1 Registered Charity Number 1124770

West Berkshire Heart Support Group

Newsletter Independent Support Charity Affiliated to the British Heart Foundation.

Associated with the Department of Cardiology,

Royal Berkshire Hospital Trust, Reading, Berkshire.

Volume 9 Issue 2 Circulation 500 April - May 2010

Heartbeats

Channel Swimmer Chris Supported by Her MP David Willetts

Heartbeats member Chris Pitman received the support of her Havant MP Mr. David

Willetts when he joined her in the Havant Leisure Centre‟s swimming pool. Readers of

our last edition will remember

that Chris has set herself the

challenge to swim the Channel

to France in 2012 when she is

61. Before she and her hus-

band Pete moved to Bedhamp-

ton, Chris was our Stage IV

rehabilitation coach at Palmer

Park, in Reading. Chris was a

physical training instructor in

the WRAF and has always

been remarkably fit.

We remember when she first became aware of her need of a pacemaker. At the end of

one rehabilitation session she said that she had to go into hospital the next day. When

asked why she told us an amusing story. On a number of occasions, she had accused

her husband of kicking her in the back when they were in bed asleep. Eventually, she

decided to go for a checkup. Her doctor discovered an irregular heartbeat and referred

her to the Department of Cardiology at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Tests showed that

she needed a pacemaker. Many might think that this would limited their physical ac-

tivities, but not Chris. It was not long before we witnessed her taking part in the British

Indoor Rowing Championship at the Rivermead Leisure Centre, Caversham, Reading.

Photo courtesy of Southern Water

2

She has since taken part in half-marathons and triathlons-cycling running and

swimming. This reawakened her childhood ambition to swim the Channel. Later

this year she plans to swim the length of Windermere and in the following year

two lengths in preparation for the big event.

Swimming the Channel is an expensive business. She needs to raise £5000 for the

event and training, before she starts raising money for her chosen charities. If any-

one would like to sponsor Chris, contributions should be sent to Horizon Leisure

Centre, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hants PO9 2AY. Please mark the envelope

„Personal Chris Pitman, Channel Swim‟.

Healthy Cycling at Palmer Park Sports Stadium, Reading by ‘Tweels’

Needing to change my exercise programme recently I joined the small group of cyclists who currently use this facility. Whilst acknowledging that the weather has been a bit challenging lately I wonder why so few heart patients make use of the programme. Cycling on public roads can be a bit daunting these days so the use of a running track/ velodrome is an attractive and safer alternative. For those who don’t have their own machines, or who maybe don’t wish to cycle from their homes to Palmer Park, well-maintained bicycles and tricycles are available within the £2.50 charge for the 1 ½ hour sessions on Mondays and Fri-days. To those who may say, “I wouldn’t mind trying it but I haven’t cycled for years” I would suggest that there is no better place to re-learn than on a soft running track. For the more experienced the cycle track is ideal for improving stamina whilst exercising in the open air. Perhaps as the weather improves I may see more fellow Heartbeat members using the track? Meanwhile, my thanks for the work you put in to produce your excellent news-letters. “Tweels”

3

Researching the Past,

Southcote Manor, Reading

Southcote Manor was built in the 15th century and stood where Hatford

Road and Circuit Lane meet. It was a baronial manor and moated with a

draw bridge. The moat was said to have been 30 feet wide. Just inside the

gates stood an old tithe barn. To reach the main entrance to the house you

would have passed through an archway in the stables, the archway divided

the stables into two parts. These stables could house upwards of a hundred

horses and soldiers. In the time of the Civil War it is thought that at differ-

ent times Royalist and Roundheads would have used the stables. At the

north-east corner of the house stood an old watch tower built about 1450

and quite detached from the house.

The family of Sambourne lived here around the 1490s. Drew Sambourne

died at Southcote in 1506. At his death the manor passed to his grand-

daughter Margaret Sambourne, who married the 2nd Lord Windsor. The

Samborn family were previously believed to have lived at the Manor of

Fernham, which is close to Farringdon Berkshire, now in Oxon.

