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The The The Newbury ShowNewbury ShowNewbury Show

ThatchamThatchamThatcham FestivalFestivalFestival

Delivered free to 6000+ Homes and Businesses

September October 2009

Issue 22

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 2

Protection

We have many cats seeking loving homes especially older cats

fundraising volunteers always neededFor further information contact

01635 200111 Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment

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Trimming/Clipping Brushing/Bathing Turbo Drying / Ear Cleaning /Nail Clipping

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Tel 07766 303476

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Richard Carpenter Tel : 07900 267208

GJH Plumbing

Local Plumber, Fully Insured Friendly and Reliable

Graham Hayes 01635 862836 07704 145859

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[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 3


www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

Dear Readers

WELCOME to issue 22 and a particularly warm

welcome to our new readers - as distribution

increases again this month.

I do hope, like me, that you have all had some

really good relaxing days this Summer.

I would like to say a

special thank you to the Thatcham Photographic

Club for their help on The Acoustic evening

on 20 June (see p36.) It was really good to

have their support and i t w a s m u c h

appreciated.*

Two excellent small

businesses I would like to draw to your

attention are: Phoenix Trading (p49) and

Jamie Oliver (p46). If you are at a loss to

know how to earn extra pounds and pennies for

that big occasion in December, then you

may well find your

answer here. At least

you can begin to organise ordering the

’cards’ (A big job done!) As I personally

know the quality, I can assure you that you will

not be disappointed. And, with presents in

mind, I am sure also that there will be quite

a demand for all Jamie Oliver products.

In this issue you will find not only our

regular ‘Locals Who Launch’ feature but

also three ’Advertiser Profiles’, together with

a feature on lunching at The Lamb. I do hope

you enjoy reading them as much as I have

enjoyed writing about them.

With all best wishes

STOP PRESS.* Please see p51 for more diary events

e: [email protected]

Stable 5, Gravelly Bridge Farm-house Grazeley, Reading. RG71LG

Telephone 0118 9886070

Editor:

Ursula Aitken

Disclaimer

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this

publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it’s editorial

contributors can accept any liability to any party for loss or

damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from

negligence, accident or any other case.

Thatcham Connections Magazine

does not officially endorse any advertising material included

within this publication. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted

in any form, without prior permission of the publisher

Contents Page

Newbury Show 21

Behind the Lens 43

Community Pages Thatcham Festival 52/53

Children’s Challenge 56

Richard Benyon MP 61

Please note - next latest copy date : Mid-day Friday 2 October 2009

Printer: Newman Thomson

The front cover photograph has kindly

been supplied by Norman Jones, a

member of the Thatcham

Photographic Club

www.thatchamphotoclub.com

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With our straight forward casting process we can save pprecious moments in your life to touch and hold forever.

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COMPUTER SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT & HELP SERVICE& HELP SERVICE& HELP SERVICE

Most frequent problems dealt with: Internet failure / computer crash New PC or Laptop installation Home networks arranged or upgraded (shared printers, scanners, hard drives, broadband) Setting up e-mail Internet protocol phones / web cams Hardware & Software upgrades Computer data and power back-up And a Fault Finding and Correction Service

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ST IDEA WHERE TO START? ST IDEA WHERE TO START? ST IDEA WHERE TO START?

Alex Dewey

For the past three years

I have enjoyed helping

many local people and

businesses, including

Thatcham Connections.

I have transport so can

visit you as required.

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Many readers will r e c o g n i s e t h e photograph opposite of Sarah (and the ubiquitous mi lk bottle!) as she has supported Thatcham Connections since issue 1, which is now over four years.

Sarah is indeed familiar to many other local people as she has lived on the o u t s k i r t s o f Thatcham all her life.

So what has made her so successful? And what drives her on? The answer may lie in the fact that she is offering a premium service to local people. She has gone to many homes and solved many p ro b le ms ! T h is service is continually ap p re c i at ed b y readers.

with computers began over twenty years ago, so she was well prepared to assist her three c h i l d r e n ( n o w teenagers) to build a co m p u t e r f ro m scratch.

Then followed a period of study at Newbury College where she became aware that she seemed to know more on the subject than anyone else!

Sarah takes great delight in building good relationships with her clients - helping them and building their confidence to use their c o m p u t e r s m o s t effectively.

The people who she helps range through all ages and abilities - from youngsters to those approa ch ing e ar l y retirement and those who have already retired. Sometimes lessons are presents from children! Whilst some of her work is helping to train people to improve their skills, she is equally happy tackling almost any technical problem. Often trouble shooting problems can be solved quickly and easily and

SSarah Sladen

Feature Advertiser Profile

07979378408 or 01635 299429

HOME HOME HOME COMPUTER COMPUTER COMPUTER TROUBLE-TROUBLE-TROUBLE-SHOOTERSHOOTERSHOOTER

Starting from scratch or just needing a few

pointers.

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Want advice on updating?

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Ed

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Garden Thyme is run by

Ian Douglas and Mark Lissenden.

Ian and Mark have over 30 years of combined experience and knowledge in the gardening sector, maintaining and developing private and commercial gardens to a high standard. Our qualifications include NVQ Certificates in Amen-ity Horticulture and RHS General Certificates. We offer a reliable and professional service, so that we can create, maintain and develop an enjoyable garden.

