the leaves. Pea shoots offer a lighter and more delicate pea flavour than the pea. In this recipe, beetroot stalks bring that earthy beetroot taste, but with added crunch and freshness.

Prep: 10 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Serves: Two

coriander stalks and chilli and fry until soft.

If you’re using split peas, then they’ll need to be soaked overnight in plenty of cold water before using.

Once they’re soft, add the cinnamon stick, ground spices, mustard seeds and continue to cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes and lentils or soaked and drained split peas. Season to taste with salt and stir. Add one litre / four cups of cold water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes if using lentils (or 40 minutes if using split peas).

Put a good amount of oil into a large pan (skillet) over a medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, ginger, garlic,

Stir in the sliced beetroot stalks and leaves for the final five minutes of cooking. Serve the dhal scattered with the fresh coriander leaves and dollops of yogurt.

Method:

30 Easy Ways to Join the Food Revolution: by Ollie Hunter, published by Pavilion Books. Image: Louise Hagger. R&A | 31

COMMUN ITY

Solar system Westmill Solar Co-operative in Watchfield raised £1million in three weeks, showing the power of locally owned community energy projects. Do you want to join them?

estmill Solar Co-operative – the UK’s first community-owned solar farm – is delighted to announce that its recent bond offer sold out within three weeks of launch. The five-year bond raised £1 million from 483 people, about a quarter of whom live within 15 kilometres of the site. The bond success, which happened thanks to the Ethex platform, shows how people power can help accelerate the UK’s low-carbon transition

Tom Parkinson, chairman of Westmill Solar Co-operative, said “We are delighted with the enthusiastic response to our bond offer. We hope this success will inspire other local communities to set up their own renewable We hope the energy projects and encourage policymakers to provide more support for success will community-owned generation and other inspire other low-carbon initiatives.”

“

communities

Lisa Ashford, CEO of Ethex, said “We’re delighted Westmill Solar Co-op’s bond offer was such a success and closed in record time. It demonstrates the desire everyday people have across the UK to use their money in impactful ways to tackle climate change and empower communities, while also generating a fair return.” The 5MW solar park has been operating under

32 | JANUARY 2020

community ownership for seven years. It creates enough clean, renewable energy to power about 1,400 homes and prevent about 1,500 tonnes of harmful CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere every year. Westmill Solar sells the power it generates to Co-operative Energy and a proportion of its surplus is allocated to Westmill Solar’s community fund. More than £200,000 has already been provided to various causes, including the funding of energy audits for local community buildings, the development of an educational and schools visits programme, and a contribution towards a new visitors’ centre in Highworth. Westmill Solar hopes to contribute more than £2 million to its community fund over the next 15 years which will directly benefit many more local and environmental causes. The bond will help Westmill Solar continue to thrive for the benefit of everyone: boosting Westmill Solar’s membership to 1,700 people, supporting other local community initiatives and, most importantly, providing a cleaner planet for future generations. Westmill Solar anticipates making further bond offers available in the future. If you would like to be kept informed about these, please visit www.westmillsolar.coop/bondoffer and sign up for updates.

RAMBLINGS

á ...Continued from page 26.

‘"Donkathon" is the latest idea from one of the world’s top female pilots and serial fund raiser, Polly Vacher. Polly plans to take her two donkeys, Wizard and Muffin, on a month long 200-mile journey from South Oxfordshire to North Wales to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Polly’s nephew has MS. Polly has flown twice around the world in a single-engined aircraft and raised £500,000 for charity, following eye surgery she is no longer able to fly but is putting all her efforts into raising money with Donkathon. In July she plans to travel around 10 miles a day, the donkeys will start their journey to Powys, North Wales. To donate or for further information, go to www.donkathon.org or Just Giving.

England in search of the key to his hoard of stolen treasure. Suspense, mock horror and heaps of tongue-in-cheek humour. Visit www.didcotphoenixdrama.co.uk Swirl, sniff, sip! Are you bored of drinking the same old wines? Why not join the fun wine tasting fundraiser on Friday 7th February, at Dry Sandford Primary School in Lashford Lane, OX13 6EB. The fun starts at 7pm, tickets £15. All proceeds in aid of St Helen’s Church (Dry Sandford) Restoration Fund. For further information and to book, email sthelensdrysandford@gmail.com

Harwell WI‘s new year gets off to a deliciously spicy start at their January meeting. The wonderful Jenny Mallin will reveal her Grandmother’s Legacy of Indian Recipes in the Cherry Hall of the Harwell Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 8th January. All women are welcome. For more information call 01235 835430.