Around 1589 John Blagrave of Bulmershe Park, Earley, made Southcote

Manor his home. (The Blagrave‟s lived at Bulmershe Park until around

1790 when it was sold). John was a mathematician of renown and wrote

books on the subject. He also studied the skies from a tower in the

grounds. It is said that he did a lot of rebuilding just before he died. He

lived at Southcote till his death in 1611. A small effigy of John wearing a

cloak and ruff, holding a skull and also a plaque is in the south aisle of St

Laurence‟s Church Reading, and tells us that his mother was a Hungerford

and of a „worthie‟ race, she was buried nearby. John‟s nephew Daniel Bla-

grave son of Alexander Blagrave came to Southcote Manor, he was resid-

ing there at the time of the Civil War 1640‟s. He was an Attorney at Staple

Inn and attended the Mock High Court of Justice at Westminster Hall; he

was one of the people who signed the Warrant to put the King to death.

You can imagine the view from the house before the railway was built. It

would have look over the meadows to the Holy Brook and the Kennet and

beyond. The water for the manor was drawn from the Hollowed Brook

(now the Holy Brook). The Monks of Reading Abbey built the Holy

Brook to provide water for their mills .

4

Over the years many tenants occupied Southcote Manor. They built and

did various repairs to the buildings. It was eventually demolished in 1921.

There are lots of tales of secret passages, and tunnels, which were sup-

posed to run from the house. One was claimed to run to Reading Abbey.

Also as with many old houses, Southcote Manor had it‟s ghost; a lady on

a white horse that rode over the drawbridge at 12 o‟clock each night.

Around 1920 my father took the photo of the tower and part of the house

can be seen. If you take a walk round the area you will most likely see

signs of the moat. When we were young we would go to the Holy Brook

to swim, and pass by the site of the manor my friend and I can both re-

member a tower still standing for quite some time after the house was

pulled down. Then a market garden was on the site. At this time flats

stand on the site.

Valerie Kearey. 2/2010.

The

Watch Tower

with the

Manor

House

behind to the

right

Photo by FMK Pounds circa 1920 Photo by FMK Pounds circa 1920

5

The Reading Concert Singers

Church Choirs and Friends

Present

STAINER’S

CRUCIFIXION

7.30 pm

Wednesday

31st March 2010

at

St Mary Magdalen

Church,

Kentwood Hill,

TILEHURST

7.30pm

Good Friday

2nd April 2010

at

St Agnes Church,

Northumberland

Avenue

WHITLEY

Retiring collection in aid of

‘HEARTBEATS’

the

WEST BERKSHIRE HEART SUPPORT

GROUP

Refreshments provided

For details: Tel 0118 942 5290

www.readingconcertsingers.org.uk

6

News from The West Reading Branch Meetings held on the 1st Tuesday in the month starting at 7.30pm

at Calcot Community Centre, High View, Tilehurst, Reading Forthcoming Events: Tuesday 6th April Ian Clay Illustrated talk on Malta Tuesday 4th May To be arranged Tuesday 18th May Group Annual General Meeting, at Holybrook Centre, Carter’s Rise, Calcot, Reading, 7.30pm Local Aviation Since 1783. We did wonder if we had taken down the title incor-rectly, but our speakers on 2nd February, Geoff and Val Beckett ,assured us that we had not. They started by giving some aviation history, not local but in France. Montgofiere sent up a hot air balloon from Versailles witnessed by Louis XVI and Marie An-toinette. The payload was a basket containing a sheep, a rooster and a duck. It travelled 2 miles and landed safely. Other flights followed using balloons inflated by hot air and other gases including hydrogen. The history then switched to Eng-land and to Charles Green who in 1821 used coal gas rather than hydrogen be-cause it was cheaper and safer. In 1836 he few by balloon to Germany. Other flights were made to celebrate the coronation of William IV and the accession of Queen Victoria. Geoff Beckett told us about the early engineering works shop owned by Fred Miles and his brother George. They were first interested in motor cycles but later Fred bought a model T Ford engine and with friends designed an aircraft called the Gnat. He was taught to fly at Shoreham Airport by a local pilot Cecil Pashley . They entered into a partnership and started a flying school and joyriding busi-ness. Fred fell in love with a pupil called Maxine Freeman-Thomas known as Blos-som. She paid to build the first aircraft designed by Fred Miles; the Satyr. Fred and Blossom later married. They moved to Woodley and established the Miles Engineering Company there Geoff gave details of many women pilots who flew before and during the war. He spoke of Winifred Spooner and Amy Johnson. He also showed us oil paintings he had done. A most interesting and well researched talk. Know Your Locality was the title of the Quiz by Brian Bernard on March 2nd . The questions ranged from identifying buildings and roads in Reading and the

7

surrounding area to history associated with the places. As usual the projected

photographs were of high quality and the quiz was enjoyed by all those present. The winners were Team Huntley who shared the prize of chocolates. Team Palmer were disappointed on this occasion. At the end of the quiz Brian showed a series of photos of locomotives. Margaret said afterwards that there were three in her marriage, Brian, herself and quizzes ! He will be giving the same quiz at a meeting of the WWE branch.