Our Thyme is your Pleasure.

Office 01635 866546

Ian Douglas 07725 819 652

Mark Lissenden 07742 078 026

[email protected]

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include:

Regular maintenance on private and commercial properties, weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge Cutting/Pruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

Fence/Shed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

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A J C S E R V I C E SA J C S E R V I C E SA J C S E R V I C E S Landscape Gardener

Tony CoombsTony CoombsTony Coombs

01635 860159 07785 525752

AJC Services is a local business, run by Thatcham resident, Tony Coombs. Tony and his wife have lived in Thatcham for 25 years and Tony knows well the impor-tance of creating - and then maintaining - a garden of which you can rightly be proud. Tony also recognises the impor-tance of the personal touch and from the very first phone call en-quiry to the finish of the job, you have his assurance that you will receive only his professional (and

of course) personal attention. The photos below show some of the work AJC Services have done. They

Tony is happy to provide references and to show you the way he would plan the work needed, using his own computer modelling process. Please ring him to talk through what you may have in mind and to discuss your possible requirements.

After ... the photographs say it all !


Ed

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A rboriculturalist is another name for a tree surgeon and at this time of year, especially after all the variable weather

we have been experiencing, you may need to call on one of these professionals to help repair or remove trees in or around your garden.

in because if it snows heavily, the extra weight can cause a lot of damage to trees and possibly your property too, if the branch falls on your house or car.

An arboriculturalist can check for dead wood, dangerously split branches and can identify diseased trees. In fact, a fully trained professional can work on your tree from the roots to the tip to keep it healthy, safe and attractive.

However tempting it is to work on a tree yourself, please take into account that working up a ladder is incredibly dangerous and the basic rule is only to work on those branches you can easily reach by standing on the ground. Anything higher than that should involve the professionals who have trained long and hard for this very purpose. They have the qualifications, know-how, equipment and insurances that only the professionals provide.

Another point to remember is that a well-established tree may well have a Tree Preservation Order on it, which means that you need to check with your local authority before attempting any major work on it. Also check

with them if you live in a Conservation Area. If either applies you will need to go to your local planning department to get permission to carry out the work.

undoubtedly be cheaper than a trained tree surgeon, you may end up with more problems than you started with, as the professional company will have invested in the correct training and protective equipment. Reputable companies never solicit work by knocking on doors and will always have an address and landline, rather than just a mobile phone number.

Once you have found a genuine arboriculturalist, check their qualifications, experience and make sure they have up-to-date insurance. References are a good idea too, follow them up and look at work they have done locally. Ask for a full written quotation and make sure you know whether VAT, removal of branches and tidying up is included in that as well. If you wish to keep the wood, then make that clear from the start as you may save quite a bit of money. And never pay until the job is finished!

In addition to understanding the health and structure of these living monuments, tree surgeons are creative and artistic so can prune to a beautiful and natural shape.

Trees can live for many decades so need to be pampered by the best people available!

Feature Gardening Page

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L E T S F A C E F A C T S :

Fusion Financial Management is a trading name of 2plan Ltd 2plan Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. It is entered on

the FSA register (www.fsa.gov.uk) under reference 461598.

With people living longer,

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and 1 in 9 baby Boomers forecast

to live to 100 ...

Call Simon Claxton at Fusion Financial Management

on 01635 202001

First meeting is free to establish whether I can help!

Would you like :

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To get a f irmer idea of where you are heading f inancial ly?

To check that your ex ist ing prov isions, such as l ife assurance or pensions are rea lly right for you?

To take control of your f inances without necessar ily be ing sold anything - and see your l ifesty le improve?


PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

INSIDE : flooring - tiling - carpentry, flat pack

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12 Lamb Close Thatcham Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 0784907820401635 872285 0784907820401635 872285 07849078204 www.berkshirehandymanservices.co.uk

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Feature Lunch at The Lamb

01635 200348 01635 200348 01635 200348 www.lambinn.info

Long Lane: Curridge: Berkshire RG18 9LY

Seeing The Lamb many times from the road driving by and knowing that it has r e c e nt l y u n d e r go n e dramatic refurbishments, I went along to have lunch and to see if it lived up to expectations!

A n d I w a s n o t disappointed. A great deal of care in both décor and detail have gone into the ‘new’ Lamb to make it a most charming and comfortable country pub/restaurant. It serves both Mediterranean Tapas and Traditional Menus. As you might expect, a range of real ales and good wines are also offered.

From a wide selection of menu choices, I chose ‘Salchichon’ - a plate of Spanish Salamis (priced at £3.50) and I assure you it was no ordinary salamis plate. The dressing and texture of the meat made it true perfection!

Bearing in mind that I only wanted a ‘light’ lunch, I decided to follow the salamis with the ‘Fresh Tagliatelle with roasted cherry tomatoes and home-made pesto’. This again,

proved to be a fine choice. The herb flavouring and the al-dente texture of the tagliatelle is hard to replicate exactly at home. This is a dish which will surely appeal to almost everyone, vegetarians or non veggies. At a price of £6.95 I thought it particularly good value.

Of course if you are very hungry or a foodie there are many more substantial dishes to chose from and Head Chef, Simon Rudd, knows how to cook them!

Sundays feature Traditional Roasts, alongside great Tapas Deals where you can enjoy f our d i s hes f o r £10. (Unbelievable, in my opinion!)