Hubert Zawadzki will give a talk entitled The Reluctant Exiles: Polish resettlement camps in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds 1946-70. Visitors welcome for £2.50, or £12 to join for the year. Meetings start at 7.30pm (doors 7pm) at St James the Great Church, Radley OX14 2JN. For more information visit www.radleyhistoryclub.org.uk

Hanney History Group opens 2020 with a talk on the Wilts & Berks Canal by Martin Buckland on Wednesday, 29th January. This was a relative latecomer to the canal network, opening in 1810. It linked the Kennet & Avon Canal near Devizes to Abingdon, passing between Hanney and Grove. Most of the early traffic was coal from Somerset and grain from the Vale of White Horse, both for Abingdon’s breweries. Talks are at 8pm at the Hanney War Memorial Hall and visitors are very welcome. For more information contact Andrew Robertson on 07899 913281.

Wishing you all a joyful January and hope to see you all here next month LN

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www.stratusguttering.co.uk R&A | 33

RECRUITMENT

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We are always looking for driven and passionate individuals to join our teams based in Abingdon. We offer competitive salaries, great beneﬁts packages and excellent career opportunities. To apply for one of our current vacancies, please visit www.miele.co.uk/careers To send in a speculative application please contact hr@miele.co.uk Be part of a growing company and have an exciting future ahead. Miele. For everything you really love.

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Every eﬀort is made to ensure the information within these pages is correct, the text printed is as supplied by the advertiser. As such readers are advised to take appropriate professional advice before using any business or financial opportunity oﬀered herein.

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Competitions

Closing date for competitions is 12pm on 31st January

FREE to enter online OR via post (use the address on page 4) * To check results, call 01491 837621* Winners will be notified * Postal entries are accepted. Please include a “yes” or “no” if you wish to opt in or out of marketing communications from the competition supplier and Round & About Publications Ltd. Entries without a name, address or telephone number will not be valid. Full terms & conditions online* STRICTLY ONE ENTRY PER COMPETITION PER HOUSEHOLD To enter all competitions, visit

www.roundandabout.co.uk

Win! Two VIP pairs of tickets to the spectacular

Planet Earth II Live in Concert 2020 up for grabs

From BBC Studios and the acclaimed BBC Natural History unit behind Blue Planet II and Dynasties, this UK & Ireland arena tour is a must-see experience. Hosted by Liz Bonnin and featuring music by Hans Zimmer performed by the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, audiences can enjoy sensational footage from the BAFTA and EMMY® award winning BBC series. The show brings you closer to the planet’s spellbinding animals, landscapes and wildlife dramas than ever before. The arena tour runs from 26th March to 4th April and our two lucky winners can choose between London or Birmingham shows. Enter as above & visit www.planetearth2live.uk for more info about the show or to book.

Win! A luxurious Sonoma Indulge spa day for two at Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa in Hampshire

Surrounded by stunning parkland, Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa is a privately owned hotel, spa and golf club. Awarded the prestigious ‘5 Bubbles’ by the Good Spa Guide, the hotel’s spa is a light, uplifting space with heavenly treatments and a menu designed to leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised. One lucky reader will win a luxury Spa Day for two worth £250. The winner and guest will enjoy a welcome smoothie or hot drink, light breakfast, delicious Bento style lunch or classic afternoon tea, plus 55-minute treatment per person and full use of the spa facilities. Enter as above or, for more information or to book, visit www.donningtonvalley.co.uk

Win! Dinner, bed & breakfast for two at The French Horn in Sonning on the banks of The Thames

Alongside the bridge in the busy village of Sonning, The French Horn (originally a coaching inn) has been run by the Emmanuel family since 1972, with a focus on excellent food and service. It has a reputation as one of the area’s finest restaurants with comfortable rooms. Head chef Josiane Diaga and her team use the best seasonal produce to create delicious classical meals, allowing flavours to speak for themselves. There’s an extensive wine cellar to complement the fine food. Our winner can stay with a guest, enjoying dinner and breakfast (excl drinks, dates subject to availability). Enter as above and find out more or book at www.thefrenchhorn.co.uk 38 | JANUARY 2020

Creating a new kind of in Cirencester for over 65’s

neighbourhood

Stratton Court offers an exclusive neighbourhood of 31 stunning apartments and luxury lifestyle facilities such as cinema room, members lounge and treatment room which will exceed your expectations. The stylish and modern residential village of Stratton Court, also boasts The Kensington Restaurant & Bar, which offers a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, in which to dine with family and friends.

PRICES TO BUY STARTING FROM £295,000 T&C’s apply. Service charges, council tax and utility bills not included

Stratton Court Village, Stratton, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2NB