Donations Gratefully Received From North Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation £500 From Ms Fiona Tincey £50 From Mr Tariq of Savod Pharmacy, Reading £50 Donors who wish to support the work of the Group are invited to send their contributions to the Group Chair, June Drew-Clifton, 2 Tring Road, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 6SE., or to the Group Treasurer, Ian Clay, 12 Petworth Avenue, Reading RGRG30 3NL. Cheques should be made payable to the West Berkshire Heart Support Group. Please do not send cash. Please note the Group Website has been changed to:

www.heartbeats-berkshire.co.uk Type this in the address box and do not use

a search engine or you will get the old web site which is no longer updated

Group Committee Members:

Chair: June Drew-Clifton Tel 0118 942 6105 e-mail pdrewc@pdrewc.co.uk

Secretary: Chris Nash Tel 0118 988 9371 & 0777 557 5647 e-mail ChrisNashCo@hotmail.com Treasurer: Ian Clay Tel 0118 958 6915 e-mail clayi@tiscali.co.uk

Membership: Linda Higgs Tel 0118 984 4758 e-mail jlhiggs@btinternet.com

Support Co-ordinators: Reading Tel 0118 984 4758 & Newbury 01635 827 928

Branches:

Newbury Chair: Derick Nobbs Tel 01635 861 317 e-mail jodel.35@talktalk.net

Newbury Secretary: Jeanne Turvill Tel 01635 861 546 e-mail tonyturvill@hotmail.com

West Reading Secretary: P Drew-Clifton Tel 0118 942 6105 e-mail pdrewc@pdrewc.co.uk

Wokingham & Earley Secretary: Maureen Reichelt Tel 0118 926 4260 e-mail maureen.reichelt@ntlworld.com

Newsletter Editor: Peter Drew-Clifton Tel 0118 942 6105 e-mail pdrewc@pdrewc.co.uk

8

Letter from Australia

The year 2010 arrived with fireworks that allegedly only Sydney can provide.

The first set go off at 9pm the Family Show, presumably you are supposed to put

the kids to bed afterwards. Then the real big display is at midnight, and I have to

say that it is a spectacular sight. A full 15mins of colour and noise.

The 26th of January dawned dull and murky, but by 8am the sun came out and we

were in the local park for a Champagne Breakfast with the RSL Social club. We

were greeted with “Happy Australia Day”. I do not know of any other country

that celebrates its nationality as Australia does... Breakfast was a BBQ of Steak,

Sausage, Egg, Bacon, and Onion, all on a very large Roll washed down with

Bucks Fizz. The park soon filled with others with the same idea and before long

the smell of good food wafted all over the park. By the time we left at 12noon the

place was full with family gatherings all celebrating a “Happy Australia Day”.

Oh yes, and I won the prize for the best decorated hat with the Aussie theme.

Sydney Harbour was full of boats. The Tall Ships re-enacting the first fleet‟s arri-

val in 1788. The five Ferries have a race and that is a sight to behold.

One wonders how the little boats get out of way in time.

On TV we watched the Tennis Open Tournament in Melbourne and that is

stopped at 9pm for 15mins for a firework show. Andy Murray was able to have a

rest. (shame he lost in the final). Sydney also has a firework show. Fireworks can-

not be purchased in NSW, though they can be bought in Victoria.

I have seen pictures of the snow in Tilehurst, Caversham, Purley and Wokingham.

I almost feel jealous as I love the snow, almost but not quite. Do hope none of you

suffered with broken bones. The RBH was very busy I hear on the first day of the

Ice and Snow, the worst since 1963.

February is now coming to an end and next week it will be Autumn, I still have

trouble getting the seasons in the correct order. The weather has been very vari-

able one day the temperature was 39C until about 4pm when the southerly wind

came in and blew a gale, the temperature dropped 16 degrees in one hour. it is

said that you can get all the four seasons in one day. The fire hazard has not been

as bad as expected this year even though temperatures have been very high.