At lunchtimes and early evenings, you can also enjoy some great discounts - with fixed price 2 course lunches for £10, and ‘Early Doors’ 3 for 2 deals on the Tapas Menu between 5.30 and 7.30pm.

There is also a great pudding menu to choose from.

Could this pub be the best kept secret around?

Then ...why are we waiting? Ed

TAPAS

Sautéed Seafood with chilli & Spring

Onions

Fresh Grilled Sardines

Lamb with Red Wine and Garlic

Beef & Chorizo Meatballs in tomato

sauce

STARTERS

Crab and Herb Pancake

Warm Goats Cheese Salad

Crispy Duck Salad

Avocado Salad with smoked chicken

& prawns

MAINS Pan fried Brixham Plaice with Herb

Butter & home-made chips

Breast of Duck with Apple and

Cider Sauce

Medallions of Venison with creamy

Broad Beans and port wine jus

Swordfish Steak with fresh tomato

salsa

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as the economic climate, you may be thinking of taking a holiday abroad, but what about buying a second home abroad? Owning a property abroad is no longer hallowed ground for the rich and famous alone and, if you choose wisely, then you could take advantage of the fantastic opportunities in places like Spain, Italy, Portugal and Cyprus to name but a few. It is estimated that over one million people from the UK now own property abroad but their experiences have been mixed! When you hear some of their tales of woe you could argue that there should be even more thought and planning made for such a purchase than for one here in the UK. From a financial planning point of view any purchase of such a property should be seen as an investment but for many there is a certain amount of emotion attached to it

investment, consideration should be given to risk versus reward. Property is one of four asset classes we can invest our money in, the others being cash, fixed interest securities and equities. We have all seen the risks that property can bring from recent times and so a degree of caution should always prevail. Remember also that apart from the risk to capital, Lawyer's charges, taxes, travel expenses and cost of insurances must all be met and can often be more expensive abroad. Build into your plan an understanding of how exchange rate fluctuation can affect your investment. Bear in mind other costs such as money transfer deductions, service charges for expensive shared amenities such as tennis courts and golf courses and fees for translating documents into your own language - a must if you are no linguist and you want to check the small print in a contract.

take Spain as an example. Right now,

the Costas down on the south coast are virtually at the bottom of the property market. Many properties are trading at half their asking price of two to three years ago. Developers are keen to do deals and with the right agents, lawyer and financing in place, there is significant opportunity to see some excellent returns over the next 5 to 10 years. Improvements in the road networks and a huge expansion plan well on the way at Malaga airport should help the region recover well and see property prices improve. Think also about making your purchase with friends or family. This could improve your buying power and could bring a villa with a pool within reach rather than just an apartment. So, buying a property abroad really does represent a viable opportunity to spread investment risk geographically as well as creating the real prospect of seeing some sunshine!

please see page 18

Simon Claxton

can be contacted on

01635 202001

Not for the Rich or Famous !

Feature Our Financial Expert - Simon Claxton


A local charity for local people

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please see page 40

Bruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

One thing that all my clients have in

common is that they want to change

and by coming to see me they are

choosing to pursue something new for

themselves. However, sometimes the

problems that people experience stem

from the changes that are happening

out there.

The world is changing: energy is

uncertain, climate is fragile and

terrorists provoke constant vigilance.

The country is changing: jobs and

pensions are uncertain, we are

swamped by debt, an epidemic is at

large. Of course, out there can also

refer to those close to us when they

die, leave us or let us down. As

individuals we are called upon to cope

with a number of uncomfortable

feelings.

Change introduces unpredictability,

risk and insecurity. Insecurity can be

hard to handle. It is living on shifting sands,

not knowing what is going to happen next.

Change can be threatening and it can

provoke fear. Fear is a primordial emotion

that prepares us for battle or escape it

raises our whole being to alert status.

Battles and escapes never lasted very long

to deal with long periods of heightened

anxiety. They can be extremely debilitating

and can seriously deplete our mental and

physical resources.

For every change there is a loss. It is the

loss of the familiar, the loss of security, the

loss of something that has been important or

relied on. Change means that one thing is

left behind, perhaps forever. At the same

time we can also feel left behind or

abandoned.

The question is then how well we are

equipped to adapt when faced with change

out there and what may feel like a

bewildering mess of emotions inside. Think

about how you have dealt with the big

changes in your life in the past. Do you feel

you have been successful in grasping the

opportunity for personal growth? Or is the

pain, the loss, the fear still very real and

very threatening. Perhaps now is a good

time to reflect on your own responses to

change. Counselling can help you discover

your own capacity to embrace all that the

world might have in store for you.

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

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Martin is a mature 50 plus tradesman with many years of experience in the b u i l d i n g a n d flooring trades. H e c o v e r s T h a t c h a m , N e w b u r y a n d surrounding areas. He aims to provide a reliable and p r o f e s s i o n a l property mainte-nance service for people of all ages.

based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration.

For all the jobs you

PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite. CARPENTRY cu r t a i n ra i l s , hanging door, flat pack furniture assembly. FLOORING Wood laminate, carpets, vinyl flooring. LANDSCAPING decking, shed erection, paving, fencing. PAINTING I n t e r n a l a n d external painting and decorating.

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For more details or to book a home visit please call Martin on

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 e:[email protected]

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Highly qualified in dementia care and having had 20 years experience working with BUPA in the Newbury area, Sue Smith was appointed manager of Thatcham Court almost from its inception.

Then, with hard hat and wellies donned, she was able to be involved right from the beginning and saw

specia l ist nursing dementia site grow from literally rubble into the impressive home it is today.

Next came the vital part of selecting many admin and catering staff, as well of course, as trained nurses and carers. Sue explained how essential it is to have a staff who work well as a team and support each other. She admits it was a little scary at first -

after all it is a 38 strong team - yet she need not have worried because the selected group have proved

Although some of the trained nurses are from the surrounding area, all the carers and many others are from Thatcham.

Sue is insistent that her

each and every resident. This means that it is vital that their listening skills are particularly excellent. From the moment when a relative makes an enquiry, it is their job to empathise and get to know them.

Indeed when a resident arrives, expectations and what they have been used to are key to the understanding of the team at Thatcham Court. To help

made. Settling in is much helped when there is someone to talk to who knows a little about the past.

Activities play a large part in daily life at Thatcham Court and music, singing, scrabble, carpet bowls are a few of many indoor act ivi t ies which the residents become involved with. In addition, each month there are several entertainments and social events arranged.

Gardening, potting up, h a n g i n g b a s k e t s , accompanied visits to the church, market, to potter around Thatcham and even for an occasional pint at the pub, are all regular activities too.

So what makes it the happy well-run home it is?

residents and their families well - this engenders a

aim to be flexible whenever possible, to give residents what they want - and when

Of course I always knew the food was excellent, now I know

Ed

Sue SmithSSue SmithSue Smith Manager of Thatcham CourtMManager of Thatcham CourtManager of Thatcham Court



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BBeerrnniieess

HHaaiirr && BBeeaauuttyy BBaarrnn Kennet Holme Farm Buildings, Bath Road, Midgham

RG7 5UX Telephone: 01189 713 562 Kim Jones

With 8 years beauty experience, Kim delivers a high quality service in all of her treatments. This is supported by extensive product knowledge including Dermalogica, Bio sculpture, Jessica manicures and pedicures, Fake bake tanning, Crystal clear microdermabrasion and Hot stone massage. Book a full-body exfoliation treatment and receive a nail tidy or toe tidy for free.

Acupuncture now available at Bernies.

Joanna is in the final stage of her degree in Acupuncture at the College of Inte-grated Chinese Medicine where she has completed extensive clinical training.

Until October Joanna will be offering the opportunity to experience Acupuncture from an experienced undergraduate at a special reduced rate.

To find out how acupuncture can help you, call Joanna on 07534 972664

Joanna Phillips

Karen Hackwood Face First Clinic now at Bernies - please see opposite page

-invasive treatments such as: Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox), Dermal Fillers, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 07917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10% off your first treatment!


Q. Why have you

moved premises

Karen?

A. It became obvious

that to work with

Bernie could only

strengthen both our

businesses - Face

First Clinic and also

the Hair and Beauty

Barn It is the best

thing we could have

done! The salon is

continually buzzing;

t h i s i s a n

atmosphere in which

we all thrive.

Q. May I ask how

y o u b e c a m e

interested in skin

and the care of it, in

the first place?

A. Several years ago

I trained as a nurse.

Then I went on to

concentrate on skin

care as a trained

medical professional.

Q. What do you

enjoy most about

your job?

A. I get great satisfaction

from making people feel good about themselves.

This is very important. As I am sure you would

agree, every single one of us benefits from having

as much confidence as possible to face the

world!

Q. What type of work are

you asked to do most frequently.

A. Difficult to know

exactly but I think it wou ld be wrinkle

reduction treatments and mole screening. Catching

possible skin cancers early is undoubtedly the

way forward. I can also recommend treatment or

products (incidentally these products are not

able to be bought off the shelf).

Q. How would you describe your work

ethos?

A. Ethical, discreet, professional, warm &

friendly.

Thank you Karen, I can now understand the full value of Face First Clinic. Ed.

Hair & Beauty Barn

(see opposite page)

Bernies

Karen HackwoodKaren HackwoodKaren Hackwood Face First ClinicFace First ClinicFace First Clinic

07917 89051007917 89051007917 890510

has now moved from has now moved from has now moved from

to:to:to:

Wrinkle Relaxing Injections

Dermal Filler Injections

Chemical Peels

Medical Microdermabrasion

Mole Screening

Skin Analysis


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Photographs kindly taken by Thatcham Photographic Club

A most successful Acoustic party was held on 20 June at Kennet Holme Farm in aid of Cure Leukaemia.

Above from left to right: Bernie Kenna from Bernies Daniel Hulett from Pine and Oak Karen Bolt-Lawrence - event organiser Karen Hackwood from Face First Clinic

Leukaemia, in all its forms, is one of the commonest cancers. Whilst real progress has been made in the treatment of childhood leukaemia there still remain major challenges in providing curative therapies in the majority of adults. There is therefore an urgent clinical need to develop new an more effective treatments for adults with leukaemia. Over the last 30 years there has been real progress in understanding the process by which leukaemia develops. This information has been used to develop new drug and transplant therapies which specifically target leukaemic cells sparing healthy ones. These new treatments are not only remarkably effective but also free of many of the side-effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. The challenge for the next decade is to extend the curative potential of

.