A smile to finish with………

We had two friends to lunch on Sunday and we were talking about cats,

(as you do) and Beryl tells us that her daughter‟s Siamese is toilet trained,

I kid you not. There is a notice in the downstairs toilet which says;-

The Cat. Please remember he is a boy and leave the seat up and the door open for

him. Sorry, but he cannot flush!! Best story I have heard for ages.

That is my news for now, hope you are all well and looking forward to Spring.

Take Care and God Bless. Isabel and Brian brianandisajackson@gmail.com

9

Letters to the Group

Members will remember the sad announcement of Morris and Phoebe Read‟s

death in our last edition. June later received a letter from Neil & Rachel Read

which read as follows:

I‟m sorry to have to tell you but Phoebe Read passed away on 30.10.09. She was

born on 27.7.29.

She had one son Neil Read and partner Rachel Read

Her grand children were Ryan, Leanne, Gerald, Daniel, Louise and Kirsty.

She also had great grandchildren, Casey, Savannah, Charlie, Rhianne and Jamie.

We are pleased that Morris and Phoebe are together.

They both had triple by-passes and aortic valves replacements. Dad did not pull

through but Mum struggled and we think she died of a broken heart

Neil and Rachel

********

About the same time we received a telephone call from Ellen, the wife of member

Francis Newbury. He had died on December 14th aged 81. He was cremated at

Henley Road Crematorium on New Year‟s Eve.

Ellen told us that Francis left Stephen and Gillian, and grandchildren John,

Mathew, Daniel, Simon, Samantha and Katrina. He also had great grandchildren

Amanie, Madison, Emelie and Riley

We were all very sorry to hear this news and send our sympathy to both the

families.

********

On a happier note, Linda Higgs our Membership Secretary received a letter from

member Anne Palles. It read:

Thank you for recent letter regarding my membership. I am delighted to tell you

that I had a heart transplant some weeks ago and accordingly have joined the

Papworth Support Group.

I should like to take the opportunity of wishing your group well and thank you for

your past help.

Yours sincerely, Anne Palles 11.3.2010

10

News from The Wokingham, Woodley & Earley Branch Meetings held on the 4th Wednesday in the month starting at 7.30pm

at St Nicolas Church Hall, Sutcliffe Avenue, Earley Future Events: Wednesday 24th March Illustrated talk on Malta by Ian Clay Wednesday 28th April Hanging Basket Demonstration; by Henley Street Garden Centre Representative. Tuesday 18th May Group Annual General Meeting at Holybrook Centre, Carter’s Rise, Calcot, Reading. 7.30pm Wednesday 26th May Know Your Locality. Quiz with slides by Brian Bernard The first half of our monthly get-together in February was our AGM where Brian told us all how well we did during the previous year – or, in this case, how well we did not do as the Branch made a small loss last year. There have been fewer people attending the meetings during the past few months and this is reflected in less takings from the Raffles. Brian stated that the current committee were happy to stand for re-election al-though for a few of them it may be for only a few months and also asked if any-one would like to put their name forward to join the committee. The current members were duly re-elected but Brian himself has now stood down as Chair so we are now running without a Chair at all. June and Peter came to spend some time with us this evening and June thanked Brian for all his hard work during the time he had spent as Chair and stated that he will be missed in that role. The second half of the evening was given over to discussing things amongst our-selves, with a popular topic being the first loading of our medical records on to the NHS system, while enjoying the cheese and wine supper. As many of you will know, Maureen was hospitalised for two weeks earlier in the year but is home now, on the mend and hopes to start coming to the monthly meetings again in April. She will remain as Branch Secretary and the person who researches and books speakers for us. Our next meeting will be on 24th March when Ian Clay (Group Treasurer) will be telling us all about Malta. Cheers, Chris Nash

11

DENTON DANCING & SOCIAL CLUB

WHY SIT AT HOME ON YOUR OWN?

If you are over 40, come and join Molly and Alan Denton from 7:00pm to 10:30 at the Scout Hall, Armour Hill in Tilehurst for a social evening to meet new friends. You don’t have to be a dancer but if you do enjoy ballroom, sequence, Latin, old time, modern and line dancing, like to listen to some good music or just want to come along for a chat you are very welcome. We started our club 22 years ago, and now have many members. We have given over £34,000 to various charities in this time. Admission is £2.50 for members and £3.50 for non-members. Annual membership is £3.00. Also we welcome any items for the raffle. Please bring your own drink.