Rose Kelly and Gerry Madden were married on Friday 10th July.

Rose and Gerry are known to many of Thatcham

years experience of running a most successful swimming school and run classes at both Downe

orientated swimming school and with their friendly approach to all the children, they achieve a great deal of confidence and a high level of swimming. Many congratulations! See page 58

Mrs Sharon Johnson new St John Ambulance Commander

On 24 June Mrs Sharon Johnson, pictured left, became Commander of St John Ambulance Berkshire. Mrs Johnson, a Thatcham resident, has been a member of St John for 36 year having joined as a Cadet. She previously held the positions of Child Protection Officer and most recently County Commissioner Youth for the charity. Sharon owns her own accountancy business in Newbury and will continue to support her clients as usual alongside her new voluntary role.

Feature About some of our Advertisers

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freelance cameraman. I work behind the scenes on many television shows screened around the world and each month I will share some of the stories behind the scenes of the pro-grams I am filming. So for my first article I am going to tell you about a documentary I filmed in Jonesboro, Arkansas in the US about men who work on 500,000 volt power lines while they are still switched on. By keeping the power live, it enables homes, hospitals and industry to keep working. I met a crew of nine operators. With four linesmen, crew chief, safety co-ordinator, ground coordinator, helicopter engineer and a helicopter pilot, they reminded me of a Hells Angels chapter. The crew chief ex-plained that they work from a helicopter to avoid contact with the ground, working on

though it is only a theory. As we set off at 5.30am, I filmed the convoy of four huge pick up trucks, each with a trailer. Two were carrying parts and tools, one was carrying aviation fuel and the last one would be working as a mobile helicopter workshop. We met the helicopter at the job location. The task ahead was to replace the spacers holding the high voltage cables apart (the triangle shapes you can see in the picture). On this job the dangers of electro-cution, severe burns, falling from the wire or the helicopter crashing are very high. The helicopter is fitted with two platforms which are attached to the skid on each side. The linesman sits and works from one, the other carries a generator to power their tools and help counterbalance.

dangling. As they approached I heard a loud crack and saw what looked like lightening shooting from the power line to the linesman

what I was filming - they were touching the line, with the helicopter tail rotor only a few feet from the wire. They then connected a

pilot and linesman were now live with

500,000 volts travelling around them. How were they still alive? Both men wore a

fireproof fabric containing fine copper strands which helps most of the electricity pass around their body rather than through it. However, where the suit touches their skin they explained that it felt like fire ants biting them. With another shot of lightening they had disconnected and the helicopter flew down the power line to the next spacer. The four linesmen estimate they would do around two hundred spacers a day. Today they were working in temperatures of over 100 degrees with 95% humidity, only breaking to refuel the helicopter. After an amazing 12 hours filming we all travelled back to the hotel and were looking forward to a well earned beer, until the team told me that Jonesboro was a dry county (no alcohol on sale). Thankfully the helicopter engineer then revealed a cool box of cold

third day, tragedy struck.... To be continued in the next issue!

Feature

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Est. over 20 years

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Service & Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

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PPARTY IN TOWN.. Jamie Oliver is coming to Town! Host a Jamie at Home Party and you can get your hands on his fabulous Jme collection, a selection of hand-picked products for the home in the comfort of your own

some gorgeous Jme products, FREE.

Book now for your Christmas party

New products and giftware available from September

Ready to party?

For more details contact Jo Hams on

01635 874662 Cons ID No 8275

Tracey Mobile Hairdressing

07770 823283

I offer quality, personal, affordable hair-dressing in the comfort of your own home at a time to suit you.

Based on Dunstan Park, I can travel to you in Thatcham and the surrounding villages.

Please call if you would like to make an appointment.

Tel: 07770 823283 Email: [email protected] Discounts available for double and group adult bookings. p j a h a m s @ h o t m a i l . c o . u k

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Gardner Leader

On Tuesday 14th July 2009 the

Government announced that a review of the default retirement age planned for

2011 will be brought forward by a year. Julie Taylor, Employment Solicitor at

Gardner Leader LLP, briefly looks at what the current UK retirement provisions are

and why these are going to be reviewed.

What is the default retirement age and what does it mean?

Currently employers can require employees who reach 65 years to retire

on their 65th birthday for no reason other than their age, as long as they have

followed the prescribed statutory procedures.

What are the current procedures?

The procedures, set out in the Employment Equality (age) Regulations

2006, require (as a minimum) that employees are notified in advance of the

intended retirement date and of their right to request to continue working. This

notification must be sent not more than 12 or less than 6 months before the

intended retirement date, which is usually the employee's 65th birthday.

If the employee requests to work beyond the retirement date, the employer must

consider the request. If it can be

accommodated then a new retirement date

should be agreed. If the employer does not agree to the extension request, they can

insist that the employee retires on the intended retirement date, although the

employee could appeal against the decision.

Why is the retirement age the subject

of a review?

There are a number of reasons that have

been cited for the review and why it has been brought forward. The current

economic climate means that many individuals are being forced to work for

longer to meet shortfalls in their pension and maintain their standard of living.

Additionally, allowing UK employers to continue to end employment for no reason

other than the employee's age has been challenged as age discrimination. In

particular, the UK Government has been accused of failing to fully implement the

European Equality framework, which seeks to protect employees from discrimination

on grounds of their age, amongst other things.

Who has challenged the current

system as discriminatory?

Age Concern has been leading a case to

challenge the default retirement age and procedures implemented by the UK

Government through the Employment Equality (age) Regulations 2006. The case

was referred to the European Court of Justice in March this year who took the

view that, in principle, the default retirement age may be justified, but the

case has now been referred back to the High Court. The High Court's ruling is

expected in the Autumn and they have to decide whether or not the UK has correctly

implemented the European directive outlawing age discrimination.

The outcome of this case is likely to have a

significant impact, and for now we will all have to wait and see what happens next.

If you have any queries about any of the contents of this article, or have been

affected by any of the issues, please contact Julie Taylor on 01635 508181.

Ready to retire?


Private Care Services also provided. Are you looking for some

extra HELP if so give us a call Head office Newbury 01635 489 53

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Family Run Business Providing Care for You at Home

We Care! Care @ Home provides a range of social support services

for Adults living within their own homes and sheltered housing. Our service users require practical, domestic and personal care tasks, which are essential to allow them to live with independence and dignity in their own homes.

These can include Working Nights,24 Hour Live in Service, short calls from 15 minutes up to 1 hr. Calls or

longer depending on your requirements. We can offer more services on request,

specialising in Live in Care.

People may access our services either via the Social Services Department of the Local Authority, or directly by

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Thornford Park hospital

is a 117 bed low and medium secure hospital

offering high quality,

individualised care,

t r e a t m e n t a n d rehabilitation for men

and women aged 18+ who are detained under

the Mental Health Act (1983) and difficult to

place in NHS facilities.

Thornford Park is one of the largest local

employers in Newbury area and employs

clinical and non-clinical staff with a wide range

of jobs.

Patients with a wide range of mental health

issues are cared for. The hospital’s safe

secure and supportive environment enables

patients to maximise

their life opportunities

and live within the lowest level of security

possible.

Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a large part

in the lives of many people at Thornford

Park.

It has been recognised that not only the

quality of life but also independence are

enhanced by the many

activities that are

available.

Individual programmes are

developed for patients. This is carried out on a 1:1

or group basis, in a safe

environment.

Thornford Park offers many

treatments/therapies, such as:

Social skills/Life skills

Anger management

A n x i e t y / s t r e s s

management

Horticulture

Gym/sporting activities

Nutritional awareness

Cookery Skills

Computer tuition

Basic literacy/numeracy

skills

Vocational choices

Art and music skills

Drug and alcohol

awareness

Specialist psychiatry

a n d p s y c h o l o g y

treatment

We would welcome people to come and

meet us at the Thatcham Festival of

Arts & Leisure on the 10th October 2009 at St

M a r y ’ s C h u r c h Thatcham. (Please see

page 53) We will be d i s p l a y i n g A r t ,

P h o t o g r a p h y a n d Ceramics for all to look

at and enjoy.

Thornford Park Crookham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 8ET

www.priorygroup.com

Feature Thornford Park


COONNECTIONNS OOFFEE AT THE REGENCY PARK HOTEL THATCHAM RG18 3RP

Tel

On Friday 9 October 2009 (11.00 am) atOn Friday 9 October 2009 (11.00 am) atOn Friday 9 October 2009 (11.00 am) at The Regency Park HotelThe Regency Park HotelThe Regency Park Hotel

Numbers are limited, so please contact Ursula Numbers are limited, so please contact Ursula Numbers are limited, so please contact Ursula

in good time to reserve a placein good time to reserve a placein good time to reserve a place Tel: 0118 9886070 or email [email protected]: 0118 9886070 or email [email protected]: 0118 9886070 or email [email protected] photographs taken by courtesy of The Thatcham Photographic Club 16/04/09

Victory Room Bucklebury Village Recreation Ground

LLive Music Bar-B-Que * Cakes & Teas Tombola * Bouncy Castle Face Painting and more

£5.

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Useful local phone numbers:

Emergency

Thames Valley Police 0845 8505 505 British Gas Emergency 080 111 999 Thames Water Emergency 0845 9200 888 Southern Electric Emergency 0845 770 8090

Travel

Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 Newbury Buses 01635 67500

Council

West Berks District Council 01635 42400 Thatcham Town Council 01635 863592

Police Station 0845 8505505 West Berks Street Care 01635 519080 Post Office

Broadway, Thatcham 01635 623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health

Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 01635 871117

Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointments/calls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Vet

01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon: 9.30-5.00

Tues 9.30-7.00 Wed - not open

Thurs 9.30 - 5.00 Fri 9.30 - 7.00 Sat 9.30 - 12.30

need to be able to shop is a tele-phone, then your shopping will be delivered to you at home. If you use Easy Shop you choose where you buy your shopping, when you have the shopping delivered and how often you use the service. The drivers will know that they are deliver-ing to an Easy Shop customer. Easy Shop is a practical way of sup-porting older people living independ-ently in their own home. The service is being run by Age Concern Berkshire in partnership with The Volunteer Cen-tre West Berkshire and is supported by West Berkshire Council. We are happy to visit you to tell you more about Easy Shop and answer any questions you might have. If you would like some more information about Easy Shop, please contact us on: 0 1 6 3 5 5 2 2 2 5 5 . www.ageconcernberkshire.org.uk

be interested to know about this new service. Easy Shop has been introduced to pro-vide a convenient, reliable shopping ser-vice for older people who have difficulty shopping for essentials, such as grocer-ies. Similar to Age Concern schemes elsewhere, it is using local supermarkets and their Internet shopping and delivery services to help people get the shopping they need. If you are finding it difficult to carry your shopping or you live too far from the big stores, Easy Shop gives you access to the wide choice of products available from a number of supermarkets. But there is no need to leave your home or to