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS We have a lovely social morning from 10.30—12.30. If you would like to dance, or learn a few simple dances

this is the place to come. If you are not able to dance but would like to watch and listen to music, make new

friends and have a cup of tea or coffee you will be made very welcome. Admission is £2. For further details ring

0118 9453057

12

Bob Powell, Newsletter Photographer

in action at the WWE AGM

Brian Foster, Retiring Chairman of WWE

with Group Chair June Drew-Clifton

Isabel Trent presenting retiring

Chairman of Newbury Branch, Tony

Turvill, with a gift from the Branch

Committee

Tony Turvill right, handing over the

Chairmanship to Derick Nobbs at the

Newbury AGM

Photo Bob Powell

Photo Jenny Madges Photo Jenny Madges

Photo Bob Powell Photo Bob Powell

13

Members have a taste of Nordic Walking in Prospect Park

Instructor Holly Baker measures

up suitable sticks for a member

(above) Prospect Walkers Members

limber up before the start (left). The

taster session was much enjoyed.

Geoff and Valerie Beckett who spoke at Calcot and Neil who showed the pictures

Members have a taste of Nordic

Walking in Prospect Park

14

News from the Newbury Branch

Meetings held on the 2nd Wednesday in the month at 7.30 pm

at St John’s Church Hall, St John’s Road, Newbury

Forthcoming Events

Wednesday April 14th Easter Bonnett Competition

Wednesday May 12th Dr Robin Adams on Living with Earthquakes

Tuesday May 18th Group Annual General Meeting at Holybrook Centre,

Carter‟s Rise, Calcot, Reading. 7.30pm

Our February meeting commenced with our AGM which had to be cancelled in

January due to the bad weather. Chairman Tony had advised the committee in

advance that he would be retiring as Chairman this time. After twelve years he

felt that it was time we had some new blood at the helm as well as needing a rest

himself. Fortunately, one of our members Derick Nobbs gallantly volunteered to

step into the breach and was warmly welcomed by all. The remainder of the

committee was re-elected en bloc so we are all set to go again.

Having got the main business of the evening over, Tony was surprised by Derick

reading a very heart warming tribute to him which was so nice and he was then

presented with a gift of an indoor remote controlled helicopter. Tony was de-

lighted with this as he is very much into remote controlled “toys”. I must say I

was a little alarmed when it started whizzing round the lounge but luckily he man-

aged to avoid all the ornaments. Members also gave us some cash to take our-

selves out for a meal which was a very kind gesture.

Following this we had a “Call My Bluff” quiz, organised by Jo & Derick Nobbs

and Isabel. This produced much laughter as I don‟t think any of us knew any of

the strange words produced so that those who did get some right did it purely by

guesswork. Jenny Madges took some good photos which hopefully Peter can find

room for in the mag. All in all, it was a very good evening.

April seems to be a very prolific month for birthdays. Our best wishes go to :-

2nd Derick Nobbs: 4th Brian Cole: 11th Jeff Caddy: 13th Becky Pointer:

15th Carol Taylor: 19th Marian Clark: 23rd Gwen Buckell…..and, dare I mention

it, on the 15th Tony & I will be Celebrating our Diamond Wedding !!!

Happy Easter to you all, Jeanne.

15

A Tribute to Tony Turvill

By Derick Nobbs

Thank you for agreeing to accept me as your new chairman, and for my first task I

have been asked to read a few lines relating to Tony.

We have all become used to hearing the phrase `I don't have much to say to-

night' from Tony when he addresses our meetings. Well tonight is different, in

that paying our tribute to Tony upon giving up his chairmanship of Newbury

Heartbeats; we DO have something to say.

Tony has had an active and varied life, but what concerns us tonight is the last 12

years, yes 12 years, that Tony, ably assisted by Jeanne, has been the Chairman

and guiding light of the Newbury branch of Heartbeats.

Our branch was started in 1998 at a meeting held in the Charles Clore unit, where

a committee was elected, with Tony as Chairman and Jeanne as Secretary/

Treasurer, and they are the only two members of the original committee remain-

ing in the Newbury branch today.