Feature Community Pages


In this issue I would like to talk about strength exercise training. If you are not a regular gym exerciser you will probably be relying on walking, cycling and running as your main type of exercise. This is brilliant for aerobic fitness a healthy heart in so many words but how many of you think about strengthening up your muscles? We all need strong muscles for everyday living. We need our arms to be strong enough to lift loads shopping, young children, lifting the wheelbarrow; strong legs for walking, lifting heavy objects (yes, you need to use your thigh muscles for this, not your back!). The stronger your inner thigh muscles are (the adductors) the better your

muscles are your stabilising muscles and control your ability to move safely without damaging yourself. Weak core muscles usually mean backache!

Here are a couple of simple exercises that will help to strengthen all those muscles. Wall push up. Stand about two feet away from a wall and place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Stand up on your toes and bending your elbows, take your whole body towards the wall. Keep your tummy pressed in towards your spine. When you return to the starting position, do not let your tail go first. In other words keep your body straight and with that tummy pressed in towards the spine, the work will be in the bulk of the core muscles which are situated in front of you. You will feel this in your shoulder muscles too. This exercise helps to strengthen your upper back muscles which are muscles that keep you standing up straight good posture -! It will also address strengthening those core muscles which are key to lumbar support and warding off that tummy bulge. Slide lunge: This is a great exercise for the legs. You need to be standing on a hard surface, ideally a wooden floor. Place a towel under one foot and slide your foot out to the side, bending your sliding knee as you

need to return to the starting position! You will feel this in your thighs and your hips. You can also slide the towel straight out

with. Bend the sliding knee as you move, trying to get as close to the floor as possible. Keep your hands on your hips to maintain balance and make sure that your front knee does not go over your front toes. Perform 8 repetitions in a set and perform up to 4 sets. Theresa Wright Health Specialist 0118 9710255 e-mail: [email protected] www.theresamwright.com

see page 41

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright


Answer to riddle on page 62

Feature

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THATCHAM 1.30pm or 2pm BEGINNERS & IMPROVERS SNORKELLING & DIVING 6 CHILDREN PER CLASS 3½ YEARS TO 16 YEARS SETEMBER TERM COURSE AVAILABLE

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Small, friendly classes for all ages & abilities.

Sunday morning lessons at Downe House School, Cold Ash, Thatcham

We have some spaces left

Call now for availability!

Telephone 01264 771043 or email [email protected]

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www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk

Padworth Common, Berkshire, RG7 4JD 0118 9701600

Fun French

Music and Dance

Soft-play

Cooking

Drama

Early Years Foundations Stage

Gardening Fantastic Outdoor play facilities Animal Care

Arts and Crafts

Woodland Adventures Healthy home cooked meals Ofsted Registered

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The Floods Two Years On. With the second anniversary of the terrible floods that hit Thatcham in 2007 it is a good time to take stock of all that is being done to make a reoccurrence of those terrible days the remotest of possibilities for thousands of Thatcham residents. Since the floods I have been working with West Berkshire Council and your Town Council to ensure that flood prevention and damage repair are top of the agenda. There has been a plethora of reports since the floods. The Town Council produced a really good piece of work, as did West Berkshire Council. I contributed to the Pitt Inquiry which was set up by the Government. I

perspective to the Parliamentary Select

for the findings of all these reports to be put into action. In fairness, many already have. The Council have done a number of works to protect properties from surface water flooding. Thatcham has an emergency flood plan and there is much co-operation between the Council and the

The flood plan for Thatcham has won DEFRA funding for works to minimise surface water flooding. This is a major step forward and is seeing works carried out that will give householders much needed reassurance. My next battle is on insurance. My be l ie f i s tha t no Tha tcham householder should face dramatically increased premiums or excess charges. Thatcham is not in a flood plain and therefore should not be considered as an area of risk equivalent to Tewkesbury or many of the other towns that regularly flood. Unfortunately too many insurance companies look at flooding as a historic fact rather than in terms of future risk. I have the co-operation of the Environment Agency in telling insurance companies of the many works that have been done to limit the chance of a reoccurrence of flooding that was after all, a surface water problem rather than the consequence of a river bursting its banks. I hope to be able to inform Thatcham residents of my discussions in coming weeks. I am as aware as anyone of the personal toll the floods had on so many lives. I know that many in Thatcham look at the weather forecast with a real sense of fear and I want to do all I can to consign the floods of 2007 to the history books. People need to be able to put the trauma of July 2007 behind them and move on with their lives.