The attendance and enjoyment displayed by our members at our monthly meeting,

speaks volumes for Tony's efforts on our behalf. His success in the pursuit of

likely candidates for membership, underlines his unstinting devotion to the cause

of providing support for all those who have experienced or been affected by heart

treatments. - -

Most of us only see Tony ensuring the doors to the hall are opened and the tables

and chairs set out for our meetings, what we don't see is the amount of work he

carries out as our Chairman behind the scenes. The hiring of the hall, liaising with

Reading and representing our interests on policy, procedures and outings, fund

raising and all other aspects relating to the running of our branch, are ultimately

part of Tony's responsibilities.

Tony will no doubt assert that he has been ably assisted by Jeanne and his various

committee's over the years, but we all realise, and thank him, for being such a

great figurehead for our membership during his time as chairman.

Before Tony is surprised and embarrassed further, with a presentation from his

current committee, will you all now please join me with three cheers, to show our

appreciation for all his good work.

Hip Hip Hooray x 3

16

Tony Turvill - A Friend

When I was first asked if I would pen a short tribute to our retiring Chairman Tony Turvill, my first thoughts after sadness that Tony had

decided to ‘Stand down’ was, ‘How can I make it short, when there is

so much to say about Tony?’

Peter and I first met Tony and Jeanne Turvill in the Summer of 2003,

at probably the lowest ebb in our lives. The adrenalin that had kept us going since Christmas 2002 when Peter first showed signs of what

we were to learn was, heart problems, (which ultimately led to a triple

heart bypass in April of 2003); had drained away. We were both left

with so many emotions. Great relief of course that Peter was well

again, but also a strange feeling of, What Now'?

It was quite by chance that I met a friend, Isobel Trent while Peter

was waiting in the Path Lab at the old Newbury Hospital. I broke

down and poured out all these mixed emotions to Isobel. I had no

idea the solution would prove to be so simple. Isobel smilingly said.

"Why not join us at the next Heartbeats meeting?" This is what we decided to do. (Nothing ventured, Nothing gained).

This was, of course the first step to emotional recovery from Heart

Surgery. At that-first meeting, at the Charles Clore Unit we were

greeted, by Tony's welcoming smile and handshake. Ever vigilant of

the company around him, Tony was immediately aware of the initial

hesitation of a new member. That initial greeting draws you into the

company of a group of people who have shared and understood the

same problems, and make light of the problems, and seldom refer to

them. Yet who will immediately respond if the need is ever there.

Now, seven years on, in paying tribute to Tony Turvill I can look back

and say that Tony is all that Heartbeats has come to mean to us.

Warmth, Friendship, and Hope for the future.

Thank you Tony, we are all happy to have you as a friend

From Olive and Peter Archibald,

Heartbeats, Newbury

10.2.2010

17

Out and About Gardening

by Ken Tudgay

Here we are in April and the weather has improved. Plant late sweet peas now.

Erect a wigwam with canes 8” apart and sow the seeds directly in the ground. In a

few weeks the seedlings will appear. Well water and allow stems to climb. The

flowers will appear in a variety of colours and have an excellent scent. They are

very pleasant in the house if cut regularly.

Make a good start sowing your flowers and vegetable seeds. There is also vital

pruning work to be done, and it is an ideal time to plant new evergreens. Weed

seeds will be germinating everywhere so keep busy with hoe to stop them becom-

ing a problem. Keep birds off the gooseberries and currants with netting to pre-

vent them stripping the buds. Sow Cape gooseberries in the greenhouse to raise

young plants to put outside in early June. Cover strawberries with polythene tun-

nels to encourage early flowering and fruiting. Remember to lift up the sides to

allow ventilation. Also, don‟t forget to ventilate the greenhouse freely on warm

days, but still close them up at night. By now you should have planted some car-

rot seed. Put up a fleece screen or fine netting to keep out the carrot fly. Shallots

should be planted on the shortest day, but if the soil is heavy and too wet it is bet-

ter to wait. Plant 6” apart and leave enough room between rows for the hoe.

Pinch out the tips of your fuchsias to encourage side shoots. Plant gladioli plant

corms outside at intervals from now until May. Sprinkle grow-more or blood fish

and bone around the daffodils and other bulbs. To grow plants like rhododendrons

and camellias in their preferred acid conditions can be difficult. One way to over-

come this problem is to grow them in containers filled with ericaceous compost

and a quantity of vermiculite. By now you should have your dahlias in a tray of

potting compost to encourage the tubers to shoot. From the shoots use a sharp

knife to take cuttings. Insert three cuttings in rooting powder in a 2.5cm pots 1”

deep. In about 3 weeks you should have roots, then when large enough, plant

them in 3” pots and feed weekly. Beware of slugs and snails when the shoots

show. They will be eaten. Peas: Dig over and rake the soil well and plant peas

evenly across a trench 7.5cm apart. Put stakes in and twine for support.

By now I hope you have an early crop of potatoes well chitted. These can be

planted out either in trenches using your com-

post, or well dug and in holes. Spread grow-

more over the ground and slightly earth up.

Hoe and weed broad beans and feed. Watch

out for blackfly etc. Pick out shoots when tall

enough and have flowers. Sow sunflowers in

7.5cm pots, water and cover with polythene

using gardening to change lives

18

retain the heat at a temperature of 13c (55F).

Happy gardening. I hope by now all in the garden is great. Next month is June and

will be a very busy month.

Ken

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD DO WITH A CUCUMBER

Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, Vitamins B1,

B2,B3, B5, B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous,

Potassium and Zinc.

Feeling tired in the afternoon? forget the caffeine drinks and pick up a cucumber,

it is a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide a quick pick

-me-up that can last for hours. Been celebrating and had a bit too much to drink?

Eat a few slices of cucumber before going to bed and wake up refreshed. Cucum-

bers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutri-

ents the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium thus avoiding both hangover

and headache. Had a meal with garlic or other strong flavours? Take a slice of

cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds

and it will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for bad breath.

Does your bathroom mirror fog up after a shower? Try rubbing a slice of cucum-

ber along it, it will eliminate the fog and produce a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

Looking for a green way to clean your taps, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice

of cucumber and rub it on the surface to be cleaned and it will remove years of

tarnish and bring back the shine; it won‟t leave streaks and wont harm your fin-

gers. Going out and don‟t have time to clean your shoes properly? Rub a fresh

slice of cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable

shine that not only looks good, but repels water.

Are bugs and slugs ruining your plants? Place a few slices of cucumber in a small

aluminium foil dish and place among the plants. The chemicals in the cucumber

react with the aluminium and give off a scent undetectable to humans but which

drive garden pests crazy.

Got a squeaky hinge? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it along the hinge and the

squeak will be gone. Need to erase ink marks? Take the outside of the cucumber

and slowly rub the area to remove ink. This also works on crayons or marker

pens.

Anon. Are you convinced? ……….

19

Membership of the Group

Our support group is open to patients, their partners and anyone interested in

the support of those with cardiac conditions.

We invite you to come along to one or two meetings, at Calcot, Earley or

Newbury, to learn more about us before deciding to join. Please give your

local secretary a ring to say you are coming. They are:

Reading for Calcot - Branch Secretary, Peter Drew-Clifton

0118 942 6105

Newbury - Branch Secretary, Jeanne Turvill 01635 861 546

Wokingham Woodley & Earley - Branch Secretary, Maureen Reichelt

0118 926 4260

Subscription

The annual subscription is £7.50 per person.

The subscription entitles you, as a member, to participate in our meetings,

social events and to receive our bimonthly newsletter.

If you would like to join, please complete the form on the next page and send

it with your cheque or postal order made payable to The West Berkshire Heart

Support Group to:

Linda Higgs,

WBHSG Membership Secretary,

13 Bourne Road,

Pangbourne,

Reading RG8 7JT

Please do not send cash

Support Co-ordinator

The Support Co-ordinator is available at 0118 984 4758

20

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP PLEASE USE CAPITAL LETTERS

PATIENT’S DETAILS

TITLE: Dr, Mr, Mrs, Miss .......... FAMILY NAME ...............................................

GIVEN NAME ............................

GIVEN NAME YOU WISH TO BE KNOWN BY................................................

ADDRESS ..............................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................

................................................................ POST CODE ...........................

TELEPHONE NO .........................................

SUPPORT PARTNER’S DETAILS

TITLE: Dr, Mr, Mrs, Miss .......... FAMILY NAME ............................................

GIVEN NAME ............................

GIVEN NAME YOU WISH TO BE KNOWN BY ..............................................

ADDRESS ..............................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................

................................................................ POST CODE ...........................

TELEPHONE NO .........................................