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01635 551070

Feature Richard Benyon MP for Newbury


Animal Feeds FC Cummins & Sons 63

Blinds Shaftesburys 39 Smart Blinds 9

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 28

Bucklebury Octoberfest 51

Butcher 30

Builders Berridge & Go 28 Falkland Builders 42

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 45

Business Opportunity 2

Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 49 Cards Phoenix Trading 49

Care Services BUPA 32/33 Care @ Home Ltd 49

Carpenter/Joiner Ivan Ivanov 7

Roger Fisher 63

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 2

Charity The Newbury & District

Cancer Care Trust 27 Children - including Babies Bucklebury Pre-School 55

Buggyfit 2

56

GR Swimming School 58 Jubilee Day Nursery 59/60 Just the 2 of us 55 Monkey Music 60

60 OISE 57 Read Dance 58

Sue Pitts 2 The Designer Baby Show 51

The Little Book of Stories 58 Cleaning My Home 37

51 Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning) Community Pages 52/53 Computers Alex Dewey 6 Clive Stanley 11 GIGTEK Ltd 30

Sarah Sladen 8 Thatcham PC Doctors 17 Concrete 24-7 Concrete 28 Counselling/Coach Bruce Bamber 29/40 Curtain & Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 63

Dancing & Drama Schools One Step Ahead 63

Decorator Lady Painter 27 Tony Fegan 6

Drainage Ambar Drainage 17

Dog Grooming Services 2

Electrical & Property Thatcham & Newbury Maintenance Services 49

Electrician MP Electrics 42 Financial - IFA Simon Claxton 18/26

Fitness Classes Buggyfit 2 Flooring

Oaktree Floors 27 Stone Partnership 23

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 42

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 12

Gardening Feature 14 Gardening Services

AJC Services 13 Bathstone 3

Buckingham Landscape 63 Garden Thyme 10 Green Thumb 16 JPH Forestry 15 Mowers UK 11NPT Paving Specialists 15 Tree Surgeon 15

Hat Hire or Buy

Get Ahead Hats 63 Handyman

Peter Kirkham 19 Martin Newman 24

Hair & Beauty Bernies 34 Face First Clinic 35 Mobile Hairdressing Tracey Blix 46 Twist Hair 44

Health & Fitness Club Bradfield College 44

Heating Services Relight 2

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 41/54

Home Cinema Vivid Research 9

Locksmith

Cap Security 11 Logs

David Pope 15

Marquees Redcrest Marquees 31

Memorials

Memorials in Stone 39

Newbury Show 21 Organic Foods

Pang Valley Organics 25 Riverford 18

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 2 Ovenclean 45

Party Hosting Jamie Oliver 46

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Photographer Henwood-Fox Photography 46

Plumber Anthony Bosley 38

GJH Plumbing 2 Thatcham & Newbury

Maintenance Services 49

Psychotherapy Course at Douai Abbey 47 Removals

One man and his van 63 Restaurants

The Coach and Horses 28 The Lamb at Curridge 20 The Pot Kiln at Frilsham 40 The Six Bells 31

Richard Benyon MP 60

Sand and Gravel 38Rivar Sand & Gravel 39

Sculpture

Casting a Memory 5 Secretarial Services

Carrick Secretarial Solutions 40

Solicitor

CLM Law 22 Gardner Leader 48

Tax Advice Tax Assist 9 TWD

Telephone Extensions Webb Telecom 63

Thornford Park 50

Tree Surgeon JPH Forestry Ltd 15

Vet 42

Water Softener JM Softeners 45

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Index

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The school offers a range of dance classes for adults - Ballroom, Latin American and Sequence Dancing. All

rhythm to those who wish to improve their technique and style - up to, and including, competition standard. Classes in Cold Ash & Newbury

01635 580930 www.1stepahead.info School of DanceSchool of DanceSchool of Dance

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG && GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

- Driveways, Patios, Paths, Brickwork - Site Clearance, Levelling, Foundations, Bulk Excavation, All Excavator work - Garden Buildings, Garages - Sand, Gravel & Topsoil delivered

Tel: 01635 269216 www.buckinghamlandscaping.co.uk

For all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains, blinds, pelmets and alterations. Fabric choices and advice available

Contact:

Judy Connolly

07747 634556 www.indigodesign.co.uk

ROGERROGERROGER FISFISFISHERHERHER

Carpenter/Joiner Kitchen Fitter/

Glaze Tiling House Maintenance Painting/Decorating

30 Years Experience

Tel: 01635 827690 mob: 07876 588721

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator.

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

www.getaheadhats.co.uk e: [email protected]

Telephone Extensions S u p p l y & I n s t a l l a t i o n s e r v i c e s Professionally fitted to BABT regulations anywhere into your propertyProfessionally fitted to BABT regulations anywhere into your propertyProfessionally fitted to BABT regulations anywhere into your property

Extension telephone points Broadband ADSL telephone points Sky Digital telephone points Telephone line faults repaired All work guaranteed Free estimates/Competitive prices

00111188 998844 55118844 00777788 779933 44888833 00111188 99774444229944

WEBB TELECOM

F.C. CUMMINS & SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSE/ANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

A range of pet food for Cats/Dogs and Small Pets Natural and organic feed plus other equine supplements and goods

Horse Feed from £5.50 per bag Cash & Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and FencingVisit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327 www.fccumminsandsons.co.uk

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Thatcham ConnectionsTThatcham ConnectionsThatcham Connections Ursula Aitken Stable 5 Gravelly Bridge Farmhouse Grazeley Reading RG7 1LG

Tel: 0118 9886070 email: [email protected] www.thatchamconnections.co.uk

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Thatcham Connections

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