THOSE WISHING TO BECOME SUPPORTERS OF THE GROUP ONLY

SHOULD TICK THIS BOX AND COMPLETE THE SUPPORT PARTNER

DETAILS

SUBSCRIPTION IS £7.50 PER PERSON PER YEAR

Data Protection Acts

Please note that the information you have given is kept safely and confidentially on the

Charity’s computer. The data is used to correspond with members and to send them the

Charity’s newsletter. If you would prefer us not to keep your information in this way,

please advise us.

21

A Scotch with Two Drops

A lady goes to the bar on a cruise ship and orders a Scotch with two drops of water.

As the bartender gives her the drink she says, “I‟m on this cruise to celebrate my

80th birthday and it‟s today…”

The bartender says, “Well, since it‟s your birthday, I‟ll buy you a drink. In fact, this

one is on me”.

As the woman finishes her drink, the woman to her right says, “I would like to buy

you a drink, too.”

The old woman says, “Thank you. Bartender, I want a Scotch with two drops of

water.”

“Coming up,” says the bartender.

As she finishes that drink, the man to her left says, “I would like to buy you one,

too.”

The old woman says, “Thank you. Bartender, I want another Scotch with two drops

of water.”

“Coming right up,” the bartender says.

As he gives her the drink, he says, “Ma‟am, I dying of curiosity. Why the Scotch

with only two drops of water?”

The old woman replies, “Sonny, when you‟re my age, you‟ve learned how to hold

your drink. Holding your water, however, is a whole other issue.”

*****

OLD IS WHEN… An „all-nighter‟ means not getting up to use the bathroom

OLD IS WHEN… A sexy babe catches your fancy and your pacemaker open the

garage door

OLD IS WHEN… „Getting lucky‟ means you can find your car in a parking lot.

Please note the Group Website has been changed to:

www.heartbeats-berkshire.co.uk Type this in the address box and do not use a

search engine or you will get the old web site which is no longer updated

22

Cycling for Health at Palmer Park Sports Stadium

Earlier this year CTC in partnership with Sport Reading started some out-

door cycling sessions around the track at Palmer Park stadium, providing

the opportunity for individuals wanting to become fitter whilst enjoying the

outdoor elements.

The sessions are suitable for any one who just wants to get fitter or lose some

weight, but they also cater for individuals with more specific health problems

such as diabetes, muscular sclerosis and heart conditions.

The sessions run on Mondays 11.30a.m. to 1p.m. and Fridays 10.30am to

12 noon The sessions cost £2.50, which includes use of the bikes and trikes.

N.B. It may be necessary to share bikes when the sessions are busy.

For more information call Helen Biggerstaff on 0118 9015713

Individuals with heart conditions please call Binders on 07900906056 before

attending, as a G.P. referral will be necessary.

Julia Reading BSc (Hons), MChS State Registered Podiatrist & Chiropodist

For all your Foot Health Needs

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Manichem Pharmacy, Goring-on-Thames

& 2a Armour Road, Tilehurst.

Telephone 0118 9394878

Mobile 0774 6472 781

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday morning

Service Yard A, Shop 6, Bracknell.

Telephone 01344 302726

Calluses and Corns, Ingrowing Toenails, Verrucae, Foot Strain,

General Footcare and Foot Health Advice

The Foot Health Clinic

23

CLEAVER CARS ltd Independent Citroën specialists

All makes of cars serviced and MOT

67 Loverock Road,

Reading

Berks

RG30 1DZ

Tel/fax 0118 9576 405

WE RELY ON YOU, SO YOU CAN RELY ON US

Did you know that in July 2008 we took delivery of our new helicopter, the EC135, and because of increasing fuel and leasing costs we must work harder to maintain our income levels to ensure we can provide our 365 day service to all three counties.

This is why we need YOU … to support us, there are many

ways to do this. Win a £1000.00 every Wednesday and save a life? Then join

our TVAC Lottery or perhaps become one of our volunteers,

interested? Then please do call us on: 0300 999 0135

or visit our website: www.tvacaa.org

Charity Number 1084910

24

FREE ADVICE SESSIONS of 15 minutes

First and Third Thursday of every Month

from 4.00pm to 7.00pm

for an appointment at Caversham Solicitors Ltd

Prospect House, 1 Prospect Street,

Caversham, Reading RG4 8JB

info@cavershamsolicitors.co.uk

Are you looking for legal advice on

DIVORCE or

OTHER FAMILY RELATED ISSUES?

Founder member of QualitySolicitors

Telephone 0118 947 8638

Fixed fee consultations are available on request

Contact Rebecca Williams for details